Not too many artists manage to be authentically creative, fearless in their style yet still interesting and impressive in the process.
In the case of Rio’s single Cray Z, the track takes its time to appeal, admittedly pairing just a fairly retro, somewhat minimalist soundscape that repeats to a poignantly crazy degree, with a free-flowing vocal that pays no regard to rhythm or industry expectation. However, you soon come to appreciate the sheer freedom of this approach.
By the end of the experience, that synth riff has well and truly implanted its melody into your head-space. Before here, you start to focus on the song’s concept, this repeated hook that falls out of flow to simply deliver a self-aware idea with ease.
During these moments, you start to appreciate the overall artistry of the track. This style of rap is what some might call crazy – this tired, carefree vocal is quiet in its confidence, not wasting time worrying about your opinion. There’s nothing flashy about the whole thing, and the verses are strangely fascinating – so much so that you’re likely to head back and listen again once it all comes to an end.
It will be interesting to hear where else the music takes Rio in the coming months. Hopefully there’s plenty more creativity to come.
Download or stream the single here. Find & follow Rio on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.
