Recognize this lovely face? Sexy southerner Ray Lavender first caught our attention a few years back when his racy first single “My Girl Gotta Girlfriend” was all over the airwaves. This year, he has exploded back onto the scene with the release of two hot new singles (“Tequila” and “We Love”), a new label and a sound more sultry than ever. In anticipation for the fall release of his new self-titled album, we’re giving you a chance to get to know this heartthrob a little better. Ladies, show Ray some love!
Lavender was one of 12 men vying for the heart of former reality TV star, and notorious tough cookie, Omarosa Stallworth on Donald Trump’s reality show The Ultimate Merger. In the end, his smooth moves and overwhelming charm won her over and he walked off the show victorious.
Lavender was signed to Akon’s Interscope Records label, but this time around he’s working with Global Artists Group, an independent label he says is giving his talent the time and attention it deserves. “The thing about losing is that you know how to win the next time,” he admits. “Things are just moving so much faster for me now and I’ve got a great team with me.”
When he was a little boy, Lavender would sing alone in his room trying to imitate Sam Cooke songs. One day his father once ran into the room and asked, “Is that you?” He says that’s when everyone knew he could really sing. Lavender’s been singing at a professional level since he was 16 and even signed a recording deal with Elektra records at 19.
Want to hear more from Lavender? You can download his current mixtape RNB Hustler here. In the meantime, send him some love in the comment section below.