What makes RILEY’s, formerly Amber Riley, debut project titled after her new stage name, so refreshing is the confidence and true-to-life experience that exudes from track-to-track.
Released independently, the six-track EP offers an array of inspiring messages for plus-size women and to those who are still products of their environment, from the fan-favorite and opener “BGE” to the BJ The Chicago Kid-assisted “Hood Living.”
RILEY dips her feet in the gorgeous blue water for the Island-flavored R&B cut “Ride,” while “A Moment” receives a standing ovation for being the most vulnerable song on the EP. She recently performed the latter as a tribute to her fellow Glee cast member, Naya Rivera, who tragically died in July.
“I was once asked, ‘what do you want people to be doing when they listen to your music? I approached every song with that question in mind,” RILEY explains to Rated R&B. “I hope everyone is laughing, crying, dancing, and feelin’ themselves while listening to this EP.”
All in all, RILEY did what needed to be done with her first-ever collection of music. From the commandingly honeyed vocals to the choice of songs, it’s definitely an EP that will be left on repeat for quite some time.
Listen to RILEY’s inaugural, self-titled project below.
