Coi Leray
Leray performing in 2021
Leray performing in 2021
Background information
Born (1997-05-11) May 11, 1997 (age 26)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
OriginHackensack, New Jersey, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2011–present
Labels
Parent
Websitecoileray.com

Coi Leray Collins[a] (born May 11, 1997) is an American rapper and singer from Hackensack, New Jersey. She began posting music to SoundCloud in 2018, beginning with her debut mixtape, Everythingcoz. After signing a record deal with 1801 Records and Uptown Records, an imprint of Republic Records, Leray released her second mixtape EC2 (2019) and her debut extended play, Now or Never (2020). In 2021, the Lil Durk remix of her single "No More Parties" reached the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and received double platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Her 2022 single, "Blick Blick" (with Nicki Minaj) found similar chart success and preceded the release of her debut studio album, Trendsetter (2022). Later that year, her song "Players" peaked within the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100, received platinum certification, and served as the lead single for her second studio album, Coi (2023). Her 2023 single, "Baby Don't Hurt Me" (with David Guetta and Anne-Marie) reached the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart.

Early life

Leray is the daughter of media mogul and former co-owner of The Source, Benzino (pictured)

Collins was born on May 11, 1997[5] in Boston, Massachusetts, and raised in Hackensack, New Jersey.[6][7] She is the daughter of rapper and media mogul Benzino, and has five brothers. Leray's parents divorced after her father left The Source.[8] She started making music at age 14.[9] In 2011, inspired by her father, she started rapping and released her first songs under the name Coi Leray—"Bow Down", with her brother Taj, and "Rock Back"—via YouTube.[10][11] However, both Leray and her brother stopped rapping shortly after.[1] At age 16, Leray dropped out of high school and started working in sales.[7]

Career

Collins in 2018

2018–2020: Career beginnings

After quitting her job, Leray released her debut single, a response to A Boogie wit da Hoodie's song "DTB" titled "G.A.N.", in 2018 through SoundCloud.[7][10] Her breakout single, "Huddy", and her debut mixtape, Everythingcoz, were both released in 2018.[1]

In December 2018, she was included as a featured artist alongside LouGotCash on the track "Save the Day" by American rapper Ski Mask the Slump God and singer Jacquees from the soundtrack album for the 2018 film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Her second mixtape, EC2, was released on January 18, 2019 through 1801 Records and Republic Records.[12] She accompanied American rapper Trippie Redd on his Life's a Trip Tour in early 2019, and released the single "Good Days" in March 2019.[13] She appeared as a featured artist on the song "Everything BoZ" by Trippie Redd from his second studio album, !.[14] In April 2020, she released the single "Better Days" with American rapper Fetty Wap, and was featured on the remix of American actress Keke Palmer's single "Sticky" in May 2020.[9][15] Leray released her debut extended play, Now or Never, in August 2020.

2021–present: Trendsetter and Coi

Leray's single "No More Parties" was released in January 2021, and became her first song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 26.[16] A remix of the song featuring American rapper Lil Durk was released in February 2021, for which a music video was directed by Reel Goats and released the following month.[17] "No More Parties" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in May 2021.[18] Leray released the single "Big Purr (Prrdd)" in March 2021, featuring vocals from American rapper Pooh Shiesty, which debuted at number 69 on the Billboard Hot 100.[19][20] She starred in the music video for American rapper Mooski's single "Track Star" in April 2021, and is starring in the Whistle series Coi Vs. as of April 2021.[21][22] Also in April 2021, she made her television debut, performing "No More Parties" on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and was featured on the remix of Pressa's song "Attachments".[23][24]

In May 2021, Leray released the single "Bout Me" and appeared as a featured artist on EarthGang's remix of their song "Options".[25][26] A clip of her performing to a motionless, silent crowd at H-Town Memorial Day Mayhem in May 2021 went viral.[27] The following month, another clip of her performing to an unresponsive crowd at Rolling Loud Miami went viral.[28] She was featured on Rich the Kid's song "Boss Bitch" and the remix of YN Jay's song "Triple S", and released the song "At the Top", featuring Kodak Black and Mustard, in June 2021.[29][30][31] She was included on the XXL Freshman Class of 2021 that same month.[32] Her participation in the 2021 XXL Freshman Cypher was widely mocked across social media and by critics.[33][34][35] Leray was nominated for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist and Best New Artist at the BET Awards 2021.[36] She also appeared on the song "Ocean Prime" from Bfb Da Packman's debut album, Fat Niggas Need Love Too, in June 2021.[37][38]

