How Raye Made ‘Escapism’ a Smash Hit | The Breakdown

It's ironic how Raye’s hardest song to sing is also the one she has to perform the most. “People are like, ‘She sounds so out of breath.’ I’m like shut the fuck up! Where do I breathe?” she tells Rolling Stone with a laugh about her smash hit “Escapism.” “Tell me where to breathe!”
Since the song’s release late last year, the track has garnered 507 million streams and counting on Spotify. With its key changes and rapid raps, it’s one of the most interesting hits in the last several years and one of the singer’s proudest moments.
“I wanted the effect of information and lyrics just pouring out,” she says. “But I didn’t think about the live repercussions of those decisions.”
“Escapism” carried the promotion of her album My 21st Century Blues, her first LP since freeing her of her record label and dropping as an independent artist. The LP features songs such as “Flip a Switch,” “Ice Cream Man,” and “Hard Out Here.”

[@therookiezpresents]

i actually always preferred "done decision" to dumb decision lmaooo so interesting to hear the story with that

[@maryanneevans8812]

Me too!!!!

[@chaimaamlouk]

Trueee!!! I always sing done decision instead of dumb. It just sits perfectly for me

[@manaralobaidi3444]

Same

[@sallystevenson7741]

1000000%!!!!!

[@charlottestannoo]

Will surely go down as one of the best songs of the decade, just doesn’t get old 🔥

[@JackCarrollNumber1]

you best believe i will dancing to it in 2030

[@caolanmurray5640]

RAYE is a real artist she is passionate about her music, these days there isn’t good music but RAYE’s new music is so good. RAYE made a no skip album most of her songs on the album are underrated like five star hotel

[@adamdevereaux2713]

There’s tons of good music. Tons of passionate and intentional artists who make good music.

[@caolanmurray5640]

​@@adamdevereaux2713the most popular artist don't have good music like raye anymore that's why underrated artist should be heard because most underrated artist have good music

[@charlotteerika2455]

this comment has made me save it

[@Kendricklamarslawyer]

@@adamdevereaux2713but the real artists who produce and write their own music aren’t as famous as mainstream artists that don’t write and produce their own music.

[@jazzy4cool]

Maybe try to delve into something out the mainstream ?

[@ulazolla635]

I wish she gets recognized. Her album deserves a Grammy!

[@emmasmith3823]

I love the dumb/decision line because you can see who hears what and can decide yourself what word you like better because they both fit.

[@SophiaFerro]

I still want her to perform in American awards and Grammys. She’s all over Europe but America only knows Escapism and she has so many other amazing songs as well: Black Mascara, Flip A Switch, Hard Out Here, that can still blow up at any moment. On top of the unreleased hit songs she has for example: Fantastique(MY JAM) and Born Again which I hope make it to a deluxe version or her sophomore album ❤ I discovered her when “Secrets” came out and that’s the only song I had from her until Escapism and one day I got High and fell in love with her and haven’t looked back ❤

[@Open_Space0718]

When you're an independent artist you don't need America, the Corps insist on that for money. But when you're doing it yourself that stateside thing isn't the most important thing. That idea is changing now.

[@melizmatea]

omg you are so right! She's beyond almost any other performer out there right now, she should be heard! But I bet she will be! Surely SNL gave her some good exposure and I hope that kickstarts things because that was one of the best performances I've seen on there in years!

[@apple44326]

I love how Rolling Stone values and shares the stories of artists and puts them in the spotlight not just as singers but as well rounded multifaceted creatives showcasing ALL their talents.

[@jessicay8207]

i just cant believe i used to know her and went to the same school and now shes a legendary pop star - it is SO COOL

[@freehand6127]

How was she in school? Was she just as cool?

[@JTytshorts]

She is an incredible artist and performer. So happy she’s gotten the attention her music deserves.

[@jas_bataille]

It's great to finally see an artist of this caliber acknowledging the genius of her collaborators. She doesn't have any issues with her ego... many times there are so many genius people involved in the production of a single song but they never ever get credited. Bravo!

[@conacc]

I discovered Raye 4 years ago and I just knew she would explode the pop scene. The passion, the talent, the voice, the flow, the production …. She’s an amazing artist

[@CBoxAlmighty]

It’s beautiful how she talks about music

[@samnewman4314]

How did they not play RAYE’s hard out here!!!

[@lunisali4814]

I really feel that passion in the music video! It's a masterpiece. And 070 is so good on this track, that voice from the darkness... I've been really hit by this song, it was so fresh in the musical landscape then. A huge "risk" I guess : the "codes" haven't been respected, even the length of the track. But it's soooo good! Thank you Raye and your team for this!

