OLDIES SUNDAY: Papa Reu Ft. Lil Keke – Diamonds And Pearls (2000)

The Caribbean has created, and dabbled in various musical genres over the decades, and they have turned into hits, or significant moments in the culture. There used to be a demographic that frowned upon the idea of Caribbean Artists doing Hip Hop Music, but over the years it has become the norm, with hits being made from some of the releases. For today’s Oldies Sunday selection, we highlight an Artist who used his Caribbean background to be a part of Hip Hop History. Hailing from Trinidad & Tobago, his name is Papa Reu, and we look back his track, “Diamonds And Pearls“.

Released through Reu Muzik in 2000 and featuring Houston Rap legend Lil Keke, Papa Reu had the ladies in mind for his single, “Diamonds And Pearls”. With Reu’s blend of Hip Hop and Dancehall deliveries, he melodically shares that he will provide a life filled love, happiness, loyalty, and splendour for the lady who falls for him, while Keke outlines in intentions in his segment. The production samples Evelyn “Champagne” King’s 1982 hit “Love Come Down“. “Diamonds And Pearls” became a hit for Papa Reu in various parts of the U.S. including Houston, Texas where he was based, and was featured on his 2000 debut album, “Xcuse Me!“, and Lil Keke’s “From Coast To Coast” project.

Since the release of “Diamonds And Pearls”, Papa Reu became a name etched in the History of Southern Hip Hop. He released more music over the years, and with his blend of Dancehall and Hip Hop, he was featured on a number of tracks with the likes of 504 Boyz, Lil Wayne, Juvenile, 8Ball & MJG, Rick Ross, Solange Knowles, Chamillionaire, Scarface, and many more. He was also signed to the legendary Cash Money Records for a number of years. Many still remember and play “Diamonds And Pearls”.