Denver rapper Ray Reed is expanding his brand beyond music through a new collaboration with Colorado-based Dialed In Gummies, a partnership inspired by his music and his growing presence in the local hip-hop scene.
The collaboration came together after Dialed In Gummies reached out through AEG, with Reed’s manager helping connect the opportunity. While the partnership was presented to him, Reed says he was grateful to be involved in shaping the final product.
The branding for the collaboration draws inspiration from his single, “Yesterday.“ Reed worked with the Dialed In team during the creative process, using the song’s orange artwork as the foundation for the collaboration’s design and strain concept.
“It was an opportunity that was laid out in front of me,” Reed says. “I’m just honored to be a part of it.”
As his career continues to grow, Reed hopes the partnership won’t be his last, saying he’d welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Dialed In Gummies again in the future.
A Denver native, Reed says the city’s music scene has fueled his ambition from the beginning.
“Being from here, I’ve always just been hungry,” he says. “Denver isn’t looked at as a place where people become famous for music.”
Rather than viewing that as a disadvantage, Reed says it has motivated him to work harder and help elevate Colorado’s hip-hop scene. He describes the local community as “a growing state,” pointing to the diversity of artists emerging across the region. He also believes one of the biggest misconceptions about Denver artists is that they’re caught up in rap rivalries when, in reality, most are simply focused on building their careers and creating music.
When asked which local artist deserves more attention, Reed didn’t hesitate to name AP Baby K.
Outside of music, Reed says his biggest priority is taking care of his family. Creatively, he’s focused on developing more story-driven music, with new EPs and accompanying videos currently in the works. He also says his creative process often begins with finding the right melody, explaining that once the melody feels right, the rest of the song comes together naturally.
For listeners discovering his music for the first time, Reed recommends starting with “Yesterday,” calling it a track full of energy and hunger that “will get you going.”
Fans will have an opportunity to see that energy live when Ray Reed performs at Mile High Minute on September 3, and he also has two new songs scheduled for release on August 31, continuing what’s shaping up to be a busy year for the Denver artist.
As the interview wrapped up, Reed took a moment to thank those who have supported him along the way. He gave a special shoutout to Dialed In Gummies, Maya J, JB Turn Me Up, Soul Peci, Mile High Minute, and Randy Brenstuhl for the interview.
With a new collaboration, fresh music arriving on August 31, and a performance at Mile High Minute on September 3, Reed continues to build momentum while representing Denver’s growing hip-hop scene.
Photo courtesy of Ray Reed
