Entertainment | February 27th, 2025

From the Hill to the Grammys

By: Jermaine Edwards

Meet Ray “Quasi” Nelson, a Grammy-nominated producer, musician, host, and philanthropist. He has worked in the entertainment industry for almost ten years, from contributing his talents to the Count Basie Orchestra, NAACP Image Awards, to making music with artists such as A Boogie With Da Hoodie (Drowning), Drake (Bahamas Promises), Lauren Jauregui (On Guard), etc… and even minor roles in “The Quad,” “All American,” and “Euphoria.” Hailing from West Palm Beach, FL, Nelson graduated in the Spring of 2015 from Florida A&M University (FAMU).  

 Following graduation, Nelson moved to Los Angeles, California, to begin his musical career. After working at the Guitar Center, Nelson got to work with the Count Basie Orchestra and then went on tour with singer-songwriter Kehlani. Nelson is a Grammy U Mentor and 2024 FAMU 40 under 40 Award recipient. Nelson continues to thrive in the music industry, not just with his talent but with the help of people aware of his abilities, living by the quote, “It’s not about who you know, it’s about who knows you,” and “Who you know is just a part of half the equation,” Nelson said. 

 Nelson defines himself “as a person that connects the dots” but “with the heart to inspire, inform, and innovate the next generation and the people around him.” Nelson is the Founder & CEO of The Synergy Network, a nonprofit percussion, music industry and leadership program providing students with the essential resources who are interested in the performing arts that he founded in 2015. “That’s the beauty of synergy; altogether is one.” 

 We sat down with Nelson to discuss what led him to pursue music, advice to current rattlers and how being a Florida A&M University alum has benefited him.  

 What led you down your path of pursuing music? 

 “So, you know, I come from a family of music. My grandfather on my dad’s side was a drummer, and my grandfather on my mom’s side played trumpet and was in a lot of bands. But he was deep into sound engineering, recording, and producing records. So, I grew up in the studio. My mom was an artist. I grew up around the studio. I would always have an MPC, making beats, loops, but that was just a part of being a drummer. I like beats.” 

 As a proud FAMU graduate, how has attending an Historically Black College and University (HBCU) helped change and shape who you are as a person today? 

 “It really helped shape who I am today, and a lot of those relationships again. I probably could have gotten them anywhere else. But many of the relationships I made at FAMU have been the catalysts of my career. You know what I’m saying? Whether it’s just been a door open or just peers. 

 What is your advice to FAMU Rattlers aspiring to achieve the same accolades or follow a similar career path? 

“Man, ultimately, it’s cliche, maybe cliche, you got to trust God. By trusting God, you will trust yourself. But to me, trusting God is trusting yourself if you believe He is in you.” Also, “understand, it is okay to change your mind. You understand? We have been programmed like, oh, you go to school for this. You got to stick to this, or you have been doing this. You must stick to this. It’s like, that’s not life. But in changing your mind, you must trust yourself.” “The relationships that you curate and build will be the key to your success. Nobody is out here getting it 100% by themselves. Somebody always has help, and it’s okay.” 

 What is next for Ray “Quasi” Nelson? 

“I am nominated for the Black Chamber of Commerce. I’m nominated for Professional of the Year for their annual gala. So, I get to go back home to hopefully win that even if I don’t. I’m excited to be nominated for that award and recognized.”