RAY BLK, who recently signed a recording deal with Island Records, released her debut single “Run Run.” The song is an impassioned and lyrically hard-hitting song, written from personal experience, addresses the knife and gun crime epidemic afflicting London and the accompanying video, directed by Tom Green (Misfits), his first ever music video, will reflect the universal themes Ray speaks about in the song.

The African born, London raised Ray Blk, arived on the UK scene in 2015 with her debut single “5050.” She followed that with 2016’sDurt, a diverse seven track mini-album, which established Ray as an important and powerful new artist in UK music, an artist whose upbringing and surroundings assuredly shaped her vision.

Ray Blk delivers the brash honesty of rap music with her unique blend of soul and R&B spirit. She intricately weaves between genre boundaries borrowing the elements she requires to reach her goals. “I feel proud when my music connects with people,” says the 23-year-old, real name Rita Ekwere. Lyrically, RAY’s music is very candid; she isn’t trying to gloss over situations and paint her life as a fairytale. “I say it how it is,” she admits. “The music that I love is the stuff that gives it to you raw. Then you can really connect with it.” The surname BLK that she’s adopted, is a constant reminder of her values: Building Living Knowing.

The release of “Run Run” follows Ray’s recent announcement that she is to play The Forum in London on October 3. The show marks her first major headline show since she completed a UK tour at the end of 2017. Fans will also have the opportunity to catch Ray live as she been confirmed as the special guest on the forthcoming Rudimental UK tour, performing at all the dates with the exception of the Alexandra Palace show.

Ray Blk on “Run Run”

“The stories from “Run Run” are real life events that I have experienced. I wrote the song as a reminder to everyone listening, not to become a product of their environment. They have the choice to better themselves and rise above their struggles. Ultimately, I want my fans to know that there’s a big world out there with many opportunities and to believe in themselves.”