Jamaica, Queens, NY-based artist Ray Hodge delivers big-time with his latest single, “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me.”
Jamaica, Queens, NY-based artist Ray Hodge delivers big-time with his latest single, “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me,” a genre-blending club banger that obliterates any toxic energy, reminding individuals everywhere of the power of their individuality.
Anchored by the addictive refrain – “Ain’t nothin / Say less / Betcha can’t do it like me / Betcha can’t do it like me – the track is rhythm driven, industrial, and eclectic. Drawing seamlessly from pop, grunge, dance, and indie, “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me,” which released on June 30, showcases Hodge’s impressive ability to blend genres and create a distinct sound of his own. His song is one that calls for many repeat listens.
As a queer Black artist, Ray Hodge does not shy away from sharing his personal experiences of finding a sense of belonging in his music. Like “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me,” Hodge’s past singles, including “I Am King,” which landed on the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series and received an NAACP Image Award as part of Queen Sugar, infuse a spirit of freedom that creates a welcoming environment for individuals to show up as their authentic selves. Hodge notes that this approach is reciprocal.
“When you are true to yourself, you can create work that is unique and authentic,” he said. “I can create work that is honest and genuine. Being true to myself allows me to create music that is authentically me and connects me with other humans that feel like I do. Or can respect it – the craft like I do.”
In terms of his creative process for “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me,” Hodge embraced spontaneity rather than allowing any initial impressions of what the song should be to supersede.
“And I can say that ‘Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me’ was definitely one of those songs that said, ‘Just write me as I am. Tell the story as silly as you want, create a song as wacky and fire as you want. Be as real as you can, and at the same time, have a little fun.’” Lyrics in the verses capture this carefree energy.
AC blastin
Party in the evening
And then we light up
And now we’re vibing
When the verses are juxtaposed with the hard-hitting refrain, including an immersive sub-bass layer, the effect is sheer adrenaline. By the end of the track, anyone who felt a tinge of doubt about who they are and what they are capable of will be ready to face all that lies ahead with boldness.
Most importantly, Ray Hodge says that living authentically brings him closer to himself. “I learn so damn much,” he shared. “Something new every day, all from that… a leap into the unknown of self. Learning how powerful I am. I just dare to be even more because of it.”
Take a listen to “Betcha Can’t Do It Like Me” below, and by the end of the song, you will know just how powerful you are, too.
Find more great music on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture playlist on Spotify.
Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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