In July 2021, Leray was featured on the remix of Sleepy Hallow's "2055", and appeared on the single "What U Want" with Lil Xxel and Tyga.[39][40] She released the single "Okay Yeah!" in August 2021.[41] In September 2021, she released the single "Twinnem" with a music video for the song.[42][43] The song went viral on TikTok, and a remix of the song featuring DaBaby was released in November 2021.[44] Also in September, she began touring as an opening act for Lil Baby's The Back Outside Tour alongside Lil Durk.[10] She was featured on Lonr's song "Cuffin" from his mixtape Land of Nothing Real 2 in October 2021.[45] At the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards, she was nominated for Best New Hip Hop Artist.[46]

On March 18, 2022, Leray released a collaboration with Nicki Minaj "Blick Blick", which debuted and peaked at number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. Leray released her debut studio album, Trendsetter, on April 8, 2022.[47][48]

In 2022, Leray released "Players". It became her first solo song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, as well as her first top-10 hit on the chart when it peaked at number nine in 2023. The song benefited from remixes, including a Jersey club remix by DJ Smallz 732.[49]

In January 2023, Leray was featured on the song "Happy Fools" from Tomorrow X Together's fifth mini album, The Name Chapter: Temptation. Leray's collaborative single with David Guetta and Anne-Marie, "Baby Don't Hurt Me", was released in April 2023.[50] The song peaked at number 48 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number 13 on the UK Singles Chart. She also collaborated on the track "Self Love" with Metro Boomin, which was included on the soundtrack of Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. On June 23, 2023, Leray released her second studio album, Coi.[51]

Personal life

Leray received an honorary diploma from Montclair High School (pictured) in 2021

Leray has cited Missy Elliott, Lady Gaga, Avril Lavigne, Doja Cat, Bon Jovi, Chief Keef, Chris Brown, Slick Woods, and Jazzelle Zanaughtti as inspirations.[52][53][8][54][48] In 2021, Leray received an honorary diploma from Montclair High School in Montclair, New Jersey.[55] As of 2021, she lives in Los Angeles.[48][2]

Discography

Main article: Coi Leray discography

Awards and nominations

Award Year Nominee Category Result Ref
BET Awards 2021 Herself Best New Artist Nominated [36]
Best Female Hip hop Artist Nominated
2023 Nominated [56]
"Players" BET Her Nominated
BET Hip Hop Awards 2021 Herself Best New Hip hop Artist Nominated [46]
2023 Best Live Performer Nominated [57]
"Players" Song of the Year Nominated
"Players" (DJ Smallz 732 Remix) Best Hip Hop Video Nominated
"Players" (DJ Saige Remix) Best Collaboration Nominated
Coi Hip Hop Album of the Year Nominated
Grammy Awards 2024 "Baby Don't Hurt Me" (with David Guetta & Anne-Marie) Best Pop Dance Recording Nominated [58]
"Players" Best Rap Performance Nominated
iHeartRadio Music Awards 2022 Herself Best New Hip hop Artist Nominated [59]
MTV Europe Music Awards 2023 Best New Nominated [60]
"Baby Don't Hurt Me" (with David Guetta & Anne-Marie) Best Collaboration Nominated
NRJ Music Awards Best Recovery/Adaptation Nominated [61]

