Rize Michael Shines on New Album "i can’t wait to know you, always"

Rize Michael’s new 13-track project, "i can’t wait to know you, always", is both a reflection and a reckoning — a deeply personal exploration of love, self-discovery, and transformation. The Atlanta-based artist, originally from Omaha, Nebraska, has long used his music to unpack the emotions of change: leaving home, confronting uncertainty, and embracing growth. On this album, Rize — also known as Lo — creates an immersive, emotional journey that captures the full spectrum of heartbreak, acceptance, and renewal.

The album’s title, taken from a note an ex left ending with, "i can’t wait to know you, always", sets the tone for its emotional depth. Rather than dwelling on loss, Rize uses the sentiment as a point of reflection. It becomes a reminder that even relationships that don’t last can lead to understanding and personal evolution. Across the record, he focuses less on sorrow and more on clarity, exploring how love continues to influence identity long after it’s gone.

Throughout the project, Rize strikes a rare balance between introspection and assurance. His vulnerability feels grounded in wisdom, not fragility. Musically, the album moves fluidly between alternative, hip-hop, indie, and soulful pop — showcasing his creative versatility and unrestrained approach. His background in physics and fascination with the cosmos seem to echo through the sound design; each track orbits themes of connection and discovery while maintaining its own atmosphere.

The production, led by Parker Howard, Chris X, and Rize himself, is detailed and deliberate. Every texture and rhythm feels purposeful, serving the emotional weight of the lyrics. Collaborations with Steven Joseph, Shaudie Man, and others expand the sound without disrupting its cohesion. These guest moments complement Rize’s tone and vision, highlighting his ability to merge styles naturally and meaningfully.

Focus single, “things you wouldn't say”, featuring Shaudie Man stands as the emotional center of the record. It captures the essence of the project — rebuilding trust in oneself and in love after heartbreak. The arrangement unfolds patiently, carried by Rize’s expressive delivery and understated production that keeps the focus on emotion. It’s a song about finding resilience through openness, illustrating the strength that comes from embracing vulnerability. Beneath its upbeat rhythm lies a story about unspoken emotions and missed connections, fitting seamlessly into the album’s larger narrative about honesty and acceptance.

“where you go” offers one of the album’s most heartfelt moments. Originally recorded years ago and long kept private, it finally finds its place here, bringing warmth and nostalgia. Its inclusion feels symbolic — a full-circle moment of letting go and honoring growth. "i can’t wait to know you, always", is less about heartbreak itself and more about what comes after — the rebuilding, the reflection, the rediscovery. Rize weaves these ideas into a cohesive, emotionally resonant collection that feels both intimate and universal. His storytelling avoids excess sentimentality, focusing instead on perspective and growth.

At its core, this album reads like a letter to the self — an acknowledgment that endings and beginnings often blur together. Rize embraces the messiness of love and change with grace, finding beauty in imperfection. His blend of gospel-rooted emotion, poetic lyricism, and fearless experimentation makes, "i can’t wait to know you, always", an album that lingers.

For an artist already known for fluid genre-crossing, this project solidifies Rize Michael as a voice capable of turning personal reflection into collective resonance. It’s a record that invites listeners to sit with their own stories, reminding them that closure doesn’t mean finality — it means understanding.