In the pulsating heart of Brooklyn, where the rhythm of life beats loud and proud, a rising musical artist with a purpose—Cliford Gray, whose real name is Cliford Gresseau. Now calling Mount Vernon, NY, home, Gray’s journey from the streets of Brooklyn to the forefront of the hip-hop scene is nothing short of extraordinary.
As a torchbearer for honour within the realm of hip-hop, Gray embarks on a mission to magnify the inherent value of every individual. This dedication stems from his profound belief that we all were made in the image of God. His musical mastery serves as a testament to this cause, skillfully intertwining intricate storytelling and profound lyricism. The result is a rich tapestry that not only captivates the vibrant world of hip-hop but also resonates deeply with emotions and contemplative musings, carving out a distinctive niche within the genre.
The genesis of Gray’s musical odyssey traces back to the vibrant world of freestyling and lyrical battles during his school days. This early spark ignited a passion for crafting songs and testing his lyrical mettle in the competitive hip-hop arena.
Drawing inspiration from eclectic sources like movies, podcasts, sermons, and transformative stories, Gray’s music is a reflection of his personal journey as well as his encounters with God, himself. His latest project, the captivating “City of God”, has garnered significant attention with 286,000 views on YouTube, with a further 5,400 Spotify streams. This NYC anthem intertwines Gray’s life story with the essence of the city that never sleeps.
Stunning us with a chorus hook and a rap flow like no other, Gray knows how to bring it. “City of God” is one powerful track both lyrically and sonically, allowing him to share his personal journey with the world. Having been initially released in January 2023, the music video has gone on to earn over a quarter of a million views, has become his most popular song on Spotify, and has even gone on to win a Rapzilla 2023 award for Song of the Year.
It’s undeniable how impactful music can be and Gray is using that to create incredible beats and lyricism that are set to speak to a variety of people. In sharing his own journey with us, he invites us into his world and allows for a bigger understanding of him as an artist, Full of energy, he brings that to the music video which was shot in New York City with a variety of identifiable locations, including Times Square. His passion for music as a whole is indisputable and his progress in reaching more people and changing their lives also shows his commitment to people and the world, as well as his faith.
Rooted in unwaveringness, Gray seamlessly aligns his creative process with a higher calling—the uplifting and empowerment of others through his art. The echoes of influential figures such as Nas, Jay-Z, and Kanye West resonate in the corridors of Gray’s artistic journey, leaving an enduring imprint. Yet, it’s his best friend Jelani Aswad who stands as a steadfast companion on this musical odyssey, contributing significantly to the indelible mark etched along Gray’s career path.
Embracing life to its fullest, Gray advocates for authenticity, drawing strength from staying true to one’s values, seeking inspiration, and fostering environments where individuals can freely express themselves. Influential figures like Pastor Michael Todd and Pastor Tommy Urban D Kylonnen, whose guidance and wisdom have played pivotal roles in shaping Gray’s journey toward a fuller, contribute more to Gray’s enriched life and his nature in helping others.
Literary works such as “The Bible”, “The Count of Monte Cristo”. and the captivating “Hobbit Series” have etched lasting imprints on Gray, influencing and moulding his outlook on life. In his recognition of the vital role of perpetual learning for personal growth and heightened awareness, Gray underscores its significance as a safeguard against exploitation, affirming the transformative power that continuous knowledge holds in one’s journey of self-discovery.
Gray’s journey from the streets to the stage is a testament to the transformative power of music and faith. From being a former member of the Crips, growing up in the same neighbourhood as Bobby Shmurda, Fivio Foreign, and the late Pop Smoke, to later selling drugs in his teen years, to almost being sentenced to 3-15 years for his crimes, to finding God and treading a brighter path, a brighter future, and spreading his personal journey with the world through music; Gray proves that you can turn your life around, that all hope is never lost, and that you aren’t defined by the neighbourhood you grew up in.
Cliford Gray is set to blaze a trail that inspires and uplifts us all in equal measure. This hip-hop musical luminary continues to set the world on fire with his profound messages, infectious beats and a flawless flow that we can’t quite get over. “City of God” is available to download and stream, across all platforms, right now, via The Launching Pad Music Group. We can only presume that more incredible music from Cliford Gray is on its way.
