Since the beginning of the boisterous antics of the world of Hip Hop, there have been numerous self-proclaimed prophets who believe they possess certain secrets to understanding the meaning to life. So many artist have attempted to unveil secret ancient wisdoms of mankind in order to help us ultimately understand who we are and humanity’s true reason for existence. Walter Reed a.k.a “Killah Priest” is one of the selected few who is actually worthy of such entitlement.
Born in New York’s infamous Bedford-Stuy projects in Brooklyn, Killah Priest, or simply “Priest” began his journey as a prolific story-teller during his early childhood while studying the bible and different cultures of ancient history. His knowledge and transgression of spirituality and self-actualization is easily understood after hearing just a single verse of his vivid and imaginative rhymes. The Hip Hop world was first introduced to Priests’ unique style in 1994 on the album 6 Feet Deep by Gravediggaz. This led to a a guest appearance on Ol’ Dirty Bastard’s “Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version” and the critically acclaimed solo feature, “B.I.B.L.E (Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth)” on GZA’s Liquid Swords. In 1995 Priest formed the group, Sunz of Man alongside rappers Hell Razah, 60 Second Assassin, and Prodigal Sunn and signed the group to Wu-Tang Records. Priest released his first solo album, “Heavy Mental” in 1998 under Geffen Records. This album is still helmed today as a Hip Hop classic and one of the most fantastic displays of lyricism presented in such an eloquent and unique fashion.
Killah Priest has built a strong and devout following of fans, whose loyalty to the Wu-Tang brand is unrivaled by any other name in Hip Hop culture. The respect he has gained from artists and fans alike in the underground as well as the mainstream is unquestionable. Over the course of his fifteen year career he has released an astounding 9 full-length, critically acclaimed solo albums as well as 6 group albums alongside Sunz of Man, The HRSMN, Black Market Militia, and Army of Pharaohs member, Chief Kamachi. As Priest finishes the final touches on 10th solo album, “The Psychic World of Walter Reed” and the highly anticipated follow up to “Heavy Mental” fittingly titled, “Heavier Mental” his genius continues to garner his status as a Hip Hop legend alongside some of the greatest names in Rap Music. With all the changes that Hip Hop has seen due to the highly commercialized industry present today, true artistry and lyricism have become of lesser importance in recent years. Killah Priest, however still remains true to his heart and soul as an artist, with his consistent abillity to draw you into his dimension with his wisdom and substance. His unique perceptive and influence has granted him a force of nature in the Hip Hop world that has no intent of slowing down and whose effects will be felt on a greater scale for generations to come.