Like the Sun Didn’t Sink is the fifth full-length album from American hip-hop artist River Nelson after his critically acclaimed LPs The Rise and Fall of River Nelson, The Shape of the Sky, How To Dream, and Power, Resilience & Joy.
The album also serves as the introduction of River and Alto, consisting of River on vocals and gifted Los Angeles producer Altobeats who produced the entire album. The two will continue to make music as a duo in the future.
Made up of 10 tracks, the album has songs that marry intense lyricism with soulful, musical production. “Songs on this album are layered, so one can listen to them repeatedly and get something new each time,” River explains. “We want this album to be a source of joy and inspiration for people, because each song sounds hopeful on some level.”
“I think people will vibe to the stories and their message,” added Alto. “To me, the message is about looking back and feeling gratitude at how far one has gone in reaching their goals. I’m hoping it inspires others to work on becoming a better version of themselves, while doing the things they love.”
Songs on “Like the Sun Didn’t Sink'' include the bright and optimistic “New View,” the uplifting “Greatest of Lights,” and the heart wrenching love tale “Years & Miles,” which is backed by lush keys and strings. Other cuts on the album include “Come Up,” which masterfully details River’s journey from a young hip-hop fan, to living in New York and trying to break into the music business.
And why is the album called “Like the Sun Didn’t Sink?”
“I usually like to write in the morning and whenever I wrote for this album the sun was always blazing and the sky was always crystal blue,” River explains. “It was like the sun never sank while we were making this project, which I thought was a fitting title.”
The concept of “Greatest of Lights” is based on River’s belief that we’re all protected by the highest and strongest spiritual force, God, who River calls The Greatest of Lights.
“Have you ever experienced a dangerous moment but got out of it totally unscathed? asks River. “Or have you ever received something in life out of nowhere that you desperately needed? “That’s what Greatest of Lights is about. It’s a way for me to celebrate being watched over without telling people what to believe or think.”
The video follows the story of a married couple who are deeply in love. Throughout, we see the husband — played by Derrick Vidrine — on his way back home after working a job out of town.
At the start of his trip, he phones his wife — played by Kaiya Cheyenne — but she’s extremely worried because he’s hours away and is leaving late at night.
On the husband’s way home, however, we see that he’s being protected by the Greatest of Lights that River raps about. We also see the husband dreaming of his wife’s loving touch, as he dozes off behind the wheel.
The video, directed by James I. Austen, is a touching tale about love, spirituality and faith.
Stream ‘Like The Sun Didn’t Sink’ Here: https://www.catapultdistribution.com/magnet/River-Nelson/Like-the-Sun-Didn't-Sink
For more information on River Nelson and Alto Beats
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rivernelsonmc/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/rivnel
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/river.nelson
Bandcamp: https://rivernelson.bandcamp.com/
https://www.altobeats.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/altobeats/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/altobeats01
