Marc 2Ray's "Music Over Money" features Ethan Spalding from TrapRock Music. Together, they poke fun at the industry while prioritizing quality music over quick cash.

Written by Marc 2Ray and Ethan Spalding. 
Produced by JPrice and Calin Enache.  
Mixed and mastered by Calin Enache. 
Cover art by Marc 2Ray.

Music Over Money

Marc 2Ray - "Music Over Money" Ft. Ethan Spalding

Marc 2Ray teams up with Baltimore's own MC Bravado to bring unfiltered Boom Bap bars on "True Craft". Also featuring Allison Balanc, who gives the chorus a soulful and smooth finish. "True Craft" was produced by CPS Lock (credits: Chaz French, Innanet James, and more) and mixed/mastered by Calin Enache (credits: Pusha T, IDK, Dave East, and more.)

"True Craft" ft. MC Bravado x Allison Balanc

Marc 2Ray's "Tik Tok Tik" plays off the theme of time passing. It highlights the importance of an artist taking the time to create thought-provoking content (which then in turn builds longevity) while also commenting on the “ticking clock” of artists who prioritize chasing temporary clout on social media (like Tik Tok) while neglecting their craft.

The song was produced by LOZ BEATZ which is composed of Eric "eGogh '' Erusiafe and Sonny "Ghost" Tran. Sonny is the founder of the world famous Lionz of Zion breakdancing crew who have toured/performed with artists such as The Black Eye Peas, Busta Rhymes, and more. After linking with Eric, who is a fellow B-Boy and music producer, they formed LOZ BEATZ Production and have also opened successful clubs such as Alice and Cloak & Dagger in DC's U Street corridor. 

"Tik Tok Tik" was mixed by award winning hit record producer, Chris "Von Pimpenstein" Carter. Chris's accolades include several #1 hit radio singles, numerous Top 40 charting records, and over 100 placements in film/tv. It was then mastered by Grammy-nominated Chris Gehringer who has worked with artists such as Lady Gaga, Drake, Rihanna, and more.

1/31/2023

Tik Tok Tik

The final song, "Oddity" provides something of a template for maintaining those healthy romantic relationships without sacrificing the work ethic that the music requires. Nicco lightheartedly tells Marc about how the struggle to maintain a blossoming relationship can detract much-needed energy away from the music, and Marc (who recently got married last year) recounts his experience of steadily pursuing the work while patiently waiting to find the right partner—the one who will turn out to be your number one supporter and elevate the music rather than distract from it.

Oddity

"On My Own" describes how the life of an artist can be a lonely one, as doing what it takes to break through one of the most volatile industries on the planet can come at the cost of friendships and intimate relationships. Marc also talks about his work as a therapist for children with autism and how he sometimes feels torn between these two career paths; the one providing a very tangible difference in the lives of those on the spectrum, and the other providing the creative and artistic outlet that may yet prove to have even far greater reach.

On My Own

“Origins” reveals more insight into the duo’s backstory as they pass the mic back and forth every 4 bars—recounting their musical influences and first steps into the industry.

Origins

Starting off the EP with "Overture", Marc and Nicco deliver fast paced lyrics with complex multi-syllable rhyme schemes showing that they are more than capable of the skills it takes to follow their dreams as Hip Hop artists

Overture

Marc 2Ray and eGogh from LOZ Beatz perform a remix version of their song, "Tik Tok Tik" for NPR's Tiny Desk Contest!

Written by Marc 2Ray
Performed by Marc 2Ray and eGogh 
Produced by LOZ Beatz (eGogh x Ghost)
Mixed by Chris Carter
Mastered by Daniel Hill

Tik Tok Tik (Tiny Desk Contest)

Written & Performed by Marc 2Ray
Produced by CAPSL0K
Additional Production by LOZ Beats
Mixed by by Chris Carter
Mastered by Chris Gehringer
Cuts by DJ MooseJaw
Cover Art by Shannon Scott

Honoring The HYE

Marc 2Ray's song, "1915" is about the Armenian Genocide. As the grandson of a survivor, Marc draws inspiration from his family's escape from this crime against humanity in which 1.5 million Armenians perished. The song begins with the Armenian Genocide and the 100 year long cover up attempt made by the perpetrators, The Ottoman Empire, or modern day Turkey. Marc then connects the dots to Hitler drawing motivation from the Armenian Genocide to be used as a model for The Holocaust. In addition Marc touches on some of the other 20th century genocides that take place from Rwanda, Darfur, Cambodia, and others that have distinct similarities to the Armenian Genocide. The song ends with a message to Turkey and a path to reconciliation. Working with the highly acclaimed producer, Godfather, and a talented singer, Miriam, the song's message of hope in the face or persecution speaks to all who listen. The song was recorded, mixed and mastered by Calin at District Sound Lab. Watch the lyric video for it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3t6KBkjzFY

