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Ray Rogerss is a rapper who makes music about his experiences. Sitting comfortably within the lifestyle rap lane, everything he says is something that happened or will happen to him. His new EP, Thanks In Advance, is aptly titled and the closing track “Paul Frank Hat” is one that echoes the themes heard throughout the project.
Ray is a part of a collective called All Money Good Money, often simply abbreviated to AMGM. This collective is also the label he and his labelmates release music through. The name of the collective takes the old proverb “All money isn’t good money” and flips it simply by removing one word. For Ray and his labelmates, all their money is good.
“We started in 2018/2019. They’re really like family to me. It’s what I stand by. It’s a movement and it’s the label. All the money is for us and it’s good because we worked hard for it.” he said.
Ray’s approach to music is one built on commitment to the craft and excelling at the craft with the technique that works for him. Finding an approach that works for you and produces the best results is key when it comes to making music. Writing and recording “Paul Frank Hat” was a testament to this process.
“I go into every song with the mindset of just being me. I wrote half of it and freestyled half of it. Sometimes I’ll write things down and just punch in and punch out. Whatever the best approach is, I get it done.” he said.
The track “Paul Frank Hat” was produced by Rxkz and features a tranquil melodic loop on which Ray brings an equally tranquil yet confident flow. The hookless freestyle-esque track recaps the reality of life for Ray as he shares how he lives life his way.
“I talk about things that I do. I don’t believe in being a person that I’m not. Just talking about life on a daily basis for me is lifestyle rap and whatever that entails is what I’ll talk about.” he said.
When speaking with Ray, he made an analogy between making music and basketball that will likely resonate with those who love both.
“I treat the booth like a basketball player treats the gym. I go in, get my shots up and make sure I get them up often…when you do anything, once you set the goal for it, you have to lock in and get it done.” he said.
The mindset of confidence and authenticity runs through the music that Ray puts out in every aspect. He makes it his way and lets people decide how they’re going to receive it. He understands the aspect of relating to his audience but at the same time, he puts out the music he wants to put out and lets the audience formulate their own perspective on how they’re going to take it.
“If people like it then I’m glad but if they don’t I’m not going to let that discourage me. The ones that are supporting me and riding for me are the ones I’m riding for. They’re the ones the title of this EP is for.” he said.
The cover of Ray’s EP, Thanks in Advance, pays homage to the iconic blimp from Scarface that read “The World is Yours.” The title of the EP addresses Ray’s listeners directly, thanking them for getting him to the point he’s at now and other points he’ll reach as he continues to grow and reach more success as an artist.
“It honestly started with that imagery of that blimp from Scarface. That mindset of looking from the bottom up and thinking that the world is yours, I believe that’s something everyone can relate to. As far as the title goes, whether people know it or not, when they listen to my music they're becoming a part of my journey. So I’m just thanking them in advance for being a part of it.” he said.
Ray Rogerss EP, Thanks in Advance, which includes the track “Paul Frank Hat,” is available on streaming services now.
You can thank Ray yourself by following him on these platforms.
