INTERVIEW: Cloud Ray links with Tati Dior

Based in Middlesex, New Jersey, Cloud Ray is an artist whose slick fusion of pop and hip hop is turning heads in the music industry. Drawing inspiration from artists like J. Cole, the Black Eyed Peas, Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, Cloud Ray’s sound is constantly in a state of flux, resulting in an ever-growing catalogue of music that always surprises and entertains.

Cloud Ray first made his official artistic entrance in 2022 with his debut EP, Urban City Elegance, a five-track release that introduced his original sound to the world. His momentum only grew throughout last year, highlighted by tours in major cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Miami, Dallas, and New Orleans.

Known for his magnetic stage presence, often enhanced by dancers and live bands, Cloud Ray’s live performances are unforgettable audio and visual spectacles. His breakout single, “Burn It Down,” released last summer, saw him performing at legendary venues like New York’s S.O.B’s, firmly placing him on the map as a must-watch artist.

Jumping into 2024, Cloud Ray dropped the reflective single “We Need,” where he explored personal themes related to the breakdown of family ties, showcasing a more vulnerable side to his artistic output. Now, following a successful performance at London’s iconic Brixton Jamm venue, he returns with his second official release of the year, “Drip,” featuring the talented Tati Dior.

This track offers the perfect display of Cloud Ray’s knack for crafting infectiously catchy, pop-focused hip hop music, themed on celebrating the high-value women who remain on Cloud Ray’s radar while also instilling an empowering message of chasing your dreams. “Drip” is a nostalgic nod to the iconic sounds of the 2010s pop era, yet it infuses a fresh, cutting edge that keeps it relevant for a modern audience by flickering between rapped flows and smooth melodic delivery.

Sliding in with the soft buzz of a lead lead, Cloud Ray’s beat-perfect delivery enters with the bounce of a grooving beat. With Tati Dior adding her own vocal flair, the pair craft a sensational collaborative track that’s brimming with danceable energy, instantly memorable vocal hooks and a vibrant synth-driven arrangement. It’s yet another summer hit-ready anthem from Cloud Ray who continues to raise his profile and go from strength to strength with each move.

We caught up with Cloud Ray to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single Drip (feat. Tati Dior) and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Cloud Ray below.

Hey Cloud, how’s things?

Hello Plastic Mag! I am well and blessed, staying busy with an abundance of opportunities and keeping creative. I am excited to be sharing my newest single ‘Drip’ with you and your audiences this summer so thank you for having me here! This song is also my first official collaboration that I am releasing with Tati Dior; I couldn’t be more excited about it.

How did you come together for this collaboration?

Tati Dior and I met at a press junket in Houston, TX where I discovered her thrilling stage presence and exciting catalog of music. I knew as soon as I met her that she and I would have to work on something at some point. Finally, I had been looking for a feature to step into the world of ‘Drip’ and my team reminded me that she might be a great option. I told them to reach out to her and see because I would love for her to be on the record. Shortly after they reached out, we heard back from her and she was completely open to doing it. She loved the song and thought she would definitely be able to bring her brand and energy to this record in a symbiotic way. I can attest that she surely did haha!

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

For this record in particular, I drew inspiration from artists like Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Doja Cat. I had been wanting to create a record that really emphasised on personality and a clear empowering message for independent women. Nuances of ‘Boss Bitch’ by Doja Cat can be heard throughout ‘Drip’ that will surely remind listeners of the song and at the same time make clear distinctions between the two.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I find inspirations for my music through real life experiences. Moments that I have been through or maybe even family, a friend, or a complete stranger who has openly shared what they are going through in life. Many times my inspiration also comes from a strong desire to give my inner child what he’s been craving. Sometimes it’s an anthem, sometimes it’s a ballad, sometimes it’s an experience.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

The highlight of 2024 for me has been taking my music overseas for the first time and becoming an international artist. I was blessed to be touring this year which took me to multiple European countries and I also got to meet so many amazing individuals. I can’t wait until I am able to come back.

What’s the best thing about the New York area music scene?

The best thing about the music scene in the New York area is definitely the collective support for one another. I think that there is an overall backing for every artist that is pushing themselves and constantly involved in the scene. This is evident through upcoming independent acts such as Superlative Sain and Mo Dubb who have garnered massive followings as well as notoriety for their songs. Bigger acts such as Scar Lip and Connie Diamond also have come out of the New York scene with a ton of support over there.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sounds?

I would say that the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy my sound would be at the gym, the beach, a party, at fairgrounds, cooking in the kitchen, or even in the comfort of your bedroom. There is such an array in the pacing of my music that makes it easily adaptable to conform in most of any environments. With Cloud Ray, you can always find something for the moment and if you can’t then just know that new music is definitely coming.

