How music fuels Ottawa REDBLACKS’ Dominique Rhymes game day focus

The cheer of the crowds, the flight of the ball and the charging of the field. The rhythm and sequence of football is captivating the moment you set eyes on the gridiron - whether you be a diehard fan or an entirely new initiate. It is a fast paced, enthralling and strategic sport, and for Ottawa REDBLACKS wide receiver Dominique Rhymes, it’s much more than just a game.  

“I’m a big affirmations guy. I want to hit things that remind me of what I’ve done before and what I’m going to do that game,” says Rhymes, a Miami native who started his college career with the local FIU Panthers and Kentucky-based Murray State Racers. 

“I just like to get in a mood to where I’m happy and feeling joyous before the game and getting my mind ready, usually right before I head out the door and put my headphones in. Then I know it’s time. It’s game time. I put on a nice little playlist to get my mind into it, just to listen to music that has positive affirmations for my mind and what I’m about to do tonight.” 

When it comes to those game-prepping tunes, Rhymes has a strong taste for moody, melodic and atmospheric hip-hop - with no artist standing as tall in his playlists as the Florida-born rapper Rod Wave.  

Sharing both a home state and a love for reflective lyricism, Wave is known for a style that blends hip hop with touches of R&B and soul. Some of Rhymes’ standouts to really get the ears and heart pumping in time for the next game include the track: ‘2018’, ‘HG4’, ‘25’, ‘OMDB’, ‘Green Light’, ‘All I Got’, ‘Ribbon in the Sky’, ‘Dark Clouds’ and ‘No Deal’. 

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While professional football can be an incredibly competitive game, for Rhymes, balance and a positive attitude are the ultimate keys in managing his mood and career. 

“You know, during a game… I would say I’m not a super emotional player, but I can be, just because I’m super competitive. Sometimes I might be cursing or just super mad and riled up... I hate to lose, but always like to be approachable... I’m just playing football. It’s a very important thing that I’m trying to accomplish on the field, but at the end of the day, it’s still a game. I don’t take it too serious to where I don’t want you talking to me or anything…I don’t need to be super mad or focused to be able to catch a ball.” 

To find that positive attitude amid the adrenaline of the field, Rhymes places emphasis on personal leisure and musical mood-setting.  

“Wake up, brush my teeth, put on some good music. Probably go get some breakfast… always gotta have French toast. Might play a video game for an hour or two then for the rest of the time just listening to music.” Rhymes says about his pre-game routine. 

Rhymes’ positive attitude plays well with others on the field, notes Nate Behar, the recently retired Montreal Alouettes wide receiver who previously played with Rhymes during his own stint with the REDBLACKS from 2019 to 2023. 

“I’ve been fortunate to know Dom and train with him for years.” reminisces Behar. “Nobody has more fun and loves what he does than Dom Rhymes. When he’s in that mood, he’s one of the most unstoppable receivers I’ve seen in the CFL.” 

Having played for Ottawa from 2017 to 2020 when he was traded over to the BC Lions - Rhymes was a 2024 returning star for the REDBLACKS, signing on for a new two-year contract to the city where his heart resides. “My favorite part about playing for Ottawa is that it's home.”   

Thinking towards the future, Rhymes is optimistic about his second stint with the REDBLACKS and its Northside-Southside fan rivalry.  

“When I came back here and I said the things that I want to do this year, I feel that… so far we’ve been accomplishing [them], and it’s just something to continuously build on. I know we have big things coming our way, and I’m just proud to be a part of that. Being a part of something that’s bigger than me and doing it in my new home, Ottawa. I mean, I think it don’t get no better.” 

Want more REDBLACKS content? CAA Magazine has tons of great articles and video interviews with coaches and players.  

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