Rising London singer and rapper Rio Rainz has released his latest single, “17”, one of his most introspective tracks yet. The single dropped on the same day Rio took the stage to open for Rizzle Kicks at their headline show at KOKO. With “17”, Rio continues to carve his path in music, confronting personal struggles and using his art to reflect on his past.
The track explores Rio’s mental health journey, offering a vulnerable look at one of the most challenging periods of his life. It begins with a simple bass guitar, setting an intimate tone that mirrors Rio’s emotional rawness.
As the song progresses, additional instruments are gradually layered, adding depth and intensity. This build-up reflects Rio’s personal growth, transitioning from vulnerability to self-awareness and resilience. The contrast between the stripped-back start and fuller instrumentation symbolizes his emotional journey.
On the meaning behind “17”, Rio shares, “The song captures my struggle with pain and isolation, feelings that have been with me since I was a teenager. I often feel disconnected, even in crowded places, and long for an escape from the emotional chaos. It’s a raw reflection of growing up, dealing with mental health, and trying to find myself amidst the mess. Ultimately, it’s an expression of longing for something real while grappling with my past. I’m just trying to find my identity through part-time turbulence.”
Music has been Rio’s driving force since childhood. Raised on soul, reggae, and artists like Amy Winehouse, his musical environment shaped his sound. His early years focused on introspective songwriting and performing, using music to build confidence and share his experiences.
At 15, Rio went viral with a Black Box freestyle, showcasing his rap and singing abilities. His debut EP, Withdrawal Symptoms, followed by Cobwebs in My Room, solidified his place in the DIY-Alt-Rap/R&B scene. Since then, he’s performed sold-out shows and garnered attention from outlets like The Face, NME, Hypebeast, MTV, and Complex.
This year has been a standout for Rio Rainz, with releases like Bad!, Mutual Butterflies, and Neverland, each showcasing his versatile sound and strengthening his presence in the UK music scene.
Listen to “17” below!
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