If there’s one artist to be on the lookout for at this moment, it’s Coi Leray. The femcee has set the rap industry ablaze on her journey to world domination with chart-topping singles and fierce collaborations. We’ve seen her consistently put in the work to curate a career of effulgence and determination, marked by her unwavering work ethic.
Whether it was reaching platinum status for her single “No More Parties” or unveiling her highly-anticipated single “Blick Blick” with Nicki Minaj, Leray‘s rise to the top was meteoric. So much so that she’s teaming up with Sprite for its Limelight program. Alongside other emerging musicians, Leray will release content, including exclusive songs and confessionals in which she discusses how she’s overcome challenging moments in her life.
Coi Leray stopped by Blavity News to discuss her latest team-up with Sprite, how she hopes to inspire the next generation of female rappers and an inside look into her creative process.
Working with Sprite
It’s pretty safe to say that the Boston native has mastered the art of creating superlative content that allows her to connect with millions of fans worldwide. Joining forces with Sprite, Leray will release content as part of its Limelight program, where viewers can delve deeper into who the rising star is. Alongside new music and confessionals, Leray’s fans can expect in-depth, docu-style music videos that showcase her strength as an artist. For Leray, this joint venture is a dream come true.
“Hearing Sprite’s direction for the Limelight program really sparked something in me,” Leray said. “I always loved sprite growing up, so this is a dream come true.”
Collaborating with James Blake
Sprite’s Limelight program, spearheaded by Grammy award-winning producer James Blake, has the super-producer creating a singular hook to be used by Leray and other artists over individual tracks. While Leray’s presence and sound are simply magisterial at times, she was honored to work alongside a veteran in the music industry.
“I’m so honored to be included. I knew when they played me the hook that James wrote, I wanted to be part of the program,” Leray said. “It was so different from my usual style. He was very professional and easy to work with. The biggest lesson for me was to broaden my horizon and be more versatile.”
How she wants to inspire the next generation
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If Webster’s Dictionary were to release an updated version this very minute, you’d likely find Leray’s face plastered next to the word “trendsetter.” In just a short amount of time, Leray has been able to hone in on her individuality, creating a lane unique to her only. When asked how she wants to inspire the next generation, Leray reflects on the importance of individuality.
“I hope to inspire all artists by pushing individuality. Showing that you can be different and out of the norm of what female rappers usually sound like, yet be just as successful as the rest of the rappers. Setting trends for their generation and still being true to themselves,” Leray said.
Her debut album
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Leray’s debut album Trendsetter launched in April, and aside from its musical brilliance, it conveyed her versatility as an artist. Not only was she able to secure some of the biggest names in music as some of her collaborators, including Nicki Minaj, Fivio Foreign and more, but Leray also showcased just how creative she can get. The switch-up in flows and tonality provided a snippet of her inventiveness. Leray describes her creative process when creating the album as synonymous with her constant hunger for evolution as an artist.
“I always turn to music. When I’m happy, when I’m sad, when I’m angry — I take it out on the music. I never stop recording. I never stop trying to reinvent myself and grow and evolve and stay true to myself. My creative process is really about doing the unexpected and that is how I stay true to myself,” Leray told Blavity News.
Her musical journey
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As Leray continues on her path to acclaim, she admits that while there have been some tough moments, the good ones always outweigh them.
“My journey has been up and down, but the love has outweighed the negativity. Everyone in my generation is different and unique in so many ways, which allows us all to shine. I worked hard with my team on artist development to find myself as an artist and creating a brand for myself that lasts,” Leray said.
“This journey is 50/50 of what I expected. It changes constantly for me, and it can be hard not to get caught up in every comment and opinion the world has about me and my choices. I try to stay positive and focus on the love,” Leray said.
More information on Leray’s involvement in Sprite’s Limelight program can be found here.
