Ravyn Lenae, the Chicago-born singer-songwriter, is experiencing a significant breakthrough in her music career, highlighted by her single “Love Me Not.” The track has resonated deeply with listeners, amassing over 734 million streams on Spotify alone. It peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying her position in the music industry.
A pivotal moment for Lenae occurred when she performed a cover of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” at the 2024 Grammy Awards. During her performance, she made eye contact with R&B icon Lauryn Hill, who famously sampled the same song in 1998. Reflecting on this experience, Lenae stated, “Young Ravyn is aligning with Grown Ravyn in a really special way.” She emphasized the significance of such moments in affirming her musical journey.
The success of “Love Me Not” can be attributed to its relatable themes and catchy melody, which explore the complexities of modern relationships. The song became a viral sensation, inspiring nearly half a million videos on TikTok, allowing it to find a home in various social media narratives. Lenae’s confident delivery and the song’s infectious quality have made it one of the year’s most memorable tracks.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Recognition
Lenae’s journey in music began as a student at the Chicago High School for the Arts, where she honed her craft and developed a diverse musical background. She noted that the exposure to various genres, including jazz and classical music, has greatly influenced her artistic approach. “Being exposed to certain styles of music was really fun, and I learned about vocal health, reading music, improv, and acting,” she said.
Despite her classical training, Lenae often felt the need to break free from rigid vocal performance techniques. “There’s a very rigid approach to vocal performance,” she explained. “I can get into that thought process of having to stay within a certain confine.” This realization has pushed her to embrace experimentation in her music, allowing her to explore new vocal colors and sounds.
Lenae’s Panamanian heritage also plays a crucial role in her artistic identity. She makes annual trips to Panama, where she connects with her roots and family. “I remember feeling like I need to start incorporating that sound and thinking about how those parts of my identity can start merging in a rich way,” she shared. This blending of cultures is something she aims to showcase in her future work.
Support from Family and Industry Icons
The unwavering support of Lenae’s family has been instrumental throughout her career. From her early days in music, they encouraged her to pursue her passion, even going as far as accompanying her on tours. “My mom figured out a way to work, be on the road with me, sell merch, and be a comanager,” she recalled.
As her fame grows, Lenae has caught the attention of several industry giants. She has received advice from notable figures including Mariah Carey, who advised her to embrace the pursuit of creating hit songs. “You’ve gotta go for it,” Carey told Lenae, a sentiment that has influenced her approach to music-making.
Lenae’s journey has not only been about personal growth but also about connecting with her audience through her music. As she reflects on her transformative year, she expresses gratitude for the timing of her success. “I have to trust that when things don’t happen this time around, there’s a bigger plan or story on the horizon,” she stated.
With plans to expand her reach internationally, Lenae is set to perform at major festivals such as Primavera Sound in Barcelona and Øyafestivalen in Oslo. Her ascent in the music industry is just beginning, and with her authentic sound and heartfelt lyrics, Ravyn Lenae is poised for a significant impact in the years to come.
