Seasoned R&B artist Ray Lavender has been killing tracks with his smooth voice and sounds since 2007. Previously signed alongside Lady Gaga on Akon’s Konlive record label via Interscope/Geffen, Lavender took his electric talent and personality to longtime friend, mentor, and founder of the Global Artist Group Andrew “Big Drew” Bryan. More recently, the Atlanta native Lavender has exploded onto the scene with club banger “Tequila.” Lavender talked to with rolling out about his sudden rise to future.
What was your first time in the studio like?
It was incredible. The very first time was with this production company Headline Production when I was 18. I didn’t really know what I was doing because the first time you record in a studio it doesn’t sound right. Then I met with Akon the second time I got in the studio and I really got the grip of things. By the time I got to Big Drew, he took me to Dallas Austin and it was history.
Tell us about your new hit “Tequila.”
I do music. It’s not a box. I’ll be watching from Cyndi Lauper to Hall and Oates because my music spectrum is all over the place. With that being said, you have the birth of “Tequila” and I dance as well. Music is changing. Me, Chris Brown or Rihanna aren’t the first to do pop music.
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be epic, since I study the greats like Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye and Luther Vandross. I want to leave a part of me here since we can’t live forever. When Michael Jackson’s songs play, there’s a part of him that’s still here. I want to be the first Lavender to say that my name started it and let it carry on. I want to leave a part of my gift on this Earth.
What are you currently doing and what are your future projects?
I got so much going on. They messed up and let me and Drew get back together. I have some movie stuff popping off. Look out for the Sam Cooke bio, no more Tyler Perry movies. Be looking for “Soul Ties,” “We Love” video and more music with Drew, plus some modeling. We going to the Grammys.
