raye

{{Infobox person

| name = Raye

| image = Boardmasters2023 (93 of 171) (53120568405) (cropped).jpg

| alt = Raye smiling on the right

| caption = Raye performing in 2023

| birth_name = Rachel Agatha Keen

| birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1997|10|24}}

| birth_place = Tooting, London, England

| relatives = Abby-Lynn Keen (sister)

| occupation = {{hlist|Singer-songwriter|record producer}}

| years_active = 2014–present

| works = Discography

| awards = Full list

| module = {{Infobox musical artist|embed=yes

| genre = {{hlist|R&B|pop|jazz|soul|dance}}

| instrument = Vocals, piano

| label = {{flatlist|

Polydor
Human Re Sources

}}

| website = {{URL|rayeofficial.com}}

}}

Rachel Agatha Keen (born 24 October 1997), known professionally as Raye ({{IPA|en|reɪ}} {{respell|RAY}}), is an English singer-songwriter. She first rose to prominence after signing with Polydor Records and subsequently releasing dance singles and extended plays (EPs). Raye then gained media attention with her departure from the record label, which allegedly refused to release her debut album.

Raye independently released her debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues (2023), to critical acclaim. The album's third single, "Escapism", gained popularity in social media and became her first song to top the UK singles chart and enter the US Billboard Hot 100. At the Brit Awards 2024, Raye won six categories including British Artist of the Year, breaking the record for the artist with the most awards received in a single ceremony of the organization. BBC included Raye on their 100 Women 2024 list. She received three nominations at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards including Best New Artist.

Lyrically focusing on her own struggles and contemporary issues, the majority of Raye's genre-blending music is influenced by jazz, while also incorporating R&B, pop, and soul. Outside of her own discography, Raye has co-written songs for other musicians, such as Beyoncé, Charli XCX, John Legend, and Little Mix.

Early life

Raye was born as Rachel Agatha Keen on 24 October 1997 in Tooting, London,{{cite web |last1=Burrell |first1=Jessica |title=Raye: 10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brit Award-Winning Singer |url=https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a60266712/raye-things-you-didnt-know/ |website=Elle |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=22 March 2024 |archive-date=1 May 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240501135740/https://www.elle.com/uk/life-and-culture/culture/a60266712/raye-things-you-didnt-know/ |url-status=live}} to a Ghanaian-Swiss mother who is a mental-health worker, and an English father from Yorkshire.{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Raye's Path to the Brits: 'It's Not Been the Simplest Story' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68385750 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=29 February 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240229160311/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68385750 |url-status=live}} She has three younger sisters: the songwriter Abby-Lynn, the musician Lauren, and Katelyn.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Mischa Anouk |title=Raye Says Music Is Her Medicine—It's Also the Reason She Self-Medicated for So Long |url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/entertainment/people/raye-my-life-in-sisterhood |website=Marie Claire |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=30 December 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115055343/https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/entertainment/people/raye-my-life-in-sisterhood |url-status=live}} As a child, Raye frequently attended church where her mother sang in the choir and her father was the musical director.{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Raye: 'My Drug Use Got Pretty Deep and Really Dangerous' |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64468448 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115062855/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64468448 |url-status=live}} Raye and her family later moved to Croydon, South London, where she grew up and studied at Woodcote High School.

Surrounded by music, Raye first showed interest in becoming a recording artist at the age of eight.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38402963 |title=BBC Sound of 2017: Raye Interview |first=Mark |last=Savage |date=4 January 2017 |access-date=18 July 2020 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324144542/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-38402963 |url-status=live}} She wrote her first song for a concert in Year 6 and performed it at the Southwark Cathedral, after her father taught her how to play the piano. At age 14, Raye was chosen to enter the BRIT School, where she studied for two years before dropping out due to feeling "confined". She spent most of her teenage years learning how to write songs professionally in studio sessions at the weekends.{{cite web |last=Cliff |first=Aimee |title=Raye Is Going To Be a Star on Her Own Terms |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/11/24/raye-interview-gen-f |website=The Fader |access-date=13 January 2023 |date=24 November 2017 |archive-date=13 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113181857/https://www.thefader.com/2017/11/24/raye-interview-gen-f |url-status=live}}

Career

= 2014–2018: Early career and breakthrough =

In November 2014, at the age of 17, Raye independently uploaded her debut extended play (EP), Welcome to the Winter, to SoundCloud.{{cite web |last1=Day |first1=Laurence |title=Stream Raye's Welcome to the Winter EP Exclusively on Best Fit |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/stream-rayes-welcome-to-the-winter-ep-exclusively-on-best-fit |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=19 November 2014 |archive-date=22 November 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141122090329/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/stream-rayes-welcome-to-the-winter-ep-exclusively-on-best-fit |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Robin |title=Stream: Raye – 'Welcome to the Winter' |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/stream-raye-welcome-to-the-winter/ |website=Clash |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=5 December 2014 |archive-date=25 October 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161025080222/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/stream-raye-welcome-to-the-winter/ |url-status=live}} She wrote, recorded, and co-produced the seven tracks included on the track listing. Olly Alexander, the then-lead singer of the English band Years & Years, discovered the EP's single "Hotbox" through Hype Machine and sent it to the record label he was signed to, Polydor Records.{{cite web |last1=Bell |first1=Crystal |title=Raye's Perfect Blues |url=https://www.papermag.com/raye-my-21st-century-blues |website=Paper |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=9 February 2023 |archive-date=21 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241121231215/https://www.papermag.com/raye-my-21st-century-blues |url-status=live}} Raye signed a contract with them thereafter. In 2015, she released the single "Alien" featuring Avelino and covered the Years & Years song "Shine", later opening for the band's show at Shepherd's Bush Empire.{{cite web |last1=Day |first1=Laurence |title=Raye Covers Years & Years' "Shine" Ahead of Shepherds Bush Empire Support Slot Tomorrow (12 June) |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/raye-covers-years-years-shine-ahead-of-shepherds-bush-empire-support-slot |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=11 June 2015 |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824014032/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/new-music/discovery/raye-covers-years-years-shine-ahead-of-shepherds-bush-empire-support-slot |url-status=live}}

Raye's following EP, Second, was released in August 2016 through Polydor.{{cite web |last1=Cliff |first1=Aimee |title=Watch the Charli XCX-Directed Video for 18-Year-Old Singer Raye's "I, U, Us" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2016/08/11/raye-i-u-us-video-charli-xcx |website=The Fader |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=11 August 2016 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203173341/https://www.thefader.com/2016/08/11/raye-i-u-us-video-charli-xcx |url-status=live}} She co-wrote its single "I, U, Us" with the singers Noonie Bao and Charli XCX; the latter also directed the song's music video.{{cite web |last1=Helman |first1=Peter |title=Raye – "I, U, Us" Video (Dir. Charli XCX) |url=https://www.stereogum.com/1893799/raye-i-u-us-video-dir-charli-xcx/music/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=13 August 2016 |archive-date=21 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230721194256/https://www.stereogum.com/1893799/raye-i-u-us-video-dir-charli-xcx/music/ |url-status=live}} The same year, Raye featured on Jonas Blue's "By Your Side" and Jax Jones's "You Don't Know Me", which respectively reached numbers 15 and 3 on the UK singles chart.{{cite web |url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/50464/raye/ |title=Raye Songs and Albums {{!}} Full Official Chart history |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=5 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105111705/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/50464/raye/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Savage |first1=Mark |title=Raye: Pop Star Hits Number One After Gaining Independence from Major Label |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64189872 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=9 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109003515/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64189872 |url-status=live}} "By Your Side" became her first song to enter the chart.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Carl |title=Raye Celebrates Her First-Ever Top 10 Single as a Solo Artist with Escapism.: "It's Such a Blessing" |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-celebrates-her-first-ever-top-10-single-as-a-solo-artist-with-escapism-its-such-a-blessing__38007/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=2 December 2022 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111055212/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-celebrates-her-first-ever-top-10-single-as-a-solo-artist-with-escapism-its-such-a-blessing__38007/ |url-status=live}} Months later, she served as an opening act for a concert tour by the singer Jess Glynne.{{cite web |last1=Smyth |first1=David |title=Raye, Tour Review: Star in the Making Who's Keen to Learn Her Trade |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/raye-tour-review-star-in-the-making-who-s-keen-to-learn-her-trade-a3463766.html |website=Evening Standard |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=10 February 2017 |archive-date=20 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231220160151/https://www.standard.co.uk/culture/music/raye-tour-review-star-in-the-making-who-s-keen-to-learn-her-trade-a3463766.html |url-status=live}}{{Cite tweet |author=Raye |user=raye |number=793123330345738241 |title=@JessGlynne #takemehometour see you there}}

