For Ray Wimley, young hip hop artist and freestyle slinger, it all started during Essence Festival. Three years ago, Wimley hit the street downtown during the big festival, freestyling for the people passing by, and the energy he found in those streets was something he had never lived before. Since then, the rapper has focused on developing his craft, and can be found most days in the streets, unraveling a flow of words that embraces his environment, includes everyone around him.

Wimley just released his first single, “Radio,” and plays regularly with his band The Harbinger Project. Here, he performs his single on Canal Street before cutting it short for a sharp freestyle session.