With her velvety vocals and colorful storytelling, R&B and neo-soul singer/songwriter Rayana Jay imbues her music with an old-school spirit, bridging the gap between contemporaries such as SZA, Janelle Monáe and Solange and major influences such as Anita Baker and Jill Scott. Born in Richmond, California, she was raised by her grandmother and mother, who worked at a record label.