Rian Wyld, an independent hip-hop artist from Poughkeepsie, New York, channels personal loss into her music. Born Iman Gray, she adopted the stage name Rian Wyld in memory of her brother, Ryan, who was killed by gun violence in 2014.

Her early exposure to music came from her family’s basement, where turntables and vinyl records, spanning genres such as hip-hop, gospel, R&B, rock, and jazz, filled the space. In high school, she studied classical piano and later earned a bachelor’s degree in music. These influences helped shape her style, blending piano arrangements with lyricism drawn from hip-hop and soul. She describes her sound as “Rap Soul,” a genre that combines melodic storytelling with rhythm-focused expression.

Wyld has lived in the Bronx since 2015 and continues to release music centered on themes of perseverance and healing. Her work often speaks to listeners coping with personal challenges.

Recently, Wyld has gained national attention after publicly criticizing legendary producer Timbaland. The feud stems from Timbaland’s plans to launch an artificial intelligence-based record label, Stage Zero, and his BeatClub platform, which charges independent artists fees for music reviews and feedback. Wyld released a diss track targeting Timbaland, accusing him of exploiting independent artists and promoting artificial intelligence over genuine creativity. She also took issue with comments she described as dismissive, including being referred to as “baby girl,” and raised broader concerns about AI’s role in music and its potential to sideline human artistry.

The feud has sparked widespread media coverage. Outlets such as AllHipHop.com and Urban Magazine reported on Wyld’s diss track and her criticism of Timbaland’s AI initiatives. AllHipHop.com highlighted the diss track’s direct accusations of exploitation, while Urban Magazine focused on her critique of the impact of artificial intelligence on independent talent. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok further amplified the feud, with viral clips of Wyld’s performance and commentary on the ethics of AI in the music industry.

Focused on empowering women while championing independent artistry, Rian Wyld is looking forward to connecting with her fans and perfecting her craft. “My goal has always been making meaningful music, art that will resonate with my fans, and honor my brother’s memory,” she explains. “Here’s the plan… Record, release, promote, and repeat!”