How have your own styles and sounds evolved since you started out?

My styles and sounds have evolved in a way that feels un-noticeable. It sounds strange to say but the music that people are hearing now was made years ago and so in comparison to what I am currently working on, there has been a seamless transition somewhere in that mix. People who go to the gym everyday may not really notice all the changes happening to their body as they continue to strengthen all of their assets. I think my journey has been quite the same for me in that regard. Outside perspectives would better assess the evolution of my style and sound than I probably could; however, I do know that everyday there is new progress made in the most creative direction.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

My dream artist to collaborate with would be Tems. She has so much soul and authenticity in her story that I could see a real collaboration happening there. I would love to pick her brain on how she writes and produces her tracks as well as seeing how we could make something together.

How did you find making your new single “Drip”?

‘Drip’ was originally produced and written in 2019. The record was slated to be a part of my first EP ‘Urban City Elegance’ but ultimately it was decided in 2021 that the song would be better as a standalone single. We had demoed the song and went through multiple iterations with different features, mixed and mastered the song about 4 times before finally getting Tati Dior on the record. After she agreed to do the record, she went in and recorded all her vocal parts and sent them over. Even before getting her vocals mixed, I remember being blown away by the character, energy and seductive prowess that she brought to the record.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

The message that I want to get across with this release is to affirm all the power that a woman holds independently and that their highest standard does not require the need of a man. My mother was an independent single woman who accomplished everything she set her mind to. She never needed a man to assist her in what she was doing and that showed me an ultimate respect for her hustle. You don’t have to be a single mother to have that drive and I wanted to share that respect with the young women today who are getting a bag of money, living the life they want for themselves, and doing it independently.

How did you manage to get both of your own styles across in the track?

In this record, it was important for me to take a backseat to the limelight and allow the catchiest part of ‘Drip’ to be the most memorable moment. I stick to rapping in the verses with an emphasis on personality and character but allow Tati Dior to take the spotlight when it comes to singing the choruses. By doing that, it’s still the same formula you naturally expect from Cloud Ray but with the assistance of the amazingly talented Tati Dior.

Do you have any plans to collaborate together again in the future?

Currently, ‘Drip’ is our only collaboration in upcoming plans but I am completely open to collaborating again and would love to! If Tati Dior has anything that would make sense to have me on, there is no doubt that I will engage in that collaboration. Likewise, I will definitely reach out when I have another record that calls for her unmatched skills and talents.

What artists have you been listening to most recently?

I have been listening to Tems newest released album ‘Born In The Wild’ as well as Credle newest single ‘Embellish’. ‘Stop Callin My Friendz’ by Manni Theo is another notable mention which has been in my rotation recently.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

The main thing I want people to get out of my music is memories, connection and relatability. Music constantly provides me with a moment in time I’ll never forget or connection to others, I want to give that back to the world through my own music. On a scale where mainstream music is heard on a daily basis and played in almost every environment, I want to have the same relatability and consistency.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

So far, my favorite live performance has been at the Brixton Jamm in London, UK. I was able to meet a vibrant crowd of people in the south of London while also debuting an upcoming collaboration record between Superlative Sain and I for the first time! I can’t wait until I am able to go back.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

3 artists that would headline my dream festival would be myself, Doja Cat, and Major Lazer. This festival would take place in San Diego on the beach in good weather with massive crowds of people. I would love to go to a festival on the beach, hopefully this manifests into existence haha!

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

My advice to artists wanting to follow in my footsteps is to work hard and organise as much as you can. Look within your circle of trustworthy people to see who can help you excel and move further along into opportunities and do as much as you can without spending money first. This career is expensive and it does pay off in the long run but the run is LONG. Be smart, be as prepared as you can be, and don’t doubt the abilities you are honing in on. Everything is a work in progress and nobody is a master no matter how good they seem or how much better off you think they are. Lock into your journey and learn to love it.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I am on tour until the end of 2024 so you can expect to see me performing live in Austin, Dallas and Nashville with new cities and dates dropping very soon! I have new music, new collaborations and new content on the way which should all be very exciting. Merchandise is coming soon to my website www.cloudraymusic.com and I also will be teasing a brand new project. I can’t wait to share more with you as things come together! Thank you Plastic Magazine for interviewing me today and bringing awareness to my latest release ‘Drip’. I am always grateful for having the opportunity to talk to you and greatly look forward to our next meeting! Thank you everyone who has tuned and please be sure to stay connected with me by following me everywhere @cloudraymusic.

Listen to Drip (feat. Tati Dior) below