Next Gen NYC's Riley Burruss explains why she's "on a time crunch" as she starts her career. 
The Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kandi Burruss is teaching her daughter Riley Burruss about financial independence.
Recent college graduate Riley opened up about her plans for the future during the June 3 series premiere of Next Gen NYC, explaining, “I just graduated a month ago from NYU with a major in music business.”
However, she won't have Kandi's financial support for much longer. “I feel stressed and on a time crunch," Riley explained, "because my mom has given me one year before she cuts me off financially."
As RHOA viewers know, Kandi was in the group XSCAPE, famously penned the lyrics to TLC’s “No Scrubs,” and has worked with worked with some of the most famous artists of all time, including Destiny’s Child, NSYNC, Ariana Grande, Whitney Houston, Usher, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys and Pink.
With all of that in mind, Riley knows she has a lot to live up to as she chases her own musical dreams.
“It is big shoes to fill,” she admitted. Then echoing Brooks Marks' assessment of the situation, she declared, “The pressure is definitely on.”
Riley Burruss opens up about pursuing a music career
Riley opened up about following in her mom's footsteps on The Sharpton Sisters in 2023.
“Since [Kandi] was in the music industry, ever since I was younger, I knew I wanted to do something related to the music industry… and I don’t think I would’ve known that without her,” Riley said. “Seeing my mom in the studio, collaborating with other artists.”
Although she might live in NYC now, Riley hasn’t forgotten her Atlanta roots.
“I really like R&B and hip-hop, but I want to focus on Atlanta music," she continued. "I want to focus on bringing [Atlanta music] to the top... kind of the early 2000s vibe. But I really want to work on A&R and developing more artists coming from Atlanta."
Following her NYU graduation, Riley penned an Instagram caption giving Kandi a sweet shoutout. "Always being around my mom and her music is what inspired me to pursue a degree in music, so having the opportunity to actually study music business has been an amazing journey!" she wrote. "I have truly fallen in love with my studies these past four years. As a first generation college student, I am so proud of myself for reaching the finish line and staying on track to finish this degree."
Riley Burruss shares an update on her law school journey
In May, Riley also gave an update on pursuing a law degree, explaining she is currently studying for the LSAT.
"I want to get that and then my business degree," she shared with The Daily Dish. "So I'm trying to study for both. It's a lot."
"I think for me, my main priority is studying for the LSAT, of course, and getting a great score, and getting into Columbia," she continued. "And my second goal is just to continue working on myself. You know, I'm only 22, so I feel like there's a lot of self-work that would be very needed at this age of your life. And I just want to make sure I'm doing the best I can with myself."
Don’t miss Riley reveal an epic surprise from her mother for Easter.
