Rex & The Rhythm is the fleshed-out solo project of a long-time devotee of the music industry. Rex is a multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and producer based out of Los Angeles, with a new 90s hip-hop-inspired single.
Long before moving to L.A. and releasing “Highs & Grows,” Rex was born and raised on the eastern Caribbean island of Barbados. He spent his formative years hanging around the music studios of international icon Eddy Grant on his historic plantation in Barbados. This early exposure to music continued to manifest as Rex began playing the drums at 9 years old, later picking up the guitar and bass.
When he was 15, Rex’s mother put him in the band she co-founded, Cover Drive, a Caribbean pop band that signed a deal with Polydor Records in the U.K. in 2010. With Rex on drums and co-vocals, under the name T-Ray Armstrong, the band's song “Twilight” landed a No. 1 hit on the U.K. Official Chart in 2012. The band also earned an additional two U.K. Top 10 hits, along with multi-platinum and silver singles.
With Cover Drive, Rex opened for Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson and Lauryn Hill. More recently, Rex & The Rhythm opened for Ashanti in Barbados at the Hennessy Artistry festival in December 2022 before releasing his sophomore project, “Secrets Behind Our Smiles,” in February 2023.
Before those recent developments in Rex’s solo career, he graduated from Full Sail University in 2020, a year before releasing his debut EP under the moniker ImReallyATRex, titled “#127 Solace.” This first introduction to his solo sound contains all the feel-good elements of Cover Drive but introduces a more alternative R&B sound as opposed to the Caribbean pop the group was known for.
“Secrets Behind Our Smiles” introduces a fully evolved version of Rex’s sound and artistry. The album opens with “Nice Guy Anthem,” a combination of rap verses full of character and interludes of pop singing. The song is kept loose by a repetitive drum beat and introduces the concept of the album nicely.
There are five interludes throughout the album, ranging from candid audios from the studio to early morning weather reports. These short clips lend an air of authenticity to the album and keep it grounded in positive energy.
This positive energy is enhanced in songs like “Toxic Positivity” and “Ur Alright,” in which the theme of the lyrics is optimism and dedication to a good life. The former portrays the message through a more pop sound, and by including call and response throughout, the song has a communal feel. The latter song is lower in energy, allowing it to feel more mellow. However, the drums and flow keep the listeners engaged, and when paired with the soothing and uplifting lyrics, the song ends up being a satisfying listen.
Other songs on the album offer some variety in discography. “Upper East Love” lends an R&B edge, while “Bajan Cherries” and “Let Go” offer a blend of rap and pop, as well as a similar focus on high energy and positivity. “Recoil” contains the greatest amount of passion from Rex and solidifies his standing as a multi-talented and varied artist.
Rex & The Rhythm’s most recent release is “Highs & Grows,” which dropped Jan. 12. The song was inspired by '90s hip-hop icons like OutKast and A Tribe Called Quest, influences that are apparent when listening to the psychedelic soul track. The song highlights the ups and downs of the human existence, through a merging of genres and a tangible journey of inner-evolution. The song explores live percussion, sunny electric guitar and ethereal harmonies, all behind a melodic flow of uplifting lyrics. “Highs & Grows” offers a modern spin on the '90s influences, and is a consistently satisfying and groovy listen.
The music video for “Highs & Grows,” directed by DannyJFilms, offers even more callbacks to '90s hip-hop, with this particular video paying homage to Outkast’s iconic single “Hey Ya!” through a reflection of personal authenticity and creativity. The video showcases a bassist, guitarist, drummer and vocalist, all of them portrayed by Rex — a true one-man band. The video is simple, only depicting the live performance of the song, focusing on the creative process and Rex’s sincerity as an artist.
Rex & The Rhythm is an exciting development in the world of hip-hop, drawing influence from the icons of the past while creating a modernized legacy of the genre to inspire the future.
