Rising talent Reyn Hartley hits hard with his unapologetic debut single “Snitch” to introduce listeners to his sultry, urban-alternative sound.

The Harlem, New York-based singer delivers a heavy punch on the hook “six foot ditch for my snitch / paparazzi on my ass like click click click” as he flows through a visual narrative of the American dream, and the threatening ideology of fantasy versus reality. “I’m like a super-white boy / kingpins call me decoy” alludes to his upbringing in east Dallas, where he struggled through adolescence as he was pressured to portray a certain image in the community, while having to live a very different life at home.

‘Snitch’ is produced by Dan Edinberg and mastered by Grammy award-winning mastering engineer Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, The Weeknd, 21 Savage)

Texas has a huge influence on Reyn’s sound, as evident in the exclusive playlist he’s put together for us, including one of Paul Wall’s greatest hits and homage to the Third Coast “They Don’t Know.” The track’s lyrics, “grew up south so I love my cash / I’m talkin’ Johnny Cash, bitch I’m talkin’ dyin’ fast” draws from Reyn’s idol Johnny Cash. Hartley listened to Cash’s “God’s Gonna Cut You Down” on repeat growing up, and says it inspired him to become an artist.

Johnny Cash – God’s Gonna Cut You Down – Johnny Cash

Cash is my idol. He’s a legend and single handedly the reason why I started making music. This song is my go to when things get bad. When this song comes on I’m instantly back in Texas, in the country chillin and not worried about a damn thing.

The Game – Put You On The Game

I still listen to this song every day. It makes me feel like I can take on anything, anyone who tries to get in my way or stop me. This song was huge back in east Dallas so it’s another reminder of home to me. I actually couldn’t listen to it for a long time because when it was popular things were bad and it just reminded me of the pain, but now it reminds me that you can overcome everything.

Lil’ Wayne – Steady Mobbin

It’s really hard for me to pick a favorite Lil Wayne record, but this one might be it. This one amps me up and makes me want to get on stage the second it starts playing.

Fleetwood Mac – The Chain

One of my favorite songs of all times. I grew up listening to urban music at school, but when I got home my mom would always play Fleetwood Mac. This reminds me of my mom and everything she’s sacrificed to keep a roof over me and my sister’s head. Family first always. It’s a beautiful record, they don’t make them like this anymore.

Paul Wall – They Don’t Know

These rappers out here don’t give enough credit to Paul Wall. He’s one of the greatest to come out of the south. He made me feel proud as hell to be from Texas.

Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit

There’s only a couple of songs that can grab me with the opening line. “Load up on guns / bring your friends” – that’s how I feel all the time. Me and my friends we’ve all had to fight our way to stand on our feet and make something of ourselves. I love this record because it brought us all together and makes us feel badass.

Twenty One Pilots – Heathens

This is just a sick vibe. I really like visual music and movie soundtracks. I think music and film together as an art form is one of the coolest things in life. One of my favorite things is to go to the movies by myself, just get lost in a good film for 2 hours and forget everything.

Amy Winehouse – Back to Black

Amy is one of the most talented artists to ever do it. A true poet. I wish I got to meet her, I got a lot of questions for her. I was too young when she was big to relate to it at the time, but as I’ve grown up I’ve realized how vital her albums were to today’s music. I visit her old flat when I’m in London, it’s still got this crazy energy to it. She was on some super natural shit.

Selena Gomez – Good For You

Selena is hot as hell and so is the record. It makes me want to do bad shit but in like a good holy way because she seems like a good girl. I’m glad Justin married Hailey or whatever because she’s #1 to me. I’m not even famous but I hope she reads this someday.

Jay-Z – Dirt Off Your Shoulders

Nothing to say here other than…King.