Raye performed at the club XOYO in London in February 2017, receiving positive reviews from publications; The Line of Best Fit described her as "a pop powerhouse worth keeping an eye on".{{cite web |last1=Maher |first1=Amelia |title=Raye Lives Up to the Hype at XOYO |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/live-reviews/raye-lives-up-to-the-hype-at-xoyo |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=10 February 2017 |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815143018/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/live-reviews/raye-lives-up-to-the-hype-at-xoyo |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Sullivan |first1=Caroline |title=Raye Review – Charm and Tunes from an Extrovert Anti-Diva |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/feb/10/raye-review-xoyo-london |website=The Guardian |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=10 February 2017 |archive-date=26 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326135754/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/feb/10/raye-review-xoyo-london |url-status=live}} She worked on Charli XCX's "After the Afterparty", and appeared on the "VIP" remix to the song with the singer Rita Ora and the rapper Stefflon Don.{{cite web |title=Charli XCX Unveils Another Version of 'After The Afterparty', Now Featuring Raye and Rita Ora |url=https://diymag.com/news/charli-xcx-after-the-afterparty-now-featuring-raye-and-rita-ora |website=DIY |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=3 February 2017 |archive-date=16 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250116212555/https://diymag.com/news/charli-xcx-after-the-afterparty-now-featuring-raye-and-rita-ora |url-status=live}} Raye starred on the music video for the Stormzy song "Big For Your Boots" in the same month,{{cite web |last1=Cliff |first1=Aimee |title=A Brief Guide to All the Boss Ladies in Stormzy's New Video |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/02/03/stormzy-big-for-your-boots |website=The Fader |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=3 February 2017 |archive-date=10 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231210044402/http://www.thefader.com/2017/02/03/stormzy-big-for-your-boots |url-status=live}} and featured on the track "Dreamer" from Charli XCX's collaborative project Number 1 Angel (2017).{{cite magazine |last1=Blistein |first1=Jon |title=Charli XCX Unveils Three Bombastic Songs From New Mixtape |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charli-xcx-unveils-three-bombastic-songs-from-new-mixtape-112357/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=7 March 2017 |archive-date=7 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250107031342/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/charli-xcx-unveils-three-bombastic-songs-from-new-mixtape-112357/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} The singles "The Line" and "Decline" were also released in 2017; the latter featured the singer Mr Eazi.{{cite web |last1=Cliff |first1=Aimee |title=Raye Flips a Middle Finger to Double Standards in Her New Video "The Line" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2017/05/19/raye-the-line-video |website=The Fader |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=19 May 2017 |archive-date=25 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225124812/http://www.thefader.com/2017/05/19/raye-the-line-video |url-status=live}} Her third EP, Side Tape, premiered in 2018,{{cite web |last1=Mylrea |first1=Hannah |title=Raye: The Pop Whisperer Talks New EP, Writing for John Legend and Using Her Platform for Good |url=https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/raye-interview-side-tape-2343724-2343724 |website=NME |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=25 June 2018 |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704085523/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/raye-interview-side-tape-2343724-2343724 |url-status=live}} following the release of the single "Cigarette", in collaboration with the singer Mabel and Don.{{cite web |last1=Renshaw |first1=David |title=U.K. Trio Raye, Mabel, and Stefflon Don Connect on "Cigarette" |url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/02/23/raye-mabel-stefflon-don-cigarette |website=The Fader |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=23 February 2018 |archive-date=14 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250114125843/https://www.thefader.com/2018/02/23/raye-mabel-stefflon-don-cigarette |url-status=live}} In parallel, Raye received writing credits on songs by the girl group Little Mix and the singer John Legend. In June, Raye performed at the Summertime Ball in London, held by the radio network Capital.{{cite web |title=Raye Smashed It with Her Soulful Version of 'Decline' at the Summertime Ball! |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/raye/summertime-ball-2018-set-list/ |publisher=Capital |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=9 June 2018 |archive-date=1 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231001050712/https://www.capitalfm.com/artists/raye/summertime-ball-2018-set-list/ |url-status=live}} Later in 2018, she released a stand-alone single dedicated to her friends and supported Ora and the singer-songwriter Halsey on their respective concert tours.{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |title=Raye Reveals New Single "Friends" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-reveals-new-single-friends |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=6 July 2018 |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824014032/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-reveals-new-single-friends |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Jones |first1=Abby |title=Halsey Announces Final Installment of Hopeless Fountain Kingdom World Tour |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/halsey-announces-hopeless-fountain-kingdom-tour-8260970/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=26 March 2018 |archive-date=28 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241228123026/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/halsey-announces-hopeless-fountain-kingdom-tour-8260970/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Brooks |first1=Hayden |title=Halsey Recruits Lauren Jauregui, Kehlani & More for Final Tour Leg |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2018-03-27-halsey-recruits-lauren-jauregui-kehlani-more-for-final-tour-leg/ |publisher=iHeart |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=27 March 2018 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250117002833/https://www.iheart.com/alternate/amp/2018-03-27-halsey-recruits-lauren-jauregui-kehlani-more-for-final-tour-leg/ |url-status=live}} Raye embarked on her first headlining tour at the end of the year.{{Cite tweet |author=Live Nation UK |author-link=Live Nation UK |user=LiveNationUK |number=1017715515387731968 |title=ON SALE: Don't miss @raye on her FIRST EVER headline tour this October and November}}

