Ebony Riley, formerly known as Riley Montana, proves she can fiercely struct on any runway and into the R&B community with powerful prowess. On her debut EP, ebony, the model-turned-singer pours heart-melting soul into each song.
Beginning track, “Open” beams in uncomplicated joy about dropping her guard for someone new who’s swept her off her feet. “Got me feeling like this here could be forever, baby / I guess I was chosen / This love got me open,” Riley sings in a warmly expressive vocal.
Riley follows with “Draws,” a steamy way to reimagine Evelyn “Champagne” King’s 1982 classic “Love Come Down.”
Three tracks later, Riley’s fairytale relationship has gone sour, heard best on “Cry” and “Save Me.” The latter is the EP’s finale, an emotional plea for rescue. Lyrical themes are caught between miscarriage and depression, all related to a toxic man.
Riley tells Rated R&B the inspiration behind ebony is healing. “I’m addressing a lot of stuff that I’ve been pushing off for years,” she explains. “It’s kinda liberating to be OK with sharing parts of me that I know so many other people are going through as well but may be scared/ashamed to speak on.”
Riley released a music video for the EP’s current focus track, “Deuce Deuce,” which can be viewed below.
Stream Ebony Riley’s new EP ebony below.
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