Ray Vaughn is making a serious case for why he deserves to be in the “best rapper” conversations. The West Coast artist has built a reputation for his razor-sharp freestyles, scathing diss tracks, and undeniable lyrical prowess. Now, with the release of “The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu,” Ray looks to solidify his status not just as a punchline king but as an artist capable of delivering a cohesive, full-length project.
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TOP 5
5. LOOK @ GOD (Ft. LaRussell)
I just know someone’s going to break out some crazy West Coast dancing to this track—the beat gives off nothing but that kind of energy. And don’t be surprised if some hydraulics start bouncing too. On this one, we get a very turned-up version of Ray: he’s thanking God for his blessings, but he’s also on some braggadocious, player, and borderline violent energy. Ray sets the tone perfectly, and LaRussell picks it up with an amped-up verse, celebrating all the wins he’s stacked over the years. With both artists still under the radar but clearly getting money, this track feels like a well-earned victory lap
4. EAST CHATT (Ft. Isaiah Rashad)
“EAST CHATT” is one of those tracks that’s cooler than the other side of the pillow. First and foremost, the smooth instrumentation instantly sets the vibe—perfect for sipping lemonade with your ride-or-die while cruising under the sun. Ray Vaughn and Isaiah Rashad both deliver breezy, effortless rap performances, getting lost in the production like they’re floating on air.
Lyrically, Isaiah drops reflective bars about staying focused, avoiding pills, and surrounding himself with people he can actually trust. Ray, on the other hand, touches on his rough upbringing, escaping pain through substances, and the eerie, almost demonic things he’s starting to notice now that he’s shining. What makes this collaboration feel special is the authenticity—it sounds like it was made by two artists who’ve truly lived through a rags-to-riches journey.
3. FLAT shasta (Ft. Ash Leone)
If you have a mother—and let’s be real, you have a f**king mother, dawg—this track will hit you right in the chest. On “FLAT shasta,” Ray pens a heartfelt letter to his mom, apologizing for the pain he’s caused her through mental health struggles, addiction, and a chaotic past. He also speaks on his desire to give her everything she deserves: a home, peace of mind, and the freedom to never have to worry about him again. Emotionally, this track is heavy—almost difficult to sit through without feeling something.
Stylistically, two artists come to mind when listening to this: NLE Choppa and Eminem. Ray’s rap delivery feels reminiscent of NLE when he’s tapping into his emotional bag rather than cranking out “Slut Me Outs.” Meanwhile, the haunting production and the melancholic vocals from Ash Leone evoke serious “Stan”-era Eminem vibes. Still, Ray makes the track fully his own, delivering his verses with raw passion, deep conviction, and an urgent tone that cuts through every bar.
2. DOLLAR menu
The Ray Vaughn and Kendrick Lamar comparisons start with “DOLLAR menu.” The track features a beat switch that feels straight out of Kendrick’s playbook—shifting from serene, elevator-style music to a menacing, ass-kicking instrumental. In the first half, Ray slips into a more reflective space, lightly singing and reminiscing on a past filled with poverty and struggle, all delivered in a laid-back tone. But when the beat flips, so does Ray. He transforms into a more toxic version of himself, indulging in new money and scandalous women. He also delivers an explosive chorus that’s nearly impossible to dislike, and flexes a few rap styles that sound straight out of Kendrick’s “Euphoria.” All in all, “DOLLAR menu” is a clear standout on the project—one that should raise your stock in Ray Vaughn even higher.
1. KLOWN dance
This is easily my favorite track on the project. First off, you have to be bold as hell to flip Jay-Z’s intro from “Show Me What You Got” into something that sounds like it’s made for a drive-by. Secondly, the hook is insanely chill and memorable—it gives off vintage TDE energy in the best way. And lastly, the chemistry between Ray Vaughn and Jay Rock is on point. Both deliver rapid-fire flows packed with gritty bars about taking whatever you want in life, even if it means risking jail time. I just love how rebellious the track feels, how effortlessly hard the beat hits, and how great that hook is from start to finish.
SONG-BY-SONG RATING
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OVERALL RATING
(B) (84%)
First impressions can be misleading. My introduction to Ray Vaughn was through freestyles, where he came off like a rabid dog let off the chain. But on The Good The Bad The Dollar Menu, he reveals himself as a vulnerable, scarred, and hungry (literally and figuratively) individual searching for satisfaction.
One of the most surprising elements of this project is how much more Ray shows us beyond just rapping. He experiments with light singing, catchy melodies, and switches up his rap styles to keep things engaging. Still, his bread and butter is delivering hard-hitting, unapologetic bars that feel like body blows.
The production on this album is outstanding. It follows a bit of the TDE blueprint—blending sly club bangers with emotional and mob-ready beats. The guest appearances, a mix of lesser-known names and TDE artists, feel perfectly placed. They let Ray shine as the clear star of the show while also adding new perspectives and textures. My favorite feature? Easily Isaiah Rashad.
What truly stands out, though, is the subject matter. Throughout the album, Ray reflects on his past struggles and how they pushed him into survival mode—sometimes legally, sometimes not. He also takes time to acknowledge his mother, process his rise to fame, and put on for his city. The lyrical depth here is rich, and I genuinely appreciate that, especially in a time where projects like this feel rare.
For someone who wasn’t sure what kind of music Ray Vaughn would deliver, I can now confidently say: I’m a huge fan.
Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.
