Ray BLK Brings the 'Sunshine': A Summer Anthem with a Classic Twist

The South-East London princess Ray BLK is back and she is bringing the ‘Sunshine’. Her perfectly crafted tune samples the 1976, Ray Ayers classic, ‘Everybody Loves the Sunshine’ and is the perfect gift for the end of summer. 

Ray BLK, short for Building, Living, Knowing, is a Nigerian born South-East London native, began making waves with her debut mixtape,‘Havisham’ (2015), and went on to release her debut EP. ‘DURT’ in 2016, featuring the likes of  Wretch 32, SG Lewis, and Stormzy on her breakthrough hit ‘My Hood’.

This was only a catalyst for the young star as Ray BLK then became the first and only unsigned artist to win BBC’s sound of music award in 2017. Ray BLK has always used her music to uplift and express thought provoking social commentary from her project ‘Empress’ (2018), exploring themes of self-love, to her single ‘Run Run’ commenting on the struggles of youth violence, and my personal favourite ‘Patience (freestyle)’, a general social commentary exploring the obsession with fame and riches. Ray BLK album ‘Access denied’ was released in 2021 and received a no.1 on the R&B chart, and was critically acclaimed by publications such as NME, The Evening Standard and The Guardian. This marked the end of her challenging relationship with her major label in 2022. 

Ray BLKs talents span further than just music, making her acting debut in the BBC series ‘Champion’ created and written by Candice Carty-Williams, and served as a music executive for the show alongside Ghetts. Ray plans to continue to explore her acting career with a feature film and a US drama in the works for 2025. She has featured in many campaigns including Marks and Spencers Christmas ad, and was featured in Forbes 30 under 30, going on to support Nicki Minaj on her US and UK sold out tour, and collaborated with artists such as, Wyclef Jean, Beanie Man and The Gorillaz. She has since launched her own Nail brand ‘blklisted’, with investment from Barry M. It’s clear to say there is no limiting her talents.

‘Sunshine’ ; Produced by 169 and GG, is the latest addition to Ray BLK’s already impressive discography. Aiding as a smoothing end to the British summer. The song encapsulates the essence of joy, warmth and resilience. Her unique tone and lyrical cadences complement the 1976 sample ‘Everybody loves the sunshine’ by Ray Ayers, and reintroduces a new generation to the classic but with a Modern twist. Accompanied by a one-take performance visual, it’s clear that Ray BLK is embracing a new energy in her talent and craft. Ray had this to say about ‘Sunshine’

"This song is really all about joy, finding your joy and basking in it and not letting anyone take that away from you. It's about finally being on the other side of a hard time." - Ray BLK

Stated beautifully it’s evident that as Ray BLK embarks on her new journey, expressing her creativity there are no bounds. Be sure to stream ‘Sunshine’ on all platforms, take a look at the amazing visuals and keep up to date with all of Ray BLK’s creative ventures. 

CONTENT: ALL IMAGES ACCESSED THROUGH ARTIST INSTAGRAM, PRESS KIT AND GOOGLE IMAGES.

AHMAL KADEEM

I'm AHMAL KADEEM a multidisciplinary creative. Specialising in exploring black culture, combining my passion for music and entertainment with captivating media. 

https://instagram.com/ahmal.kadeem?utm_source=qr
Previous
Previous

“Are you dumb, are you stupid?” There’s something about that new Travy track!

Next
Next

ThisChord 006: Appreciating Jazmine Sullivan’s Discography at London’s Exclusive Music Club