Meet Jamie Ray: The Florida Rapper, Singer, and Producer Revealing Untold American Stories

Nala's Den

This Florida rapper, singer, and producer shares real American stories that don’t make the news—from candlelit section 8 life without power to hustling pills and breaking and entering just to pay the bills. Spinning this narrative through a combination of airtight rhymes and woozy melodies, he immediately captivates. “Some areas are hood, and others are country,” he explains. “There are a lot of meth heads and a lot of trailer trash type shit. It gives me stuff to rap about though. I’ve really got a message. Sometimes, I turn up on some shit—but I’m getting intimate and telling my story for the most part.” His 2017 project Castles in the Air ignited a buzz from the underground on up. “Xanfran” introduced his signature style, while “16” [feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again] transformed into a viral hit. As he generated over 6 million cumulative streams in a few months’ time, the “16” video quickly crossed the 2.4-million-mark on YouTube. Noisey, Revolt TV, Respect, and more offered early support. “Castles in the Air made sense,” he goes on. “I gave it that title, because I’m chasing my dreams. At the same time, I’m always working. I feel like it’s not even anywhere close to what I’m going to do.” --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nalasden88/message