Abuja-based artist-producer Raytheboffin releases Freckles, a 6-track collection of love stories set to a futuristic sonic backdrop taking in alté, R&B and experimental production.
His first project of 2023, "Freckles" serves as a testament to Raytheboffin's exceptional artistry, seamlessly blending diverse musical genres into an awe-inspiring and utterly distinctive auditory experience.
It follows his 2022 debut EP "Run Boy, Run", a similarly immersive and exploratory tape which was accompanied by a manga storyline, featured 3kene, barelyanyhook and Julrity, and saw him grace the cover of Spotify’s Alté Cruise playlist.
With a diverse range of features from West and South Africa including Tim Lyre, TwelveXII, Yimeeka, BUSA, 3kene and Riverays collaborator Iver Rivers, Freckles is a statement of intent from the budding producer as he forges a brand new sound within the alté canon.
Trailblazing first single ‘Lifeline’ with 3kene and Tim Lyre has seen support pile in for Ray from iMULLAR, The Upper Ent, Harmattan Rain, The Native Mag and More Branches.
'New Emotions' is a deep-slung melancholic hybrid of alt-R&B, rap and mid-tempo house, underlain by a skittering experimental beat, with Ray on production and vocals. With heartfelt lyricism, Ray serenades his potential love interest, capturing the essence of an unrequited love story.
'Alive' sees Ray on a braggadocious tip as he navigates a breakup, equal parts upset and belligerent, set under a smooth and sultry syncopated R&B production, complimented by soothing vocals from Yimeeka, his counterpart counterfeit, Canada based, Nigerian vocalist. The synergy between Ray and Yimeeka, coupled with the seamless R&B production, allows Alive to transcend the boundaries of a typical breakup anthem. It becomes a powerful showcase of Ray's growth as an artist and his ability to create music that resonates deeply with his audience.
In Ray’s words: “"Freckles" is an ode to the magic that lies in imperfection, reminding us that true beauty often resides in the most unexpected places. Through heartfelt lyrics, haunting melodies, and captivating instrumentation, this EP takes you on a journey where Each track is a melodic brushstroke, painting a vivid picture of the beauty found in the quirks, the vulnerabilities, and the unconventional paths that love can take.”
Raytheboffin is a music producer from Jos, Nigeria, and one half of the duo
Riverays.
Previously based in Ukraine, but now back in Abuja, Ray is a prolific producer in the alté scene and takes influence from hip hop, R&B and jazz in his diverse productions....more
This debut EP by the Detroit-born singer-rapper-producer is filled with effortlessly soulful beats and thoughtful lyrics. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 3, 2023
Deliriously blown-out production brings a psychedelic edge to the breezy and winning tracks from this Detroit rapper. Bandcamp New & Notable Jan 23, 2022
VINSON's debut EP is a smooth and immediately appealing mix of deep house, hip-hop, and R&B, clearly made with deep love for Detroit. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 10, 2020