Macy Gray has been keeping herself busy in the studio over the last few years. In 2014, she released her eighth album The Way followed by her first straight-ahead jazz project Stripped in 2016. Now Gray is prepping her tenth album, Ruby, which is expected to drop this year.

In an interview with Billboard, the Grammy-winning singer is anxious for fans to hear her new material on Ruby.

“Sonically, it is beautiful. It has all sorts of [fusions],” Gray tells the music publication. “There are a lot of live instruments. But, it is very different. At the same time, it is excellent ear candy.”

“It is actually very pop. Still, it is gritty and grimy and dirty. [The record] will be super R&B,” she continued. “You know, with my stuff, there is always a jazz element. That is what I grew up on. I can't wait for everybody to hear it. I love it.”

The conversation then switched to her viral Instagram post of her wearing a hat that read "Make Kanye Great Again" following the rapper's pro-Trump tweets The "I Try" singer feels that artists have "a great responsibility" when it comes to their overall influence.

"There are going to be a lot of people, who because they like your art, they are interested in what you have to say, and where you are coming from," she explained. "They see your art and feel that they can relate to you. So, your influence, what you have to say and the direction that you point people into matters."

"Well, you do not have to be a role model, but you do have to recognize that you do have a voice," she added. "And, that it matters to people, and [your voice] affects things. The things you say and the things you do, once you get to that level, it [can change] things massively."

In addition to the new album, Gray will hit the road later this month for scheduled gigs in New York and Baltimore, then embark on a full-fledged North American trek in August.

"Of course, we are going to take in some new songs from the album," she said. "And, New York is always a good crowd, but a tough crowd. So, you have to work hard in New York City. It is going to be a great show. We are going to be ready for them!"

Check out Macy Grey's itinerary below.

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