Rief Rawyal Biography
Rief Rawyal is a name that stands strong in the world of independent hip-hop. His real name is Sharrief K. Bouchet. He is a rapper, producer, and songwriter from New York. Rawyal started making music over fifteen years ago. He built his career step by step without big record labels. His songs mix raw lyrics with smooth beats. Many fans love his honest style. He earned gold and platinum certifications for his work. These awards show that millions of people have streamed his tracks. In 2022, he released a song called “Pain and Pleasure.” This single brought him new attention. It also led to a major legal case. Rawyal filed a lawsuit worth 110 million dollars against rapper Lil Uzi Vert. He claims the hit song “Just Wanna Rock” copies his work too closely. The case is still active as of November 2025. It highlights problems in the music industry. Many independent artists face stolen ideas and lost earnings. Rawyal fights for fair credit and payment. His story teaches us about hard work, creativity, and standing up for rights. This biography covers his life in simple steps. It starts from his early days and ends with his future goals. Readers will learn how one person can make a big impact in music.
Rief Rawyal Early Life
Sharrief K. Bouchet was born in New York City. He grew up in Harlem. This neighborhood is famous for its rich culture and music history. Harlem shaped his love for hip-hop. As a child, he heard rap music everywhere. Streets, radios, and parks played songs from the 1990s golden era. Artists like Wu-Tang Clan influenced him. Their real-life stories in lyrics caught his ear. Rawyal faced tough times growing up. Urban challenges were common. He saw friends struggle with poverty and violence. These experiences later appeared in his songs. Themes of resilience and hope run through his music. Family played a key role. They supported his dreams. His mother and relatives encouraged creativity. Rawyal spent hours writing rhymes as a teen. He used music as an escape. By the early 2000s, he recorded his first demos at home. Simple equipment helped him start. Harlem’s energy fueled his passion. He joined local cyphers. These are freestyle rap battles. They sharpened his skills. Rawyal learned to tell stories with words. His early life built a strong foundation. It turned a young boy into a determined artist.
Rief Rawyal Education
Details about Rief Rawyal’s formal education remain private. He has not shared school names or degrees in public interviews. However, his music shows deep knowledge. Rawyal studied hip-hop history on his own. He listened to classic albums and read about producers. Self-education became his path. In a 2012 interview with NY Daily News, he mentioned learning from life experiences. He said visions and personal growth taught him more than classrooms. Rawyal focused on music skills early. He practiced beat-making and lyric writing daily.
Rief Rawyal Career
Rief Rawyal’s career began in the early 2010s. He released his first single in 2011. The song “Echo” featured D Ellis. It appeared on platforms like SoundCloud. Fans noticed his unique sound. Melodic hooks mixed with rap verses. In 2012, NY Daily News featured him. The article highlighted his independent hustle. Rawyal built a team slowly. He handled production, writing, and promotion himself. By 2013, he dropped “Slippin’ Into Darkness.” A music video followed. It showed raw energy and social messages. The song gained local play. Hot 97 radio station aired his tracks. This exposure grew his fan base.
The year 2018 brought a big collaboration. Rawyal remixed “L.A.N.K.” It featured Herb McGruff, Arsonal Da Rebel, Moe Mansun, and Young Haze. The posse cut blended battle rap styles. Streams increased quickly. In 2019, he released the album “Hip-Hop in the Raw.” It included nine tracks. Songs like “All a Dream” and “The Killing Gotta Stop” stood out. The album earned gold certification. This means over 500,000 units sold or streamed. Platinum status followed for some tracks. BET network featured his videos. Rawyal became known as a multi-talented artist.
The 2020s marked new growth. During the pandemic, he created more music. In August 2022, “Pain and Pleasure” launched. The single used tresillo rhythm and catchy phrases. It went viral on social media. Two months later, Lil Uzi Vert released “Just Wanna Rock” in October 2022. Rawyal noticed strong similarities. He hired experts for analysis. A forensic report from 2024 claimed 97 percent match in elements. Tempo, rhythm, and word choices aligned closely. Rawyal filed a lawsuit in 2024. He sued Lil Uzi Vert, whose real name is Symere Woods. The case also names Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group. Rawyal seeks 110 million dollars. He claims lost income and damage to his name. The lawsuit demands co-ownership of the song. It asks for an injunction to stop further use. Court documents mention Lanre Gaba. He is the president of Hip-Hop and R&B at Atlantic Records. Rawyal shared unreleased music with Gaba in 2012. This connection is part of the case. As of November 2025, the lawsuit continues. It raises awareness about copyright issues.
