Noisemakers 2000: Oy, Bless!

>> The illest 16-year-old Hebrew rapper turns hip hop heads

By SCOTT C

There's something to be said about the abundance of young talent in this city. I'm not talking about wishy-washy child stars either. I'm talking about smart-minded, sharp kids who are going someplace because it's in their plan.

"Being young and Jewish has been a plus for me--I wouldn't be older or change anything because it sets me apart." Wise words from the rhyme-phenomenon known in Montreal hip hop circles as Bless. Born Ben Rinehart, Bless has been writing rhymes since the age of nine and is finally turning some heads at the ripe old age of 16. He recently signed with DKD Vibe, the urban division of the Donald K Donald Group, for a full length album. Signing at home came only after several meetings with labels like Def Jam and Priority and many trips to New York. In fact, Bless performed at the Zulu Nation 25th anniversary at the Manhattan Center, as well as the Rocksteady Crew 22nd anniversary alongside Grandmaster Flash members Raheem and Grandmaster Caz.

"Montreal's hip hop scene is always getting better," explains Bless, "but it lacks organization. Lots of people have the potential to do very well, but just need an outlet. I love to do shows in Montreal, but you have to think bigger than that if you want your shit to work."

"A complex simplicity/Hip Hop's a raw energy/Weed smokin' Hennesee/99 of your boys/And that one fuckin' enemy/The beef--I let it be/Settle it on-stage for a couple hundred heads to see/Hip Hop's been a friend to me/My identity/Since elementary/A gift sent to me/Physically, mentally/A b-boy and MC/I was meant to be."

--from "Hip Hop Life" by Bless Da Illest Hebrew l