Lastly embracing her “gangster era”, as she’s put it, Catford’s personal Ray BLK is eventually releasing her debut album – virtually 5 years after successful her first nice accolade, the BBC’s Sound of 2017 ballot. On this time, Ray BLK (actual identify Rita Ekwere) has turn out to be a formidable UK star in her personal proper, delivering assured R&B ballads all about uplifting her listeners. Now, although, ‘Access Denied’ prioritises Ray, and she or he hopes different ladies observe swimsuit.

“People expected me to drop an album instantly,” the 27-year-old informed NME in her latest cover story again in April, happening to clarify that she “broke the rules” as a result of she didn’t wish to be pressured into being somebody she’s not. Transferring away from the acoustic-based, socially acutely aware music that made her well-known, her debut album takes a extra business flip, which utilises hip-hop and afropop.

‘Access Denied’ boasts a no-messing intro with ‘BLK Madonna’. Provided that she’s nonetheless fairly a recent face to the remainder of the world, many would possibly see Ekwere evaluating herself to Madonna as a cheeky quip. Nonetheless, all of it is smart when it turns into clear that she simply needs to be the very best at her craft, and that irrespective of the place she attracts her inspiration from, she’ll make her approach there. Over the chimes of ringing piano chords and high-speed hi-hats and claps, she will get again at those that at all times thought she wouldn’t make it this far, telling the listened in no unsure time period that she “started so I ain’t gonna stop”.

We do see an developed model of Ray BLK’s consciousness on the aforementioned ‘BLK Madonna’ and likewise on ‘Dark Skinned’, the place she displays on her hopes and goals in proximity to being a black lady. She informed NME of the track: “Telling people this rhetoric of ‘Your race being such a disadvantage!’, and that you can’t get through doors – I think limits people.”

She takes on the naysayers once more with stated observe, additionally taking over tokenism and expressing that she needs to achieve success due to her expertise and never due to her pores and skin. It is a track for many who want a reminder that being your self is sufficient to be a star. “This industry is sizeist, ageist, racist, homophobic – everything,” BLK identified in our cowl story. “Every industry is. So I try not to look for validation on my self-worth in what this industry says is important or how it validates people.”

her newest singles, you may see this good-girl-gone-bad narrative as she talks extra salaciously and explicitly about romance and relationships, largely from an angle of self-confidence and independence. ‘Games’ exudes a dreamy high quality, an achievement contemplating its vulgar nature in locations. The observe options Peckham’s landlord, Giggs – who’s the extremely express one on this case – who helps alongside Ekwere’s story for this membership slow-jam, a she depicts boys who aren’t able to love. The hook will get caught in your head: “Boys will be boys, yeah, they all want to fuck”.

Nonetheless, her singles don’t have anything on her album tracks, all of which harvest the enjoyable new Ray BLK. The likes of ‘Over You’ (which samples the Diwali Riddim and options proud British-Jamaican Stefflon Don) and ‘Go-Go Girl’ (with rising producer/author trio Surburan Plaza) epitomise the rebellious nature of this “gangster era”. The latter takes on an Americanised sound that their golf equipment might love. ‘Go-Go Girl’ boasts smoky braggadocio, good for these moments earlier than a giant occasion – preparing for the membership, pageant, a highway journey, something: “I got no time to be friendly / Savage moves and Savage Fenty; I’m the subject of their envy”.

Nonetheless, the knockout observe of the album is ‘MIA’, which options whimsical R&B star Kaash Paige. The track samples ‘Stay With Me’ by ’80s funk and soul group DeBarge, its riffs made notorious by the ‘00s classic ‘Foolish’ by Ashanti. Speaking from the standpoint of hopeless romantics intent on operating away collectively (a theme that’s out of step on the album, however nonetheless works), Ray BLK’s clean and sultry vocals lead to an eargasmic tune. On YouTube, there’s a dwell solo model of the observe: it’s faultless, with Ekwere’s second verse together with poetic traces reminiscent of “there’s no lonely when there’s only us”. Texan star Kaash’s remake is much less transferring, however she nonetheless nonetheless delivers a easy but efficient function on this hidden gem.

Ekwere has been giving the world what she thought they wished for half a decade, and now it’s time to gather what’s hers. Whether or not that’s awards, recognition, or just her personal pleasure, her music positively proves that the harmless Ray BLK of earlier than is gone endlessly. Though the album is named ‘Access Denied’, Ray BLK has granted us the primary glimpse into her rebirth, and we’re prepared for the journey.