Doug Ray

Doug Ray, professionally known as 'Toothpick', is a talented singer songwriter who brings a new, fresh layer of musical talent and traditional story telling to the tired music industry. Fresh out of college, Doug Ray and his rap group Bad Ronald were signed to Warner Brothers Record label. The band recorded a debut album that displayed themes of lazy, fun days that occupy our years of delinquency. The self titled debut was plagued with misfortune from the begining. Timing was simply not on Bad Ronald's side when their album hit stores on September 11, 2001. The group toured despite their feelings of sadness and dismay for their country. The touring experience introduced Doug Ray to the music scene and even more when their single "Lets Begin" started playing throughout the nation. The video for "Lets Begin" debuted on TRL and maintained a fan base with its catchy chorus and hilariously laid back lyrics. The video was directed and produced by Marc Klasfeld, under his RockHard Films banner. Bad Ronald's album ultimately did not perform how Warner Brothers wanted it too so the majority of the group was kicked to the curb while Doug Ray was given a separate contract. He hoped to make a solo debut and remove the stigma of a failed debut, however before long warner lost interest entirely and Doug Ray was unsigned and without options. He went back to his roots in Westchester New York and found himself some fresh inspiration. He combined his talents of acoustic guitar with his innovative lyricist skills to form his alter ego "Toothpick". The traditional story telling mixed with rap beats and bassline acoustic chords allowed for a sound that has rarely been heard. He eventually signed with Everfine Artists/Records where he recorded his solo album "Drive Easy". With tracks like "Time Travelin' Couch" and "Comin' Home", Doug Ray recalls the fast lane that the industry put him in and the true inspiration that he found with his friends and family. He also recalls the lazy days he cherishes of pot smoking and getting wasted with the track "High Life" but he does not portray drugs in a positive manner as he discusses their dangers and overuse in our society with his track "green monster". The album was released in late 2003 and it quickly gained him the fame he couldn't find with Bad Ronald. Touring began in smaller venues with acts like Gavin Degraw and Ziggy Marley but before long he found himself supporting O.A.R and Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Doug Ray also found himself on the mix tape volumes of Decent Xposure as well as their Rock Box tour. Things are looking up for Doug Ray as he has recently finished a video under Marc Klasfeld's RockHard Films for his single "Time Travelin' Couch". With a new Spring tour with such talent as Macgregor, The Low Life and Busta Rhymes, you can expect to hear the name Toothpick more and more...