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Detroit rapper Babyface Ray has a rising profile beyond his home base, thanks to "Face," a January release that Billboard calls his "breakthrough album."


"It was definitely tough" until now, says Babyface Ray. (Photo: Flo Ngala)

In addition to that magazine's salute as R&B/hip-hop "Rookie of the Month," the 31-year-old artist is interviewed by Rolling Stone and Complex, a lifestyle magazine based in New York.

"I'm glad we worked so hard for this moment and it's actually happening," he tells Billboard. Though it honors him as a rookie, the industry publication acknowledges that Babyface Ray, the son of a church pastor, "has been pounding the pavement for a decade. ... Since 2019, Ray has gone from a virtual unknown on the national rap scene to one of the most commonly referenced emerging Detroit rappers."

"Face" marks Ray’s second charting album on the Billboard 200 and highest charting, to date, at No. 31. The album ... also landed on three other charts: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, Top Rap Albums and Independent Albums, debuting at No. 2 on the latter.

Loaded with features from recognizable artists -- including Pusha T, Wiz Khalifa and Swedish rapper Yung Lean -- "Face" transcends borders, allowing an unmistakably Detroit body of music to be devoured by mainstream listeners everywhere. ...

Putting Detroit on the map, he says, was always a part of the vision. The East Side native recalls touring local high schools, a common way to self-promote for Detroit artists, and intends to pay a visit to his own alma maters, Osborn High School and Mumford High School, soon.

"There's two stories to how this shit can go," Ray says. "You got the people that pop out with that hit and go crazy off one song, and then you've got guys like me who put so much work in and finally get they shot."

The break comes "after so many years of doing it," reflects the former member of Team Eastside. "It was definitely tough."

"So many times I was just like, 'Man, what am I doing?' ... So for my fans to be there, to keep going, I appreciate that."

Speaking of the east side, reporter Neena Rouhani tweets a charming exchange when the Brooklyn journalist mentions her roots near East Warren and Cadieux before the family moved to Oakland County: 

Rolling Stone calls Babyface "a favorite within Michigan's increasingly dominant rap scene" and praises his "confident nonchalance" and "devilishly casual flow." Freelancer Jayson Buford of New York adds: Ray’s work is defined by how cool and accessible it is."

At Complex, Jessica McKinney, salutes "an album that continues the hot streak of Detroit rap."

► Stream "Face" at these services

Two promo videos:

 

Read more: Billboard