Rapper shows maturity beyond years

By Catherine Litt The News Bulletin

It’s a good thing Wil Greer never became a doctor or a lawyer.

He’s certainly got the smarts for both professions, but if he had gone those routes his many fans would have been denied the pleasure of hearing Uncharted Territories.

The 26-year-old Nanaimo resident, better known as hip hop artist Preti Boi, has released a strong debut CD that proves he’s following the right career path.

Released in November under Greer’s own Cartello record label, Uncharted Territories shines with the young rapper’s insightful verses and skillful arrangements.

With a vocal style reminiscent of fellow Vancouver Islander Moka Only, Greer’s songs display a maturity beyond his years.

He raps of struggle and survival, of hate and love, of moving through the darkest depths of the human experience and coming out a survivor – the kind of soul-searching stuff most adults take 40 or 50 years to build up to. Which is what makes his music so compelling.

Greer grew up in Seattle and moved to Nanaimo about four years ago to work as a hip hop DJ.

His former career is evident on many of Uncharted Territories’ tracks – which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the listener. Fans of his skillful spins will appreciate the musical backdrops, but hip hop listeners who yearn for stronger bass lines and guitar riffs can be left feeling unfulfilled on some of the tunes.

But that’s a minor point in a CD that is, on the whole, an impressive first offering from a rapper destined for big things.

As a communicator, Greer has a lot to say, not just to his generation, but to anyone willing to listen. He rhymes about everything from war to peace and isn’t afraid to talk about his devotion to God.

His message is ultimately a positive one – believe in yourself, persevere and you will find happiness.

And that’s a message we can all embrace.