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Raye is an English singer and songwriter who has been making waves in the music industry with her catchy dance-pop songs and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the business. She has also been praised for her involvement in songwriting and producing for other artists, such as Beyoncé, Little Mix, Rihanna, David Guetta, John Legend, and Ellie Goulding12
Origins and Early Career
Raye was born Rachel Agatha Keen on 24 October 1997 in Tooting, London, to a Ghanaian-Swiss mother and an English father1 She grew up singing gospel songs in a church where her father was the musical director and her mother sang in the choir1 She started writing songs with her dad when she was 10 years old, and later attended the prestigious BRIT School, where she studied alongside artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse2
However, she dropped out after two years, feeling that the pop music she wanted to make did not fit into the scene there2 She then focused on developing her own sound and style, influenced by artists like Lauryn Hill, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys2 She released her first EP, Welcome to the Winter, in 2014, followed by her second EP, Second, in 20162
Breakthrough and Success
Raye gained more exposure and recognition when she featured on the hit singles “By Your Side” by Jonas Blue and “You Don’t Know Me” by Jax Jones in 2016 and 2017, respectively1 She also co-wrote and co-produced songs for other artists, such as “Bigger” by Beyoncé, “Woman Like Me” by Little Mix, and “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna12
In 2018, she released her third EP, Side Tape, which consisted entirely of collaborations with artists like Mabel, Stefflon Don, Maleek Berry, and Kojo Funds1 She also received nominations for the Brit Awards, the BET Awards, and the Ivor Novello Awards12
In 2021, she departed from her label, Polydor Records, and decided to pursue an independent career1 She soon released her viral single, “Escapism”, featuring 070 Shake, which became her first song to peak the UK Singles Chart and the Billboard Hot 1001 The song also reached the top ten in over 22 countries, and was praised for its catchy melody, powerful vocals, and emotional lyrics12
Debut Album and Future Projects
Raye released her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues, in 2023, which received commercial success and widespread critical acclaim1 The album showcased her versatility and creativity as an artist, blending pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul genres12 The album also featured collaborations with artists like Sam Smith, Khalid, Doja Cat, and H.E.R12
The album earned her a nomination for “Best Independent Album” at the AIM Independent Music Awards, as well as “Album of the Year” for the 2023 Mercury Prize1 She also became one of the first acts to win a Brits Billion Award, which recognizes artists who have achieved over a billion streams in the UK1 She also received an Ivor Novello Award and a Global Award, as well as nominations for four Brit Awards, a BET Award, three Popjustice £20 Music Prize, three Ivor Novello Awards, four Global Awards, three AIM Independent Music Awards, and a Mercury Prize12
Raye is currently working on new music and projects, as well as performing at various festivals and events around the world. She is also involved in various social causes, such as mental health awareness, racial justice, and environmental sustainability12
