Singer-Songwriter and Rapper Rishaad Blends Pop and Hip-Hop Angst on ‘Sad Reel’

Wary of the looming technology overdependence that came when pandemic-related lockdowns kicked in during early 2020, Geneva-born, Gurugram-based artist Rishaad Chaudhry took to making music. Four song releases later, he’s exhibiting dexterity as he blends airy singer-songwriter pop vocal lines alongside a marked hip-hop flow on his latest, “Sad Reel.”

Over a skittering, booming beat by Hungarian producer Erik Kristof aka Almos Beatz, Chaudhry bares his heart about the things that are keeping him sleepless and emotional. “This is a sad hip-hop song about wanting peace in life from the hardships of attachment, friendship and love. It reflects on the value of trust and how easily it is broken in this generation and the harsh effect this has on an individual,” the 20-year-old artist said in a statement.

Inspired by hitmakers such as The Kid LAROI, the late Juice WRLD and Drake, Chaudhry also takes stock of his anxieties around “the fear of failure in music.” Towards the end of the song, however, he sees a sense of resolve and refuge: “These words I write, they heal me up.”

“Sad Reel” – Chaudhry’s fifth single – rounded off a year of releases, which started with his debut song “Give You All.” From upbeat offerings like “For You” to slow-burn lo-fi emo ballads like “Not Alright,” Chaudhry has been exploring genres. “My inspiration comes from my life experiences, whether it be love, friendship, heartbreak, hardships, as well as the happy memories. To be able to conjure up these experiences in the form of a song, I believe is truly amazing and thus wish to pursue music as a career,” he added.

Listen to “Sad Reel” below. Stream on more platforms here.