The album's production is characterized by "watery layers" of Fender Rhodes keyboards and unhurried, organic grooves. It blends the spirit of '70s soul with modal jazz and Detroit's distinct hip-hop edge. While some tracks are "musical nuggets" lasting only a minute, they display a seasoned versatility that rivals veteran artists.
Dwele famously played nearly every instrument on these recordings himself in his bedroom studio. The "Detroit" Sound:
Where Subject was playful and wide-eyed, Rize is deeper, both sonically and thematically. The production is thicker, the basslines murkier, and the grooves tighter. Dwele isn't just singing over a beat; he is constructing an atmosphere. Tracks like the opener establish a mood of late-night introspection, inviting the listener into a smoky room where the jazz band is playing just for you.