Fresh off the heels of Kendrick Lamar’s unexpected return to the spotlight, Top Dawg Entertainment has revealed even more surprises this week — announcing their newest signee in Ray Vaughn.
The Long Beach native’s entrance to the limelight is accompanied by a three-track EP named Peer Pressure, meant to be a teaser for his eventual full-length release under the label. Knowing TDE, there’s no telling when this project could drop, but listeners are sure to be excited by what they can hear so far.
“Not Allowed” has Ray spitting bar after bar over a dark yet bouncy piano melody. The piano makes a return in “Top Shottas” — which seems like a West Coast take on drill’s signature bounce. The EP’s highlight, however, occurs when Ray showcases his knack for piecing together melodies on a sultry guitar beat with “Tap”.
With Kendrick’s future exit, TDE is approaching a new era. As the next generation of the label takes shape, remember that Ray Vaughn was the catalyst for change — as his sound is set to flourish under one of hip-hop’s prized labels.
