Ravyn Lanae

Chicago native, Ravyn Lenae Washington, referred to as simply, Ravyn Lanae is most notably known for her smooth and sultry vocals. Lenae’s first EP, Moon Shoes, was originally released for free in 2015, but was later reissued by Atlantic Records, because, why give out gold for free, when you can clearly make a huge profit, right? Atlantic Record’s strategic gamble paid off, as it drew praise from critics, who praised her for her “fluid vocals and spare, poetic lyrics.”

After becoming officially signed to Atlantic Records, Lenae appeared as a feature on both Mick Jenkins’ album, The Healing Component, as well as on Noname’s song “Forever“. These endeavors would later prove useful, as she went on to tour with, and open for Noname on her Telefone Tour in 2017. Lanae then released her sophomore EP, Midnight Moonlight only a few months later, before performing at SXSW alongside lyricist, Smino. After all of this limelight, in August she would then go on to open for SZA on her Ctrl Tour, and release her own album, titled, Crush, which was entirely produced by The Internet’s very own, Steve Lacy.

The album’s catchiest track, “Sticky,” emphasizes Lenae’s  own lyrics in relation to a well— horrible relationship, while paying attention to carefully enchant listeners as Lacy’s riffs play melodically in the background. Lenae, who has mentioned OutKast, Timbaland, Eminem, India. Arie, and Erykah Badu as her musical influences, literally just opened for Jorja Smith this past Sunday in Dallas. For everyone who missed this performance, I have got to say with full-sincerity…I am truly sorry that you missed a once in a lifetime show.

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