Morray Drops An Uplifting Single About Perseverance On “No Excuses Freestyle”

Back in 2021, a lot of people discovered an incredible vocalist. More namely those people were J. Cole fans. That year, he made his return after not dropping a solo album for three years. The Off-Season is seen as one of the North Carolina rapper’s best projects. It may be just a step below 2014 Forest Hills Drive for a good amount of Cole listeners. One of the reasons why that release was so strong was due to the amount of great tracks on there. A standout for many especially based on the streaming numbers, is “m y . l i f e.” It features the likes of 21 Savage and Morray.

We mentioned how a great singer was placed on the track. Well, we are referring to the 31-year-old artist who also hails from North Carolina. He had a big hand in the track doing so well. It currently sits at over 379 million streams. Morray’s contributions on the hook were very soulful. It makes sense, seeing as how heavily involved he was the singer in a church choir.

Read More: Lil Wayne Opens Up About André 3000’s Comments On Aging In Hip Hop

Listen To “No Excuses Freestyle” By Morray

He has been able to carry over that talent to the rap and R&B scene for about three years now. Morray has one project to his name with Street Sermons. That was released in 2021 and he has put out some singles here and there. His most recent effort comes in the form of a YouTube exclusive song. “No Excuses Freestyle” is a powerful anthem about being mentally and psychologically strong. He is preaching having strength through times when all seems bleak. His flows and singing are both incredible and it might be the best feel-good track of the year.

What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single, “No Excuses Freestyle,” by Morray? Is this one of the most feel-good tracks of the year so far? Does Morray possess some of the best vocals in hip-hop right now? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Morray. Furthermore, stay with us for all of the best song drops throughout the week.

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The post Morray Drops An Uplifting Single About Perseverance On “No Excuses Freestyle” appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Morray Wonders Whether Love Is Worth The ‘High Price’ In His Catchy Single With Lil Tjay

Morray brought his 2022 track “Letter To Myself” to UPROXX Sessions in January before featuring on Macklemore’s recently released album, Ben. He’s continuing on his road toward his official debut LP with “High Price” featuring Lil Tjay.

The accompanying video sets the tone with women in the bathtub and Morray dripping in diamonds. “They say love don’t cost a thing, that’s lies,” he sings. “It cost time that you can’t get back, high price.” Morray contemplates the pros and cons of love with a melodically rapped verse, “I been focused on a mill dream / Chasin’ like I’m Meek / I done stood 10 toes down / Still had to face defeat / I’ve been looking for an empty soul that I can fill with love / Know I’m supposed to be a gangsta / Lately, I just need a hug.”

Lil Tjay meets up with the crew at a restaurant and adds his perspective, confessing that he’s never had a girlfriend, but “I ain’t gon’ lie to you, baby, you a bad one / Really deep inside, I hope you’ll be down to ride / If we really catch a vibe, just imagine us goin’ past ’em.”

“High Price” has all the makings of a momentum-builder. Is it setting the table for an album release? Last December, Morray told HipHopDX why it has taken so long.

“I’ve presented hella albums,” he said. “I’ve been ready for an album, don’t get me wrong. I’ve been ready. I’ve presented to [J.] Cole, he told me, ‘N****, you’re not ready.’ Do you know how hard it is to take that from somebody you look up to? I think I’m done, and you’re telling me I’m not? Back to the drawing board? But I appreciate him because this album is staying.”

Watch the “High Price” video above.

