In a musical moment that feels saturated with fleeting trends, the arrival of Riviir’s “Rap 4 Me” EP is a welcome anomaly.
The Harlem-based artist, in a surprising and potent collaboration with West Coast veteran The Game, has crafted a two-track offering that feels less like a modern release and more like a time capsule unearthed from the early 2000s.
The project, consisting of the title track and “Kochi,” is a deliberate and well-executed homage to a bygone era of hip-hop, a time when lyrical substance and soulful production were paramount.
The story behind “Rap 4 Me” is as compelling as the music itself. Riviir’s creative process, as detailed in the press release, was a journey of trial and error.
His initial vision of a lo-fi, chill-hop beat was abandoned, but not before he salvaged a string arrangement that would become the heart of the final track.
This willingness to deconstruct and rebuild, to let the music guide him, is a testament to his artistry. The final instrumental, a high-tempo affair with soulful, self-recorded background vocals, is a rich and layered affair.
Riviir’s verses, which bookend The Game’s contribution, are sharp and incisive, delivered with a confidence that belies his emerging status.
The Game’s presence on the EP is a significant co-sign, a bridge between the West Coast and East Coast sensibilities that define the project.
His verse on “Rap 4 Me” is a reminder of his enduring skill, a gruff and seasoned counterpoint to Riviir’s more youthful energy.
The chemistry between the two artists is palpable, a shared respect for the craft that shines through in their performances.
“Kochi,” the second track on the EP, has an even more fascinating backstory. The beat, a relic from Riviir’s 2014 archives, was one of the few to survive a corrupted hard drive.
This phoenix-from-the-ashes narrative adds a layer of poetic resonance to the song. The track, originally titled “Don’t Do That There,” was given a new name and a new life, a tribute to the Indian city of Kochi.
The updated lyrics and The Game’s verse transform the song into a powerful statement, a fusion of personal history and global consciousness.
The decision to release music videos for both tracks on August 4, 2025, is a savvy move, a way to build momentum for Riviir’s forthcoming debut album.
The EP is a potent appetizer, a taste of what’s to come from an artist who is clearly a student of the game, but also a creator with a unique and compelling voice.
In an industry that often prioritizes style over substance, Riviir’s “Rap 4 Me” is a bold declaration of intent. It is a project that values authenticity, craftsmanship, and the enduring power of a well-told story.
It is a reminder that sometimes, the most forward-thinking music is that which looks to the past for inspiration.
The result is a release that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, a promising glimpse into the future of a talented artist.