1915 (Prod. by Godfather)

Marc 2Ray is featured on Eduard Hambartsmumian's new song, "Wake Up," which is about making life and not war. Marc 2Ray adapts some of the lyrics from his song, "1915," which is about the Armenian Genocide and a new verse especially for this song which talks about the Syrian Refugee Crisis. This song is available for FREE download. Make Life, Not War! Watch the full length music video for it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgmcF6hlSuc

Wake Up ft. Marc 2Ray

"Dear America" was written and performed by Marc 2Ray. 
Vocals by Allison Balanc. 
Produced by Godfather.
Mixed and mastered by Calin Enache at District Sound Lab. 
Video by Marc 2Ray and Joe Hancher.
Cover art by Marc 2Ray. 


For Kevin Plater. A great friend, mentor, and day one supporter. You will be truly missed.


Dear America

Dear America, tell me what is going on/
How’d you let yourself end up this far Gone?/
Maybe because from the Start The, Nation, was Taken/
From the indigenous Race And, Left Em’, Forsaken/

Built from the profits of genocide and yet Still/
We honor the man on the twenty dollar Bill/
That’s Andrew Jackson, and his Trail Of Tears/
We haven’t learn from our past in 400 Years/

Then you imported slaves to suffer and Toil/
Making cash out of cotton straight from the Soil/
Unsurmountable Pain, all in the Name, of Gains/
And when it was over, no one to Claim the Blame/

Or at least not in any Substantial Way/
Freed with no reparations or Financial Pay/
From a War, More, based around saving the Union/
Then rescuing innocence from Persecution/ 

Yeah, The North won, but real talk- no Illusions/
Still left it up to racist Institutions/
Conducting Jim Crow, and their Exclusions/
Claiming “State’s Rights” and citing the Constitution/

While devils in white hoods got there Immunity/
To Brutally, terrorize Black Communities/
Decades of hate, and denied Opportunities/
Til’ brave soul stood up, and marched for Unity!/


Dear America! Was it really all Lies?/
Hate hidden Behind, a patriotic Disguise/

Dear America! What am I, to Surmise?/
Under the rug you made these Crimes, Normalized/

Dear America! You need to open your Eyes/
Still profiting off of a culture’s Demise/

Dear America! The world is watching you Now/
I still have faith you can come back somehow!/


Dear America, you’re at a pivotal Stage/
Hate Vocalized, Polarized, and filled with Rage/
Starts with racist rants and Alt-Right, Armed To Kill/
Followed by Tiki Torches in Charlottesville/

Now ask Who Benefits, from White Supremacists/
Who Spew, his Rhetoric, World View, Irreverent/
Teaching the perceived Disenfranchised to Foster/
The worst actions that Mankind, has to Offer/

Running over peaceful protesters on the Street/
Gunning down Black congregations where they Meet/
A Supporter, kills 22 at the Border/ 
With El Paso families torn apart in Horror/

More than Blatant Distain, it’s  Hatred Ingrained/
Whole Nations Defamed, by his Statements Of Shame/
A “Stable Genius” calling truth Fake News/
Then Retweeting Hate Groups, From Whom, he Take Cues/

Inhuman acts with no Mild Hesitations/
Kids locked in cages, Child Separations/
Countless Allegations, plus that One Bold Brag/
Our human rights now is what We Hope You Don’t Grab/

The Hatred’s Evolved so as a Nation we Fall/
From Grace as a Place that was a Haven for All/
Tired poor huddled masses yearning to Breathe Free/
Unless you’re indigenous, that was you and Me!/


Dear America! Was it really all Lies?/
Hate hidden Behind a patriotic Disguise/

Dear America! What am I, to Surmise?/
Under the rug you made these Crimes, Normalized/

Dear America! You need to open your Eyes/
Still profiting off of a culture’s Demise/

Dear America! The world is watching you Now/
I still have faith you can come back Somehow/


www.Marc2Ray.com

Dear America ft. Allison Balanc

Undeniable relatability with ear-worming classic lyricism highlights Marc 2Ray's latest album "Fresh Air". 

Executive production by Godfather (credits include Wale, SchoolBoy Q, Torae, and more) and mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated sound engineer, Calin Enache at District Sound Lab (credits include, Pusha T, IDK, Dave East, and more). 

Written and performed by Marc 2Ray, with features from Brain Rapp, JusPaul, Kwame Darko, Nick Harrison, KAM Royal, J-Artz, and One Sun. 

Additional production by bonHAM, Profa, JPrice, and Godfather.

Find more music at www.Marc2Ray.com

Marc 2Ray

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