Singer/songwriter Arin Ray has a clear message for all his so-called “frenemies.” To make it plain for all of those who may smile in his face, when all the time they want to take his place, the Cincinnati native teamed up with Compton rapper YG for his single “We Ain’t Homies.” While the track itself is kept pretty simple with strategically-placed drum kicks and keys, the lyrics definitely drive the point home. Arin’s tone is direct with echoes of frustration as he says, “See you need to back up, back up / Give me space, I need to stack up / Get my racks up / You a non-f**king factor / I done past ya / I done came a long way since The X Factor," he sings, referencing his start on season 2 of the music competition TV show.
The accompanying visual is kept relatively simple as well. The black-and-white Dad-directed video begins with Arin making his way across a field with a man grasping onto his leg. Mimicking his ambition and focus, he keeps his stride despite his unrelenting companion. He finally breaks free and gets into his ride. He later picks up YG and the two cruise along a scenic mountainside while they continue their rant on fake friends.
Though “We Ain’t Homies” is the latest release from his star-studded debut album Platinum Fire released earlier this month on Interscope Records, the track was originally featured on his 2016 EP, Phases sans YG’s verse. His album, which boasts production credits from heavy-hitters like Terrace Martin, F Keys and Childish Major, as well as features from Ty Dolla $ign, SiR and DRAM, has received critical acclaim and is apparently just taste of just how talented he is. He reportedly has a jazz album with Terrace Martin and Robert Glasper in the works, which should be released at the end of the year. He credits the birth of his son with fueling his fire and says, “He turned my music up. He changed my life and my hustle. I have something to work for through my music.”
Check out Arin Ray’s video for “We Ain’t Homies” featuring YG and beware of any dead weight around you. Word on the street is that he will make his first festival appearance at Sacramento’s Sol Blume Music Festival alongside Jhené Aiko, The Internet, Goldlink and others in April. Grab your tickets now, and follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
