FRIDAY FEATURE: VHEE RIV

It’s one thing to recognize talent. It’s another to recognize star quality, and this week I want to acknowledge that special quality in Hip Hop Artist Vhee Riv. With the upcoming release of her debut album, Zero Defects and her latest videos “Let You Know” and “Get It” both approaching more than 3000 views on YouTube, Vhee Riv could be a future break out artist from Hawaii.

Although people might judge an artist by his/her image or appearance, talent and audience connection will always speak for itself. Vhee has been working seriously towards building a foundation for her music career. The artist definitely calls Hawaii home, and has created a buzz for herself here in the islands as well as around the states. Vhee has performed for a number of events and venues in Hawaii and the West Coast.

Vhee Riv’s music is really all about the vibe, and the young artist brings lots of unique vibrant energy in each song, video, and performance. Her ability to connect with fans has enabled her to build a small, but loyal and growing fan base both in Hawaii and around the rest of the U.S. She is also diverse. “Get It,” has a hype and more aggressive type of vibe, while her “Let You Know,” shares her deeper romantic side. “My personal experiences, relationships, friendships, and even the haters are all inspiration behind each project I drop,” said Vhee. On top of all that, both videos were directed by the artist herself.

Read more of our interview below:

OTD Hip Hop: You recently did some work with Rapper Mike Jones and even worked with Singer Mishon. What was that like?

VHEE RIV: Working with Mike Jones was crazy!  Thinking back on my younger days when I use to watch him on MTV to him being featured in one of my songs was a blessing. He gave me nothing but good vibes and postive motivation. Working with Mishon was also a big deal for me. I use to listen to his music all the time back in high school and to have him really dig the song we did was tight.

OTD Hip Hop: You mentioned getting into Hip Hop/Rap really young. Did you grow up performing? When did you start taking it seriously?

VHEE: Yeah, at every family gathering I'd always end up putting on a show whether it was singing, dancing or some other form of entertainment. When I was in elementary school my friends introduced me to hip hop music. Once I discovered 2pac I knew that's what I wanted to do. You might say 2pac was my first idol. I started taking this seriously about 3 years ago.

OTD Hip Hop: Since you've spent some time networking, performing, and spending studio time in Hawaii, what are some positive things you saw in Hawaii's Hip Hop/local music community? What do you think Hawaii-based artists need to have in order to expand their reach and appeal in the mainland?

VHEE RIV: Man, I love Hawaii it’s always going to be a special place to me. Hip hop in Hawaii is a hard grind mostly because it's a small community. Hopefully over time it'll grow. I've met a lot of local hip hop artists in Hawaii that have serious talent. In my opinion, the only thing they need to do to compete with mainland artists is to believe in their talent, surround themselves with good people and be ready to work hard.

OTD Hip Hop: What can we expect next from Vhee Riv?

VHEE RIV: The release date for the "Zero Defects" album & launch of my official website VheeRiv.com will be in early September 2016. The next single/video from the album will be "Hold Up, Watch Out Feat Mike Jones which will be released a few days after the album.

In my opinion, Vhee Riv is on her way to the top. With collaborations with artists like Mike Jones and Mishon under her belt, there is no doubt that the young rapper is making moves. She is definitely a humble character with the professional attitude and ambition to do what it takes to reach her goals.

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