KARMA RIVERA
My artistic practice is a fusion of music, storytelling, and cultural expression rooted in personal experience and community. As a rapper and performer, I explore themes of identity, empowerment, resilience, and self-discovery, drawing from my puerto rican heritage, urban upbringing, and queer identity. My work is deeply shaped by the intersections of these identities, allowing me to create music that is not only a reflection of who I am but also a platform for amplifying voices that resonate with my life journey.
Aesthetically, my music is a blend of hip-hop, pop, and Latin influences, resulting in an energetic, genre-fluid sound that challenges traditional boundaries. Through my lyrics and soundscapes, I aim to craft narratives that resonate across cultural lines, making space for connection and representation. I draw inspiration from both the vibrant street style that informs urban music and sporty casual-fashion aesthetics, combining these elements in my visuals and branding to reflect the duality of my experience—where gritty authenticity meets refined expression.
My process is intuitive and collaborative. I find creativity through both solitude and the energy exchange with the audience. From freestyling to meticulously crafting verses, I aim to tell stories that not only entertain but also provoke thought and inspire in a fun playful way.
Performance is central to my practice—whether onstage or in intimate settings, I engage with audiences in a way that makes them feel empowered and seen. The stage becomes a space for liberation, both for me as an artist and for the audience, where joy, identity, and raw emotion are celebrated.
Being based in Portland has heavily influenced my development. I’ve witnessed the challenges and beauty of being an artist in a small but growing music scene, and I embrace my role as a hometown advocate for the city’s cultural and musical growth. My work has also been shaped by the need to create space for myself as a queer woman of color in environments that often lack representation. Through mentorship and community involvement, I engage with emerging artists, sharing my experiences and offering tools for self-expression.
Moving forward, I am interested in further exploring the intersection of fashion and music, using visual aesthetics to deepen the storytelling in my music. I am also delving into my cultural roots through sound and narrative, integrating more Latinx elements into my work to highlight the richness and complexity of my heritage.