04Riley: The Kansas City Interview — Don't Let Bad Thoughts Take Over

04Riley (formerly Riley Macc) is a Kansas City rapper, producer, and audio engineer from Blue Springs, Missouri — a core collaborator across the Duff Radio discography and founder of the Don't Let Bad Thoughts Take Over movement. He sat down with Duff Radio — where he's also been a guest on the podcast — to talk Blue Springs roots, the KC underground, and the records. His answers below are untouched.

For anyone hearing you for the first time, who is 04Riley and how would you describe your sound?

04riley, he is a young adult creating music as an outlet to express himself and grow through things. Growing up “in poverty” (said his first girlfriend's father), it was full observation mode from the start.

Being the older twin, & 2nd to youngest of 5, Riley found himself learning through others' mistakes. Mom and Dad were addicted to drugs, the oldest brother was a crash out, the other brother was a nerd, his big sister was a bossy pants. Leaving Riley and Haley. Riley was always the “normal one”; he had friends, did regular school. Haley had a slight temper, and was born with seizures.

Riley and Haley went to 14 different elementary schools. There was a lot of reminiscing about the past/ wishing things were better than they were. They were surrounded by love, but at the same time were distracted by inconsistency.

I think this really reflects on 04riley and his music, every song is derived from an experience. From a place of being uncomfortable enough to force it into art..

Riley lost his twin Haley at 18, and his mom at 21. Every bit of complexity is felt, and is all let out. His Spotify bio also sums it up though, “cloud rap type sh* presented by a sad mf.”.

You're from Blue Springs and deep in the Kansas City scene. How did growing up there shape your music?

Growing up I would hear the old “Mix 93.3” if my mom was driving, or I'd hear “Johnny Dare’s Morning Show” strictly if my dad was driving. He has no tolerance for stuff outside of rock. I enjoy dad rock but am very thankful my mom put me on things like rap, r&b and metallica. I have to give props to my siblings for keeping my music taste alive no doubt. My older brother Logan jammed ICP, (insane clown posse) and my older sister played Kid Cudi, Kanye, ect. I’m probably the last era of people that did get their music taste from the radio though.

Where does the name "04Riley" come from?

04riley, the name comes from wanting to present myself more authentic and it felt good for branding. I was also born in 04.

How did you first link up with Ty McDuffey & Duff Radio?

My first time meeting Ty McDuffey with Duff Radio was when I was 16. We had followed each other on Instagram, and he asked if I wanted to go to this video shoot. I said yes and we continued to hangout for what is now a 5+ year friendship. He always believed in me and offered any resource I could have needed. From rides, studio time, anything. My guy has been there believing in the vision since the start. My brother.

What's your take on the Kansas City underground hip-hop scene right now, who should people be watching?

My take on the KC music scene is we all have a similar goal, but the city is only so big. So home field will never compare to LA or NY. But there is still community and cliques, I think we're in the right direction. Some peeps to look out for, hmm. I think whoever you find and groove with. You'll attract your people.

OkCasheyy, No limit TC, Chrome Club - they all have motion and have shows you can catch.

Tell us about a recent performance, what are KC shows like?

The last show I did, I believe was a show OkCasheyy hosted. It's always a community, some familiar faces, some new. There is always a great amount of support and people networking. This show had lots of different crowds so you can always find your people.

Walk us through "Upset" with Jace Camden and Zajikc off Duff Radio Mixtape Vol. 3. How did that one come together?

The song “Upset”, oh man. There is actually a lot to this one, this Duff Radio session was slightly off. I believe there was some internal beef with a few people, multiple people including myself fell asleep. I was super drained, but it was mandatory discomfort that we all took something from.

You've been on a serious run this year — “i used to love the summer,” the “we tried to love & i got hurt” EP, “ghost boy (lost in here)” — what's fueling this 2026 output, and how does it feel different from your earlier stuff?

I have been dropping weekly. I have made 2 hours worth of music this year. It really feels like I have to drop that frequently in order to grow, or feel productive. This music feels different because of how much of it I own and have created. I have a partnership with Jeremy Burns. And the other half of my production is all me. I produced all of “we tried to love, & i got hurt”

You're a producer and audio engineer too, not just a rapper. How does engineering your own music change how you write?

Being able to engineer and make my own beats gives me a different level of possibilities. It's a comforting and freeing way to express yourself. I still like cooking with an engineer from time to time, it all has a time and place.

Tell us about Don't Let Bad Thoughts Take Over. How did the brand and mission start?

DontLetBadThoughtsTakeOver is a suicide prevention nonprofit. It is a quote my twin sister Haley wrote. She took her life when we were 18, she had this pinned on her wall. We have put it on t-shirts and have tried to spread awareness and fund prevention efforts. It's been hard since we lost my mom but we are still trying to spread love and keep her name alive.

On the podcast you talked about working in your grandfather's auto shop. How does that life outside music feed your art?

I work in my papa’s autoshop 9-2 and another shop 2- whenever i get done. Some nights I work until 6, sometimes it's 10 pm. It's tough and not for the faint of heart. It funds my lifestyle and music entirely. I have not got much in return from music but that has never made me second guess that it wont take off.

What's the moment in your career you're proudest of so far?

I’ve been making music since 2019, but really these last two years my music has really come to what it is. My proudest moment is looking back on any song I showed my mom. She loved it and believed in me so much.

What are you working on next? Any releases or projects fans should watch for?

My next move is the visual/ branding part of 04riley, dropping ‘bad hoes’ on a 6 week drop plan while dropping weekly still. I'm really just trying to be somebody. That's what's next.

Where should new fans start with your catalog, and where can they follow and book you?

New fans can start my catalog on any title that looks cool to you

Follow me on instagram o4riley

Book me at 04rileycontact@gmail.com