= 2019–2021: ''Euphoric Sad Songs'' and departure from Polydor =

In 2019, Raye featured on the Odunsi the Engine song "Tipsy" and the David Guetta song "Stay (Don't Go Away)", released in March and May, respectively.{{cite web |last1=Storm |first1=Camille |title=Odunsi the Engine and RAYE's "Tipsy" Is an Intoxicating Rush |url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/12/odunsi-the-engine-premiere-tipsy-feat-raye |website=The Fader |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=12 March 2019 |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530221019/http://www.thefader.com/2019/03/12/odunsi-the-engine-premiere-tipsy-feat-raye |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Bein |first1=Kat |title=David Guetta and Raye's Latest Groove Will Make You 'Stay': Listen |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/david-guetta-raye-stay-dont-go-away-8510809/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=9 May 2019 |archive-date=7 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221007135638/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/david-guetta-raye-stay-dont-go-away-8510809/ |url-status=live}} The latter became Raye's first number-one song on Billboard{{'s}} US Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart issued for 13 July 2019.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/david-guetta-eighth-number-1-dance-mix-show-airplay-chart/ |title=David Guetta Gets 8th No. 1 on Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart With 'Stay (Don't Go Away)' |magazine=Billboard |last=Murray |first=Gordon |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=1 August 2019 |archive-date=29 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241129063422/https://www.billboard.com/pro/david-guetta-eighth-number-1-dance-mix-show-airplay-chart/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} She supported the singer Khalid on his Free Spirit World Tour.{{cite web |last1=Soormally |first1=Sabrina |title=Five Minutes with Raye Before the British Fashion Awards |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/fashion/five-minutes-with-raye-before-the-british-fashion-awards/ |website=Clash |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=4 December 2019 |archive-date=1 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211201155139/https://www.clashmusic.com/fashion/five-minutes-with-raye-before-the-british-fashion-awards |url-status=live}} Raye co-wrote the track "Bigger" by the singer Beyoncé, which featured on the soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift, released in July 2019. BBC News believed that it was "arguably her biggest song-writing credit" at the time.{{cite web |title=Beyoncé Lion King Album: The Young Brit Who Wrote the First Track |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49065655 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=22 July 2019 |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203160509/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49065655 |url-status=live}} Between August and November 2019, Raye released the solo single "Love Me Again" and the collaboration "Make It to Heaven" with Guetta and the producer Morten.{{cite web |last1=White |first1=Jack |title=Raye Talks New Single Love Me Again and Writing for Beyonce: "I've Earned the Right to Put Out an Album" |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-talks-new-single-love-me-again-and-writing-for-beyonce-ive-earned-the-right-to-put-out-an-album__26983/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=2 August 2019 |archive-date=18 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210218023343/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-talks-new-single-love-me-again-and-writing-for-beyonce-ive-earned-the-right-to-put-out-an-album__26983/ |url-status=live}}

In early 2020, Raye released "Tequila" in collaboration with Jax Jones and the DJ Martin Solveig, and "Secrets" with the DJ Regard.{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |title=Raye Unveils New Banger "Natalie Don't" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-unveils-new-banger-natalie-dont |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=10 July 2020 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111043427/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-unveils-new-banger-natalie-dont |url-status=live}} "Secrets" peaked at number six in the United Kingdom and was certified platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).{{cite web |title=Regard & Raye – Secrets |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/5746-5307-1 |publisher=British Phonographic Industry |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=9 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241209003616/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/5746-5307-1 |url-status=live}} In July 2020, Raye released "Natalie Don't", which preceded her project Euphoric Sad Songs, released in November. It included previously released songs alongside the singles "Love of Your Life" and "Regardless", the latter in collaboration with Rudimental.{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-shares-new-disco-anthem-love-of-your-life |title=Raye Shares New Disco Anthem "Love of Your Life" |website=The Line of Best Fit |date=6 November 2020 |access-date=19 March 2021 |archive-date=25 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125084135/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-shares-new-disco-anthem-love-of-your-life |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |title=Raye Drops Surprise Mini-Album Euphoric Sad Songs |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-drops-surprise-mini-album-euphoric-sad-songs |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=20 November 2020 |archive-date=30 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130171303/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-drops-surprise-mini-album-euphoric-sad-songs |url-status=live}} The project centred on the stages of grief. The critic Rachel Aroesti from The Guardian gave it a mixed review; she opined it lives up to its title but lacks personality.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/20/raye-euphoric-sad-songs-review |title=Raye: Euphoric Sad Songs Review |first=Rachel |last=Aroesti |date=20 November 2020 |website=The Guardian |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=27 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127235737/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/nov/20/raye-euphoric-sad-songs-review |url-status=live}}

Raye, the DJ Joel Corry, and Guetta released the collaborative single "Bed" in February 2021.{{cite web |last1=Copsey |first1=Rob |title=Joel Corry Teams Up with David Guetta and RAYE on BED: 'It's the Official Baby-Making Banger' |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/joel-corry-teams-up-with-david-guetta-and-raye-on-bed-its-the-official-baby-making-banger__32545/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=26 February 2021 |archive-date=15 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715111914/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/joel-corry-teams-up-with-david-guetta-and-raye-on-bed-its-the-official-baby-making-banger__32545/ |url-status=live}} The song peaked at number three on the UK singles chart, becoming Raye's highest charting single as a lead artist on the chart at the time. Additionally, it topped the US Dance/Mix Show Airplay.{{cite magazine |last1=Murray |first1=Gordon |title=Joel Corry, Raye & David Guetta Get Comfy Atop Dance/Mix Show Airplay Chart with 'Bed' |url=https://www.billboard.com/pro/joel-corry-raye-david-guetta-bed-top-dance-mix-show-airplay-chart/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=22 April 2021 |archive-date=23 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230223143553/https://www.billboard.com/pro/joel-corry-raye-david-guetta-bed-top-dance-mix-show-airplay-chart/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} She co-wrote and co-produced the song "Let Them Know" by Mabel.{{cite web |last1=Murray |first1=Robin |title=Mabel's 'Let Them Know' Is an Out and Out Banger |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/mabels-let-them-know-is-an-out-and-out-banger/ |website=Clash |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=18 June 2021 |archive-date=12 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250112201316/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/mabels-let-them-know-is-an-out-and-out-banger/ |url-status=live}} In June 2021, Raye released "Call On Me", a song written for her sister and intended to serve as the lead single for her debut studio album.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Will |title=Raye Shares New Track 'Call On Me', Written for her Sister |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-shares-new-track-call-on-me-written-for-her-sister-2967815 |website=NME |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=13 June 2021 |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204122915/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-shares-new-track-call-on-me-written-for-her-sister-2967815 |url-status=live}} Later that month, she revealed that Polydor Records had been withholding her debut album for several years.{{cite web |last=Levine |first=Nick |title=Raye: "I Became a 'Rent-a-Verse'. People Knew My Songs, but They Didn't Know Me" |url=https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/raye-polydor-new-album-hard-out-here-3260215 |website=NME |access-date=12 January 2023 |date=5 July 2022 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112210110/https://www.nme.com/features/music-features/raye-polydor-new-album-hard-out-here-3260215 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |date=30 June 2021 |title='Tears and Pain' as Polydor Holds Raye Debut Album |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-57663925 |access-date=30 June 2021 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324144544/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-57663925 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Cragg |first=Michael |date=25 September 2021 |title='I'm Angry, I'm Raging': How Raye Took On Her Record Label – and Won |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/sep/25/im-angry-im-raging-how-raye-took-on-her-record-label-and-won |access-date=16 January 2025 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=5 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250105223047/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2021/sep/25/im-angry-im-raging-how-raye-took-on-her-record-label-and-won |url-status=live}} The statement received support from fellow artists including Charli XCX, MNEK, and Rina Sawayama.{{cite web |last1=Firth |first1=Abigail |title=Raye: 21st Century Blues |url=https://readdork.com/features/raye-february-2023/ |website=Dork |access-date=21 January 2025 |date=2 February 2023 |archive-date=27 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230527234553/https://readdork.com/features/raye-february-2023/ |url-status=live}} Following this, Raye went on a hiatus,{{cite web |last1=Daly |first1=Ryan |date=4 July 2021 |title=Raye Quits Social Media amid Claims Label Won't Let Her Release Debut Album |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-quits-social-media-claiming-label-wont-let-her-release-debut-album-2984993 |access-date=11 July 2021 |website=NME |archive-date=24 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324144545/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-quits-social-media-claiming-label-wont-let-her-release-debut-album-2984993 |url-status=live}} and later announced that she had parted ways with the label to work as an independent artist.{{cite web |last1=Peay |first1=Malik |title=Raye Explicitly Speaks Her Mind On Debut Album, 'My 21st Century Blues' |url=https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/raye-my-21st-century-blues-album-independent |website=Nylon |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=3 February 2023 |archive-date=13 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213165254/https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/raye-my-21st-century-blues-album-independent |url-status=live}} Raye closed the year performing her Euphoric Sad Show headline UK and Ireland tour.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Will |date=31 August 2021 |title=Raye Announces 'The Euphoric Sad Show' UK and Irish Headline Tour |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-announces-the-euphoric-sad-show-uk-and-irish-headline-tour-3033948 |access-date=31 December 2021 |website=NME |archive-date=31 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211231110905/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-announces-the-euphoric-sad-show-uk-and-irish-headline-tour-3033948 |url-status=live}}

