Welcome to a new monthly feature in The Hip Hop Museum newsletter. Each month, we will speak to an athlete, musician, celebrity, or cultural influencer about what Hip Hop means to them.

This month, we spoke with Canadian singer-songwriter Alyssa Reid. Reid released the platinum single “Alone Again” in 2012, achieving a top 2 position on the UK singles charts and charted across the globe. She also achieved a Gold record in Canada with the single “Satisfaction Guaranteed.” Currently, Reid is preparing to head out on a cross-Canada tour. Her most recent album is 2021’s ‘ASHS.’

So, Alyssa Reid, what does Hip Hop mean to you?:

“Hip Hop is the culture. It’s a reflection of the times. It’s a voice for the voiceless. For me, it was a way to hear stories of people growing up in similar homes as mine as a child and know that I wasn’t alone—a way to learn about the experiences, passion and frustration of others.

Lyrically, Hip Hop dives into depths that you don’t see much anymore in mainstream art, especially in a world where pop music is made to feel so vague and universal to achieve the highest palatability. Hip Hop cuts right to the nitty gritty, tells very real stories, and somehow wraps it all in a cool, swagger-encrusted bow.

I grew up on Lil Wayne, Eminem, Snoop, Kanye, and Outkast back in the day when lyric sheets came on CD covers. I used to sit for hours just digesting their lyrics because it was pure, angsty poetry in a sea of boy bands and pop stars that I couldn’t relate to. Releasing a song with Snoop is still one of the coolest things I’ve ever done!”

Follow Alyssa Reid on Instagram and X.

Read more interviews on The Hip Hop Museum!