"Ever since seeing PNW emcee Karma Rivera rock an all-women lineup at The Thesis a decade ago, I've watched her development as an artist with delight. The last few years the rapper has been radicalized in all the best ways, leaning into her proudly queer, Afro-Latinx identity, expanding on a dynamic range of new sonic influences in her music from electro- and alt-pop, to reggaeton and indie-R&B."
"Album highlights include previously unheard gems like the fierce album opener "Priceless" (a masterclass in melodic rap over striking guitar-driven production), and "It Used to Be Love," on which Karma relatably sings the catchy chorus, "It used to be love, we used to be cool / What happened to us? What happened to you? / Now you're somebody that I never knew / Now you're somebody that I see once in a blue.""
Holiday season has begun amid national dystopian realities. New Portland-relevant releases include Karma Rivera's sapphic 13-track debut album Priceless, a new single from AAPI pop artist Rachel Wong, and the return of hometown rapper Milc's annual showcase. Karma Rivera embraces a proudly queer, Afro-Latinx identity while expanding sonic influences across electro-pop, alt-pop, reggaeton, indie R&B, and melodic rap. Priceless features previously released singles "We Gotta Thing" and "Sirens (feat. Prince Empara)," as well as highlights like the opener "Priceless," "It Used to Be Love," and both versions of "You So Nasty," including a standout verse from Seattle emcee Taylar Elizza.
Read at Portland Mercury
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