Ravyn Lenae's Breakthrough Year and Validation in "Love Me Not"

Timing has consistently worked in Ravyn Lenaes favor. Last year, the singer-songwriter captivated audiences with her rendition of Roberta Flacks Killing Me Softly at the 2024 Grammy Hall of Fame Gala. In a memorable moment, she locked eyes with R&B icon Lauryn Hill, who had performed the same song with the Fugees back in 1998. It felt like my younger self and my present self were meeting, Ravyn shares. Moments like that remind me that Im exactly where Im meant to be.

Months later, after nearly ten years of developing her craft, Ravyns single Love Me Not found its breakthrough when fans paired it with Solanges 2007 hit Losing You in a viral mashup. The track resonated with audiences, appearing in nearly half a million TikTok videos. Its appeal lies in its candid lyrics and catchy melody, capturing the familiar emotions of a complex situationship. Ravyns expressive delivery helped the song become one of the years most memorable hits, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and surpassing 734 million streams on Spotify. She also gained headliner spots at major festivals including Coachella and Lollapalooza.

The success of Love Me Not has drawn support from artists such as SZA, Sabrina Carpenter, and Mariah Carey, and sparked conversations around awards season. As she prepares new music, Ravyn will also tour Europe, performing at festivals like Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Way Out West in Gothenburg, and yafestivalen in Oslo.

Early Musical Roots

Ravyn began creating music during her time at the Chicago High School for the Arts, where she received formal training in jazz, classical, and opera. This foundation taught her vocal technique, improvisation, acting, and music theory. Those lessons shaped my approach to creativity and the dedication required to pursue music, she explains.

While classical training instilled discipline, Ravyn notes she had to unlearn certain rigid approaches when exploring her own artistic style. I sometimes feel uncomfortable experimenting in the studio because Im used to producing only polished sounds. But embracing imperfection has helped me grow.

Her Cultural Influences

Raised on Chicagos South Side and proud of her Panamanian heritage, Ravyn draws inspiration from both cultures. Annual trips to Panama, where she spent time with her late great-grandmother, helped her explore ways to incorporate Latin sounds into her music. I want to blend these aspects of my identity in a way that feels natural and passionate, she says. She also hopes to release music in Spanish in the future, possibly collaborating with her grandmother as a co-writer.

Family and Support

Ravyn credits her family for supporting her career from the beginning. Her mother, in particular, played a vital role during her early tours, helping with logistics and management. This unwavering support gave Ravyn the confidence to pursue music wholeheartedly, eventually attracting fans like Kelly Rowland, Childish Gambino, and Kali Uchis.

Lessons from Mentors

Advice from Mariah Carey resonated deeply with Ravyn. When discussing the pursuit of hits, Carey encouraged her to embrace the journey: Once you find that magic, why wouldnt you keep chasing it? Ravyn took this to heart, recognizing that the creative process itself, not just chart success, holds lasting value.

The Impact of Love Me Not

Ravyn reflects on the personal significance of Love Me Not, a song she felt strongly about from its inception. Even before it became a hit, I knew it had a timeless quality, like the perfect mix of pop and soul. Performing it repeatedly only deepens my connection to the song.

Looking back, she describes this past year as transformative. Its taught me patience, the importance of timing, and the value of trusting myself. Even when opportunities dont happen immediately, Ive learned that theres a bigger story unfolding.

Author: Noah Whitman