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In an intimate and revealing sit-down with World Music Views, former singer-turned-author Jasmine Ray opened up about her unlikely journey from being discovered by Tommy Mottola to penning the Amazon Best Seller Political Humanity — a Netflix series worthy book now stirring public debate over her relationship with New York City Mayor Eric Adams and her own evolution from performer to political aide.
Ray’s story, spanning decades of transformation, is equal parts music industry memoir and civic reflection — punctuated by what she calls “three different lives in the public eye.”
From 106 & Park to Casablanca Records
Before the politics and headlines, Jasmine Ray was Jazzy Ray — the young singer from New York who found herself signed to Tommy Mottola’s Casablanca Records after a chance moment on BET’s 106 & Park.
“My friend tricked me into entering a talent show,” Ray laughed. “Next thing I knew, I was on Wild Out Wednesday singing Mariah Carey’s ‘Make It Last Forever’ — and I won.”
That impromptu performance launched her into the spotlight. A producer in the audience connected her with rapper Stagga Lee, leading to demos that landed her in Mottola’s newly formed group MVP. Within three months, Ray was touring internationally, performing hits like Roll with MVP and Rock Your Body (Mic Check 1,2).
“Everything happened so fast,” she recalled. “We had songs blowing up in California and even Hawaii. I was nineteen, traveling the world, living the dream.”
The Introvert in the Industry
Despite early success, Ray admits she struggled with the entertainment lifestyle.
“I’m not an entertainer. I don’t drink, I don’t like crowds. I used to sing, go straight to the hotel — and the label would fine me for leaving early,” she revealed. “Sometimes I’d literally fall asleep in the club.”
Her honesty paints a rare portrait of fame’s hidden cost. “They’d fine me $600 for leaving after shows,” she said. “I wasn’t anti-social, I just wasn’t built for that scene.”
Eventually, she walked away.
Ray’s path after music wasn’t straightforward. She started a nonprofit organization, launched a daycare center in Brooklyn, and became a mother.
In the interview, she spoke candidly about postpartum struggles, the end of an engagement, and the surprising re-entry of Mayor Eric Adams into her life.
“I had just had my daughter, I was 185 pounds, exhausted and postpartum,” she said. “Eric came by and said, ‘You’re beautiful just as you are.’ I hadn’t heard that kind of support in a long time.”
It was easy for her to fall back into his arms because the father of her child told her only days early that he wasn’t in love with her. Though tabloid headlines painted the Mayor Adams connection as scandal, Ray insists her book isn’t about salacious revelations.
“People want to make it a scandal. But Political Humanity isn’t about that — it’s about power, race, and empathy. I wanted to defend a Black man I believe is being unfairly attacked.”
The Book: Political Humanity
Released October 5, Political Humanity intertwines Ray’s personal journey with generational reflections on advocacy and identity — tracing her lineage to civil rights activism.
Her great-grandfather, Rev. Sandy F. Ray, was a Morehouse graduate who marched with Jackie Robinson, and was close to Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. and Jr.
“I feel his courage in my DNA,” she said. “When I saw the attacks on Eric, I couldn’t just watch a Black man drown. I had to speak.”
The book’s title doubles as a manifesto — and a soundtrack. Ray recorded songs to accompany each chapter, hinting at a full album or soundtrack release.
“I’ve had producers reach out about turning it into a series. The rights are still available,” she confirmed. “And yes, I’d love to do a Political Humanity soundtrack.”
Adams himself endorsed the book saying: “Jas has always led with integrity. Writing this book wasn’t easy, but she wanted people to understand the work, the mission, and the human side behind the headlines. I respect her for that and I enjoyed reading it. I hope all will read the book.”
When asked who she’d cast in a potential Netflix adaptation, Ray smiled:
“Nicole Scherzinger would play me. She’s beautiful, strong, and can sing. And for Eric? Morris Chestnut — he’s got the poise and presence.”
On the Indictment, Trump’s Mention & Political Motivation
Ray also weighed in on the controversy surrounding Mayor Adams’ recent indictment — and claims of political motivation.
“I read the indictment like everyone else. It didn’t make sense,” she said. “You’re telling me you’d indict a sitting mayor dealing with a migrant crisis? I believe it was politically motivated.”
Mayor Eric Adams has since been acquitted of all charges before trial and Jasmine downplayed suggestions that former President Trump “helped” Adams, calling it a misinterpretation of a dinner remark.
“They didn’t know each other. Trump was just relating — he felt the DOJ had been weaponized against him too.”
Faith, Family & The Future
After resigning from City Hall last month, Ray says she’s found peace — selling one of her homes to fund her book and future projects.
“I love real estate, construction, design. I’m rebuilding myself — literally,” she said. “I’m still busy, promoting the book, cooking for my kids, managing my sanity.”
Despite viral memes, she remains unfazed:
“If you can’t stand the heat, get out the kitchen. I can laugh at myself. I’m proud of the woman I’ve become.”
Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera and Bonnie Raitt / Jewel (tie) makeup Jamine’s top 5 artist and in an era where politics and pop culture collide, Jasmine Ray’s Political Humanity bridges the two worlds — a story about love, power, and identity told through the eyes of a woman who’s lived all sides of the American dream.
“Big people talk about big topics,” she said during the interview. “I’m not just telling my story — I’m connecting it to something larger.”
Watch the full interview now on World Music Views YouTube Channel
Read: Political Humanity by Jasmine Ray — Available Now.
English (US) ·