We are now officially in holiday season, folks—a happy development, despite our nation’s dystopian reality. Does anyone else feel like they’re living in a whirlwind? This week, we’re loving the release of Priceless, the highly anticipated debut album from smooth PNW emcee Karma Rivera, a new single from AAPI pop artist Rachel Wong, and the return of an annual showcase from hometown rapper Milc.
MUST LISTEN:
New release(s) from Portland-relevant artist(s).
Priceless by Karma Rivera
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. Before very recently, the emcee had yet to drop any kind of proper release—extended or long play. On November 1 the artist released her sapphic, 13-track debut album, Priceless, executive produced by frequent collaborator Hendrick Valera, and the resulting record is well worth the wait. In this very column, I’ve sung the praises of previously released Priceless singles including “We Gotta Thing” and the island-infused “Sirens (feat. Prince Empara).” 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.” Also on Priceless are both versions of “You So Nasty”—the flaming original, of course, loaded with that brief, absolutely killer verse from stalwart Seattle emcee Taylar Elizza Beth—plus the remix featuring Venezuelan-born rapper Julimar, who spits his verse en español; plus the bonus acoustic spin on “We Gotta Thing,” (featuring singer-songwriter Lana Shea, arguably the most enjoyable version). For a nice way to support local artistry this holiday season, vinyl editions of the album are available for pre-order on Rivera’s website.
“Save Me” by Rachel Wong
Having rebranded herself from a singer-songwriter into a pop-R&B act, Rachel Wong’s early material came out between 2010 and 2015, produced by her brother Matt Wong, whose credits include contributions to Grammy-winning projects including Jazmine Sullivan’s Reality Show, and Heaux Tales. With her new music, the queer, AAPI artist embraces a swath of contemporary R&B and pop influences—including Destiny’s Child, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Usher, JoJo, and TLC. She also taps her own life experiences, reality dating shows like Love Island, and Bravo network programming for songwriting inspiration. Those influences coalesce into soul-drenched vocals Wong delivers with rhythmic and rap-inspired cadences, often over a bouncy beat. Recent stand-out singles include “Lifetime,” a joint track with singer-songwriter/producer Salvatore Manalo, and the Aaliyah-reminiscent “Do It,” which is currently her most streamed song. Just in time for spooky season, Wong dropped her latest single, dark-pop track “Save Me,” on October 24. Cinematically moody, her latest single is emotive and exceedingly enjoyable, and as usual, is perfect for all the juiciest moments of reality TV. With the track's myriad themes and references around drowning, drifting away in the ocean, sinking deeper underwater, it would indeed work in an episode of Bravo’s Below Deck!
ADDED TO THE QUEUE:
Some upcoming music buzz to add to your radar.
Dairy Fest 2025 feat. Milc & Friends
Venue owner Elizabeth Elder recently announced that Lollipop Shoppe is closing its doors this month, which became the new home of The Thesis monthly hip-hop showcase in recent years. So it makes sense that on the first Thursday of December, Portland-based rapper Milc and producer Andy Savoie have a new iteration of Dairy Fest at your door, with lineups of all local hip-hop artists. The all-local hip-hop festival features up and coming hip-hop artists from around the region. The second year features Milc himself as the headliner, with Portlander’s Fr3do, Mal London, Peso, Spinitch, and some top secret special guests. (Mississippi Studios, Thurs Dec 4, 8 pm, more info here, 21+)
