“Sincere Reason” (birth name Tom Perkins), is a Michigan MC born in Detroit on August 24, 1984, who aspires to leave a mark amongst Hip-Hop’s elite artists. “SR” has proven that he is unlike any artist that has come before him, DJ Bankrupt’s (Music Money Mixtapes, Canada) review reads that, “[It’s] Hard to compare [his] vocal style to anyone”, at times showing that he is capable of switching up his flow & delivery. SR describes his choosing “Sincere Reason” as his stage name, “I was searching for something different that meant something. ‘Sincere’ is that real side; [from the] heart music you’ll hear from me, everything from anger to pain. ‘Reason’ is that side you’ll hear me tell the younger generations things like, ‘stress makes a strong man, go and get some exercise.” SR’s music is a hard hitting blend of 90’s Hip-Hop, combined with some new school.
The music industry is best described as a road that many wish to travel, but not many get far in; as you have to have the perfect balance of talent & exposure. Sincere Reason has learned a great deal from his previous projects and little by little has progressed into the artist that he is today. “Practice”, presented by Tawag Promotions and hosted by DJs Slick & Nemeses, was “SR’s” fourth mixtape; having previously released the “Sincerely Your’s” [volumes 1-3] mixtape series. Although “SR” isn’t a stranger when it comes to putting together mixtape projects, he decided to seek out Tawag for his latest releases and consult closely with Jesus “Ny5Haze” Serrato on presentation & promotion. In his latest release with Mr. E entitled, “Built for This” (06.28.2011), SR gives us an uncut glimpse of his life. “My Music Conveys reality, not the dope dealing [and] flashy cars you see on TV, but the struggle to keep my bills paid, fatherhood, fake friends and pushing through the storm reality.” As a prelude to the final project, “If Ya Say So” was released as the official single, followed closely by, “Built For This”, “Joke’s On You”, and “Still Leanin” as leaks for the tape. When asked about the differences between “Practice” and “Built For This”, SR responded that, “’Built For This’ is the one I find myself rapping all night and day, wherever I am. I’ve never had a project I could listen to day after day [of my own] besides it.”
Sincere Reason’s exposure to Hip Hop happened at an early age, “When I was young they didn’t have to regulate the size of the ‘Parental Advisory’ label on albums and singles. I used to cover the label with my thumb and bring the cassette to my mom like ‘can I get this?’ I remember doing that with ‘The Chronic & the single for Gin & Juice”. SR had to hide his music collection because on more than one occasion it was thrown away, due to the explicit nature of the music. In 1998 SR started to write as a way to keep his love for Hip-Hop alive, a passion which he kept alive throughout his school years, his placement on the drum line in high school helped fuse rhythm along to his rhymes. “I wanted to try and place [my lyrics] with some of the instrumentals I would hear my favorite artists using. The rest is history.”
What started out as poetry quickly evolved into more than just beats & rhymes, it became heart and soul. “I speak on whatever comes to mind. You might hear something for the club, something for my Mother, betrayal, past issues, or whatever else is going on in my life. I don’t just write something to write it, the music is my story.” It was during 2005/2006 that SR began to take music seriously, after writing and freestyling mostly at parties, for friends and family members; it was they who guided him and inspired him to continue on his journey to fulfill his dreams. “A couple times I stopped with doubts, but the last time I took that break I realized how much music means to me.” The drive is more than just a passion for making music, “I’d be happy making music at home for the rest of my life, but my family is in a hard spot. This state has one of the worst economies in the country. So not using this talent as an avenue to support them would be selfish. Giving my family a better life is the drive. As long as I’m providing for my family I’m happy with whatever God allows me to do.” SR credits Tupac, The Notorious BIG, Dr.Dre, Jay-Z, Lupe Fiasco, Redman & Method Man, Snoop Dogg, Ludacris, Lloyd Banks, Fabolous and fellow Michigan MCs Eminem, Obie Trice & Royce Da 5’9” as musical inspirations, and adds that “Anyone who actually puts thought into their lyrics is an inspiration.” Although SR is fairly new to the game, by industry standards, he continues to build relationships and push forward, looking for new opportunities and avenues that will lead him towards his path of success.
In the near future SR plans to release three new projects, “Life & Loyalty”, “Metro to Midway” with fellow Chicago MC Salvatore, and “Home Team”. The last of the three aimed at uniting Detroit’s “Unsigned Hype” on one project, giving everyone a shot at potential limelight. In five years, Sincere Reason sees himself, “In the industry but not acting like the industry. I’d like to start an independent label to give more Michigan artists a chance. Michigan is slept on severely. My dream would be to sign over at Shady though.” Only time will tell what is in store for SR, but rest assured that he will continue to make music and follow his dreams.
