In this episode of Million Dollaz Worth of Game, Gillie & Wallo shine the spotlight on Rio Da Yung OG, a rapper whose release from prison in December 2024 marked a fresh chapter in his career. After serving over three years behind bars, he’s come out swinging, and he’s here to talk about it all. The conversation also offers a sneak peek into INTROS with Gillie & Wallo, the new show featuring the hosts.
Rio’s comeback is already making waves, with one of his recent videos hitting 10 million views in just three weeks. But despite the numbers, he remains grounded. “I’m not too caught up in the hype,” he says. “There’s more to life than views and followers. Those things can be manipulated. What matters most to me is the real connections I make with people.” It’s clear that for Rio, the focus is on authenticity rather than chasing superficial metrics.
In a candid discussion about his music career, Rio reflects on how it all started. Initially, he wasn’t focused on rapping but hustling. His connection to Detroit rapper Peezy, through mutual contacts, marked a turning point. After getting indicted on federal charges, Rio’s music journey took off. His first tape, Testers, released in April 2019, opened doors, and his hustle soon paid off. With features earning him between $500-$100 per song, he quickly gained traction.
However, Rio’s path hasn’t been without its challenges. He was charged with conspiracy and gun-related charges (924c) as part of a federal case involving 11 co-defendants, most of whom he didn’t know. Despite no drugs being found, Rio was charged based on wiretaps. He spent 21 days in jail before being granted bond, and it was during this time that he began to reflect on the importance of his music career.
Reflecting on his time behind bars, Rio remains focused on the future. “I didn’t want to be locked up for something so small, but I’ve grown since then,” he says. His time behind bars has led him to a deeper understanding of life, and now, with his freedom restored, he’s committed to pushing his music career forward and nurturing meaningful relationships.
Rio’s rise to success has been marked by his ability to adapt. His streaming revenue started modestly—earning $1,600 in his first month—but quickly grew to over $5,000. He worked closely with RMC Mike, a long-time collaborator, with whom he shares a competitive yet supportive dynamic. They’ve known each other for over 14 years, and their collaboration is rooted in mutual respect and a drive to push each other forward.
When talking about his past, Rio recalls a surreal moment involving a friend caught up in a chaotic situation with drugs. Even after using cocaine, his friend remained unfazed, which highlighted just how out of control their lives had become. “It was absurd,” Rio says, recognizing the harsh realities of their choices and how they reflect the struggle many face.
The conversation takes a deeper turn as Rio reflects on the changing landscape of the music industry. “You gotta stay consistent with your drops,” he says, emphasizing the need to release music frequently—at least once every quarter. He also notes the importance of evolving as an artist, warning against getting stagnant. As fame becomes more accessible, Rio suggests it’s losing some of its value. “Celebrity status doesn’t hold the same weight anymore,” he observes, adding that real, meaningful music that connects with people is what truly matters.
The conversation also covers the shift in how celebrities are perceived in today’s world. With social media creating more accessibility to famous figures, Rio argues that the value of fame has decreased. Instead, he stresses that the focus should be on authentic human connections rather than material displays of wealth or status. This theme runs throughout the conversation, with Rio reflecting on how social media often contributes to fake personas and misperceptions, particularly in the black community, where external appearances sometimes mask internal struggles.
Looking ahead, Rio is more focused than ever on his career and upcoming projects. He’s ready to share his story and the music he’s been working on. “Everything I’ve been through is shaping what’s next for me,” he says, confident that his experiences will fuel his creativity and drive.
