On a recent episode of Hard Knock Radio, host Davey D sat down with rapper and journalist Rocky Rivera to discuss her new album Long Kiss. Good Night, her evolution as an artist, and her thoughts on the current state of politics, media, and social media. Their conversation covered a range of topics, from personal struggles to broader social issues, offering insight into Rivera’s unfiltered approach to music and activism.
Rocky Rivera Reflects on Her Long-Awaited Album
After a seven-year hiatus, Rocky Rivera returned with Long Kiss. Good Night, an album that serves as both a personal statement and a political critique. “A lot has happened since I dropped my last album,” Rivera shared, reflecting on the challenges and growth that led to this project. She added, “I really had to address those contradictions in the city,” referring to her hometown of San Francisco, which has been at the center of major social and political debates. For Rivera, the album is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a love letter to the city, even as it faces numerous challenges.
Blending Journalism and Hip Hop
As both a journalist and an MC, Rivera naturally blends these two roles in her work. “I rap about my journalism in every single project,” she explained. Her background as a journalist heavily influences the album, particularly when addressing the portrayal of San Francisco in the media. Rivera emphasized how the mainstream media often paints a one-sided picture of her city, ignoring the systemic issues that contribute to its struggles. She sees her music as a platform for presenting a more nuanced and authentic perspective, offering a critique of the media while engaging her audience with honest storytelling.
Confidence and Independence in the Music Industry
Throughout the interview, Davey D noted Rivera’s unwavering confidence in her craft, which comes through strongly in Long Kiss. Good Night. Rivera expressed that she is no longer concerned with the pressure to conform to viral trends. “I’m not worried about going viral,” she said. Instead, her focus is on staying true to her voice and connecting directly with her fans. “I’ve been able to connect directly with my fans through platforms like Patreon,” she shared. By bypassing traditional industry gatekeepers, Rivera is able to create music on her own terms, without compromising her message or artistic integrity.
The Challenges of Social Media Censorship
Social media censorship is another issue that Rivera is passionate about. Both she and her partner, MC Bambu, have faced content suppression for speaking out on political issues, particularly regarding Palestine and social justice. “The algorithm hates me,” she said, reflecting on how social media platforms restrict independent voices. Rivera described how her content has been shadow banned, limiting its reach and making it harder for her to connect with her audience. Despite these challenges, she remains undeterred, explaining that she will continue to speak her truth regardless of what social media platforms or the mainstream industry try to suppress.
Political Consciousness and the Philippines
Rivera’s activism also extends to her Filipino roots, which she explored in the track Golden Flowers. The song is a tribute to the People Power Movement that ousted Ferdinand Marcos and the ongoing political struggles in the Philippines.
“I’ve seen how disinformation works,” Rivera stated. She explaining how the manipulation of information has distorted public perception of the country’s history. Her song calls attention to the political unrest in the Philippines, while also critiquing the role social media plays in shaping political narratives. Rivera’s commitment to truth-telling is a central theme in her work, as she refuses to let important issues like these be ignored.
Irish Goodbye: A Love Letter to San Francisco
One of the standout tracks on Long Kiss. Good Night is Irish Goodbye, which serves as a love letter to San Francisco. Despite the criticisms the city faces, Rivera’s connection to it remains strong. “I’m never going to abandon my city,” she affirmed. For Rivera, San Francisco is more than just a city—it’s a community of people who have faced hardships together. In Irish Goodbye, she expresses her dedication to the city and its residents, especially those who have lived there through thick and thin. “We want the San Francisco that we know to be for the people,” she said, emphasizing that the city’s future belongs to those who have fought to make it better, not those who come and go.
Conclusion: Rocky Rivera’s Uncompromising Voice
Rocky Rivera continues to make waves with her unapologetic and fearless music. With Long Kiss. Good Night, she not only returns to the scene as a powerful voice in hip hop but also reaffirms her commitment to independent artistry. Whether addressing systemic oppression, the challenges of social media, or her deep love for her city, Rivera remains a bold and necessary voice in music and activism. “I know my music is good, and I know that I have something to say,” she said. For those who are ready to listen, Rivera’s music offers a raw and unfiltered perspective on the world around us.
To support her work and stay connected, visit rockyrivera.com or check out her Patreon, where fans can access exclusive content and support her directly. Long Kiss. Good Night is available now, and it’s clear that this is just the beginning of what promises to be a long and impactful career.
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