Porter Ray has earned praise from outlets in Seattle for his three self-released efforts — BLK GLD LP (May 2013); WHT GLD and RSE GLD EP’s (October 2013) — and his live performances. The prolific and ascendant MC caught the attention of Ishmael Butler, Shabazz Palaces founder and member of Sub Pop’s A&R team, who brought Ray to the label.
On a related note, Porter Ray will support labelmates Shabazz Palaces tonight, Friday, August 1st with a hometown show at Neumos.
What people have said about Porter Ray:
“A son of Seattle’s Central District, Porter Ray namechecks [Ishmael] Butler and revered Seattle MC Infinite as influences. Appropriately, “5950’s” is 206 from head to toe; named for a model of New Era baseball cap, it’s described as sporting Mariner teal throughout Porter’s stunning debut, BLK GLD. Here, Porter reels off the minutiae of murder, betrayal and narcotic sales with a poetic eye that recalls vintage Nas, tempered with a numb, gray-sky detachment (and aided by a sterling verse from Nate Jack) all over shimmering piano keys, a subdued drum shuffle and quiet-storm rain effects. In this city — built on, around, and seemingly under water — it’s even easier than you’d think to get washed, depending on where you’re standing.” [“5950’s” / Heavy Rotation] – NPR
“Porter’s debut album, BLK GLD, came out last spring, and it is one of the must-downloads of Seattle rap music in 2013. It’s an online song bundle that holds together as a complete musical thought, beats working with the rhymes, to showcase Porter’s sparkling voice—a light, slangy, and relaxed instrument he should be thanking the stars he doesn’t have to go to the trouble of putting on. He has a gift. In conversation, it’s the same voice. That’s just the way Porter sounds. The highlight of BLK GLD is “Blackberry Kush,” a song that’s trippy and rainy like Seattle, and deep and compassionate like Porter.” – The Stranger
“His firmly structured flow is more vehicle than destination, its strong, consistent template allowing space for narrative detail. Production, handled by a committee of seven beatmakers, plays the billowy background, propped on lush, emotive soul samples.” [RSE GLD / Album of the Month] – City Arts
Fundamentals: http://porterray.bandcamp.com/fundamentals
UPCOMING SHOWS:
08.15 – Portland, OR – Redbull Sound Select/Music Festival Northwest w/ Flatbush Zombies
08.17 – Seattle, WA – 95 Slide Rooftop day party w/ JusMoni, Nate Jack
TRACKLISTING:
01 Dice Game Diagrams [Ft. D-Bleeze]
02 Ruthie Dean [Ft. Nate Jack]
03 Corner Bop
04 Retrospect
05 On the Slick [Nate Jack]
06 Fatal Attractions [Ft. Nate Jack]
07 166
08 AquaMarine
09 Visions
10 Woman [Alana Belle Interlude]
11 French Kiss [Ft. Alana Belle]
12 Blackcherry [Ft.Cam The Mac]
13 Mind of a Mack
14 Jewelry [Ft. D-Bleeze]
15 Searching
16 Sunrise [Ft. JusMoni]
17 Meditate [Ft. D-Bleeze]