= 2022–present: ''My 21st Century Blues'' and international recognition =

File:Raye - First Avenue - 10-25-2023 - 073.jpg in 2023]]

Raye was signed to the distribution company Human Re Sources in mid-2022,{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |title=RAYE signs to Human Re Sources nearly a year after parting ways with Polydor |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-joins-human-re-sources-nearly-a-year-after-parting-ways-with-polydor |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=17 January 2025 |date=16 June 2022 |archive-date=9 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909125614/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/latest-news/raye-joins-human-re-sources-nearly-a-year-after-parting-ways-with-polydor |url-status=live}} and began to own her master recordings.{{cite web |last1=Hans |first1=Simran |title=Raye, Tired of Music's Waiting Game, Releases an Album at Last |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/03/arts/music/raye-my-21st-century-blues.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=3 February 2023 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203231230/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/02/03/arts/music/raye-my-21st-century-blues.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live}} On 30 June, she released her first independent single following her departure from Polydor, "Hard Out Here", alongside a music video depicting the early stages of an artist.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Bailey |title=Raye Shares Exclusive BTS Look at 'Hard Out Here' |url=https://www.papermag.com/raye-hard-out-here |website=Paper |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=1 July 2022 |archive-date=14 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241214183817/https://www.papermag.com/raye-hard-out-here |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Mier |first1=Tomás |title=Raye Is 'Done Being a Nice Polite Pop Star' as She Debuts Unapologetic Comeback |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/raye-hard-out-here-review-1377031/ |magazine=Rolling Stone |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=1 July 2022 |archive-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110190403/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/raye-hard-out-here-review-1377031/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}} The second single, "Black Mascara", was released in August 2022,{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |title=Raye Unveils New Single "Black Mascara" |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/raye-unveils-new-single-black-mascara |access-date=26 August 2022 |date=25 August 2022 |website=The Line of Best Fit |archive-date=26 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826094111/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/raye-unveils-new-single-black-mascara |url-status=live}} and was followed by a dual single in October: "Escapism", featuring the rapper 070 Shake, and "The Thrill is Gone".{{cite web |last1=Kenneally |first1=Cerys |title=Raye Delivers New Tracks "Escapism." Featuring 070 Shake and "The Thrill Is Gone." |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/raye-delivers-new-tracks-escapism-featuring-070-shake-and-the-thrill-is-gone |access-date=13 October 2022 |website=The Line of Best Fit |date=13 October 2022 |archive-date=13 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221013200128/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/raye-delivers-new-tracks-escapism-featuring-070-shake-and-the-thrill-is-gone |url-status=live}} All singles were part of Raye's debut studio album, My 21st Century Blues, which was released in February 2023.{{cite web |last=Mylrea |first=Hannah |title=RAYE – 'My 21st Century Blues' Review: A Triumphant, Hard-Fought Debut |url=https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/raye-my-21st-century-blues-review-3391162 |website=NME |date=2 February 2023 |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=17 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217224457/https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/raye-my-21st-century-blues-review-3391162 |url-status=live}} The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart, and was met with acclaim from music critics.{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/my-21st-century-blues/raye |title=My 21st Century Blues by Raye Reviews and Tracks |publisher=Metacritic |access-date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=15 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230515044834/https://www.metacritic.com/music/my-21st-century-blues/raye |url-status=live}}{{cite web |author=Raye |title=Raye: "Only You Truly Know What You Are Capable Of" |url=https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/raye-album-viewpoint |website=Vogue |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=2 March 2024 |url-access=limited |archive-date=27 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240827145438/https://www.vogue.co.uk/arts-and-lifestyle/article/raye-album-viewpoint |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=George |first1=Cassidy |title=Raye Rewrites Her Narrative |url=https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/raye-escapism-my-21st-century-blues-music-interview |website=W |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=16 May 2023 |archive-date=23 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623114118/https://www.wmagazine.com/culture/raye-escapism-my-21st-century-blues-music-interview |url-status=live}} In support of My 21st Century Blues, Raye embarked on a mini tour entitled The Story So Far, which marked her first headlining shows in Europe and North America.{{cite web |last=Ackroyd |first=Stephen |date=13 September 2022 |title=Raye Has Announced a String of Intimate Shows for This October and November |url=https://readdork.com/news/raye-intimate-shows-october-november/ |access-date=10 October 2022 |website=Dork |archive-date=10 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221010172806/https://readdork.com/news/raye-intimate-shows-october-november/ |url-status=live }} This was followed by the My 21st Century Blues Tour from February 2023 to February 2024.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Will |date=13 November 2022 |title=Raye Drops New Single 'Escapism' and Announces 2023 World Tour Dates |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-new-single-escapism-070-shake-2023-world-tour-tickets-3348290 |access-date=18 November 2022 |website=NME |archive-date=18 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221118144016/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-new-single-escapism-070-shake-2023-world-tour-tickets-3348290 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Jones |first1=Damian |title=Raye Announces Rescheduled UK Shows for 2024 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-announces-rescheduled-uk-shows-for-2024-3558411 |website=NME |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=13 December 2023 |archive-date=30 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130141306/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-announces-rescheduled-uk-shows-for-2024-3558411 |url-status=live}} "Escapism" went viral on social media and became Raye's first number-one song in the UK, three months after its original release.{{cite web |last1=Lane |first1=Lexi |title=Who Is Opening Kali Uchis' 'Red Moon In Venus Tour?' |url=https://uproxx.com/pop/who-is-opening-kali-uchis-red-moon-in-venus-tour/ |website=Uproxx |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=27 January 2023 |archive-date=13 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313103554/https://uproxx.com/pop/who-is-opening-kali-uchis-red-moon-in-venus-tour/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Griffiths |first1=George |title=Raye Claims Her First-Ever Official Number 1 Single with Escapism. Ft. 070 Shake: "I'm an Independent Artist – This Is Proof You Should Back Yourself, No Matter What!" |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-claims-her-first-ever-official-number-1-single-with-escapism-ft-070-shake-i-m-an-independent-artist-this-is-proof-you-should-back-yourself-no-matter-what-__38244/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=6 January 2023 |archive-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110221516/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/raye-claims-her-first-ever-official-number-1-single-with-escapism-ft-070-shake-i-m-an-independent-artist-this-is-proof-you-should-back-yourself-no-matter-what-__38244/ |url-status=live}} It also made her appear on the US Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.{{cite magazine |last1=Zellner |first1=Xander |title=Hot 100 First-Timers: RAYE & 070 Shine with Collab Global Hit 'Escapism' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/hot-100-first-timers-raye-070-collab-global-hit-escapism-1235185986/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=13 December 2022 |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202233257/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/hot-100-first-timers-raye-070-collab-global-hit-escapism-1235185986/ |url-status=live}} By the end of 2023, My 21st Century Blues had sold more than 60,000 copies in the United Kingdom. Billboard{{'s}} Kyle Denis said that she gained "not just a successful album era, but also a devoted fan base and solidified career".{{cite magazine |last1=Denis |first1=Kyle |title=Raye on Taking the Indie Road to BRITs History: 'I Don't Have to Hand It All Away Again' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/features/raye-brits-winner-independent-artist-escapism-1235632593/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=17 January 2025 |date=14 March 2024 |archive-date=3 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003191155/https://www.billboard.com/music/features/raye-brits-winner-independent-artist-escapism-1235632593/ |url-status=live}}

