Ray BLK - A Forest Fire (EP)
Ray BLK unveils her profoundly raw and vulnerable 6-track EP, A Forest Fire, out now. This release cements her creative independence and stands as her most honest and authentic work to date. Since July, Ray has made a powerful return with Courage, a deeply personal track about surviving a toxic, abusive relationship—a story she felt compelled to share, hoping to resonate with those who need it most. Following this, she released Sunshine, a celebration of newfound freedom and the lessons learned along the way, radiating pure joy and warmth. The four unreleased tracks kick off with the much-anticipated collaboration with fellow music royalty Tiana Major9 on Disaster. The song delves into the idea that no matter how much things fall apart, there's always the possibility to rebuild and come back stronger. Up is a powerful anthem of resilience and unshakable optimism, reflecting Ray’s determination to rise above anything that tries to hold her back, as everything in her life is now on the upswing. Yesterday speaks to letting go of the past, a message to herself about shedding old drama and fears to embrace a future free from emotional baggage. Meanwhile, Burning Bridges tackles the heartbreak of losing friends and severing ties, with Ray capturing the finality of those endings with raw, biting clarity. When speaking on the project, Ray explains: “I made this project during my lowest points in 2022 as catharsis, only to realise it isn’t for me. It’s for anyone else who’s been there, and knows how it feels to not want to go on any longer. I learned through the process of being burned down from every angle of my life, that just like a forest - it brings incredible new growth. I hope it inspires listeners to have hope for the future, and to let go of all the baggage they carry.”
Ray BLK, short for Building, Living, Knowing, is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter, actress, and entrepreneur from South London. Her debut mixtape, 'Havisham,’ drew inspiration from Charles Dickens's Great Expectations, telling a story of heartbreak and empowerment, introducing her to the British audience in 2016. In a remarkable achievement, Ray became the first and only unsigned artist to win BBC's Sound of Music 2017 award. Her debut EP, 'Durt' (2016), featured SG Lewis, Wretch 32, and her breakthrough hit 'My Hood' featuring Stormzy. She followed it up with 'Empress,' a project full of self-love anthems, including her critically acclaimed hit 'Run Run,' which tackles youth violence. Her uncompromising lyricism and vulnerability took centre stage in her highly anticipated debut album, 'Access Denied' (2021), earning Ray a No. 1 album on the R&B chart and critical acclaim from The Guardian, NME, and The Evening Standard. This album marked the culmination of tireless efforts to release her music, bringing an unexpected end to a challenging relationship with a major label in 2022. Not known to many, Ray attended drama school throughout her youth. In 2023, she made her acting debut in BBC's series 'Champion' by Candice Carty-Williams, playing the role of 'Honey' and serving as Music Executive alongside Ghetts. She capped off an extraordinary year last year by being the voice behind the official Marks & Spencer Christmas campaign.
Additionally, Ray has been cast in a vital role opposite Michael Fassbender in Paramount+'s upcoming series The Agency. On top of that, she recently finished filming Wasteman, a feature starring David Jonsson (Rye Lane). Ray truly is a woman of endless talent which was celebrated when she was included in the Forbes 30 under 30, followed by touring with Nicki Minaj, and her own sold-out US and UK tours. Her previous collaborations include The Gorillaz, Wyclef Jean, and Beenie Man. Her creative pursuits extend beyond music and acting, as she launched her nail brand, 'Blklisted’ alongside investors Barry M.
Inspired by her 2016 self and the likes of Mary J Blige, Kelis and Ms Dynamite, Ray embarks on a new chapter with no intention of looking back. Ray is enjoying life and had an unforgettable Fashion Week, making a statement from the front row at Ahluwalia and Labrum. She truly stole the spotlight at The Perfect Party, where she joined Beth Ditto for a memorable karaoke moment. Ray continues to prove there are no limits to her talents and where they will take her.