Preme (real name — Raynford Avery Humphrey) is a Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer, best known for his hits “Can’t Hang”, “Hot Boy”, “Jackie Chan” (with Tiësto, Dzeko, and Post Malone), as well as numerous collaborations with top global artists. Preme has become a key figure in shaping modern Canadian hip-hop and R&B, blending street energy, melodic flow, and refined production.
Early Life
Raynford Humphrey was born on January 8, 1986, in Toronto, Canada. He developed an early passion for music, inspired by 1990s American hip-hop and artists such as Jay-Z, Nas, DMX, and 50 Cent. Growing up in a multicultural neighborhood, he was influenced by street culture and reggae rhythms.
He began his career under the stage name “P Reign”, which brought him early recognition in the Canadian scene. During this period, he became part of the creative circle surrounding OVO Sound — the label and collective founded by Drake.
Career: From P Reign to Preme
In the early 2010s, P Reign released several mixtapes and singles, showcasing his lyrical storytelling and confident delivery. Tracks like “We Them Niggas”, “DnF” (featuring Drake), and “Realest in the City” became local anthems in Canada and the U.S.
In 2018, the artist officially rebranded as Preme, marking a new chapter with a more mature sound. That same year, he released his debut studio album, “Light of Day”, featuring collaborations with Offset, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Lil Wayne, and YG.
One of his biggest international successes came with “Jackie Chan” (2018) — a collaboration with Tiësto, Dzeko, and Post Malone. The track became a global hit, charting on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart, cementing Preme’s worldwide recognition.
Discography (Selected)
- Dear America (EP, 2014)
- Off the Books (Mixtape, 2016)
- Light of Day (Album, 2018)
Notable Tracks:
- “DnF” (feat. Drake & Future)
- “Jackie Chan” (with Tiësto, Dzeko & Post Malone)
- “Hot Boy” (feat. Lil Wayne)
- “Frostbite” (feat. Offset)
- “No Defeat” (feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR)
- “Ill Life 2”
Style and Sound
Preme masterfully blends rap and melodic R&B, balancing gritty street authenticity with radio-ready production. His music is defined by tight beats, deep basslines, smooth hooks, and meticulous attention to detail.
Lyrically, he explores themes of ambition, loyalty, struggle, and personal growth, making his work relatable to a wide audience.
Collaborations
Preme has worked with leading international artists and producers, including:
- Drake — “DnF”
- Tiësto & Dzeko — “Jackie Chan”
- Post Malone — “Jackie Chan”
- Lil Wayne — “Hot Boy”
- PARTYNEXTDOOR — “No Defeat”
- Offset — “Frostbite”
Achievements
- “Jackie Chan” — multi-platinum in the U.S. and Canada
- Light of Day — charted in iTunes and Apple Music Top Rankings
- Juno Awards nominations (Canada)
- Touring with Drake, Future, and YG
- Supported by Apple Music and Spotify editorial playlists
Interesting Facts
- Preme was one of the first artists to promote Toronto’s scene internationally before the OVO Sound wave.
- His stage name “Preme” symbolizes primacy and leadership in culture.
- He frequently performs at charity events across Canada.
- His music videos are known for cinematic quality and storytelling.
- In addition to performing, he develops young talent as a producer and mentor.
Legacy
Preme is among the key representatives of the new wave of Canadian hip-hop. He successfully transcended local boundaries, becoming a global artist merging rap, R&B, and EDM. His music reflects modern urban sound, ambition, and self-made success.
