The penultimate song, “Soul on Fire,” calls out America’s treatment of Black people most prominently – “American soul on fire / Nothing to lose / Rhythm without the blues / American soul on fire / Rocket’s red glare / We’re gasping for air” – but the rest of the album subtly pulls through the thread of empty promises. You’re now talking about love and sex and murder. “I started to see these narrative threads I found so irresistible. “I couldn’t help but think of him like a Black James Bond,” said Ray. The youngest of 21 children, Ray’s grandfather was a ladies man who snuck into the army underage to fight in WWII as a way to gain social prestige.

Abraham, though, is not the story of Ray’s grief but of Abraham’s life. Creating Abraham was his way of mourning. Unable to have a funeral or be with his family at the time due to pandemic restrictions, Ray said he wasn’t able to process the death.

The album, which drops May 5, is titled Abraham after Ray’s grandfather, who died in 2020. For the most flute action, check out second single “Rolling Stone.” The flute anchors the whole track. The chant-like chorus of “Black Coffee” – “Bold enough to steal a kiss / Hot enough to burn my lips / Just one taste to feel the lift / Come on, come on” – reminds me of “Cry Me a River” (but without the Britney-bashing), and if you’re into Lizzo’s flute playing, you’ll love how often Gabe Scheid rocks a flute solo. In the music video, Ray woos a barista (played by Rajaa Camp-Bey) at north end coffee shop Slow Down Coffee.įronted by Ray, throughout the nine tracks of Abraham, The Finesse crosses Marvin Gaye’s soft sensuality with the dynamic rhythmic sensibilities of Justin Timberlake. The song is a feel-good bop, with a subtle saxophone groove and a flamenco-esque keyboard riff that push “Black Coffee” through undulating waves of vocal harmonies.

Call me irresistible