Throughout 2023, Raye opened for Lewis Capaldi's Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent Tour in the UK,{{cite magazine |last1=Brandle |first1=Lars |title=Lewis Capaldi Challenges Raye in Tight U.K. Chart Race |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/lewis-capaldi-challenges-raye-uk-chart-race-1235195536/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=9 January 2023 |archive-date=30 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230530041734/https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/lewis-capaldi-challenges-raye-uk-chart-race-1235195536/ |url-status=live}} Kali Uchis's Red Moon in Venus Tour in North America,{{cite web |last1=Hussey |first1=Allison |title=Kali Uchis Announces Tour and New Album Red Moon in Venus |url=https://pitchfork.com/news/kali-uchis-announces-tour-and-new-album-red-moon-in-venus/ |website=Pitchfork |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=23 January 2023 |archive-date=22 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240122174433/https://pitchfork.com/news/kali-uchis-announces-tour-and-new-album-red-moon-in-venus/ |url-status=live}} and SZA's SOS Tour in Europe.{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Thania |title=Raye Talks Tour Life, the Making of 'Flip a Switch' Video and Sliding into SZA's DMs |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/news/raye-sza-new-tour-dates-flip-a-switch-video-1235610587/ |website=Variety |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=5 June 2023 |archive-date=6 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250106132952/https://variety.com/2023/music/news/raye-sza-new-tour-dates-flip-a-switch-video-1235610587/ |url-status=live}} In American television, Raye sang tracks from My 21st Century Blues at programs such as Jimmy Kimmel Live! and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.{{cite web |last1=Williams |first1=Aaron |title=Raye and Coi Leray Get Bloody Revenge in Their Vindictive 'Flip A Switch' Video |url=https://uproxx.com/music/raye-coi-leray-flip-a-switch-video/ |website=Uproxx |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=5 June 2023 |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407084815/https://uproxx.com/music/raye-coi-leray-flip-a-switch-video/ |url-status=live}} She also performed at the Glastonbury Festival 2023.{{cite web |last1=Richards |first1=Will |title=Raye Shares Powerful Speech on Label Troubles and Sexual Assault During Glastonbury 2023 Set |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-powerful-speech-label-troubles-sexual-assault-glastonbury-2023-set-3461135 |website=NME |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=25 June 2023 |archive-date=7 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307192619/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-powerful-speech-label-troubles-sexual-assault-glastonbury-2023-set-3461135 |url-status=live}} "Prada" (2023), a collaboration with Cassö and D-Block Europe, reached number two on the UK singles chart and peaked atop the UK Dance Singles Chart for 31 weeks,{{cite web |title=Prada – Casso/Raye/D-Block Europe |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/cassorayed-block-europe-prada/ |publisher=Official Charts Company |access-date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222224034/https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/cassorayed-block-europe-prada/ |url-status=live}} later receiving a double platinum certification from the BPI.{{cite web |title=Casso/Raye/D-Block Europe – Prada |url=https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/19355-6506-1 |publisher=British Phonographic Industry |access-date=17 January 2025 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117061107/https://www.bpi.co.uk/award/19355-6506-1 |url-status=live}} In October 2023, Raye released My 21st Century Symphony (Live at the Royal Albert Hall), a live interpretation of songs from the album recorded at the Royal Albert Hall alongside the Heritage Orchestra and the Flames Collective.{{cite magazine |last1=Paul |first1=Larisha |date=5 December 2023 |title=Raye Turns 'My 21st Century Blues' into Choir-Backed Symphony with Cinematic Live Album |magazine=Rolling Stone UK |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/raye-turns-my-21st-century-blues-into-choir-backed-symphony-live-album-33714/ |access-date=24 October 2023 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205165413/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/news/raye-turns-my-21st-century-blues-into-choir-backed-symphony-live-album-33714/ |url-status=live}}

Raye performed a medley of some of her songs at the Brit Awards 2024.{{cite web |last1=Bushby |first1=Helen |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68458922 |title=Raye: Singer-Songwriter Makes History Winning Six Brit Awards |publisher=BBC News |date=3 March 2024 |access-date=3 March 2024 |archive-date=3 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303015829/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68458922 |url-status=live}} She was one of the songwriters on the song "Riiverdance" from Beyoncé's country music-inspired album Cowboy Carter (2024).{{cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/raye-co-wrote-riverdance-beyonce-cowboy-carter-what-an-honour-1235645319/ |title=Raye Reveals She Co-Wrote 'Riiverdance' on Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter': 'What an Honour' |magazine=Billboard |date=29 March 2024 |access-date=1 April 2024 |archive-date=10 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241110184807/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/raye-co-wrote-riverdance-beyonce-cowboy-carter-what-an-honour-1235645319/ |url-status=live}} On 6 April 2024, Raye appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, alongside host Kristen Wiig;{{cite web |last1=Vincenty |first1=Samantha |url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/kristen-wiig-hosting-snl-on-april-6-five-timer-musical-guest-raye |title=Kristen Wiig is Hosting Saturday Night Live on April 6 with Musical Guest Raye |date=13 March 2024 |publisher=NBC |access-date=8 April 2024 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408170945/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/kristen-wiig-hosting-snl-on-april-6-five-timer-musical-guest-raye |url-status=live}} she performed "Escapism" and "Worth It", while also previewing an unreleased song, which was tentatively titled "Let There Be Light" by media publications,{{cite web |last=Wilkes |first=Emma |date=7 April 2024 |title=Watch Raye perform 'Worth It' and 'Let There Be Light' on 'Saturday Night Live' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-raye-perform-worth-it-and-let-there-be-light-on-saturday-night-live-3614392 |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=NME |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518004333/https://www.nme.com/news/music/watch-raye-perform-worth-it-and-let-there-be-light-on-saturday-night-live-3614392 |url-status=live}} before being eventually released as the three-act single "Genesis" on 7 June.{{cite web |last=Kelly |first=Tyler Damara |date=7 June 2024 |title=Raye Unveils New Project, "Genesis." |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/raye-unveils-new-project-genesis |access-date=8 June 2024 |website=The Line of Best Fit |archive-date=24 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240824013751/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/news/raye-unveils-new-project-genesis |url-status=live}} On 25 May 2024, Raye performed her first festival headline slot at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend in Luton.{{cite web |last1=Pandey |first1=Manish |title=Radio 1's Big Weekend: Raye Thrills Fans at Festival |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-69060963 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=25 May 2024 |archive-date=22 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240822111638/https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-69060963 |url-status=live}} She served as an opening act for Taylor Swift's the Eras Tour at the final Wembley Stadium show in August 2024.{{cite web |last1=Kaplan |first1=Ilana |title=Taylor Swift Adds 5 Opening Acts to London Eras Tour Dates: 'Love Their Music' |url=https://people.com/taylor-swift-adds-5-opening-acts-london-eras-tour-dates-8690261 |access-date=5 August 2024 |website=People |date=5 August 2024 |archive-date=5 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240805232153/https://people.com/taylor-swift-adds-5-opening-acts-london-eras-tour-dates-8690261 |url-status=live }} Raye collaborated with the rapper Central Cee on the track "Moi", on which both artists sing and rap in English and French.{{cite web |last1=Burton |first1=Poppy |title=Central Cee Teams Up with Raye for UK Garage-Inspired New Single 'Moi' |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/central-cee-teams-up-with-raye-for-uk-garage-inspired-new-single-moi-3791414 |website=NME |access-date=17 January 2025 |date=6 September 2024 |archive-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122134209/https://www.nme.com/news/music/central-cee-teams-up-with-raye-for-uk-garage-inspired-new-single-moi-3791414 |url-status=live}} On 13 September, she surprise-released her second live album, Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, featuring seven tracks recorded at the Montreux Jazz Festival, including a cover version of the James Brown song "It's a Man's Man's Man's World" (1966).{{cite web |title=Raye Has Surprise-Released a New Live Album, 'Live at Montreux Jazz Festival' |url=https://readdork.com/news/raye-live-at-montreux-jazz-album/ |website=Dork |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=13 September 2024 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111130536/https://readdork.com/news/raye-live-at-montreux-jazz-album/ |url-status=live}} Months later, Raye revealed that her car was stolen along with finished lyrics for tracks from her upcoming second album.{{cite web |last1=Rosseinsky |first1=Katie |title='It's My Birthday and My Car Got Stolen': Raye Reveals Devastating Second Album Delay |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/raye-car-stolen-second-album-b2635745.html |website=The Independent |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=25 October 2024 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111215331/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/raye-car-stolen-second-album-b2635745.html |url-status=live}}

