Rubies hold a special place amongst the world’s rarest natural treasures.
The most sought-after of the corundum family, the gemstone’s crimson hue
instantly catches attention—as if extracting passion from the earth itself and
crystallizing it in mineral form. Similarly, Macy Gray occupies a rare space in
the canon of modern music.
That unmistakable rasp, unshakable grasp on soul, and funky spirit ensured her
status as a 21st century icon since her arrival with the triple-platinum How
Life Is in 1999. Selling over 25 million total albums globally, winning a
GRAMMY® Award and two BRIT Awards, collaborating with everyone from Ariana
Grande to Galactic, and enchanting fans all over the world, her voice has
consistently resounded throughout pop culture. Eternally enamored and enthralled
with her voice and presence, a devout fan base that transcends genres,
generations, and creeds celebrates her work—album after album and tour after
tour. Most recently, 2016’s Stripped earmarked a creative high point,
garnering unanimous acclaim from Vogue, Vice, and many more. At the same time,
she remains a force of nature on tour, selling out venues in nearly every corner
of the globe two decades into her storied career. Macy’s talents resound
beyond music as well. She starred in Tyler Perry’s Black Reel Award-winning
For Colored Girls and would grace the screen everywhere from Brotherly Love and
Cardboard Boxer to NETFLIX’s hit Fuller House. Moreover, she made a now
legendary appearance in Training Day alongside Academy® Award winner Denzel
Washington—one of many on-screen hallmarks. Now, her tenth full-length album,
RUBY [Artistry Music/Mack Avenue], reaffirms and reasserts that signature rarity
millions continue to treasure. “I love the gem ruby,” she explains.
“It’s so regal. I really wanted a title that would stick. The stone is
also red of course, which is my favorite color. It’s rich and has history.
It’s classic—and so is this album.”
Channeling the spirit of the “grimy” R&B and smoky jazz closest to her
heart, Macy made a leap forward by looking back to formative inspirations.
However, she updated those elements with enriched, entrancing, and enigmatic
soundscapes brought to life by
producers Johan Carlsson [Michael Bublé, Maroon 5], Tommy Brown [Jennifer
Lopez, Fifth Harmony, Travis Scott], and Tommy Parker Lumpkins [Janet Jackson,
Justin Bieber]. “They’re all stellar producers, and they helped me craft an
incredibly rich project,” she goes on. “They were brilliant in integrating
horns and strings. There are so many complex layers. I wanted something that
never got boring in terms of the music.” Take the first single “Sugar
Daddy.” Co-written with none other than pop superstar Meghan Trainor, the
track swings from jazz-y piano into a cooing verse that’s as sweet as it is
sassy. Her voice takes hold on the hook, “Be my, be my sugar daddy and provide
me with your candy.”
“Meghan and I thought it be great to collaborate,” Macy recalls. “She had
the concept in her head for some time, so we took a stab at it. It’s really
great fun and a bit cheeky. Her writing and talent is brilliant. It was the
perfect song to come out with first.”
RUBY canvases a wide spectrum for the songstress. Raucous horns that feel ripped
from a classic seventies flick augment the grit on “Cold World” as
“Jealousy” spins a covetous narrative that soars as it seduces. Gary Clark
Jr. adds six-string firepower to “Buddha.” Everything culminates on the
reggae-inspired “Witness,” which shuffles between mainland soul and island
grooves as she croons, “I wish I was Jesus. I would make sure to fix it.
Can
I get a witness?”
“I think my sound reflects where I am,” she exclaims. “I’m a little
older…just a little [Laughs]. I’ve had more experiences and influences.
I want my sound to feel fresh and relevant. I feel that I was able to achieve
that, and I’m extremely proud of this album.”
Audiences will feel that too as she brings the record to life nightly in North
America, the UK, and Europe on her 2018 tour.
In the end, RUBY represents Macy Gray at her most passionate, poetic, and
powerful.
“I hope audiences can feel connected to the record,” she leaves off.
“I hope that I can make them smile and make them reflect. I love when fans
reach out with stories of how I've inspired, influenced them, or helped them get
through a moment in their life. I want them to take away sincerity, honesty and
authenticity. I'm hopeful that I am providing them with something that is
meaningful and thoughtful. I'm still looking at how I can contribute more
artistically and as a human. This is one way."