quête:ray blk

Rita Ekwere, better known under her stage name of Ray BLK, is a British singer and songwriter who was born in Nigeria, and grew up in Catford in London. She won the BBC's Sound of 2017, and was the first unsigned artist to do so! Written and recorded over the past two years in London and LA, the long-awaited debut album ‘Access Denied’ has arrived. The new album features some of Ray's most critically acclaimed work to date including 'MIA' ft. Kaash Paige and 'Games' ft. Giggs, alongside the deeply impactful Dark Skinned and Mine. This is Ray BLK at her finest - unfiltered and unapologetic, this is Access Denied.

BLKG 7 is an essential triple-threat for collectors who go deep into that jazz-funk-psych crate.

Side A features Joe Pass’ haunting “A Time For Us,” lifted from his slept-on Guitar Interludes LP (1970, World Pacific). Heavy w/ cinematic strings, sparse drums & spacious guitar—perfect for blends, loops, or just zoned-out listening. J Dilla thought the same on “Chopped Thoughts”, & for Slum Village’s “Too Much”, but the original stands alone as pure mood.

Side B is a masterclass in moody grooves: “Enchanted Lady” (Milt Jackson & Ray Brown, Much In Common, 1964) is an underrated modal slow-burner w/ a hypnotic swing. Pete Rock & CL Smooth double dipped in “Caramel City” & Escape”, but others were also inspired: Large Professor “Ijuswannachill”, De La Soul“Dinninit”, Rob Swift“Natural Hight”, Knxwledge “3Koins”, among others.

Then comes “Cross Country” by Archie Whitewater—famously Kanye chopped it for Common’s “Drivin’ Me Wild”, but the OG is all groove: head-nod drums, brass stabs & electric piano that goes there.

Giorgio Gigli and Bichord team up for the first LP in the Planet Rhythm Black series. With their intricate drum patterns, sophisticated rhythms, and extended pads, these tracks will fit perfectly in any deep techno set. They take their atmospheric sound and submerge it deep in the ocean where only a few rays of light can penetrate. Nevertheless the music breathes and still has a very spacious and airy quality.

Original photography on the poster by Christopher Michel.