[@AnaDaSilveira]

this is one of my favourite songs of all time. seeing her in Toronto opening for Kali was amazing. she's absolutely incredible live and such a great performer. very excited to see what the future looks like for her, I'm sure it's pure greatness.

[@ksamband]

Really shows her in a great light when you only know that hit. A great moment with her.

[@fkaangel]

she is such a true artist. if you’ve had the pleasure to see her live (i saw her open for kali uchis this year) and she is INCREDIBLE live. the only song i knew going in was Escapism and i left a full fan. she had me in chills her entire set and made me cry during Ice Cream Man. i hope she keeps getting all the flowers she’s been getting with this album

[@Empressofthoughts]

I always knew she's gonna be a super star

[@ilikedabeans9971]

Important tip: Sort comments by newest to see comments that youtube hides.

[@michalshababoofficial4347]

Amazing, exceedingly talented, honest, real artist. So glad you are out there and getting more and more recognition

[@desireme3019]

Raye is a genius so intentional in her art!

[@norbylive]

That piano version was brazy, real artist

[@perryjones7771]

She’s a mixture of Adele and Amy but retro.

[@Illogical_Tales]

Can you please explain?

[@Soleil_.99]

Not at all, she’s Raye

[@Airbubblepodcast]

You created a masterpiece! The song is like nothing I've heard, it has heart and soul.

[@IamSHAR_]

she's my absolute favourite for sooo may reason. Raye please keep on Raye-ing

[@mollywg]

people NEED to stop sleeping on Raye like ???? the work ethic the passion the talent like come on

[@d.j.w.wordsandsounds8429]

0:08 😮 The scating gets me every time. GO RAYE!🦂

[@oulasuliman7135]

For adopting the piano version of escapism in live shows

[@LAVISHING]

Thanks for everything my friend!

[@XiePepper]

You deserve the world! ♥

[@ngafiofficial]

Bruh her voice always heals this part of me

[@BeingTiffany]

shes such an amazing artist, even more so hearing her live!

[@mrlately]

GRAMMYS YOUR BETTER PAY HER RESPECT

[@KeciasTourLife]

And they totally slept on her! 😡

[@AndriMeliti]

oh shes just the realest I can't. She's such an amazing artist and so incredibly funny

[@JTytshorts]

She is so cute how she gets excited about her art💙💙💙

[@tommih597]

Absolutely fell in love with her voice the first time I heard the album

[@kadenisrice]

i got to see her live in detroit and it was one of the best moments of my life. she is SO good

[@sophiae165]

Great Lyrics. A reminder of how I felt in moments back then.

[@roybrolsbeak]

I really hope you will do more of this kind of music, more acoustic, less poppy. It suits your beautiful voice. you have a gift, use it wisely.

[@zanti551]

4:18 ughhh this is my FAVOURITE part

[@kylemathew6503]

Raye deserves all the success after what she’s been through. She never gave up and people recognise and appreciate the hustle. So proud of you gurl ❤

[@aal3yiah]

This woman has my whole heart

[@oc5939]

Raye is an incredible artist. Once in a lifetime talent. 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@amritokhan1694]

Escapism is my anthem of the last decade yo. What a beast.

[@CaioEvertonTB]

I swear to God if this song doesn't get a Grammy for SOTY

[@colvillesomma]

It better

[@bartpickford1836]

I've never been bored of or disappointed by rayes music or performances.

[@jeffo466]

Why they play "Hard Out Here" by Lily Allen? LOL! She was clearly talking about her song...

[@caolanmurray5640]

Ik lol that’s what I was thinking😭

[@jenniwheeler5803]

fake fans

[@johanwerther]

God, that song is so incredible.... Historic

[@NogaAsherGoshen]

you can really hear her passion un her songs, that's very special

[@mirfangu]

my top 5 1. The Thrill is Gone 2. Oscar Winning Tears 3. Escapism 4. Hard Outhere 5. Marry Jane

[@stansmith3239]

She is so wonderful ❤

[@cristyang]

what a GREAT record this song is.

[@cristyang]

also, the video it's amazing...

[@onkabetsempye9192]

I thought Escapism was the best thing ever, I thought you can't top that, and then she delivered GENESIS.

[@mninamaia]

Good video, Rolling Stone! But you really got it wrong with Hard Out Here, it’s not the Lily Allen song!

[@dontrunk]

I love this woman omg i can imagine a session with her ❤

[@coadyt.benett2678]

😢❤I love you Raye

[@itsmyremoteviewingjourney6656]

love the lyrics of the song, they connect...super talent!

