Some artists find themselves through rap, while others discover their true calling in the melodies of R&B. For Rivaside Rell, music has always been more than a hobby—it’s been a way to express pain, love, struggle, and growth. With influences rooted in old-school R&B and his own life experiences, Rell has crafted a sound that blends raw storytelling with heartfelt vocals. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about his journey, challenges, and the music that defines him.
When did you first realize rap was more than just a hobby for you, and what was the moment that made you say, “This is it”?
I used rap to express my pain, show that I’m versatile, but singing is where my heart is. When I was that kid singing in the car or in school, that’s when I knew this is it.
When you’re writing, do you start with the beat, the lyrics, or a feeling you want to capture?
I let the beat guide me. Instruments can tell a story by themselves, so sometimes I write and get deep, or I’ll pre-record freestyle to capture that in-the-moment thought process.
Which artists or life experiences have shaped your style the most, and how can listeners hear that influence in your music?
My life experiences shaped my style to speak about pain, love, struggle, and violence if necessary. But a lot of old-school R&B shaped my style and guided my voice.
If someone had never heard your music before, which one track should they start with, and why?
I would start with No Takebacks. It lets you know off the bat who I am and what I’m thriving to be better at—what my passion truly is.
What’s the hardest obstacle you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it?
Staying consistent with everything going on around me.
You’ve probably lived through moments your fans don’t know about—what’s one personal story behind a song that changed how you see life or music?
Gravel has a lot of personal story behind it. Watching things as a kid reminds me to be a gentleman and to go hard.
How do you feel about the current state of hip hop, and where do you see yourself fitting into it?
I don’t see myself fitting in—I wanna be the oddball and different. But at the same time, I can’t be ignored.
What’s the most misunderstood thing about you as an artist or person, and how does your music set the record straight?
Everyone thinks I’m a rapper, and I set the record straight when they hear me sing.
When people talk about you years from now, what do you want them to say about your impact on the culture?
That I kept it real and brought back good music.
What’s coming up next that fans should be excited about—whether it’s music, performances, or collaborations?
An EP at the end of August, more videos and content, including First Cover Friday, plus collabs with Trab and Panessia Young.
Urban Pulse Magazine 
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