We recently connected with Ray Howard and have shared our conversation below.

Ray, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

I was harassed about my weight and attire while flying on an Alaska airlines flight with my family. I was wearing a long line sports bra and shorts and even when I covered up with a crop top T-shirt I was still harassed and told to cover up more. Eventually I was escorted off the plane by police after the airline made a false report saying I wouldn’t keep my clothes on. Unfortunately no resolution has yet taken place and I’m seeking legal representation. At the time I was over 400lbs

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m most known for my rap persona Fat Trophy Wife. I started rapping about 8 years ago when I was in a dark place and needed a way to express myself. I was made fun of and counted out for years until I found the right engineer to master my music and I became more experienced with song writing. I noticed the biggest difference after I lost 200 pounds after having bariatric sleeve surgery, now I realize the world sees fat people and treats them less than human. My entire life I fought against this discrimination while also dealing with the physical and mental issues that go along with sexual abuse. I’m still dealing with food addiction but I’ve made changes to live a healthier lifestyle not only for myself but my son who needs his mom. I’m in the process of seeking legal representation, I still have anxiety and ptsd from flying and being harassed and am looking for a way to move past what happened and find a way to keep it from happening again.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Love, rap music is known for its violence and drug slinging culture but my message is different. I make music to empower women, to make them think for themselves, to seek higher standards with partners in their life. Our culture has taken a turn and I’m trying to get us back on the right path.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

When I first started out I was excited to be interviewed by another local rapper, Tubby who ran a hiphop podcast in the state but after my interview with him, he cut everything I said except for a very embarrassing experience I had while trying edibles and humiliated me. I was just starting out and was so embarrassed and felt hopeless. Fast forward 7 years and no we are on the same shows, performing for the same crowds and he pretends not to know who I am. I’m fine with that, he has to live with how he treated an innocent person and will never have as was to me again.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Fattrophywife
• Facebook: Fattrophywife
• Youtube: Fattrophywife