Ray Emmanuel is 15-year-old independent lyricist that not only wants to show that real rap is alive, but wants to tell people of all ages and backgrounds that they can chase their dreams. We had the pleasure to interview Ray so be sure to learn more about him below and Submit to Jukebox Culture

Where are you from?
Iā€™m from a small town in North Carolina. Very small, tight knit place. Itā€™s no New York or LA but it made me who I am.

What was life like growing up?
I grew up in a musical family so since a baby thatā€™s all Iā€™ve known. Through all the ups and downs with everything in life, music was the only constant.

What got you into music?
It was around me my whole life so that was a given. Rap specifically is different. My mom was an English teacher and at a young age she introduced me to poetry. As I started writing poetry I discovered rap and fell in love with it since then.

First song/video that really boosted your career?
In the summer of 2018 I decided to post a video on Instagram of me just rapping and speaking my mind about certain problems in the world today. Shoutout to Rapsody, she saw it and posted and from there it went viral, getting posted and recognized by all kinds of celebrities and legends. I was just happy people heard my message.

Who is your biggest music inspiration?
My biggest music inspiration honestly isnā€™t an artist in particular. Itā€™s just life experience combined with all the greats I studied my whole life. Makes me push myself be greater every day.

What has been the most difficult part of being a popular music artist or influencer?
I guess the hardest part so far has been realizing the responsibility that comes with the attention and the work I have to put in from now on. So itā€™s hard every day but I love the growth and the process.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Wherever my journey takes me honestly. If I have to force it then itā€™s not for me, so I just work hard because I have a passion for music and whatever else happens Iā€™m grateful for. Thereā€™s a difference in deserving something and expecting it.

If you could collab with one artist who would it be and why?
J Cole for sure. Just being that weā€™re both from North Carolina and Iā€™ve always looked up to him. I think a track with both of us on it would be fire.

In your option what is your favorite song youā€™ve done to date? ā€“ new or old. All of those are unreleased and coming soon hopefully. Just stay tuned.

What advice would you give to someone looking to become an artist?
The only advice I have is to stop asking for so much advice. If you know it feels right then go for. Any outside options are just opinions.

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