21 October 2022 - 0 Comments

Rising Filipino-Kiwi rap-talent Ray Leslie drops new track Blue Cold, a cool tune about a relationship so toxic it needs a warning label. Packed with attitude, Blue Cold is a good metaphor for rising above negativity and vengefulness by choosing to let go and move on.

LISTEN / PURCHASE BLUE COLD HERE

Exactly ten months after the release of her sophomore album, the Tāmaki Makaurau artist returns with an atmospheric lead single and accompanying video preluding her third EP, Dawn, due out later this year.

In stark contrast with Ray’s previous singles, Blue Cold is a metaphorically violent and grave commentary on the toxicity of an unhealthy relationship.

It tells the tale of a connection corrupted by shame, drama, and lust. The rapper tries to navigate these complex emotions in her writing while unintentionally, but inevitably, revealing the magnitude of rage bubbling within. With it, Ray draws a musical line in the sand, calling time on a brutal match that left her feeling broken, wronged, and numb.

The track’s producer, Danny Do, curates this atmosphere of angst with an eerie piano sample, paired by a gritty combination of bass and kicks. The rapper weaves between singing and spitting bars as the drums and sample follow the same rise and fall in the track.

Says Ray: “This was the first track I wrote with Danny, who produced almost the entirety of the EP. It happened fast – he sent the demo straight after getting acquainted, and upon hearing the beat, the words just spilled out of my mouth. The words, “I get so mad, I let go”, is when you feel such anger that you wanna slash somebody’s tyres or bat their back windows, but you can’t, so you settle for painting that vivid image in your song and letting go – because you have to. In that sense, it’s a therapeutic song that gets you screaming and simultaneously letting go.”

The visuals, co-directed by Hsarhoo Moo & Ray, and edited by Yong Kweon paint that picture of isolation, chaos, and seemingly unending cycles. With black and white visuals that portray the lack of colour in Ray’s life, it projects a strong statement of numbness. The numbing feeling of being so angry, that the only logical solution to defeat that emotion – is to let go.

A dynamic, versatile performer with enviable lyrical flair, Ray’s unique flow is earning her kudos within the alt-hip-hop underground music scene as she connects for collabs with a myriad of like-minded and talented peers. This ambitious and prolific creative is planting her next steps with precision and determination as she pursues her musical dreams.

No stranger to the hustle, this is just the beginning for Ray. Watch out for her new EP Dawn due for release next month!

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