Kai King Embraces Love Without Labels on Dreamy New Single “RiiidE”

New York City-based singer, songwriter, and Kai King is keeping things fun and carefree with the new single “Riiide,” a dreamy release about enjoying a romantic connection without worrying about where it might lead. Blending pop, R&B, and hip-hop influences with honest songwriting, Kai King captures the excitement of getting close to someone while reminding listeners that not every relationship needs a label to be meaningful.

Known for exploring relationships, identity, and self-discovery through music, Kai King takes a lighter approach with “Riiide,” focusing on those early moments when everything feels exciting, spontaneous, and full of possibility. Rather than getting caught up in questions about the future, the song encourages listeners to enjoy what's happening right now, with the playful lyric, “so I say shut up, enjoy the ride,” perfectly capturing its carefree message.

The idea for “Riiide” started with a simple guitar chord progression that Kai King developed in Logic Pro, recording the initial guitar and vocals before building out the production. After recognizing the song's potential, Kai King teamed up with Brooklyn-based producer waytoofresco to bring another creative perspective to the track, resulting in a collaboration that reflects the artist's love for experimenting with different sounds and styles.

While much of Kai King's music explores the more complicated sides of relationships and personal growth, “Riiiede” offers something refreshing by celebrating the excitement of simply going with the flow. Whether you're catching feelings for someone new, driving around with your favorite person, or just enjoying life without overthinking every detail, the song brings a relatable message that feels easy to connect with.

With “Riiide,” Kai King delivers a reminder that sometimes the best connections happen when you stop worrying about what comes next and just enjoy the ride.

“Riiide” explores that exciting but uncertain stage of a relationship when the “what are we?” conversation starts approaching. What inspired you to write about choosing to enjoy the moment rather than rushing to define the connection? It’s my belief that you can’t miss out on something that’s meant for you, so there’s no need to rush the connection.

The lyric “so I say shut up, enjoy the ride” captures the entire attitude of the track. Does that carefree perspective reflect how you approach relationships personally, or is it something you've had to learn to embrace? It’s definitely not always been my MO, I think I used to be anxious in my relationships, but now I have grown to be more relaxed especially in my current relationship.

You started “Riiide” with a simple guitar chord progression, then developed it in Logic Pro and eventually collaborated with waytoofresco. How did the track evolve throughout that process, and what did waytoofresco bring to the production that helped complete your original vision? There are several evolutions of demos. I brought the original one I recorded and produced in Logic to waytoofresco's studio, and he really added a layer that polished up the sound, like the synth pads in the back and the little snaps and claps!

Your music moves between dream pop, R&B, hip-hop, and other influences. As a singer, songwriter, and DJ, how do those different creative identities influence your sound, and what makes a song feel distinctly like Kai King? Firstly, I am a consumer and lover of music. These are my favorite genres that have influenced my taste, but my music still has a very original sound. I think vocally I channel my inspirations like Kehlani and Ariana Grande, but sonically, especially for RiiiDE, I leaned into the dream pop feel like Claire or mk.gee!

Your songwriting often explores identity, desire, and self-discovery, but “Riiide” embraces a lighter, more playful energy. Are you intentionally moving in a different creative direction? This vibe is definitely a part of myself that I explore in my music, current catalog, and unreleased, but not necessarily. My next single is very deep- a very different vibe! I think a good catalog has variety and a good artist's versatility, not just one sound and the same themes.