Debo Ray - Debo Ray: Review
Photo Credit: Artist EPK
Debo Ray, the powerhouse Grammy-nominated vocalist and singer-songwriter, has just dropped her much-anticipated debut solo album, “Debo Ray.” With ten original tracks, the album is a vibrant mix of R&B, jazz, pop, dance, afrobeat, and hip-hop/rap, co-written by Debo herself alongside Jerry Velona and Prince Charles Alexander—a Grammy-winning producer who’s worked with Usher and Mary J. Blige. Recorded at Dimension Sound Studios in Jamaica Plain, MA, this project is a true reflection of Debo’s artistry, blending soulful storytelling, insane vocal range, and a sound that refuses to be boxed in.
Debo grew up surrounded by music, singing in her parents’ church choir at just four years old. She later honed her skills through classical training with Boston’s Handel & Haydn Society, but it was at Berklee College of Music where she really found her voice—exploring everything from jazz and R&B to rock, metal, and world music.
Her career has been just as diverse as her influences. She’s been a music director and performer with the world music group Women of the World, rocked the Newport Jazz Festival, and was handpicked by jazz legend Terri Lyne Carrington to join the genre-blurring band Social Science. That gig led to a Grammy nomination for their album The Waiting Game in 2022.
Debo’s also done session work with countless artists, toured with the funk-metal band Screaming Headless Torsos, and even starred in musical theater and opera, including a lead role in The Jonah People with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra.
After years of working with other artists, 2022 marked a turning point—Debo decided to step into the spotlight as a solo artist. And she’s bringing it all to this debut album—stories of love, loss, empowerment, identity, and resilience, told through bold, clever, and deeply relatable lyrics.
“My songs are based on my life experiences, which I’d like to think are shared by many of us,” Debo says. “I write what I know and feel, which I hope will connect with others.”
Credit: Holy Smoke Photography
Debo Ray is jam-packed with bangers, ballads & everything in between. “Time With You” is a hip-hop-infused love song with lush harmonies and a groove that hits just right. “Feelin’ Lucky” is a dance-pop anthem in the Doja Cat / Dua Lipa vein, but with Debo’s signature sass and swagger.
“Gaslight” finds a raw, R&B-driven take on toxic relationships and emotional manipulation. “Money” is a playful afrobeat jam about being broke but dreaming big. “Tell Me What You Want” & “You Read Me Wrong” both mix rock and rap, showing off Debo’s fearless genre-bending style.
“Now You’re Here” is a gospel-infused track that lets Debo’s vocals soar. It has already racked up over 155K streams on Spotify.
Behind the scenes, Grammy-winning producer Prince Charles Alexander brings his expert production, killer instrumentation choices, and flawless mixing to the project, giving each track a polished yet organic feel.
With the album release just around the corner, Debo is gearing up for live performances, tour dates, and even more collaborations. If you haven’t seen her perform live yet, just know—you’re in for a show-stopping, high-energy, leave-you-speechless experience.
Keep an eye out for Debo Ray. She is just getting started.
Debo Ray is available now on all major streaming platforms
