: Short for "Reference Instrumental." This indicates the track is a version of the beat intended for the artist or engineers to use as a backing track while recording vocals or checking the mix.
: A date stamp ( May 22, 2014 ). This suggests the instrumental was in a completed or "reference" state nearly two years before the album's official release in February 2016. Context in Music History KW Waves Ref Instr @ 111 BPM (5 22 14) mp3
Finding such a file often reveals early production choices—such as different sample chops or drum patterns—before the final layering (like the famous Ennio Morricone sample or Chris Brown's vocals) was added. : Short for "Reference Instrumental
: Most likely refers to Kanye West , as "Waves" is a well-known track from his 2016 album The Life of Pablo . Context in Music History Finding such a file