Rawyal kept releasing music amid the legal battle. In 2024, he dropped “KING OF MUSIC Vol.1 Rawyalgorhythms.” The album mixed genres. It showed his growth as a producer. In 2025, two projects arrived. “TALENTED 2: Language Art” focused on spoken-word rap. “CLUB FORENSICS (Pain and Pleasure Playlist)” expanded the 2022 single. It included new versions and analysis tools. Rawyal promotes his work on RawyalMusic.com. He runs digital marketing campaigns. His strategies reach over one billion impressions. Grammy consideration campaigns run for his 2025 albums. Rawyal also explores film soundtracks. He aims to score movies in the future.
Here is a list of his key releases for easy reference:
- 2011: Echo (featuring D Ellis) – Single. Debut track with melodic style.
- 2013: Slippin’ Into Darkness – Single. Included a directed music video.
- 2018: L.A.N.K (Remix featuring Herb McGruff, Arsonal Da Rebel, Moe Mansun, Young Haze) – Single. Collaborative hit with battle elements.
- 2019: Hip-Hop in the Raw – Album. Nine tracks, earned gold and platinum certifications.
- 2022: Pain and Pleasure – Single. Center of the ongoing lawsuit.
- 2024: KING OF MUSIC Vol.1 Rawyalgorhythms – Album. Experimental sounds.
- 2025: TALENTED 2: Language Art – Album. Fusion of rap and poetry.
- 2025: CLUB FORENSICS (Pain and Pleasure Playlist) – Album. Extended playlist with forensic details.
Rawyal’s career shows steady progress. He stays independent. This gives him full control. His work inspires new artists to protect their creations.
Rief Rawyal Personal Life
Rief Rawyal keeps his personal life private. He focuses public talk on music and business. No confirmed details exist about a spouse or children. He lives in New York. This keeps him close to his roots. Rawyal follows a healthy lifestyle. Performance videos show an athletic build. He is estimated to be in his mid-40s based on career start in 2012. Exact birth date is not public. Family remains a source of strength. In lyrics, he mentions loved ones as motivation. Songs like “Don’t Stop Now” reflect personal mantras. Rawyal values mental health. He uses music to process challenges. Industry stress is real for him. The lawsuit adds pressure. Yet, he stays positive. Social media posts share words of wisdom. He encourages fans to chase dreams. Rawyal enjoys reading and learning. Books on history and law interest him. This ties into his copyright fight. He avoids drama outside work. Focus stays on creation and growth. Fans respect his low-key approach. It adds mystery to his persona.
Conclusion
Rief Rawyal’s journey proves dedication pays off. From Harlem streets to gold records, he built success alone. His music touches hearts with truth. The ongoing lawsuit fights for all creators. It may change how the industry handles ideas. Rawyal continues to release fresh sounds in 2025. His legacy grows daily. He shows that one voice can challenge giants. Future plans include tours and more albums. Rawyal wants to help young artists. He shares tips on marketing and rights. His story ends on a high note of hope. Independent spirits like him keep hip-hop alive. Support his work by streaming today. Rawyal’s rhythm will echo for years.
FAQs
Who is Rief Rawyal?
Rief Rawyal is an independent rapper and producer. His real name is Sharrief K. Bouchet. He comes from New York and has gold-certified music.
What is Rief Rawyal’s real name?
His real name is Sharrief K. Bouchet.
Why is Rief Rawyal suing Lil Uzi Vert?
He filed a 110 million dollar lawsuit in 2024. Rawyal claims “Just Wanna Rock” copies his 2022 song “Pain and Pleasure.” A forensic report supports the claim.
When did Rief Rawyal start his career?
He released his first single in 2011. Early features appeared in 2012.
What are some Rief Rawyal songs?
Key songs include “Echo” from 2011, “Pain and Pleasure” from 2022, and albums like “Hip-Hop in the Raw” from 2019.
Has Rief Rawyal won any awards?
His music earned gold and platinum certifications. No major award wins are confirmed as of 2025.
Where can I listen to Rief Rawyal’s music?
Stream on Spotify, Apple Music, or visit RawyalMusic.com.