The Best New Music This Week: Tyler, The Creator, Quavo, DJ Drama, & More

Image via Complex Original

  • Tyler, The Creator, “Sorry Not Sorry” 


  • Quavo, “Honey Bun” 


  • DJ Drama f/ Lil Uzi Vert & 42 Dugg, “Free Game” 


  • Morray f/ Lil Tjay, “High Price” 


  • Chlöe f/ Future & Joey Bada$$, “Cheatback”


  • Larry June & The Alchemist f/ Joey Bada$$ & Curren$y, “​​Barragán Lighting” 


  • Rod Wave, “Fight the Feeling” 


  • Nardo Wick f/ Lil Baby, “Hot Boy” 


  • Luh Tyler, “You Was Laughing” 


  • Jesse®, “Rainbow”

Morray’s ‘Bar Stories’ Behind His Track ‘Letter To Myself’ Just Might Move You To Tears

Rap music isn’t all dance-centered or drill tracks as some may believe, and Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper Morray is leading the way with soul-infused songs. With singles like “Momma’s Love,” “Still Here,” and “Never Fail,” to name a few, the musician is slowly becoming a go-to emcee for gut-wrenching storytelling thanks in part to the vulnerability he injects into each release.

Stopping by the UPROXX Studios for a new Bar Stories episode, Morray gave our very own Cherise Johnson a breakdown behind his standout 2022 SephGotTheWaves- and Andyr-produced track, “Letter To Myself,” off his forthcoming album Long Story Short.

Turning his attention to the stanza, “Food spoiled, don’t got no more EBT / What the f*ck am I to eat? / Eat last, raisin’ babies ain’t cheap / Thеy clothes fly ’cause my clothes stayеd cheap / An eighth last a whole week,” the rapper opened up about what inspired the line.

Plainly put, the songwriter admits that although he’s rocked big stages alongside friend and mentor J. Cole, when he initially wrote the track, “Those bars was [my] reality.” He added, “There were times when I didn’t have food to eat.”

The stanza mentions EBT (or Electronic Benefits Transfer), a monthly subsidy program managed at the state level to ensure residents that are in need of financial assistance for groceries and other items at designated stores like supermarkets. Explaining the first line, Morray said, “You [only] get a certain amount of EBT — [and] once you run out, you run out. Sometimes when you’re working so much [that] the leftovers you had for three days — because you were working so hard — spoil.”

Outside of Morray’s Bar Stories episode, be sure to watch his UPROXX Sessions performance of the song here. Or check out his appearance on React Like You Know as he gives his thoughts on Panic! At The Disco’s video for their classic song, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies,” here.

Check out Morray’s full bar breakdown of “Letter To Myself” above.

Morray Leaves It All On The Line For His ‘UPROXX Sessions’ Performance Of ‘Letter To Myself’

J. Cole may have made trap soul artist Morray scrap his album a few times claiming that he wasn’t ready for the spotlight it would bring, but his performance for UPROXX Sessions proves he’s not far off.

The Fayetteville, North Carolina native has built a strong musical foundation with a long list of impressive singles, including “Momma’s Love,” “Still Here,” with Cordae, “Never Fail” featuring Benny The Butcher, and “Trenches.” Fans have quickly fallen in love with Morray. The musician’s rustic, soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics draw listeners in, and every time he touches a mic or hits the booth he bares another piece of his soul, leaving it all on the line.

In a music landscape flooded by artists bragging about their abilities to not feel anything, Morray is the antithesis of this trend bringing his unabashed vulnerability to UPROXX Sessions for a moving performance.

Watch Morray’s UPROXX Sessions performance of “Letter To Myself” above.

UPROXX Sessions is Uproxx’s performance show featuring the hottest up-and-coming acts you should keep an eye on. Featuring creative direction from LA promotion collective, Ham On Everything, and taking place on our “bathroom” set designed and painted by Julian Gross, UPROXX Sessions is a showcase of some of our favorite performers, who just might soon be yours, too.

Morray Drops Introspective New Song “Da Rant”

morray da rant lyrics

Today, breakout singer-rapper Morray returns with the unfiltered new single “Da Rant.”

The brutally honest track doubles as a recap of the rising star’s rough-and-tumble upbringing and a statement of intent about his future. “DA RANT” is accompanied by a suitably candid video, which is composed of behind-the-scenes footage. 

