Raytoine Gray Sr.: Overcoming Adversity to Pursue His Passion for Music
Written by b87fm on 07/31/2025
Billboard Hip Hop Exclusive Interview
Billboard Hip Hop is proud to spotlight an artist whose life story reads like a script from a movie—raw, real, and relentlessly inspiring. Meet Raytoine Gray Sr., a 48-year-old Roanoke, Virginia native whose incredible resilience has made him one of the top underdog artists to watch. He’s lived through circumstances that would have crushed most, yet he continues to rise—both literally and musically.
Raytoine’s story is marked by extreme hardship: he’s been shot, stabbed, hit by a car, bitten by a police dog, and has undergone over 56 medical procedures resulting in three amputations. But even as life tried to silence him, music gave him a reason to keep speaking. Keep fighting. Keep creating.
Like a modern-day Rocky Balboa, Raytoine Gray Sr. is punching through every obstacle in his path—and we had the honor of catching up with him for an exclusive interview.
Billboard Hip Hop: First off, thank you for sharing your story with us. Can you take us back to the beginning—how did your journey with music begin?
Raytoine Gray Sr.: Thank you for having me. Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up in Roanoke, it was my escape from everything going on around me. I didn’t have much, but I had a pen, a pad, and my voice. That’s where it all started—writing rhymes and making sense of the chaos I was living through.
You’ve been through things most people can’t even imagine—what keeps you going?
Raytoine: My kids, my faith, and my purpose. I know I’m still here for a reason. After everything I’ve survived—being shot, stabbed, losing limbs—it’s clear to me that I’ve got a message to share. Music helps me do that. It helps me heal. And hopefully, it helps others too.
What’s your message to others who might feel like the odds are stacked against them?
Raytoine: Don’t quit. Pain is real, but so is purpose. No matter what you’re facing, you have to believe your life has value. I could’ve given up plenty of times, but I chose to fight—and I want people to know they can too. You’re not broken; you’re building.
Let’s talk music—who are some of your influences?
Raytoine: I’m inspired by artists who keep it real. Pac, DMX, Scarface—guys who weren’t afraid to show pain and truth in their lyrics. I respect authenticity. And now I’m trying to bring that same raw honesty to my music.
What’s your creative process like today, especially with the physical challenges you face?
Raytoine: It’s definitely different now. I’ve had to adapt, but I don’t let it stop me. I write every day. I record when I can. Sometimes it’s slow, but every word counts. Every track is a piece of my story. I don’t make filler music—I make survival music.
You’ve been called a “Rocky Balboa” of hip hop. How do you feel about that comparison?
Raytoine: Man, it’s humbling. I love that. Rocky was all heart. He didn’t have the resources, but he had the will. That’s me. I’m not here with big industry backing, but I’m showing up. I’m fighting every round. And I’m still standing.
What projects are you working on now? What can fans expect next?
Raytoine: I’m working on a new EP called “Still Breathing.” It’s a mix of storytelling, grit, and soul. It’s my truth—no gimmicks. I’ve also got a couple collaborations in the works with other independent artists who’ve been through the struggle. I’m building something real.
How can fans support your journey?
Raytoine: Just listen. Stream the music. Share it. Talk about it. Real support means more than likes—it’s about connection. I’m also active on Instagram and working on launching a foundation for people with disabilities who want to pursue creative passions. That’s the legacy I want to build.
Billboard Hip Hop salutes Raytoine Gray Sr. for turning pain into purpose, and for showing that hip hop is more than just music—it’s a movement, a lifeline, a second chance.
He’s not just an underdog—he’s a warrior. And his story is only beginning.
Listen to mad at u mix 2.mp3 by Rich Gutta Da Producer on #SoundCloud
https://on.soundcloud.com/CMiUMyxgkETGtDh38
SoundCloud- https://www.soundcloud.com/rich-gutta-da-producer
Personal Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/share/12Gy1RfigNm/