Notes

  1. ^ According to Collins herself, her real name is Coi Leray Collins;[3] other sources cite her name as Brittany Collins.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c Seabrook III, Robby (June 26, 2019). "The Break Presents: Coi Leray". XXL. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  2. ^ a b Olivier, Bobby (August 20, 2021). "N.J.'s Coi Leray has only just begun her superstar moment". NJ.com. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  3. ^ "Coi Leray How To Pronounce My Name Correctly (part 1)". YouTube. March 19, 2021. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  4. ^ Blair, Robert (May 7, 2021). "Coi Leray & Benzino's Family History & Beef, Explained". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved May 27, 2021.
  5. ^ "Coi Leray". HotNewHipHop. November 30, 2022.
  6. ^ Cheng, Vivian (December 20, 2019). "Year of the Coi". Office Magazine. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  7. ^ a b c Ju, Shirley (February 21, 2019). "Coi Leray Is Feeling Cozy With Her Fame". LA Weekly. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  8. ^ a b Smith, Talia Tabatha Binx (February 28, 2019). "Women in Hip-Hop: The Voices of Our Generation". Paper. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  9. ^ a b "Coi Leray On Fetty Wap 'Better Days' Collab And Why It's Special To Be A Woman Rapper Now". BET. June 16, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  10. ^ a b c Alston, Trey (November 11, 2021). "Try As You Might, You Can't Stop Coi Leray". Highsnobiety. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  11. ^ "Coi Leray & Benzino's Family History & Beef, Explained". HotNewHipHop. May 7, 2021. Retrieved September 7, 2021.
  12. ^ Cho, Regina (January 18, 2019). "Coi Leray On Her Rise to Fame & Deal With Republic Records: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  13. ^ Chin, Mallory (December 23, 2018). "Trippie Redd Announces 'Life's A Trip' Tour". Hypebeast. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  14. ^ Ju, Shirley (September 17, 2019). "Trippie Redd talks new '!' album, XXXTentacion, Lil Wayne, Coi Leray relationship and more". Revolt. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  15. ^ Marie, Erika (May 15, 2020). "Keke Palmer Calls On Coi Leray For "Sticky" Remix". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  16. ^ Rouhani, Neena (April 8, 2021). "Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Rookie of the Month for April: Coi Leray". Billboard. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  17. ^ Espinoza, Joshua (March 11, 2021). "Watch Coi Leray's Video for "No More Parties" Remix f/ Lil Durk". Complex. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  18. ^ Jefferson, Devon (May 8, 2021). "Coi Leray Extends Reign With 'Bout Me' Single Amid 'No More Parties' Plaque". HipHopDX. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  19. ^ Callas, Brad (March 26, 2021). "Pooh Shiesty Joins Coi Leray on New Song "Big Purr (Prrdd)"". Complex. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  20. ^ Saponara, Michael (April 9, 2021). "Coi Leray Gets 1M Instagram 'Big Prrdd' Likes With Slow-Motion Twerk". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
  21. ^ Okon, Wongo (April 7, 2021). "Mooski's 'Track Star' Video Stars Coi Leray As His On-And-Off Lover". Uproxx. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  22. ^ Clark, Trent (April 3, 2021). "Coi Leray's 'No More Parties' Goes Gold Post-Benzino Drama, Lil Durk Remix". HipHopDX. Retrieved April 12, 2021.
  23. ^ Zemler, Emily (April 30, 2021). "Coi Leray Makes TV Debut With 'No More Parties' on 'Fallon'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  24. ^ Cho, Regina (May 21, 2021). "Pressa and Coi Leray link up for "Attachments (Remix)" video". Revolt. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  25. ^ Mahadevan, Tara C. (May 7, 2021). "Listen to Coi Leray's New Song "Bout Me"". Complex. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  26. ^ Williams, Aaron (June 16, 2021). "Watch Earthgang's Wild 'Options Remix' Video With Coi Leray And Wale". Uproxx. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  27. ^ Fitzgerald, Trent (May 21, 2021). "Nicki Minaj, Polo G Defend Coi Leray After She Receives Backlash for Her Live Performance". XXL. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  28. ^ Blanchet, Brenton (July 25, 2021). "Coi Leray Responds to People Criticizing Her Rolling Loud Set". Complex. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  29. ^ Tigg, FNR (June 4, 2021). "Rich the Kid and Coi Leray Join Forces on New Single "Boss B*tch"". Complex. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  30. ^ Rouhani, Neena; Lee, Cydney (June 29, 2021). "R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: EST Gee, YN Jay, TOBi & More". Billboard. