In a time when most are chasing trends, Riviir is an artist who doubles down on authenticity, and it pays dividends in a gritty East Coast hip-hop flip that just feels timeless & like something only someone deeply personal could make. This newly released single, “Kochi,” featuring hip-hop heavyweight The Game, embodies a comeback in production that rarely comes to be.
An early version was known by the working title “Don’t Do That There,” with lyrics scribbled in a rhyme book and stems saved to a hard drive. Oddly, though, Riviir actually used to say this was his least favorite beat. But fate had other plans.
Later, having also been away from music for years, Riviir went back into his archives and found that all his beats were gone, except for this one, due to corrupted files. “Kochi” survived. But with the stroke of luck, Riviir had an idea from a long time ago, which he decided to rewrite completely. Revamped lyrics and a renewed focus provided the song with a new meaning. He called it “Kochi,” a reference to the city of Kerala, India, as an embodiment of new life and vitality.
In that sense, “Kochi” is deeply rooted in the DNA of 2000s East Coast hip-hop, with literally programmed drums, crusty loops, and a stripped-down confidence. While Riviir’s verses are sharp and pointed, it’s the guest feature from The Game that takes this track to another level. The story behind the sound is what really sets “Kochi” apart. Riviir is here to bring the feeling back.
Follow Kochi on | Spotify |
