Nigerian R&B singer Ray Blk just dropped some big news — her debut album ACCESS DENIED this coming this September!
The 26-year-old revealed today that her first-ever full length project with Island Records is set to drop on Friday, September 17, 2021. To offer a sneak peek into the collection, she drops her new single “M.I.A.” which features Kaash Paige.
In discussing the upcoming release, Ray says that “[she’s] been looking forward to this moment of releasing [her] debut album since [she] was 13 in the studio with MNEK learning how to write songs and knew for certain [she] wanted to be a singer.”
“’Access Denied’ is for those who like myself, know disappointment too well and have learned to create boundaries as a coping mechanism for self protection. I’ve opened up about how the childhood I had made me guarded, how disappointing relationships made me fear love and how being told no so many times in the music industry kicked me down, but I got back up. I want people to listen to this record and value themselves enough to deny access to those who are undeserving, and to also value themselves enough to keep believing in themselves when they’re denied access to certain spaces and say yes to themselves when the world tells them no,” she continues.
With features from Giggs, Stefflon Don, Kojey Radical, Suburban Plaza and of course Kaash Paige, the 14-song project has been years in the making and Ray is thrilled that she will be able to share her artistry, heart and soul with her fans.
The singer’s willingness to address difficult topics in her music is not a new trend. From touching on domestic violence to partnering up with charities to do talks at schools about consent, the artist makes it her priority to discuss and perform about issues that are important to her. Her authenticity is even on full display in the song “M.I.A.,” which the 26-year-old says that her “soundtrack of the summer” will push people to make them feel at ease and ready to conquer the world post-COVID.
“MIA is my summer anthem as we’re released from lockdown,” Ray explains on the inspiration behind the track. “It’s just about escaping, or being with someone who feels like an escape, like you’re on holiday and just at peace, away from the noise. After being in lockdown for so long and being overwhelmed or feeling low, I’m ready to be out with the people I love the most in our element with this playing in the background as the soundtrack to our summer.”
LISTEN TO “M.I.A.” BELOW:
Her press team explains that Ray has spent lockdown writing and recording her long-awaited debut album which promises to be one of the cultural highlights of the year, reminding everyone what a truly special and unique artist she is. She also wrote and performed “Warriors”, the lead track from the hugely acclaimed 8 times BAFTA nominated film “Rocks,” which has also been nominated for Sync Of The Year at this years Music Week Awards.
Let us know if you’re excited for RAY BLK’s new music by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post by tweeting us @celebsecrets. You can presave Access Denied here.
