Ray Lavender

Over the years, Atlanta, Georgia has introduced its fair share of music superstars to the world. And with the introduction of Ray "Ray-L" Lavender tradition will undoubtedly continue. Coming to Atlanta by way of Monroe, Louisiana, Akon's Kon Live Records and Geffen Records artist Ray "Ray-L" Lavender is poised to become one of music's brightest young stars with his sensual yet hard-edged brand of R&B.

Growing up, 23-year old Ray admired a wide array of artist but it was R. Kelly who first truly inspired Ray to pursue his passion. "His tribulations sounded like my tribulations. He inspired me to write, sing, and become a hard working young man," states Ray. This work ethic has stayed with Ray to this day and grows even stronger for he is equally passionate about songwriting as he is about singing.

It all started with businessman Andrew Bryant AKA "Drew" 10 years ago. Drew met the group Collabo that Ray sang lead for at a studio in Atlanta and was blown away. It was then that Drew signed and further developed the group under his production company and only a matter of time before music industry heavyweights like Jazze Pha, Dallas Austin, Teddy Riley, and Tricky Stewart would begin to take notice of Ray as a solo artist and vie for a chance to work with him.

With more than enough possibilities for Ray, Drew introduced him to his long time friend Akon. Instant chemistry sparked upon the two meeting, and Ray became the first act to be signed to Akon's Kon Live Records, joint venture with Geffen Records. Ray soon recorded his new album, X-Rayted, under the creative mastery of the multi-platinum selling songwriter and producer.

Although his peers in the industry serve as a major motivator, it is from life experience that Ray draws his greatest inspiration. Born into a large family of ardent music admirers Ray was destined for the stage. The loss of his father only encouraged him to make a difference not only for himself, but his family as well. Using his past to provide determination and motivation, another major part of his influence comes from the ladies. With his handsome good looks and sweet southern drawl he is a ladies man for sure. "I love the ladies . . .," Ray says with grin.

The first single "My Girl's Gotta Girlfriend" from Ray Lavender's debut album X-Rayted (due out early fall) is receiving a tremendous amount of buzz across the country. With its racy and timely subject matter of the moment X-Rayted lives up to its name as it pushes the limit of the sexy side of R&B.

Born in Monroe, LA, Ray Lavender (or Ray-L, though he has also gone by L.A. Ray, RayBlack, and Earl Ray) knew from early on that he wanted to be a star. His family moved to Atlanta when Ray was only eight years old to provide more opportunities for him to accomplish this. After a few years of performing in local talent shows the young singer was noticed by a man named Andrew Bryant, who realized Lavender's talent and worked on developing him. When Lavender was in high school his father died, prompting his family to move to rural Georgia, and though obviously distraught, he continued singing, eventually joining up with a classmate. It was through this friend that Lavender was introduced to Akon, the singer/producer who eventually signed him to his Geffen imprint, Kon Live Records. After practicing his chops performing with the Senegalese-American on his opening slot for Gwen Stefani's 2007 summer tour (before Akon was kicked off following his inappropriate dancing with an underage audience member during a show of his in Trinidad), Ray Lavender released his debut album, X-Rayted, which featured the singles "My Girl's Gotta Girlfriend" and "Donkey Kong," later that year. ~ Marisa Brown, All Music Guide