Liv.e & Karriem Riggins Form New Duo GENA + Share Debut Joint “Circlesz”

Dynamic Dallas-born, LA-based artist Liv.e and renowned drummer/producer Karriem Riggins are joining forces as the spirited new collaborative duo GENA. Short for “God Energy, Naturally Amazing” and loosely inspired by Gina from Martin, the GENA collaborative project channels the instinctive musical prowess of both musicians while colliding their imitable styles. The result is a playful, soul-laden improvisational body of work that captures Liv.e’s raw vision to reconstruct R&B her way, coupled with Karriem’s masterful percussive universe that spans improvisation and beat-making alchemy. The two first met through a mutual musical acquaintance and quickly recognized each other as kindred musical spirits, playing shows together under the mysterious GENA moniker beginning earlier this year.

As their first offering of original music as a duo, GENA is sharing new single “CIRCLESZ”, an analog, rhythmic track cradled by the measured layers of Liv.e’s vocals. The song speaks to the intoxicating connection you can build with another person and small moments that color that romantic bond.

Liv.e’s musical journey embodies the freedom of experimentation that she first showed with critically acclaimed debut album Couldn’t Wait to Tell You…. Her subsequent followup, the widely celebrated Girl in The Half Pearl marked a breakout year for Liv.e in 2023, making surprise appearances at last year’s Camp Flog Gnaw Carnival to join both Earl Sweatshirt and Andre 3000 on stage for their respective sets. Liv.e has continued to tinker with her place in music and has allowed her creative moniker to exist as a conduit for her ideas, most recently venturing into synthwave with her PAST FUTURE.e project released in 2024. Liv.e is currently on Earl Sweatshirt’s Live. Laugh. Love. world tour, joined by ZelooperZ and Cletus Strap.

Detroit native Karriem Riggins has solidified himself as one of the most respected drummers and beatmakers in music today. Over the course of his career he has played with and produced for the likes of Common, Erykah Badu, KAYTRANADA, Steve Lacy, The Roots, Madlib, Paul McCartney, Norah Jones and notably formed a close kinship with the late Detroit legend J Dilla. In 2017, Riggins won an Emmy for Outstanding Original Music and lyrics for his work with Common and Robert Glasper on “Letter to the Free” from Ava Duvernay’s film 13th. Most recently, Riggins reunited with Common and collaborated with James Poyser to create “Victory”, the NBA on Prime theme music for the 2025/2026 basketball season and beyond.

The post Liv.e & Karriem Riggins Form New Duo GENA + Share Debut Joint “Circlesz” first appeared on Rap Industry: New Hip Hop, Rap Videos, Music, News, & more..