Photo: Vicky Grout
Catford’s own Ray BLK has enchanted us all with her sassy R&B. Having been named number one for BBC’s Music Sound Of 2017, her career is about to get more interesting.
Influenced at an early age by the likes of Missy Elliott and Timbaland, Ray BLK has emerged with a full-bodied R&B vibe, entwined with the confidence earned growing up in the depths of London’s streets.
Having performed on Later..With Jools Holland, and having gained support from Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and Annie Mac, Ray BLK is sure to gain a lot more attention over the coming year, speaking about winning, she said, “Winning the BBC Sound Of 2017 has to be the most surprising thing that’s happened to me thus far. I feel so honoured to have topped the list this early in my career and join such an incredible alumni of winners.”
The BBC Music Sound Of 2017 has been revealed day by day to the public as they counted down to number one. The top 5 included Nadia Rose, Jorja Smith, RAYE, Rag’N’Bone Man and Ray BLK.
Taking the top spot from last year’s winner and multi-instrumentalist Jack Garratt, Ray BLK is sure to make a good impression.
Having been compared to Lauryn Hill, Ray BLK is full of potential, and stays true to herself by keeping three values at the forefront of her mind: Building, Living, Knowing [BLK].
Radio 1’s Huw Stephens had positive things to say, “Some artists have that magic about them. I’ve played everything I’ve heard from Ray BLK on my BBC Radio 1 show, and she played a stunning Radio 1 Piano Session for us. She has a real, raw talent that cuts through so strongly. Ray BLK’s own songs and collaborations with artists like Stormzy and Wretch 32 have left us all so excited about her as an artist. She is the real deal.”
Here's the full top five:
Ray BLK
Rag ‘n’ Bone Man
RAYE
Jorja Smith
Nadia Rose
