From Central Massachusetts to the tops of global charts, Rice is rewriting the narrative of what it means to be a hip hop artist in today’s genre-blending music landscape. This chart-topping, Billboarding talent has crafted his own lane, gracefully merging the edge of hip hop, the emotion of R&B, the pull of pop, and the pulse of world music. Drawing inspiration from iconic visionaries like J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Akon, 50 Cent, and Lil Wayne, Rice is building a legacy of truth, growth, and musical authenticity. And if you’re now catching up to his journey, “Starz” which he released on March 28, is the perfect place to start.
From the top, “Starz” eases its way into the room with a series of smooth, ambient chords, paired with crisp finger snaps that feel like a heartbeat; intimate, grounding, and real. This elegant intro lays the foundation for a track that radiates vulnerability and quiet power. The progression of these opening chords creates a mellow, R&B-rooted warmth that gently unfolds like the first light of dawn. Rice delivers his verses with a sincere and effortless flow. There’s a natural rhythm to his cadence, like a spoken journal entry set to melody. His vocal tone is warm, raspy, and lived-in, carrying just the right amount of vulnerability to drive the song’s emotional arc home.
I could hear the ache in his voice when he talks about “looking for love and acceptance outside of myself,” and I could feel the rising strength as he turns inward, realizing his worth. There’s beauty in the restraint. Rice never forces a moment. His flow rides the beat with grace, balancing reflection with resilience.
Thematically, “Starz” is a personal yet universal anthem about navigating darkness and finding the light within. Written during a painful chapter of Rice’s life, this song isn’t just a cathartic release—it’s a guidepost. It speaks to those of us who’s ever doubted our value or searched outside ourselves for something that can only be found within. Rice’s message? “There is a star in all of us.” That idea strikes deeply, especially when you consider how the track has traveled—crossing genres, entering different compilations, and hitting top spots on iTunes and Billboard charts. It’s one that clearly moves people, not only a good song.
Produced by the internationally acclaimed Oliver Sean, “Starz” is a sonic masterpiece that bridges continents and emotions. With its inclusion on Sean’s WorldBeat Compilation Album and The Blues Project, it’s no surprise that the production is textured with layers of subtle world percussion, bluesy undertones, and R&B lushness. The fusion is seamless: think soft guitar licks, ambient synth pads, and rhythmic accents that nod to different cultures while keeping the emotional center rooted in soul. The instrumentation doesn’t overpower, it supports. Every element feels intentional, giving the song a cinematic depth that elevates its message of self-discovery and transformation.
“Starz” is more than a standalone single; it’s a flagship for Rice’s upcoming project, “Love Shouldn’t Cost A Thing,” set to drop in June. If this track is any indication, the project promises emotional honesty, genre-fusing production, and a voice that’s not afraid to evolve and elevate. Rice isn’t just making music; he’s making moments. And with “Starz,” he reminds us all that even in our darkest hours, we are not broken—we are becoming.
Listen to “Starz” on Spotify
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