Bold and Bad: Rhea Raj Delivers with new EP ‘COMMOTION’
- Anderson Longenecker
- Oct 5
- 5 min read
Rhea Raj serves hot girl realness this season with her recently released EP COMMOTION. Adding to her already impressive musical catalogue, the Indian-American singer, writer, and producer flaunts the dark pop, femme fatale concept. Writing, composing, and producing every song on COMMOTION, Rhea expresses her strong artistic vision as she continues to spearhead a name for herself in the industry.
Rhea Raj is best known for her viral hits "Devil in a Dress" and "Outside" and her vibrant, eye-catching fashion. She released her debut album Hunter last year, including her self-produced music video for the song "PRAY ON IT."
While being a new name for some, Rhea Raj has a history of performing and composing—she placed as a finalist on American Idol at the age of fifteen and grew up in a musical family. Rhea learned classical Indian dance from her mother who is a professional instructor, and incorporates these influences into her music and choreography, producing dance-heavy music videos. She also co-founded Misschief Records with her sister, Lara Raj, who is a member of the girl group KATSEYE.
The EP COMMOTION is composed of six tracks and includes the collaboration song "Haute Couture" with Aliyah's Interlude, who is best known for her viral hit "IT GIRL" and bold fashion style. Consistently throughout her career, Rhea Raj has executed a strong artistic vision for her fashion and music, all while including elements of her heritage, either musically or visually. COMMOTION, which was released on August 6, is no different.
"Killer"
The album starts strong with "Killer," a dark pop track featuring Rhea's silky vocals and a beat so catchy that you may start dancing. Rhea produces a sound that is simultaneously breathy yet polished as she sings about needing someone wholly dedicated to her, someone bleak and dangerous.
Given Rhea's past music videos, it's unsurprising to fans that "Killer" also features a dance-heavy production. She shows off her dancing skills with the strong choreography, creating impactful shots as her dancers frame her in the center.
Rhea sports stunning outfits in the music video—a gemstone top, silvery waist chain, chrome boots, and purple skirt which later transforms into a red, mesh full-body suit, complete with a vibrant red sari. Playing with contrasts to cast intense shadows, Rhea's gemstone outfit and bindi capture the available light, swathing everything else in darkness. At the end of the video, the red sari alludes to a path leading to her or perhaps like a trail of blood on the ground, fitting with the title of the song.
On September 25, Rhea released "Killer - Stripped Version," turning the song into a more soulful track. The piano notes dance in the background as Rhea delivers a charismatic and passionate performance in softer notes than the original song.
Watch the music video for "Killer" here:
The next song, "COMMOTION," brings listeners into a faster tempo with a catchy drum beat and fuzzy, buzzing synths. Rhea flexes her singing capabilities in this song, effortlessly moving between sultry low tones and soaring high notes. Much like the song’s title, Rhea sings about her independence and how she cannot be tamed, sometimes causing a commotion in the process.
"He said I'm the coldest
Causing a commotion
Mixing up the potion
Got me blooming like a lotus"
This song (and also the rest of the album, to be honest) will fit perfectly into your getting ready to go out playlist.
Both known for having a vibrant sense of style, Rhea Raj and Aliyah's Interlude come together in this track as the fierce, fashionista baddies that they are. For this song, Rhea Raj worked with composer and lyricist Amanda Ibanez (also known as Kiddo A.I.) who has worked on other hits such as "Crazy" by LE SSERAFIM and "Sunset Blvd" by Selena Gomez.
With a catchy beat and refrain, the pop track "Haute Couture" features lyrics that express finding confidence within yourself and your style. Both leaders in the online fashion world, Rhea Raj and Aliyah's Interlude set an example for others with their maximalist styles and living true to themselves. The artists' bold styles unapologetically garner the attention they deserve, and with this party anthem, they encourage others to do the same.
In the music video, both Rhea Raj and Aliyah's Interlude stun in their respective statement pieces as they dance together. Like a statement for life, everyone has a little bit of the spotlight.
This hot girl track was initially released as a single earlier this year in February and both artists performed the song together at Lollapalooza in August. More recently, on August 15, Rhea also released “Haute Couture - Slush Puppy Remix” with San Diego-born singer Slush Puppy, turning the track industrial. The club setting of the music video may remind viewers of a boiler room set as the flashing lights and close-ups of both Rhea Raj and Slush Puppy match the biting vocalizations.
Watch the music video for "Haute Couture" feat. Aliyah's Interlude here:
"Mumbai"
"Mumbai" features echoed vocalizations with a catchy trap beat as Rhea sings her warning for people who may attempt to take advantage. While she may be beautiful, that doesn't mean that she can be messed with.
"Don't make me say it twice
I'm a pretty bitch but I'll bite ya
First class flight to Mumbai
Rockstar life for the night, yeah"
With warm lighting and a desert scene, the music video opens with Rhea sporting a top as lavish as a chandelier with branches creating dimension around her body. The beautiful sari fabrics pop in the background of the scenes, adding a sense of luxury. The beauty isn't just for show, however. Her dyed-blue hands and fantastical abilities towards her man in the video all alludes to Rhea as a goddess who is in control of her relationships and surroundings. Everything is about her agency as a person.
Watch the music video for "Mumbai" here:
A blend of pop and R&B, the dreamy "Now That Ur Gone" takes a more mellow and airy feel compared to the rest of the EP. We are again hit with Rhea's smooth vocals, creating an intimate feel as Rhea sings about letting go and the freedom that comes from ending a bad relationship. The high notes add to the airy feeling as Rhea goes higher into a falsetto vocal run.
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Rhea Raj adds COMMOTION to her vivid musical catalog, giving listeners their hot girl, main character moment. As a rising star, Rhea solidifies herself as a dedicated artist with a powerful singing voice and artistic vision with each project release. It’s clear from her expressive productions; Rhea Raj has much more in store for her career.
What do you think about COMMOTION? Which song is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below or by reaching out to us on Instagram or X.
Edited by Samuel Chacko
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