RAYE

Rachel Agatha Keen (born 24 October 1997), known professionally as Raye (/reɪ/ RAY), is a British singer-songwriter. She first rose to prominence after signing with Polydor Records and subsequently releasing dance singles and extended plays (EPs). Raye then gained media attention with her departure from the record label, which allegedly refused to release her debut album. Raye independently released her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues (2023), to critical acclaim. The album's third single, "Escapism", gained popularity in social media and became her first song to top the UK singles chart and enter the US Billboard Hot 100. At the Brit Awards 2024, Raye won six categories including British Artist of the Year, breaking the record for the artist with the most awards received in a single ceremony of the organization. BBC included Raye on its 100 Women 2024 list. She received three nominations at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards including Best New Artist. In 2023, Raye was selected by Forbes to be one of the honorees on its renowned annual Forbes 30 Under 30 (Europe category) list. Lyrically focusing on her own struggles and contemporary issues, the majority of Raye's genre-blending music is influenced by jazz, while also incorporating R&B, pop, and soul. Outside of her own discography, Raye has co-written songs for other musicians, such as Beyoncé, Charli XCX, John Legend, and Little Mix.