RIOGRAPHY
RIO aka R.I.O
You've heard of the name, now get to know the man behind it - Ow Ya Mean!
RIO is an established artist hailing from Manchester, UK. Learning his trade on the Manchester underground music scene in Moss side with (Streetsmart Crew), RIO quickly became a household name in his hometown. RIO's first single 'Narrow Roads' (Prod by Bless beats) went on to gain great momentum with Radio 1 and Radio BBC 1Xtra DJs - Target, Mista Jam, Annie Nightingale, Mary Anne Hobbs, Dj Cameo, Ras Kwame, Twin B & DJ Q who heavily supported the Mancunian star. The single went straight in at Number 4 on the BBC 1xtra's UKG chart and was featured on Sky sports show 'Soccer AM'.Following up from the success of 'Narrow roads' RIO released a mixtape 'Bottom to the top' that went on to clock 15,000 downloads in one week and was nominated for 'The best grime mixtape' 2010 at the Mixtape awards in London.
RIO's consistency and output led him to his most decorated video thus far 'Cant stop we' Feat Mr Benz. Within 3 days the video went viral reaching 150,000 views in just three days. Major press outlets were excited to identify how RIO managed to get a host of celebrities in his video including; Mario Balotelli, Rio Ferdinand, Misha B, Tim Westwood, Labrinth and Brooke Vincent.
If you've only just discovered RIO then the 'No Stone Unturned' Documentary is a good starting point to gain an insight into RIO's journey from 2008. The creation of the Manchester Grime scene, what is like to perform in front of thousands and share the stage with some of the worlds biggest artists.
Unfortunately personal issues got in the way of RIO's progression which led him to take a four year break from music. The Mancunian hero is reborn, refreshed and ready to go with a new sound, clean look and a story to tell. Read more about the return of RIO in the below article from the most engaged local social publisher in the North West, The Manc.
In November 2020, RIO released his highly anticipated debut album 'The Good, The Bad & The Ugly' produced by JSD featuring Mr Benz, Aya Bleu and Misha B. Within the album RIO showcases everything that life has dealt him, coming from Moss Side, relationships struggles, being a father, living in St Vincent, absence of a mother and being raised by his gran. You can read more about the album and listen to it here.
In the documentary below RIO shares insight into the production behind GBU with behind the scenes footage working with fellow Manc producer JSD and recording with long time friend and fellow established artist Misha B.
MUSIC
RIO has always had music in his soul. His dad Steven Richards known in Manchester as Mr Ed aka Papaye was a well known sound system man who travelled the country with his sound setup. RIOs dad also plays the drums running classes around Manchester some of which RIO used to attend as a teenager. RIOs mum a very elegant woman would always be playing Motown and reggae music regularly during weekends when house chores and cooking would commence. Music is a God given gift that enables RIO to connect with people around the world.
FAMILY
RIO is a family orientated artist. This has been and still is documented throughout RIOs life. Having two handsome young boys his Fans and supporters have witnessed what a fantastic and loving Father he is. Not only to his own children but to nephews, Nieces, cousins etc RIO goes above and beyond to ensure his family are always put first. RIO is the youngest of his three other female siblings. Family to RIO is his top priority after God.
COMMUNITY
Community is something RIO takes seriously which is well documented throughout his music. Coming from a community that has suffered with Gang culture, drugs, violence etc RIO managed to navigate himself away in his mid 20s. Moss side is known for a lot of negativity but RIO demonstrates what can be achieved by overcoming fear and peer pressure, by travelling around the world and doing some major tours. Since his break in 2016 RIO has come back strong in 2020 with new content illustrating that his community is close to his heart with videos 'Black Lives Matter', ' Moss Side tribute' and 'One Voice freestyle. RIO is a community leader using his art to regain positivity.
BUSINESS
RIO is an independent business owner away from music. His business enables his clients to make compensation claims whenever they are eligible to do so. One of RIO's best friends and mentors Craig Cornick introduced RIO to the claims world and with his guidance RIO has saw success running it independently over the the past 5 years.
FITNESS
RIO has always been somebody who stayed fit throughout his life having played football at a reputable level for Barrow AFC who at the time were in the conference league. His father also was once the UK Thai boxing champion and would take him down to the gym to do pad work and core training. RIO has now drafted in one of his best friends and Personal trainer Ramone Kelly (Dodga) to help him get into peak condition for when he starts touring and performing at shows again. Health is wealth and RIO demonstrates this all over his social media platforms inspiring his supporters to do the same.
fASHION
RIO has always had an eye for fashion through his Mother Jannis who ran her own fashion shop in Chicago called 'Xshatara'. RIO takes pride in his appearance and has made it clear it is an avenue he would like to explore in the near future.
Check out out some of RIOs fashion pictures in the Gallery.