11.23.2021

Morray Earns GRAMMY Nominations for “Best Rap Performance” and “Best Rap Song”

The Ascendant Artist is Recognized for His Role on J. Cole’s “m y l i f e,” Alongside 21 Savage

The Fayetteville, NC Native’s Latest Accolade Culminates a Jaw-Dropping Breakout 2021, and Heralds Even Bigger Things for 2022

Critical Praise:

“‘Trenches,’ from an album due next week titled Street Sermons, rides the minor chords and trap beats that often accompany antisocial boasts. But while ‘Trenches’ doesn’t ignore gangs, drugs or poverty, Morray also recognizes a community that holds families, neighbors and friends” – The New York Times

“Few crooning rappers have his polish, resonance, and soul.” – SPIN

“With only four songs on streaming platforms—all released in 2020—Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper Morray has already proven he’s a hitmaker. His debut single “Quicksand” is undeniable, anchored by the type of hook you get from a Roddy Ricch or Rod Wave song and infused with storytelling and charisma to paint a picture even if you’re unfamiliar with the newcomer.” – Pigeons & Planes

“An impressively feverish turn from Morray, whose 2020 breakout single “Quicksand” leaned toward the spiritual. Here, though, he’s ferocious, rapping with a scratchy yelp and a sense of defiance. He’s accompanied by Benny the Butcher, who is among the calmest-sounding boasters in hip-hop. An unexpected and unexpectedly effective pairing.” – The New York Times

“One of the most promising up-and-coming talents in hip-hop right now, and his new single ‘Never Fail’ featuring Benny the Butcher is just his latest entry in his increasingly impressive catalog.” – Complex

“The offering shines a light on Morray’s verbal dexterity and fast-paced melodic runs.“ – HYPEBEAST

“Morray has become one of the brightest new voices in the soul/rap crossover moment” – Brooklyn Vegan

“North Carolina rapper Morray went from a practically unknown name to one of rap’s most promising new acts in a matter of just one year.” – UPROXX

The Announcement:

Bringing a soulful, gospel-tinged spin on melodic rap, Morray was one of the brightest breakout hip-hop stars in 2021. Today, the Recording Academy announced that Morray earned two GRAMMY Award nominations, the first of the young artist’s career. Morray was recognized for his standout guest appearance on fellow Fayetteville, NC native J. Cole’s #2 Billboard hit “m y l i f e,” which also features an appearance from 21 Savage.

Morray’s Grammy Nominations:

Best Rap Performance: “m y l i f e” by J. Cole ft. 21 Savage & Morray
Best Rap Song: “m y l i f e” by J. Cole ft. 21 Savage & Morray

The two GRAMMY nominations are the culmination of a meteoric rise that started with “Quicksand,” a GOLD-certified hit released in late 2020 that reached the Billboard Hot 100, racking up over 200 million streams in the process. The commercial and critical success of “Quicksand” and its follow-up singles turned heads around the industry, garnering Morray a position on the coveted XXL Freshman list for 2021 and “one to watch” designations from Complex, Billboard, SPIN, Pigeons & Planes, and many more. Recently, Morray earned Best New Artist nominations at both the BET Hip-Hop Awards and the Soul Train Awards.

Earlier this year, Morray released his critically acclaimed debut album Street Sermons. Debuting at #41 on the Billboard 200 and propelling Morray to #1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists chart, Street Sermons taps into the spiritual uplift and church-trained singing that makes Morray’s brand of hip-hop so unique, taking unflinching looks at the Fayetteville native’s youthful struggles and indiscretions and examining his motivations to succeed. Complex ranked Street Sermons at #10 on their list of Best Albums of 2021 So Far. In July, Morray revisited one of the tape’s highlights “Trenches,” recruiting Polo G to add a verse for “Trenches” (Remix).

Street Sermons was just the beginning for Morray, who’s leveling up in every sense of the word. Morray joined his “m y l i f e” collaborator J. Cole on “The Off-Season Tour,” rocking sold-out crowd in a series of stadium dates. This summer, Morray performed “Quicksand” on JImmy Kimmel Live, and was highlighted by Rolling Stone as the “Best Debut” performer at Rolling Loud Festival in Miami. Just last week, Morray shared “Never Fail,” a new collaboration with Benny The Butcher that drew coverage in The New York Times, Complex, The FADER, XXL, and many more.

With two Grammy noms under his belt–and possibly more in years to come–Morray is solidifying himself as a fixture in the South and beyond. For an artist with Morray’s talent, the sky is the limit.

Please consider Morray’s music when compiling your year end lists!

Buy/Stream Street Sermons: http://morray.lnk.to/StreetSermons

Watch “Never Fail” ft. Benny The Butcher: https://morray.lnk.to/NeverFail

Please contact Michelle or Erin for more info.

The Background:

Morae Ruffin known professionally as Morray, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter. Best known for his combinations of rapping and singing, Morray’s days as lead singer of his church choir heavily influenced his melodic and unique style. Growing up in Fayetteville, NC and getting in and out of trouble, Morray turned to music as his escape. He uses his real life struggle as inspiration for his music.