TL;DR
- Rolling Ray, self-proclaimed “king of gay rap,” dies at 28, just before his 29th birthday.
- His mother confirmed his passing in a heartfelt post.
- Known for viral “Purrr” catchphrase and Zeus Network’s Bobby I Love You, Purrr.
- Advocated for disability rights and joined BLM protests in 2020.
- Tributes pour in from celebrities and fans worldwide.
The King of Gay Rap Bows Out
Rolling Ray — the outrageous, wheelchair-rolling, wig-snatching internet sensation who declared himself the “king of gay rap” — has died at the age of 28, just two days shy of turning 29. His mother, Shazola Nay, confirmed the loss in a heartfelt social media post, telling followers her son had “gone home to be with the Lord.”
The Washington, D.C. native, born Raymond Harper, wasn’t just another viral moment — though he racked up plenty of those. With nearly half a million Instagram followers, Rolling Ray turned internet fame into cultural impact, coining catchphrases that bled into the digital bloodstream. His signature “Purrr,” first dropped in a viral disposable-camera video, became everyday slang. In 2022, he executive-produced and starred in Bobby I Love You, Purrr on Zeus Network, cementing himself as a fixture of queer pop culture.
From Memes to Movement
But Ray was never content to be a punchline. He proudly called himself “the most famous boy inna wheelchair,” transforming visibility into advocacy. He openly discussed his health struggles, from hospitalizations with pneumonia to surviving a blood infection. He reminded the world that disability was not a limitation but a stage.
During the Black Lives Matter protests of 2020, Ray showed up in person — wheelchair and all — rallying with activists and speaking against police brutality. Fans remember not just his one-liners, but also his voice as a disability and racial justice advocate. As one tribute put it, “Rolling Ray wasn’t just a meme. He was a disability advocate and was on the frontlines protesting against police brutality.”
An Icon Remembered
Ray’s cultural footprint was undeniable. His videos went viral not only because they were funny — they were audacious, unapologetic, and flamboyantly queer. Whether sparring with celebrities online, starring on Catfish: Trolls or bringing chaos to Divorce Court, Ray made sure you remembered his name.
Tributes have poured in from across the LGBTQ world and beyond. Musician MNEK wrote simply, “Omgggggg. RIP icon.” His former co-star Bobby Lytes posted: “Rest in Peace to the most famous boy in a wheelchair… You are loved all over the world, and you will be missed dearly. Spread your wings and fly my iconic friend Rolling Ray.”
Why He Mattered for LGBTQ Culture
Ray’s death hits hard because he represented a kind of queer resilience the internet rarely sees. Disabled, Black, proudly gay, and endlessly loud — he embodied intersectional pride at a time when visibility can save lives. His ability to turn personal pain and public struggle into entertainment, advocacy, and cultural lexicon made him more than a viral star.
For the LGBTQ community, Rolling Ray was proof that identity could be both hilarious and defiant, vulnerable yet unbreakable. He reminded us that joy and sass are weapons too, even in the face of systemic injustice.
Ray leaves behind a legacy of “Purrrs,” laughter, and iconic one-liners — but also a message: don’t dim yourself for anyone. In the end, that’s a lesson that will outlive every viral clip.