MORE: [WATCH] Morray is Joined by Cordae for “Still Here” Video

Morray kicks off “DA RANT” by addressing his past. “Was running wit the wrong crowd,” the North Carolina MC raps over propulsive beats and searing synths. “Young, dumb, mad, loud — time past me by when I was sitting on that green mile.” After turning his life around, however, the hitmaker is optimistic about his future. “Nas, Biggie, Jay Z, man, I need that kinda stamp,” Morray spits, “Tyson Floyd and Ali, I’m tryna be that kinda champ.”

The overwhelming personal nature of “DA RANT” is captured by the video, which shows snippets of Morray’s life as he hangs out in the studio, greets friends and strangers in his community, and lights up the stage. 

The track arrives on the heels of “Broken Vows” and “Letter To Myself,” another harrowing look at his past. Both singles continue what has been a remarkable 2022 Morray including not just new music, but sold-out tour dates, and awards recognition.

MORE: ICYMI: Morray Shares Mother’s Day Anthem “Momma’s Love”

Other 2022 highlights include the Southside-produced “Ticket” and “Momma’s Love” as well as the poignant “Still Here” featuring Cordae.

Morray also attended his first GRAMMY Awards this year, where he earned nominations for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for J. Cole’s”m y l i f e” (also featuring 21 Savage). Those Grammy nominations are the culmination of a meteoric rise that started with “Quicksand,” a GOLD-certified hit that reached the Billboard Hot 100, from his critically acclaimed debut album Street Sermons. Morray joined J. Cole on The Off-Season Tour and was a standout performer at Dreamville Fest. He also performed at Fayetteville’s Juneteenth Jubilee, marking his first-ever performance as a headliner in his hometown. 

Now, with “DA RANT,” Morray showcases his ability to turn pain into art, inspiring listeners with his remarkable journey along the way.

The post Morray Drops Introspective New Song “Da Rant” appeared first on The Source.

J. Cole Made Morray Scrap ‘Hella’ Album Attempts: ‘You’re Not Ready’

If you’re a rapper from North Carolina, there is probably no one better to have as a mentor than J. Cole, who is pretty much the state’s most successful hip-hop artist. Just look at the boost signing to Dreamville gave Lute, while appearing on Dreamville’s Revenge Of The Dreamers III compilation almost certainly helped DaBaby become one of the most recognizable Carolinians in 2019 (although he also blew that shot, going from famous to infamous almost overnight thanks to his refusal to apologize for his Rolling Loud comments).

But, looking up to J. Cole can also be pretty demanding. Just ask Morray, who appeared with Cole on The Off-Season track “My Life” and toured with him last year. Since then, it’s clear the two have kept in touch, with the younger artist looking for advice on his upcoming debut album. However, it’s apparently difficult to meet his exacting standards; as Morray told HipHopDX, Cole’s encouraged him to scrap “hella” albums in the search for the perfect introductory project (at least, for those who missed 2021’s solid Street Sermons).

“I’ve presented hella albums,” he said. “I’ve been ready for an album, don’t get me wrong, I’ve been ready. I’ve presented to Cole, he told me, ‘N****, you’re not ready.’ Do you know how hard it is to take that from somebody you look up to? I think I’m done and you’re telling me I’m not? Back to the drawing board? But I appreciate him because this album is staying.” Hopefully, all that hard work pays off soon. You can watch Morray’s interview with HipHopDX below.

ICYMI: Morray Shares Mother’s Day Anthem “Momma’s Love”

Morray mommaslove

Morray is gunning for the Son of the Year award with his new Mother’s Day anthem, “Momma’s Love,” single. “Momma’s Love” released via Pick Six Records/Interscope arrives just after the 1 year anniversary of Morray’s debut mixtape, Street Sermons.

READ MORE: [WATCH] Morray is Joined by Cordae for “Still Here” Video

The Fayetteville rapper/singer hits the hook, “Hey Ma, it’s your baby. You prayed, I made,” over buzzy piano chords and hard-hitting 808’s. Morray’s 2020 breakout single “Quicksand” also leaned toward the soulful spirit.

Take a listen to “Momma’s Love” available on all DSPs.

The post ICYMI: Morray Shares Mother’s Day Anthem “Momma’s Love” appeared first on The Source.