Raye sang "Oscar Winning Tears" at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards on 2 February 2025, as part of a medley performed by nominees for the Best New Artist category.{{cite web |last1=Siroky |first1=Mary |title=Raye Delivers Triumphant Performance of "Oscar Winning Tears" at 2025 Grammys: Watch |url=https://consequence.net/2025/02/raye-performs-grammy-awards-2025/ |website=Consequence |access-date=5 February 2025 |date=2 February 2025 |archive-date=5 February 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250205184238/https://consequence.net/2025/02/raye-performs-grammy-awards-2025/ |url-status=live}} She featured on "Born Again" by the Thai rapper and singer Lisa, along with the American rapper Doja Cat; the single was released on 6 February 2025.{{cite magazine |last1=Aniftos |first1=Rania |title=Lisa Shares Neo-Noir Cover Art for 'Born Again' Collab With Doja Cat & Raye |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lisa-born-again-cover-art-doja-cat-raye-1235892828/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=5 February 2025 |date=4 February 2025 |archive-date=5 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250205033807/https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/lisa-born-again-cover-art-doja-cat-raye-1235892828/ |url-status=live}} At the 97th Academy Awards, Raye performed Adele's "Skyfall" (2012) as part of a medley in honour to the James Bond franchise.{{cite web |last1=Halperin |first1=Shirley |last2=Svetkey |first2=Benjamin |title=Oscars: Music of James Bond Celebrated in Song by Lisa, Doja Cat and Raye |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/doja-cat-lisa-blackpink-raye-oscars-2025-performance-bond-songs-1236152089/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=3 March 2025 |date=2 March 2025 |archive-date=3 March 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250303053032/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/doja-cat-lisa-blackpink-raye-oscars-2025-performance-bond-songs-1236152089/ |url-status=live}}

Artistry

Music critics and reviewers have described Raye as a singer-songwriter,{{Efn|Attributed to Yasmin Rufo of BBC News,{{cite web |last1=Rufo |first1=Yasmin |title=Raye Could Break Brit Awards Record for Most Awards in a Single Year |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68445235 |publisher=BBC News |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=1 March 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115155412/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68445235 |url-status=live}} Sophie Harman of Clash,{{cite web |last1=Harman |first1=Sophie |title=Raye's 'Genesis' Is Art in Triplicate |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/rayes-genesis-is-art-in-triplicate/ |website=Clash |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=6 July 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115155614/https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/rayes-genesis-is-art-in-triplicate/ |url-status=live}} Catriona Innes of Harper's Bazaar,{{cite magazine |last1=Innes |first1=Catriona |title=Women of the Year 2024: Raye |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a62894674/raye-musician-of-the-year-interview/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=14 November 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115155758/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/entertainment/a62894674/raye-musician-of-the-year-interview/ |url-status=live}} and Ben Beaumont-Thomas of The Guardian.{{cite web |last1=Beaumont-Thomas |first1=Ben |title=Raye Loses Songwriting Books for Second Album in Car Theft |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/25/raye-loses-songwriting-books-for-second-album-in-car-theft |website=The Guardian |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=25 October 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115160056/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/oct/25/raye-loses-songwriting-books-for-second-album-in-car-theft |url-status=live}}}} while additionally categorizing her as a record producer.{{cite web |last1=Krol |first1=Charlotte |title=RAYE: Unshackled |url=https://diymag.com/in-deep/raye-january-2023-interview |website=DIY |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=3 February 2023 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250115155932/https://diymag.com/in-deep/raye-january-2023-interview |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Mokoena |first1=Tshepo |title=Raye Puts In the Work |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/raye-interview-2023 |website=GQ |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=17 July 2023 |archive-date=14 October 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241014113655/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/raye-interview-2023 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=May |first1=Naomi |title=Met Gala 2024: Raye Continues Her Winning Streak in Custom Fendi as She Makes Her Met Gala Debut |url=https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/celebrity-style/a60658209/raye-met-gala-2024/ |website=Elle |access-date=17 January 2025 |date=7 May 2024 |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521110122/https://www.elle.com/uk/fashion/celebrity-style/a60658209/raye-met-gala-2024/ |url-status=live}} She is known for her music spanning a variety of genres;{{cite magazine |last1=Smith |first1=Thomas |title=Raye Announces Biggest-Ever Show at London's All Points East Festival |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/raye-biggest-ever-show-2025-london-all-points-east-festival-1235826401/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=12 November 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117021837/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/raye-biggest-ever-show-2025-london-all-points-east-festival-1235826401/ |url-status=live}} critics have predominantly identified it as R&B, pop, jazz, soul, and dance.{{Efn|Attributed to Elle{{'s}} Jessica Burrell, Pitchfork{{'s}} Aimee Cliff,{{cite web |last=Cliff |first=Aimee |date=8 February 2023 |url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/raye-my-21st-century-blues/ |title=Raye: My 21st Century Blues Album Review |website=Pitchfork |access-date=25 January 2025 |archive-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408192452/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/raye-my-21st-century-blues/ |url-status=live}} Grazia{{'s}} Nikki Peach,{{cite web |last1=Peach |first1=Nikki |title=Everything You Need to Know About Record-Breaking BRIT Winner Raye |url=https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/music/everything-you-need-to-know-about-leading-brit-nominee-raye/ |website=Grazia |access-date=17 January 2025 |date=5 March 2024 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117043649/https://graziadaily.co.uk/life/music/everything-you-need-to-know-about-leading-brit-nominee-raye/ |url-status=live}} and Stereogum{{'s}} James Rettig.{{cite web |last1=Rettig |first1=James |title=Watch Raye Make Her SNL Debut |url=https://www.stereogum.com/2258427/raye-saturday-night-live-debut-musical-guest/news/ |website=Stereogum |access-date=17 January 2025 |date=7 April 2024 |archive-date=8 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240608040102/https://www.stereogum.com/2258427/raye-saturday-night-live-debut-musical-guest/news/ |url-status=live}}}} She has stated that jazz is one of her favourite music genres,{{cite magazine |last1=Yohannes |first1=Alamin |title=Raye Reintroduces Herself with Her Long-Awaited Debut Album My 21st Century Blues |url=https://ew.com/music/raye-debut-album-21st-century-blues-inspirations/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=3 February 2023 |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240217201853/https://ew.com/music/raye-debut-album-21st-century-blues-inspirations/ |url-status=live}} which she first discovered through the musicians Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong.{{cite web |last1=O'Shea |first1=Clare |title=Raye's Favourite Songs |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/raye-nine-favourite-songs |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=26 August 2022 |archive-date=23 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723024754/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/raye-nine-favourite-songs |url-status=live}} Raye grew up listening to artists such as Jill Scott,{{cite web |title=You Don't Know Me: Raye Is Re-Defining the Pop Game |url=https://www.clashmusic.com/features/you-dont-know-me-raye-is-re-defining-the-pop-game/ |website=Clash |access-date=12 January 2023 |date=31 May 2017 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112210110/https://www.clashmusic.com/features/you-dont-know-me-raye-is-re-defining-the-pop-game/ |url-status=live}} James Brown, Nina Simone, and Alicia Keys.{{cite web |title=Raye of Light: Raye |url=https://notion.online/raye-of-light-raye/ |website=Notion |access-date=12 January 2023 |date=12 April 2019 |archive-date=12 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112210110/https://notion.online/raye-of-light-raye/ |url-status=live}} She also incorporated the music of Stevie Wonder and Wet Wet Wet, of whom her father was a fan,{{cite web |last1=Bridgewater |first1=Paul |title=New Gen Popstar Raye Is Ripping Up the Rulebook |url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/raye-next-gen-popstar-ripping-up-rulebook |website=The Line of Best Fit |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=6 January 2017 |archive-date=17 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250117022731/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/features/interviews/raye-next-gen-popstar-ripping-up-rulebook |url-status=live}} and has expressed admiration for Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera.{{cite web |last1=Mier |first1=Tomás |title=When Christina Aguilera Met Raye: Two Vocal Powerhouses Dreaming of Duets |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/when-christina-aguilera-met-raye-44505/ |website=Rolling Stone UK |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=15 November 2024 |archive-date=18 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241118142337/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/when-christina-aguilera-met-raye-44505/ |url-status=live}}

