TLDR: Ray Vaughn reflects on lyricism, pain, and joining Top Dawg Entertainment while discussing storytelling, Kendrick Lamar, and his journey from Long Beach to one of hip-hop’s most respected labels.
Earlier this year, HipHopCanada was invited back to SXSW, where we reconnected with Genius to cover their The Story Behind The Song panel.
Bringing together artists whose music is defined by vivid storytelling shaped through uniquely lived experiences, the conversation highlighted how storytelling continues to shape meaningful connection between artists and audiences, even in an era driven by viral moments and short-lived online trends. Throughout the panel, artists emphasized that while trends may shift quickly, the foundation of impactful music still lies in honesty, lived experience, and intentional songwriting.
Platforms like Genius continue to play an important role in that process, giving fans direct access to lyric meaning, context, and artistic intent. By allowing artists to clarify and expand on the inspiration behind their work, Genius helps create deeper ties between creators and listeners, reinforcing the idea that music is still one of the most powerful tools for human connection.
Featured on the panel was Ray Vaughn, one of the newest artists emerging from Top Dawg Entertainment (TDE), the imprint known for shaping some of the most respected lyricists in modern hip-hop, including Kendrick Lamar, ScHoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. Vaughn’s presence highlighted the continuation of storytelling tradition that has become synonymous with TDE, while also pointing toward the direction of its next era. His perspective reflected a balance between lyrical precision and emotional transparency, reinforcing how deeply personal experiences continue to shape the music coming out of the label’s evolving roster.
Before signing with TDE, Vaughn built a reputation through a steady stream of independent releases that showcased his sharp pen and introspective approach to writing. Hailing from Long Beach, California, his early music reflected the influence of West Coast lyricism while still carving out a voice that felt distinctly his own. His breakout momentum began to build through records that prioritized substance and perspective, allowing him to organically develop an audience drawn to his ability to blend technical ability with vulnerability.
That foundation ultimately led to his signing with TDE, positioning him among a lineage of artists recognized for pushing hip-hop forward through thoughtful storytelling and layered songwriting. As part of the label’s next chapter, Vaughn continues to emphasize authenticity and perspective, reinforcing the idea that strong lyricism remains a defining element of his artistic identity.
Following the discussion, we sat down with Ray Vaughn to speak about the journey of stepping into a label with such a defining cultural footprint. As one of the newest voices emerging from Top Dawg Entertainment, Vaughn represents a continuation of the lyricism and intentional storytelling that has become synonymous with the imprint’s legacy.
Vaughn’s latest official release is the Isaiah Rashad-assisted “Vibe Responsibly” which is available now on Spotify, and other digital streaming platforms.
Ray Vaughn Interview
HipHopCanada: Our first question is, you’re coming up from under a label with or with a legacy like Top Dawg. What was the moment when it really hit you that you are now part of the same house that built artists like Kendrick and ScHoolboy Q?
Ray Vaughn: I think it’s 2021 when I went on tour and I saw everybody, like all at once. Everybody went in 2021 when I went on my first tour and I’m able to be around all of them as a whole. I think that was it.
HipHopCanada: Your music has this balance of hunger and confidence. What is something about your journey that fans would never have really guessed that actually shaped the way that you rap today?
RV: Pain is structured. The whole thing, my whole life has been like pain and this is like the first positive thing that’s been persistent for me.
HipHopCanada: If someone listened to your catalog like a chapter in a book, what would it say?
RV: The good, the bad, the dark meaning.
HipHopCanada: TDE artists are known for lyricism and storytelling. Was there ever a verse that you wrote where you thought, yeah, this one might really change how people see me?
RV: Flash Shasta. Every verse on it.
HipHopCanada: Every rapper has a moment where they realize their pen has levelled up. Do you remember that exact bar where you were, where you first felt like I’m really different from all these other rappers?
RV: When I was nine. I was nine in the middle and I said, “level up man. I put a red dot on your head like a seven up king.”
HipHopCanada: Damn!
RV: And I was nine.
HipHopCanada: You represent a new era of West Coast rap. What do you think your generation is adding to the West Coast sound that people didn’t hear before?
RV: I feel like I’m the new era of TDE. I’m not regionalizing the sound with just the West Coast. It’s like I make it for everybody.
HipHopCanada: That’s a fact! If Ray Vaughn, the artist could sit down and interview Ray Vaughn, the person, what’s the one question that you’d ask yourself that nobody else ever has?
RV: Why do you, why do you care so much about people’s opinion as a person and not so much as an artist?
Ray Vaughn (TDE) along with Julyssa Lopez (Rolling Stone), Samara Cyn and Head of Artist Relations at Genius, Rob Markman (Photo: Remi Louis Harris / HipHopCanada)
HipHopCanada: Hip-hop has always been super, super competitive. Is there an artist that makes you want to sharpen your pen every single time you hear their verse?
RV: Kendrick. And André 3000.
HipHopCanada: Imagine one of your songs is being played 20 years from now, which it will be played 20 years from now. And a fan introduces someone new to your music. Which track should they play first and why?
RV: Probably Miles Away From Heaven. Because, because it’s a perfect representation of who I am right now and what I was thinking at this time.
HipHopCanada: My very last question for you is, for artists trying to break through today, what is something that you’ve had to learn the hard way about the music industry that you wish somebody had told you earlier?
RV: Everybody’s not your friend. Everybody that says bro ain’t your bro, you know?
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