[@kubolor1234]

Yeah she definitely a Ghanaian auntie.

[@Whyamiherel0l]

Don’t think it’s the best song ever this decade but good enough to know it’s in top 20 and a well Crafted song. 10/10 for execution

[@yurielcundangan9090]

She always entertain 🎉🎉

[@trutheretic]

One of the best beats of the last 10 years

[@kyliejenner312]

Raye my love♥♥♥

[@AlexPGSV]

amazing

[@czaffy]

Omg, I love this girl so much..🧠❤️

[@amayaraymond4486]

Masterpiece ❤ this song

[@elisachacon9246]

Beautiful!!! 🥺

[@mrdonkey6053]

Umm I think you played the wrong “ Hard out here “ 😅

[@crryyinggg]

Amazing🐐

[@acountrycalledsunshine]

It is so emotional watching this after her Brit win.

[@benlawrence8680]

What a positive upbeat person

[@rafaelrasca1419]

This song was created by God through Raye...I'm sure 💯%🎉

[@IToraino]

So underrated. Should be making the stats that Taylor Swift is making tbh

[@DramaniOficial]

I feel like Amy Winehouse would be probably very proud of an artist like RAYE for sureee

[@rockcandysweet]

i love her, i just do, she is so passionate about her music

[@itsryanlovell]

beautiful

[@jonathandryden227]

Im sorry to the artist here, but im here to call this channel out for discrediting child trafficking issues. It is just sick and appalling, and quite a bad image to oppose anything that opposes pedos. You will not normalize it ever. All you pedos out there be on notice. You're not welcome in this world

[@fortisfortunaadiuvat9262]

Your 100% correct

[@jackburton7362]

It's why rolling Stone has been irrelevant since 1990.

[@JosephineXiden]

Decades of wasting Trees and people’s time.

[@bunnyfernwood]

She reminds me of Amy in the best way

[@02zdae36]

Beauty in the struggle 💯💯💯

[@priscillafigueiredocorrea5661]

Love it!!!

[@Love.better]

Masterpiece!!!!

[@marianperez96]

She’s an Icon

[@michaelastrange6857]

Love this

[@anyadudley]

love raye!!

[@iamana6295]

I love her

[@saskiiidoranmusic]

I love her hair here

[@TWINS10984]

💖💖💖💖💖💖💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜YOU MISS RAYE , YOU ARE A TRUE LEGEND, A TRUE ROLE MODEL FOR THE UPCOMING WANNA BE SINGERS, AMY WINEHOUSE IS BACK , IN THE BODY OF MISS RAYE !! AMY'S SPIRIT LIVES ON IN AMY , THIS LIFETIME IS FOR REAL !!!!

[@simpfelicity2024]

In conclusion.... RAYE HAS GREAT TEETH! that cover is clean af

[@colindacurl4809]

11:30 oscar winning tears

[@mariobrandsma9830]

YOUR AMAZING LOVE ❤❤❤

[@cintiaaldeco2669]

The rolling stone si💩

[@imonit4272]

Agreed...

[@phoebeel]

Done decision was the thing i heard at first and i was confused readin the lyrics on spotify (dumb decision) Done makes more sense to me: the boyfriend doesnt let her have any say in it, making it that much more difficult. "Done decision, you deal with your own heartbreak. I dont care for your opinion"

[@domijean8023]

Raye-Amy vibes ❤

[@ip3931]

Unrelatable but impressive.

[@jspoden3]

Is that a harpsichord!? Whatever She's such an artist

[@inmyownworld.0]

Am I the only one who thinks this is Amy winehouse reincarnated for our generation?😂❤

[@voice.of.reason]

Yes. She's no Amy Winehouse, Raye is far superior

[@anneloughlin2480]

@@voice.of.reasondefinitely not superior just different, they’re both amazing. You obviously haven’t heard Amy at her best!

[@finplayz8642]

veri nice

[@61production.48]

What is the name of a console?)

[@markdunning6177]

Authentic

[@aa-zf4yk]

#soundoffreedom Shame on RS for putting down a movie that exposes child trafficking. 🚩 🚩 🚩 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩

[@imonit4272]

Sound Of Freedom wasn't made by woke Hollywood so Main Stream Media has to criticize it. There's no journalistic integrity in Main Stream "journalism". #SoundOfFreedom

[@rosalynalvaro74]

Snob at the Grammy but at Brit she won five .......raye shes an amazing singer and songwriter.....hoping she will get what she deserves hey you Grammy? Are you sleeping with thesee amazing talent?