In an exclusive interview with AllHipHop, Ray Vaughn, a recent addition to Top Dawg Entertainment, shared insights into his life journey before and after his mixtape release, "The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu," on April 25. The mixtape, consisting of 11 tracks, delves into Vaughn's past, present, and promising future. One of the standout singles, "FLAT shasta," reflects on the challenges of growing up with a mother battling drug addiction and mental health issues.

Despite the heavy lyrics detailing moments of despair, Vaughn remains hopeful and resilient. He attributes his decision to lead a clean lifestyle not only to his mother's struggles but also to his personal principles. Vaughn, who values a clean and sober approach to life, avoids drugs due to witnessing the consequences of substance abuse in his family.

Recognized for his storytelling prowess, honed through his studies during late-night rap sessions, Vaughn's rhymes exhibit a unique perspective on life. Hailing from Long Beach, California, Vaughn's journey includes overcoming adversity, such as being homeless with his daughter before signing with TDE in 2020. The deal transformed his circumstances rapidly, providing stability and a fresh start.

Now focused on promoting his mixtape and working on his debut album under TDE, Vaughn uses "The Good, The Bad, The Dollar Menu" as a metaphor for life experiences. The mixtape encapsulates his life stories pre-TDE, portraying a raw and authentic narrative that sets him apart from mainstream rap artists. Vaughn's candid approach offers a compelling contrast to the prevailing trends in the music industry.