Ray BLK on her new single – Lovesick

A singer has said she is “taking back control” on her newly released anthem about empowering women, writes Melissa Kasule.

Rita Ekwere known as Ray BLK, born in Nigeria raised in Catford, shares a taste of what is to come on her highly anticipated album with new single – Lovesick.

The new tune comes months after the 26-year-old accused another rapper of alleged sexual assault in a series of posts on Twitter.

In a now deleted post Ray says she had not spoken publicly about the alleged incident prior after she was warned male artists would not want to f*** with her.

She disclosed she had concerns it would affect her career or be victim shamed specifically – “if I choose to make sexy music or appear in sexy fashion”.

On her new single, Ray said: “Lovesick is a revenge song. It’s about taking control and reclaiming your power after being disrespected in a relationship and getting even.

“I’m always trying to empower women not to take disrespect sitting down but to keep a distance from people who don’t make them feel good about themselves and boss up because success is the best revenge.

“It’s a big theme of not just this song but my overall debut album.

“Even me rapping on this song was me taking back control, as a black female artist in the UK there’s a lot less support all round, including in getting features from other artists.

“After finding it so difficult I just said fine forget that then, I can actually do a better verse than a lot of these guys.

“My rap verse might be a bit explicit but I’m not ashamed of that.

“Tables have turned.

“There’s a new wave of outspoken female artists who aren’t afraid to take full ownership of their sexuality and remind women that they are in control and to only give their time to relationships that are valuable to them and make sure they are being cared for because a woman of value isn’t free and I co-sign that.

“With Lovesick being about control and reclaiming your power, I felt it was important that I also take control of the visual and my creativity.

“I’ve always been very hands on with my visuals but even more so now.

“I wanted the video to vividly reflect my mood and have symbolism in me walking a Doberman dog, having a money room with other strong women and flexing on a G Wagon, even the colour schemes and the cover art being red, I wanted it all to be dark and filled with rage but be sexy and show how much power women have.

“I want women to watch this video and listen to this song and be inspired to step away from anybody whoever played with them and focus on stepping themselves up and trying to build an empire, that is how powerful I want people to feel from this song.

“As an artist and somebody who’s been blessed with a platform, I feel like it is part of my responsibility.”