Classically Trained Hamden Musician Debuts As Hip-Hop Artist

HAMDEN, CT — A Hamden resident who is a classically trained musician and composer has made his debut as a hip-hop artist with the release of his debut single earlier this month.

Robert Z. Barnes, who is known as REBL, surprised many who know him as a symphonic and orchestral composer by releasing “Focused,” his debut hip-hop single, on July 8. As a classically trained musician and composer, REBL’s release marks a transition not often seen in today’s pop culture.

“I purposely kept this project quiet prior to the release,” REBL said of the months leading up to the reveal of his new single and music video. “I didn’t want anyone to see this coming.”

Focused is an anthem about REBL’s ability to focus on his goals with “laser acuity and his capacity to pursue any calling with integrity, confidence, and courage,” according to a news release.

Read more from the news release below:

One listener commented, “Definitely got me hype from the beginning. It’s the type of rap I wish there was more of today.” Another listener simply claimed, “I miss rap like this.”

The outpouring of positive feedback from listeners aged 16 to 60-plus caught REBL by surprise. He exclaimed, “I didn’t expect the age range of people enjoying this track. But it honestly makes sense. Everyone can relate to the need to focus on what’s important. They connect with the power of remembering what matters – and ditching the rest.”

Listeners who understand music theory recognized how REBL’s classical training influenced his instrumentation and underlying composition. As one fan stated, “That key change is EVERYTHING!”

REBL started composing and arranging symphonic and orchestral music as a young boy under his real name, Robert Z. Barnes. He joined the music program in Junior high school, and he went on to become a highly skilled percussionist through high school and college. In 2019, he landed a highly coveted spot on a drum corps, where he traveled the country as a snare drummer in Drum Corps International (DCI) competitions.

The crowning moment of REBL’s life as a composer came during his Senior year in high school. The Band Director, Richard Schwartz (Oakcrest High School, Mays Landing, NJ) invited REBL to teach one of his compositions to the class and conduct during the Winter Concert.

The video of that moment can be seen here.

REBL’s transition away from composing to producing digital music started after enrolling in his first music production course in high school. He primarily produced instrumental music until a friend commented on the quality of his vocals while working on a hip-hop project for class. It was four years before REBL acknowledged that feedback and explored vocal performance, resulting in Focused.

REBL is working on his next project, which he expects to release around September 2022.

For more information, visit reblofficial.com.

The official music video for Focused can be viewed here.