What’s your stage name and where are you from?
A.Gray. I’m from a small town in Massachusetts.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
I used to go by MAyhem but after spending time in juvenile detention centers where you’re addressed by your last name, Gray stuck with me. So I started going by A.Gray a little while after getting out. The name MAyhem wasn’t fitting because that wasn’t my lifestyle anymore—I became a father and my kids taught me how to be me.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I started rapping when I was six and haven’t stopped since. I began taking it seriously when my dad passed away and started actually releasing music just a few years ago. It’s been a long and personal journey.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
I learned how to be in the moment while recording. You hear the beat for the first time, feel the vibe, and have to create at that moment. That spontaneity is key.
What message do you want to convey through your music?
You have to follow the moment and live in it. We can experience things more than once, but we can’t recreate those moments.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
The challenge I face in production is that there’s really no wrong way to create—sound is infinite. The challenge comes in deciding which sounds and lyrics flow together to create something smooth.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
I can’t choose any one artist—there are too many! But if I had to, it would probably be J.Cole. I feel like our style of hip-hop would blend smoothly.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
Music can take you anywhere, depending on how hard you push for it.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
The next step for me is learning the business side of music. That would take my career to the next level.
We occasionally feature artists on our Bird of Paradise Podcast for in-depth discussions. Would this be something you’re interested in exploring?
I would love to be able to tell my story—the one behind the music.
Are there any other promotional opportunities you’re looking for to boost your visibility?
I’m always looking for opportunities to be visible. As a growing artist, you have to put yourself out there.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
All streaming platforms, Instagram, and TikTok.
What is the best way to contact you if fans want to give feedback or if other artists/producers want to collaborate?
Instagram and TikTok are the best places to contact me. There’s also an email contact on both for artists or producers who want to work.
