Today we’d like to introduce you to Riley B.
Hi Riley, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, let’s briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Well, I started as a young boy in Jennings, MO. I initially fell in love with hip-hop and music at an early age. My family always played jazz and blues when I was younger, so my passion for pure musicianship and my foundation came from them. I started to put lyrics together at around 11 years old. From that point on, my passion for hip-hop developed rapidly. From freestyling nonstop, writing/recording whole songs, and battle rapping to eventually winning national competitions and opening up for some of my favorite artists ever. Along the way, I also found a passion for voice acting and providing a platform for fellow artists like myself called Connect The Dots.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all. So many sacrifices, tough decisions, and long nights come with choosing to chase your dreams on any level. I came from little money, so working hard for the money needed to fund these things is an obstacle. Rejection and loss come at all stages of chasing greatness. Being told no, getting no responses from people, getting no reaction from crowds when performing, and losing money are just a handful of things I had to do to see some success and progress. Just navigating through the many pitfalls of trying to be an artist from St. Louis is tough.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a rapper, songwriter, host, and voice actor. I’ve been making music for about 15 years. I’m most known for being a skilled lyricist and competing in local and national rap competitions. I’ve been blessed to have good musical success locally and for my words to resonate with crowds and audiences around the country when I compete or do ciphers. I’m most proud of winning the national TeamBackPack/WorldEmcee tournament. I battled with thousands of rappers from all over the world and came out on top. It was a feeling like no other. What sets me apart from others is my passion for the craft and also my ability to be a student of the game of hip-hop. Both of those things show whenever I speak a word. My delivery is unmatched, and because of where I come from, staying true to myself and the battles I’ve faced, I leave no room for doubt whenever I get my chance to display my art form.
Can you talk to us about the role of luck?
Well, all success involves a little bit of luck. Of course, it was combined with hard work, consistency, and God’s timing. I’ve learned that when I like something, I study it, pray about it, and work hard to achieve it. I’ve had bad luck when I’m too eager without properly feeling out a situation. Calculated risks are what I like to take.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rileybnfls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RileyBmusic
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/RileyBNFLS
- Youtube: youtube.com/connectthedots314
Image Credits
Remrod, Amy Harris, Duantorian Coleman, & Takeover Films.
