Genre-bending artist RAYE has returned with her new single “Genesis.”
Produced by Darkchild, “Genesis” is a seven-minute aural experience, split into three acts, that tells a poignant and relatable story about navigating life in a social media-driven world. She touches on comparison culture, maintaining sobriety, love’s woes, insecurities, depression, anxiety, and more.
Though the song is deeply personal, it’s also universal. In the optimistic third act, the British singer acknowledges those “overworked and underpaid” and tips her hat to farmers, chefs, train operators, nurses, doctors, teachers, single mothers, and more. She delivers a chilling message that we could all benefit from a glimmer of light, especially during challenging times.
Sonically, “Genesis” is a well-executed mélange of R&B, hip-hop, jazz, big band, and gospel. The intentional production helps shape the mood as RAYE takes listeners through darkness and into light.
“There is a Nina Simone quote, ‘It is an artist’s duty to reflect the times.’ This quote is everything to me, and I believe the best way I can try to do this is through my art and my music,” says RAYE. “There is so much darkness and pain in this world we live in, and I wanted to create something both as deeply personal and as raw as I could find myself to be about my own mind and the world I see around me.”
She continues, “The song is a seven-minute piece that I have crafted and scrutinized over the last year and a half, experimenting with different genres and sonic expressions; beneath all the layers and the lyrics, the underlying message is ‘Let There Be Light.’ It is a prayer and a plea and a cry for help and I really hope this song will be able to bring some hope, the way this music does for me, to those who need it most.”
“Genesis” arrives with a theatrical visual that brings the song’s thought-provoking lyrics to life. RAYE co-directed the video with Otis Dominique, which can be watched below.
“Genesis” marks the beginning of a new musical era for RAYE, whose 2023 album, My 21st Century Blues, landed her six BRIT Awards, including Album of the Year. RAYE made history at the 2024 BRIT Awards, becoming the first woman to ever win Songwriter of the Year.
My 21st Century Blues included RAYE’s hit single “Escapism” featuring 070 Shake, which was certified 2x platinum by the RIAA in May. It also featured an appearance from fellow U.K. singer Mahalia, who appeared on “Five Star Hotels.” RAYE co-wrote and co-produced “Terms and Conditions” from Mahalia’s 2023 album, IRL.
Speaking of co-writing, RAYE also contributed to Beyoncé’s “Riiverdance” from her eighth album, Cowboy Carter, released in March.
Stream RAYE’s new single “Genesis” below.