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  31. ^ Mahadevan, Tara C. (June 25, 2021). "Coi Leray Taps Kodak Black and Mustard for New Track "At the Top"". Complex. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  32. ^ "XXL 2021 Freshman Class: Flo Milli, Coi Leray, Pooh Shiesty, 42 Dugg, Iann Dior, and More". Pitchfork. June 16, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  33. ^ "Watch Coi Leray's XXL Freshman Cypher". Rap-Up. July 13, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  34. ^ Williams, Aaron (July 13, 2021). "Coi Leray's Baffling 'XXL' Freshman Cypher Verse Draws Fire From Fans". Uproxx. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  35. ^ Lee, Cydney (July 15, 2021). "XXL Debuts Freshman Cypher Inspired by FX's Dave (?)". Vulture. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  36. ^ a b Clark, Anne Victoria (June 27, 2021). "Megan Thee Stallion Leads the 2021 BET Awards Winners". Vulture. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  37. ^ Mahadevan, Tara C. (June 25, 2021). "BfB Da Packman Shares Album 'Fat N****s Need Love Too' f/ Benny the Butcher, Coi Leray, Sada Baby, and More". Complex. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  38. ^ Pierre, Alphonse (June 30, 2021). "Bfb Da Packman : Fat N****s Need Love Too". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  39. ^ Martinez, Jose (May 30, 2021). "Sleepy Hallow Enlists Coi Leray for "2055" Remix". Complex. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  40. ^ Weinberg, Lindsay (July 23, 2021). "The MixtapE! Presents Lil Nas X, Camila Cabello, Khalid and More New Music Musts". E! Online. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  41. ^ Moran, Justin (September 11, 2021). "Getting Fitted With Coi Leray for Moschino". Paper. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  42. ^ Lee, Cydney; Rouhani, Neena (September 21, 2021). "R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Coi Leray, Amaarae & More". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  43. ^ Williams, Aaron (September 20, 2021). "Coi Leray 'Twinnem' Video Demands Loyalty And Denounces Yes Men". Uproxx. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  44. ^ Grant, Shawn (November 10, 2021). "Coi Leray Taps DaBaby for a Remix for Her Viral Hit "Twinnem"". The Source. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  45. ^ Lee, Cydney; Rouhani, Neena (October 4, 2021). "R&B/Hip-Hop Fresh Picks of the Week: Chase B, Skip Marley, Ye Ali & More". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  46. ^ a b Nazareno, Mia (October 5, 2021). "2021 BET Hip Hop Awards Winners: Complete List". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  47. ^ Castillo, Bree (November 4, 2021). "Coi Leray: The Crystal Ball Says Up Up Up". Flaunt. Retrieved November 13, 2021.
  48. ^ a b c Exposito, Suzy (August 25, 2021). "Coi Leray keeps stirring up outrage. She wouldn't have it any other way". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved October 9, 2021.
  49. ^ Rania, Aniftos; Lipshutz, Jason; Unterberger, Andrew; Leight, Elias; Rouhani, Neena (March 28, 2023). "What Does Coi Leray's 'Players' Hitting the Top 10 Mean for Her Career?". Billboard. Retrieved April 14, 2023.
  50. ^ Mier, Tomás (April 7, 2023). "David Guetta Revives Haddaway's 'What Is Love' With the Help of Anne-Marie and Coi Leray". Rolling Stone. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  51. ^ Kearns, Sarah (June 23, 2023). "Coi Leray Returns With Her Sophomore Album 'Coi'". Hypebeast. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
  52. ^ "Coi Leray: 'Is It a Sin to Be Thin?'". Complex.
  53. ^ "19 Black Musicians Reflect On An Influential Album In Their Life". nylon. February 9, 2021.
  54. ^ Mowatt, Robyn (March 11, 2019). "BAEwatch: Coi Leray". Hypebae. Retrieved April 14, 2021.
  55. ^ Elibert, Mark (June 25, 2021). "Coi Leray Celebrates Honorary Diploma With Republic Records Founders". HipHopDX. Retrieved July 19, 2021.
  56. ^ "The Nominees For 'BET Awards' 2023 Are Here!". BET. June 8, 2023.
  57. ^ Grein, Paul (September 7, 2023). "Cardi B & 21 Savage Lead Nominations for 2023 BET Hip Hop Awards: Full List". Billboard.
  58. ^ "2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List | GRAMMY.com". www.grammy.com. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  59. ^ "iHeartRadio Music Awards 2022: Full list of winners". Marca. March 22, 2022.
  60. ^ Seemayer, Zach (October 4, 2023). "2023 MTV EMAs Nominations: Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA and More!". Entertainment Tonight. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  61. ^ "Tous les nommés par catégorie". NRJ (in French). October 2, 2023. Retrieved October 8, 2023.

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