Raye explored R&B and electronic music on her EP Welcome to the Winter. "Hotbox", one of its songs, was influenced by progressive R&B artists, including Jhené Aiko and Frank Ocean. According to Raye, Polydor pressured her to release "chart-friendly dance tracks". She then struggled with her own identity, saying that she "didn't know who [she] was" musically, retrospectively believing that her music was not consistent. On My 21st Century Blues, Raye experimented with elements of soul, blues, rap, R&B, hip-hop, pop, gospel, and doo-wop.{{Efn|Attributed to Lauren O'Neill of Rolling Stone UK,{{cite web |last1=O'Neill |first1=Lauren |title=Raye: in full control |url=https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/raye-in-full-control-escapism-25706/ |website=Rolling Stone UK |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=10 January 2023 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712135530/https://www.rollingstone.co.uk/music/features/raye-in-full-control-escapism-25706/ |url-status=live}} Mark Savage of BBC News, Laura Snapes of The Guardian,{{cite web |last1=Snapes |first1=Laura |title=Raye's Record-Breaking Brits Defied the Limited Imaginations of the British Music Industry |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/02/rayes-record-breaking-brits-defied-the-limited-imaginations-of-the-british-music-industry |website=The Guardian |access-date=15 January 2025 |date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=5 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241205113902/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/02/rayes-record-breaking-brits-defied-the-limited-imaginations-of-the-british-music-industry |url-status=live}} and Moises Mendez II of Time.{{cite magazine |last1=Mendez II |first1=Moises |title=Raye Can't Escape Her Success |url=https://time.com/collection/next-generation-leaders/6973231/raye/ |magazine=Time |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=16 May 2024 |archive-date=15 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250115052925/https://time.com/collection/next-generation-leaders/6973231/raye/ |url-status=live}}}} In one of the three parts of "Genesis", she blended the album's genres while also adding a big band instrumental.{{cite web |last1=Skinner |first1=Tom |title=Raye Shares "Deeply Personal" New Single 'Genesis': "It Is a Prayer, a Plea and a Cry for Help" |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-shares-deeply-personal-new-single-genesis-it-is-a-prayer-a-plea-and-a-cry-for-help-3763518 |website=NME |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=7 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607115845/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-shares-deeply-personal-new-single-genesis-it-is-a-prayer-a-plea-and-a-cry-for-help-3763518 |archive-date=7 June 2024 |url-status=live}}

Raye has explored personal and contemporary issues in her music's lyrics. Her first song "Hotbox" describes her first use of marijuana, and she has written about similar encounters in the subsequent years, including on her debut album.{{cite web |last1=Krol |first1=Charlotte |title=Raye Speaks Out on Past "Dangerous" Drug Use |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-speaks-out-on-past-dangerous-drug-use-3390460 |website=NME |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=1 February 2023 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203223452/https://www.nme.com/news/music/raye-speaks-out-on-past-dangerous-drug-use-3390460 |url-status=live}} My 21st Century Blues contains recurrent themes such as drug addictions, self-insecurities, and sexual assault.{{cite web |last1=Donovan |first1=Thom |title=The Meaning Behind "Escapism" by Raye Ft. 070 Shake and How She Turned Real-Life Trauma into Creative Catharsis |url=https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-escapism-by-raye-ft-070-shake-and-how-she-turned-real-life-trauma-into-creative-catharsis/ |website=American Songwriter |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=18 April 2024 |archive-date=15 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241115102652/https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-escapism-by-raye-ft-070-shake-and-how-she-turned-real-life-trauma-into-creative-catharsis/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Snapes |first1=Laura |title='She Has Worn Her Heart on Her Sleeve': How Raye Went from Major-Label Frustration to Seven Brit Nominations |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/01/she-has-worn-her-heart-on-her-sleeve-how-raye-went-from-major-label-frustration-to-seven-brit-nominations |website=The Guardian |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=1 March 2024 |archive-date=24 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241224190728/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/mar/01/she-has-worn-her-heart-on-her-sleeve-how-raye-went-from-major-label-frustration-to-seven-brit-nominations |url-status=live}} On "Ice Cream Man", Raye sings about her experience being abused by a record producer as a teenager, while on "Body Dysmorphia" she describes her relationship with disordered eating.{{cite magazine |last=Mier |first=Tomás |date=1 February 2023 |title=Raye Is Brutally Honest and Finally in Control on Her Debut Album. Getting There Wasn't Easy |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/raye-escapism-21st-century-blues-interview-1234671381/ |access-date=7 February 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=3 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230203041640/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/raye-escapism-21st-century-blues-interview-1234671381/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited }} On "Genesis"—influenced by the Nina Simone quote "It is an artist's duty to reflect the times"—Raye deals with social media and global issues.{{cite web |last1=O'Connor |first1=Roisin |title=Raye Says Ambitious New Song 'Genesis' Is 'A Plea and a Cry for Help' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/raye-genesis-lyrics-stream-interview-b2557903.html |website=The Independent |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=7 June 2024 |archive-date=9 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240609011944/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/raye-genesis-lyrics-stream-interview-b2557903.html |url-status=live}}

