Rian Wyld talks about her creative process, industry challenges, and the personal losses that fuel her music. She also addresses her viral Timbaland feud and why being authentic will always come first.
You’ve been building your name in the game. What inspired you to first pick up the mic and start rapping?
I wrote my first rap after a family friend passed away in 2011—around that time. His name was Bash, and he died due to gun violence. You might know this story.
I remember getting the news and seeing how everyone—our homies, family—was deeply hurt. That loss moved me to write my first rap. Around the same time, I’d been introduced to Ryan Leslie, who was playing piano, rapping, and producing. I was a pianist myself, studying to be a music major. So it was this combination: my love for music, Bash’s death, and Ryan Leslie’s artistry. That’s how it started.
Your sound carries a lot of energy and boldness. How would you describe your signature style?
I don’t like describing my sound—I’d rather people just listen and tell me what they hear. But if I had to? Authentic East Coast hip-hop, deeply influenced by the ’90s era. Hip-hop with soul.
Many artists use music to speak on real-life struggles. What personal experience shaped your artistry the most?
Losing my brother to gun violence. After that, I intertwined music with his legacy. He’d always told me, “Just get your catalog up—write as many songs as you can.” When he passed, I created the name Rian Wyld to honor him. It wasn’t even a deep thought; it was a reaction, like my spirit knew this was how I’d navigate the pain.
The industry can be tough for women in hip-hop. What challenges have you faced?
Okay, so challenges I faced – I’m still on the outside of the industry, you know? But even being on the outskirts, doing that independent artist underground thing… as a woman, there are definitely challenges. I can’t compare it to what men go through, but I’ve had situations where people didn’t take me seriously.
Honestly? Breaking through has been the biggest challenge. Those little things – people maybe not giving you the same respect, not hearing you out – they add up. At the end of the day, the real struggle is just getting your music heard. That’s been the biggest challenge for me, yeah.
Walk us through your creative process in the studio.
My studio is at my house now – I get to work in the comfort of my own space. First, I’ll open my email because I’m always connecting with producers. I’ll play the beat, and if something hits me, it comes instantly. I’ll start freestyling the hook or maybe the beginning of a verse right away. At that point, I know I need to start recording immediately because those ideas can disappear just as fast as they come. What starts as a freestyle – just raw feelings when I first hear the beat – becomes the foundation. Once I’ve got that initial spark, that’s when the real writing begins.
I’ll craft my 16-bar verse, work out the hook, and then piece it all together like a puzzle. I don’t write straight through – it’s more like catching phrases and building blocks. I keep listening to the beat on repeat, following that classic formula: verse, hook, verse, hook. Just putting all the pieces together until the song feels complete. Yeah, that’s pretty much it – my whole process from start to finish.
Your lyrics radiate confidence. Where does that drive come from?
That all comes from my foundation. First and foremost, I was raised by two parents who loved me unconditionally. Being one of seven kids, our house was always full of energy and love – that beautiful family dynamic shaped me. That unconditional love from my family is where my confidence took root. And then there’s my faith – I come from a family that believes deeply in God. That spiritual foundation taught me that I was made with purpose, that I’m here for a reason.
So, when you hear that confidence in my music or see it in how I carry myself… That’s the combination of my family’s love and my faith reminding me who I am and why I’m here.
How involved are you in your music videos?
I create the concepts, then collaborate with my fiancé, LB. He directs—handling lighting, filming, and editing. For A Lot On My Mind, we had a full team, but usually, it’s just us. Like with “Comments,” LB suggested adding color contrasts, and it elevated everything. I trust his vision to bring mine to life.
Which women in rap paved the way for artists like you?
Eve. As a kid, I never thought I could rap, but her rawness captivated me. Every woman in hip-hop builds on the last—Eve stood on someone’s shoulders, too. Now, with social media, more doors are open, but her impact on me is undeniable.
How do you balance social media branding with authenticity?
At this point in my life, I’ve realized my brand is just me—raw and authentic. The only balancing act is deciding what to share and what to keep private. Like, I’m a mom, so I’m more reserved about my family life—the internet has too much access, and protecting my son comes first. But beyond that? What you see is what you get. My brand is built on being unapologetically myself—vulnerable, real, and full of soul. Social media lets me show that, but my main expression will always be music. I’m not a “content creator” chasing trends—I’m an artist first. Music is where I pour everything I’m feeling, so there’s no confusion: I’m here for the craft.
Social media? It’s just the bridge—a way to connect with the people who rock with my art. Simple as that.
Let’s talk about your public exchange with Timbaland. What sparked it?
He responded arrogantly to a producer, Sarah2ill, who questioned if he was using AI to exploit artists. I called him out publicly: “You’re whack for signing AI artists and disrespecting women.” It was a TikTok conversation—no regrets.
Some say it should’ve been handled privately. Your take?
(Laughs) I’ll quote Pusha T: “Stay out of rappers’ business.” It was a public debate; I responded publicly. Simple.
Is there a chance of resolving things with Timbaland?
There’s no “issue.” He’ll keep allegedly scamming artists with AI and paid reviews; I’ll keep calling it out. I don’t respect his current actions, but it doesn’t affect my life.
Be’n Original | Images: Lloyd Barnes
