The Reminders

The Reminders

The Reminders are a hip-hop duo made up of MC and vocalist Aja Black and MC Big Samir. They begin working together in 2005, first performing around the Midwest before developing the concept that becomes The Reminders. Their music blends hip-hop with reggae influences and is built around harmonies, bilingual rapping and lyrics centred on awareness and positivity.

Members and background

Aja Black is born in Hollis, Queens, New York, and sings as well as raps. Big Samir is born in Brussels, Belgium, and often switches between French and English in his verses. The pair are also a couple, and they take time away from music to raise their children before returning with their debut album.

ReCollect and live work

Their debut record, ReCollect, establishes the group’s message-driven style. After its release, they tour in Morocco, Germany, the Czech Republic and across the United States. They also perform alongside a wide range of artists including Fishbone, De La Soul, KRS-One, Dead Prez, Immortal Technique, Little Brother, The Pharcyde, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and K'naan, and they tour with Blackalicious and OneBeLo.

Style

The Reminders are known for a sound they describe through soulful, positive hip-hop with emphasis on harmony and message-led writing. Their work combines MCing, singing and bilingual flow, with a strong focus on uplifting themes.