Ravyn Lenae (born Ravyn Lenae Washington on January 22, 1999, in Chicago) is an American R&B singer and songwriter who emerged in the mid-2010s as part of a new wave of alternative R&B artists.
She grew up in Chicago, where her early involvement in church singing helped shape her musical development. She began writing songs in middle school and later attended the Chicago High School for the Arts, studying classical music.
Her breakthrough came with the release of her debut EP Moon Shoes in 2015, later reissued by Atlantic Records. She followed it with Midnight Moonlight (2017) and gained further exposure by performing at festivals and touring with artists such as SZA and Noname.
Lenae is a member of the music collective Zero Fatigue, alongside producer Monte Booker and rapper Smino, which played a key role in shaping her early sound. Her music blends R&B, neo-soul, and experimental influences into a distinctive style.
In 2022, she released her debut album Hypnos, which received critical acclaim. Her second album, Bird’s Eye (2024), brought even greater success, including the hit single “Love Me Not,” which charted internationally.
Her artistic style is often described as a fusion of alternative R&B, soul, and experimental production, highlighted by her expressive vocals and introspective songwriting.
Today, Ravyn Lenae is recognized as one of the most compelling voices in contemporary R&B, known for her innovative approach and evolving artistic vision.
