Did You Know? Heat and pressure are a diamond’s best friend. On average diamonds need conditions of an average temperature of 1200 °C and pressure of 50 kilobars (which is around 50,000 times that of atmospheric pressure at the Earth’s surface) in order for carbon atoms to crystallise into diamonds.
Just as diamonds do not exist without intense heat and pressure, it is only during our tough phases that we discover our inner strength and test the boundaries of what we consider possible.

Diamonds from the Pressure, McRay’s 1st studio album, is a recount of the pressure points he had to endure in order to crystallise his talent together and ascend towards greatness.
McRay’s delivery is honest and passionate throughout Diamond from the Pressure, with smooth and melodic flows. Seeing as to how only a natural diamond can polish another natural diamond, McRay invites a few collaborators in the likes of Art, Kofi Mole, Young Eezy and Mangodance to share their perspective on how to survive the tough times and outshine the competition.
As an extension of his exploration of fluid drill sounds, McRay worked with seven producers to craft an album that is both self-portrait and a testament to McRay’s belief in his process.

Diamond from the Pressure opens with a sampled interview vocal that sets the intention for the rest of the album: McRay will stay true to himself. “Me & My Ni$$as” is an acknowledgement of the solid bond between McRay and his team, Rebo Tribe.
The next song, “Fan Foolers”, is a dissection of the subject of haters. Fan Foolers features an excellent hook from Ara and a humorous, relatable verse from Kofi Mole. I must say that I appreciate the A&R on this song because all the musicians have vocals which complement each other and emphasize the production.
“Grow”, the third song on Diamond from the Pressure was also the first single released from the project and it makes sense why. Grow is produced by Iyke Parker and alludes to the theme of the album, which is the progress and process of McRay.
Indeed, McRay is steady grinding and will not stop. Like he spits on “Kickin”, if you attempt to get in his way, prepare for an ass whooping like Liu Kang delivered to his enemies in Mortal Kombat. Young Eezy (from South Africa) provides a roundhouse of a guest verse, slipping and sliding very melodically over the high-tempo production by Juiczx.
On “Sick of This” McRay has come to terms with the fact that he has ultimate responsibility for his success. “I was born with a purest heart but the world want take am away from me”, he laments just before rallying and refusing to let subpar competition and standards hold him back.
“Man for be mean” describes McRay’s commitment to getting that pot of gold, as he narrates on “Ogya”, which is Track 7. Endiz lays down a crisp hook on the Lali-produced bop that includes a clever reference to a nursery rhyme.
Loyalty in romance is rare to find and so on “Interest”, McRay serenades a partner who was able to love “a fucken liar” like himself. Underlined by a melancholic melodic bounce, Mangodance sings his heart out in affirmation of his love for Naa Norley.
“Ain’t Sorry” is further documentation of McRay’s insistence on staying true to his sauce, even as he journeys toward a big bag and success. McRay’s delivery contrasts beautifully with Mac M’s vocals. The ad libs on this song are strikingly placed and elevate the song.
The final song, “Here to Stay”, is a statement of intent – McRay is valuable and is tough even to endure the pressures that come with building a musical legacy.

Can you really shimmer and sparkle if you haven’t dealt with a tricky life phase? We may all answer this question differently by for McRay, the hate and the obstacles that life throws up only serve to enhance his sparkle. McRay’s ability for fluid collaboration and ear for turning mellow bops with banging drums into street testimonials, as evidenced on Diamonds from the Pressure, means that he will soon be more than a diamond in the rough. 3 years and 7 singles after “Just Ray” EP, his first ever body of work and introduction to the scene, McRay is definitely Here to Stay.
Stream Diamond from the Pressure here
written by NiiMoLikesIt
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