The R&B game has its next big thing in Ebony Riley. With her new EP, ebony, out today via Interscope Records, the Detroit native makes her case as one of the genre’s most thrilling prospects and adds her name to the long list of stars reared in the Motor City. In just seven songs, Ebony, previously known as “Riley Montana,” delivers an unforgettable project that blends the flavor of today’s R&B sounds with her charming mix of sass, sensuality and sensitivity. Whether its charged flirtation over an upbeat ’80s sample, cussing out a soon-to-be-ex lover out, or mediating on that eternal question – “Why me?” – ebony runs a range of emotions and is sure to have listeners reaching for the replay button. “I just want people to feel heard and understood when they listen to my music,” Ebony says. “I want to take people on a journey.” Join that journey and listen to the full ebony EP HERE.
Focus track “Deuce Deuce” sets the tone. On the song, she flips what could be a sad post-cheating revelation on its head, instead rewriting the typical narrative to come out on top. The kiss-off track comes complete with its official music video, featuring a cameo appearance from Lori Harvey. Watch the full “Deuce Deuce” video HERE. Further highlights include contributions from a who’s who of proven R&B hitmakers, including GRAMMY winner James Fauntleroy (“Why”), and GRAMMY nominees Shea Taylor, who produced four of the EP’s songs, Muni Long and Jeff Gitty (“Draws”).
A nine-year veteran of the modeling industry, Ebony Riley has graced the catwalk for top fashion houses and appeared in exclusive editorial spreads, including Vogue France and Harper’s Bazaar. But, the millennial covergirl notes, “Music was always on the menu.” Thanks to her mother and grandmother, Ebony had an early musical education in gospel and ‘90s R&B, and traces of such influences – The Clark Sisters, Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu – exist in her own music. “I draw from all of them in my work,” the singer makes clear.
To celebrate the EP’s release and Ebony’s achievements, Interscope and Lenny S hosted exclusive listenings in New York and Los Angeles for partners and tastemakers to rousing reception. East Coast attendees included Drake, Justin and Hailey Bieber, Meek Mill, A$AP Ferg, and more, while Kelly Rowland, Coco Jones, The Internet’s Syd, Lori Harvey, Muni Long, Jozzi and others graced the LA festivities. If there was any doubt about Ebony’s appeal, all questions were answered when guests heard the EP and watched the “Deuce Deuce video.” The verdict? The crowd screaming, “run it back!!”
