When you think of New York City, within the context of the rap game, it seems as if its best days have past it by. Regardless if you believe that or not, the genesis of this art form originated within its confines—specifically within the borough of The Bronx. These days, plenty of up-and-coming rappers from the birthplace of Hip Hop culture shed their birthrights, they forget the legacy bestowed upon them by being from New York in order to more easily snatch a quick piece of fame, and perhaps an even tinier piece of fortune by doing what’s considered “in”, what’s considered “popular”. But every once in a great while, an MC who is courageous enough...proud enough to submerge himself in this storied legacy, to embrace the rap lineage of the legends of NYC despite the apparent lack of broad commercial appeal, steps up to the plate, and puts the pressure on his shoulders to carry this story further. To write and rap the next chapter of an ongoing saga that needs some inspiration, Sunill Nareign is the embodiment of that inspiration. His style bleeds the authenticity of a bygone era where sharp and witty lyrics, a swaggering delivery and an audacious stage presence combine to form a transcendent MC that oozes the confidence to possess a crowd, d**e bar, after d**e bar, after d**e bar; as well as being capable of spitting on a track at a moment’s notice due to his nimble flow and dexterous word play. Bottom line is, Sunill Nareign is a prodigal NY “emcee” with the rich history that permeates throughout his prodigious rapping, coupled with the respect for where he has come from to honor it faithfully, all while being avant garde enough to know how to coyly evolve the sounds and its traditions so that artistic stagnation gets left in the rear view mirror of the renaissance that he is a part of. Taking it back, Sunill came from humble beginnings in the Adams Houses located in a rough and tumble part of the Southeastern Bronx. Witnessing the plight of his community helped fuel his passion for writing dense and incisive lyrical content. Son of a Guyanese father and a Puerto Rican mother, Sunill knows full well the diversity that encircles him, and allows it to influence his outlook of the world which only helps further enhance the creative depth of said lyrical content. Sunill has been rapping since he was a small child, and his love for the craft only became more pronounced as he grew older, ultimately culminating in him releasing his first mix tape in 2004 entitled War of Words, but not before he helped found a burgeoning rap crew called A.T.F. (A.rts T.rue F.orm). With the caustic synergy that emerged from his rap affiliates they produced the seminal mixtape Lord of the Green Presents: Hektic The Scouting Report. From there, Sunill’s reign as the face of A.T.F. helped establish him as a legitimate artist that performed in such venues as: The Remote Lounge, BBQ’s, Club NY, among many others, along with being the opening act for Wu-Tang Clan member Cappadonna. And coming full circle in the storied tradition of NYC rhyme-slinging, Sunill won a rap competition where the presiding judge was none other than the legendary Kool Herc himself. Among the other notable accolades he’s acquired since setting foot in the rap game were being featured in Rap Fanatic Magazine, Music Notes Magazine, performing in the 2004 Puerto Rican Parade, while also making guest spots on various radio stations including, but not limited to: 91.9 FM, 90.3 FM, WAND Wheels of Steel Radio. On top of all of this simmering notoriety Sunill was able to capitalize and land a spot on DJ E. Nyce’s mixtapes: “On My Grind”, volumes 5 & 6, and “Nuttin’ But Freestyles” volume 3. As the foundation of Sunill’s reign gets established brick by brick, he’s never lost sight of his dreams, and his inspirations. Despite not achieving the mainstream success (thus far) that seemed apparent, he still perseveres through the trials and tribulations of a catty industry due to his fan base’s persistent encouragement that alone inspires him to keep on developing himself as a credible rap artist. Due to a sometimes formulaic and close-minded industry that can lack the vision to see a legit talent, Sunill strives to get his due and not be underestimated; through his professionalism that underpins his skills…he has accomplished that in leaps and bounds. Being one of the elements of the renaissance of the New York rap scene, Sunill decided to jettison his stage name “Hektic”, and opt for the most authentic representation of Him, which is his real name, Sunill Nareign. No gimmicks, no fillers, no pretense, just raw unadulterated craftsmanship reflected in the simplicity of him adopting his birth name as his rap moniker. In many ways the distillation of Sunill’s rap persona highlighted by his name change is an extension of how he envisions his music and its connection to the greater legacy of the birthplace of Hip Hop. Sunill sees it as taking it back, and paying homage to the foundation that has given him the platform to express himself, all while moving forward and exhibiting the growth of where he wants to push himself and the art form. Sunill Nareign—the prodigal MC on the horizon. Along with his A.T.F. comrades, a movement is coming. Now you can either embrace it and revel in the excitement of an innovative and awe-inspiring lyrical assault in real time, or you can quietly step aside and let him show and prove that he is authenticity personified as he gracefully rides the thumping bassline of a beat, line after line, continuing the legacy of the greats that came before him. Sunill Nareign…A.T.F.’em all!