Achievements

Throughout her career, Raye has won seven Brit Awards,{{cite web |last1=Legaspi |first1=Althea |title=Raye Makes History, Winning Six Trophies at 2024 Brit Awards |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/raye-2024-brit-awards-makes-history-six-wins-1234979667/ |website=Rolling Stone |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=2 March 2024 |archive-date=8 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208223023/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/raye-2024-brit-awards-makes-history-six-wins-1234979667/ |url-status=live |url-access=limited}}{{cite web |last1=Pilley |first1=Max |title=Here are all the winners from the BRIT Awards 2025 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/here-are-all-the-winners-from-the-brit-awards-2025-3842577 |website=NME |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=1 March 2025 |archive-date=2 March 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250302033659/https://www.nme.com/news/music/here-are-all-the-winners-from-the-brit-awards-2025-3842577 |url-status=live}} four Global Awards,{{cite web |title=Central Cee, Raye, FLO & More Win at the Global Awards 2023! |url=https://www.capitalxtra.com/global-awards/2023-nominations-aitch-d-block-europe-stormzy-raye/ |publisher=Capital Xtra |date=31 March 2023 |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112112001/https://www.capitalxtra.com/global-awards/2023-nominations-aitch-d-block-europe-stormzy-raye/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.capitalfm.com/news/the-global-awards-2024-winners/ |title=The Global Awards Crowns 2024 Winners |publisher=Capital |date=22 March 2024 |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=22 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322071854/https://www.capitalfm.com/news/the-global-awards-2024-winners/ |url-status=live}} two Ivor Novello Awards,{{cite web |url=https://variety.com/2023/music/global/ivor-novello-awards-winners-list-wet-leg-1235618180/ |title=Ivor Novello Awards 2023 Winners List: Wet Leg Named Songwriters of the Year, Raye's 'Escapism' Takes Center Stage |website=Variety |first=Thania |last=Garcia |date=18 May 2023 |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111102119/https://variety.com/2023/music/global/ivor-novello-awards-winners-list-wet-leg-1235618180/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Garcia |first1=Thania |title=Ivor Novello Awards 2024 Winners List: Raye Wins Songwriter of the Year, Paul McCartney Presents Fellowship to Bruce Springsteen |url=https://variety.com/2024/music/news/ivor-novello-awards-winners-list-raye-1236015145/ |website=Variety |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=24 May 2024 |archive-date=4 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250104110100/https://variety.com/2024/music/news/ivor-novello-awards-winners-list-raye-1236015145/ |url-status=live}} and two MTV Europe Music Awards—one as part of Artists for Grenfell.{{cite web |date=13 November 2017 |title=MTV EMAs: No Awards for Taylor Swift as Shawn Mendes Tops Night With Four |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/13/shawn-mendes-wins-four-awards-mtv-emas-taylor-swift |access-date=16 January 2025 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112085037/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/nov/13/shawn-mendes-wins-four-awards-mtv-emas-taylor-swift |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Pilley |first=Max |title=Here Are All the Winners From the 2024 MTV EMAs |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/here-are-all-the-winners-from-the-2024-mtv-emas-3811378 |date=10 November 2024 |access-date=16 January 2025 |website=NME |archive-date=30 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241230104721/https://www.nme.com/news/music/here-are-all-the-winners-from-the-2024-mtv-emas-3811378 |url-status=live}} In 2019, she was given a BMI London Award for her "groundbreaking artistry, creative vision and impact on the future of music".{{cite web |date=21 October 2019 |title=Noel Gallagher and World's Top Songwriters Honored at 2019 BMI London Awards |url=https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-london-awards |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191022175744/https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2019-bmi-london-awards |archive-date=22 October 2019 |access-date=8 February 2023 |publisher=BMI}} She was one of the first recipients of the Brits Billion Award.{{cite web |last1=Smith |first1=Carl |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lewis-capaldi-mariah-carey-and-more-honoured-with-new-brit-billion-award__39180/ |title=Lewis Capaldi, Mariah Carey and More Honoured With New BRIT Billion Award |publisher=Official Charts Company |date=4 May 2023 |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=4 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204113550/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/lewis-capaldi-mariah-carey-and-more-honoured-with-new-brit-billion-award__39180/ |url-status=live}} Raye has also won a South Bank Sky Arts Award and a MOBO Award.{{cite web |last1=Iorizzo |first1=Ellie |title=Sir Salman Rushdie and Prima Facie Among Winners of South Bank Sky Arts Awards |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/jodie-comer-south-bank-prima-facie-raye-melvyn-bragg-b2368134.html |website=The Independent |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=2 July 2023 |archive-date=12 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212071012/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/jodie-comer-south-bank-prima-facie-raye-melvyn-bragg-b2368134.html |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Beaumont-Thomas |first1=Ben |last2=Vinter |first2=Robyn |url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/07/mobo-awards-2024-central-cee-tops-winners-thanks-to-megahit-sprinter |title=MOBO Awards 2024: Central Cee Tops Winners Thanks to Megahit Sprinter |website=The Guardian |date=7 February 2024 |access-date=16 January 2025 |archive-date=3 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203035006/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/feb/07/mobo-awards-2024-central-cee-tops-winners-thanks-to-megahit-sprinter |url-status=live}} Raye was included on the lists Sound of 2017 and 100 Women 2024 by BBC,{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/resources/idt-4f79d09b-655a-42f8-82b4-9b2ecebab611 |title=BBC 100 Women 2024: Who Is on the List This Year? |publisher=BBC |date=3 December 2024 |accessdate=16 January 2025 |archive-date=17 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241217145621/https://www.bbc.com/news/resources/idt-4f79d09b-655a-42f8-82b4-9b2ecebab611 |url-status=live}} and was named the Musician of the Year at Harper's Bazaar{{'s}} Woman of the Year 2024 event.{{cite magazine |last1=Chappet |first1=Marie-Claire |title=Raye Dedicates Her Musician of the Year Award to the Suffragettes |url=https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a62850228/raye-dedicates-musician-of-the-year-award-speech/ |magazine=Harper's Bazaar |access-date=16 January 2025 |date=12 November 2024 |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222173205/https://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/culture/culture-news/a62850228/raye-dedicates-musician-of-the-year-award-speech/ |url-status=live}}

In 2023, My 21st Century Blues was shortlisted for a Mercury Prize.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66312276 |title=Mercury Prize 2023: Arctic Monkeys, Jessie Ware and Fred Again Lead Shortlist |publisher=BBC News |first=Mark |last=Savage |date=27 July 2023 |access-date=21 January 2025 |archive-date=22 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241222172005/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-66312276 |url-status=live}} At the 2024 edition of the Brit Awards, Raye broke the record for the artist with the most wins at a single ceremony, receiving British Artist of the Year, Best New Artist, Songwriter of the Year—becoming the first female recipient—Best R&B Act, British Album of the Year (for My 21st Century Blues), and Song of the Year (for "Escapism").{{cite magazine |last=Grein |first=Paul |date=28 February 2024 |title=Raye Becomes First Woman to Win Songwriter of the Year Ahead of 2024 Brit Awards |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/raye-2024-brit-awards-songwriter-of-the-year-first-woman-winner-1235616801/ |access-date=28 February 2024 |magazine=Billboard |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202203740/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/raye-2024-brit-awards-songwriter-of-the-year-first-woman-winner-1235616801/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=Sawer |first=Patrick |date=2 March 2024 |title=Raye Makes Brits History with Record Awards Haul in Single Year |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/03/02/raye-brits-history-record-awards-artist-of-year/ |access-date=2 March 2024 |website=The Telegraph |archive-date=2 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240302232232/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/03/02/raye-brits-history-record-awards-artist-of-year/ |url-status=live}}{{cite web |date=2 March 2024 |title=Brit Awards 2024: The Compete List of Winners and Nominees |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68458923 |access-date=16 January 2025 |publisher=BBC News |archive-date=25 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241225003934/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-68458923 |url-status=live}} She was nominated for three Grammy Awards at the 67th ceremony including Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical.{{cite magazine |last=Atkinson |first=Katie |date=2 February 2025 |title=Here's the 2025 Grammy Awards Winners List |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammys-2025-winners-complete-list-1235889365/ |magazine=Billboard |access-date=3 February 2025 |archive-date=3 February 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250203043510/https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/grammys-2025-winners-complete-list-1235889365/ |url-status=live}}