9.24.2021

Audio: Morray – “Bad Situations“

The BET Hip-Hop Awards Nominee for Best New Artist Paints a Detailed and Melodic Portrait of His Past Life in His Latest Single, Arriving Before He Goes On Tour with J. Cole

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

The Song:

With his church-trained singing and sharp lyrical eye, Morray specializes in unpacking the emotional toll of life in the trenches and the life-saving power of hope. Reflecting on how his life changed after his lightning quick come up, Morray shares “Bad Situations,” his latest single. Emoting atop wailing guitars and dramatic pianos, a grateful Morray thanks God for his success before listing the fruits of his successes in great detail and promising his mom that she’ll never want for anything in life. Though his money is blowing up “like a grenade,” he vows to stay vigilant–he knows what it’s like to have nothing, and he’s determined to stay at the top for as long as he can: “Big dreams and visions, I gotta stay ahead,” sings Morray in his signature melodic flow. “Bad Situations” is Morray’s second new song since the release of his debut album Street Sermons, following “Mime,” which appears on the official soundtrack for Madden 22.

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. Home to his breakout single “Quicksand,” which recently earned a GOLD certification from the RIAA and surpassed the 100 million view milestone on YouTube, the project contains universal truths about the tragedies and triumphs of growing up in the hood, filtered through Morray’s experience as a neighborhood kid made good. 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).

One of the biggest breakout stars in hip-hop over the past calendar year, Morray recently earned a nomination at the BET Hip Hop Awards for Best New Artist. The honor is the latest in a long line of accolades, including a position on the coveted XXL Freshman list for 2021 and “one to watch” designations from Complex, Billboard, SPIN, Pigeons & Planes, and many more. He’s established himself as a go-to guest artist, appearing on “m y l i f e,” the #2 Billboard Hot 100 hit by fellow Fayetteville, NC native J. Cole, and more recently, lending his talents to “In My Blood,” a new video by the late Mo3, one of Morray’s favorite artists. Morray is an engaging live performer, and is scheduled to embark on the “The Off-Season Tour” with J. Cole this week. 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.

With Street Sermons and his newfound position as a XXL Freshman, Morray culminates his meteoric rise and proves that he’s ready to build an artistic legacy and a nest egg for his wife and kids. For an artist with Morray’s talent, the sky is the limit.

Buy/Stream “Bad Situations”: https://morray.lnk.to/BadSituations

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

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.