Cranston East graduate scribing his way to stardom

By Pam Schiff
Posted 2/22/17

By PAM SCHIFF Most people go through life with the name their parents gave them at birth. However, for up-and-coming rap star Supreme Scribe, he felt Christopher Correira Jr. just wasn't the right way to express himself or his music. Correira had

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Cranston East graduate scribing his way to stardom

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Most people go through life with the name their parents gave them at birth. However, for up-and-coming rap star Supreme Scribe, he felt Christopher Correira Jr. just wasn’t the right way to express himself or his music.

Correira had considered several other alliterations of his given name to use on the stage but feels that the word “scribe” truly articulates how he sees himself.

“I am a man of words. I am never not writing. Inspiration is all around me,” he said.

He moved to Cranston when he was in the seventh grade, attending Bain Middle School and graduating from Cranston East in 2013.

As a freshman, he formed a special bond with CHSE English teacher Andrea DiCicco, who recognized Correira’s talents and ambition.

“In the cycle of life, teachers have but a moment to share with students,” she said. “While every student is special, there are certain students who allow this brief moment of time to be stretched into years. When I think of Chris as a student, a few immediate thoughts to mind: the sound of his laughter, his deep reflective nature, his ability to listen to opinions with an open mind, his humble nature and his ability to remain positive. This student valued his education, learning the skills needed to enter into any career path.”

DiCicco said she could see that Chris was unique.

“He didn't fit into any mold; he was original, confident and comfortable in his own skin,” she said. “This is not a quality many of us see at the secondary level. He would also advocate the need for a bit more extra time on certain creative assignments, because while he was certainly up for the challenge, he wanted to be sure to articulate his thoughts in a meaningful and deliberate way that would resonate with his audience,” she said.

He didn’t do much to make himself stand out during his high school career.

“I didn’t do music in high school, was more into sports. I played football, I [received] All-State honors. I do wish I did more in school, I was just too laid back,” he said.

He has been inspired by many of the mainstream rappers of today, but feels his biggest influence was from Kanye West when he was in high school.

“Growing up, Kanye was my musical idol. He changed things for my generation, from our fashion [to] our freedom of speech, he changed the game. But now, he’s too much in the public eye. Kanye in present day lost his way, became too materialistic,” he said.

He finds himself growing impatient with the process of trying to be an artist and finding his own sound. “I am working at that, teaching myself music, really embodying what I have,” he said.

Scribe is very thankful for his family and friends who support him.

“My Dad is all in. He is excited to see what happens with my career. My Mom is a little more cautious. She would be happier if I worked more behind the scenes, writing or producing music for other artists. She is afraid of the fame and what it has done to other artists. My girlfriend, Scarlet Santos, loves when I write poetry. She always thinks it’s about or for her,” he said.

Correira also has had the same group of friends since high school, with whom he is very close.

“Franklin Cebellos, Bryan Lopez and Jaleel Talley are my support and my critics. They are honest with me and tell me what works and what doesn’t. It’s important to know they will always be straightforward with me,” he said.

There are several big items on the horizon for Scribe. He is releasing a debut mixtape in March, entitled “Everything I Dreamed Of.”

“This project embodies who I am as an artist and a storyteller. It’s been five years of continuing to work hard on my music, find my own sound. It’s the biggest thing ever in music for me so far,” he said.

He self-produced the tape in the studio at Pawtucket B08. Former CHSE classmate Alisha Javier sings back up.

This May, he will be going on a four-city tour with rapper Spocka Summa. They are heading to Cambridge, Massachusetts; Bridgeport, Connecticut; Brockton, Massachusetts; and home to Providence from May 19-22.

“This is my first time doing back-to-back shows. I am nervous and excited. When I am on stage, it is all ‘Scribe.’ He has the energy, the focus, the voice,” he said.

Looking ahead five years down the road, he would like to be an artist who is well known for his music, not necessarily his fame.

“In five years I have to be at the Grammys just for the level of being recognized for my work. I’m looking for fluidity in my career. I can be nominated as a writer, producer or performer,” he said.

His attitude is to take the success over the fame. Kendrick Lamar is a perfect example: lots of publicity but not lots of personal information out there.

Looking further down the road, in 10 years he will be ready to take a small hiatus and start a family. He will visit Rhode Island to do charitable work.

“I will have to live where there is a market and more opportunity,” he said. “I can see myself getting into film. I love writing more than just music. I would love to do some musicals along the lines of ‘Hamilton,’ change the normal, something random. Base something on MLK, Malcolm X. I would be more behind the scenes, still in the spotlight working to get my message out.”

DiCicco is excited to see what the future holds for him.

“I am very proud of the character and heart of this young man,” she said. “What excites me the most about his current endeavors is that he, unequivocally, has what it takes to positively be the voice of so many who have found themselves marginalized or silenced. Impatience can be seen as a flaw, but when I hear that Chris is growing ‘impatient,’ I get the sense that this is a symbolic reaction between the passion empowering his movement and his carefully crafted words, thoughts and accompanying rhythm, which have been inspired by the many stories he has heard. Chris has had his ear close to the ground for a long time; he has been listening.”

DiCicco sees no reason why Chris can’t help others with his talent.

“He is now eager to lead others in this new journey,” she said. “He could very well be the metaphorical bridge that is needed, now more than ever, to not only positively transform lives, but to be used as a vehicle to help others to survive.”

Chris is very passionate and sincere about the work he is doing.

“I really feel, that what we are doing, is not a trend, it’s not a phase. We are changing the scene, allowing kids to realize their dreams are attainable if you are willing to work for it, and dedicate themselves,” he said.

Follow him on Twitter at @supremescribe or on Facebook, facebook.com/supremescribe for full details on performances and music releases.

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