2021 Soul Train Awards: Who is Morray? 5 Things to Know About This Year’s "Best New Artist" Nominee
Five years ago, Morray felt like his raw feelings and transparency in songs like “Quicksand” would not find an audience. With rappers often talking about topics like women and flashy items, the Fayetteville native saw no place for him in the industry, until a push from his wife and a phone call from a prominent media manager convinced him otherwise.
A few years later, Morray is taking the music scene by storm and has already been compared to other tops act in the business including CeeLo Green. Ahead of the 2021 Soul Train Awards, check out our list of 5 things to know about this year’s “Best New Artist” nominee Morray.
He isn’t bothered by comparisons
While talking to XXL, the artist said his style and artistry has been compared to numerous folks including Rod Wave, Roddy Ricch and even CeeLo Green. “If you're taking the time to listen to me, you can compare me to who you want to compare me to, long as you're listening, and I appreciate that,”he said.
He’s a family man
At 19, Morray, whose real name is Morae Ebony Ruffin, unexpectedly became a father. Determined no to repeat the actions of his alleged abusive and often absent father, the now-28-year-old took responsibility and married the woman. Today the pair are still married and share three children.
A phone call stopped him from quitting his musical aspirations
Like many artists, after a few not-so successful attempts--more specifically, only 1,000 YouTube views on his now major hit record “Quicksand,” the North Carolina native was ready to quit music before his wife received a call from talent manager Moe Shalizi, who watched his video and was highly impressed. Shalizi told Morray’s wife he was willing to push the artist as far as he was willing--debunking the singer’s thoughts that he couldn’t make it in the industry.
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His wife inspired him to write “Quicksand”
According to Passionweiss, Morray’s wife pointed out that most artists covered the same topics in their records like drugs, women, and other materialistic things. She pushed the singer to write about his personal experiences, which would show a more vulnerable side to him that people would gravitate to subsequently creating the emotioned filled track “Quicksand.”
He wants to become an actor
This star isn’t limiting his talents to just music. Morray has plans on being on the big screen and has already taken steps in that direction. Not only is he a rapper and singer, but the “Bad Situations” musician is also a scriptwriter and created a short film, “Something’s Got to Give” that was filmed in Spring Lake, North Carolina.
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
