Meet Racquel ‘Radcity’ Lee

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Racquel ‘Radcity’ Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Racquel ‘Radcity’, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I had to learn to appreciate my work, even when others didn’t notice or recognize it. I realized that my motivation for creating wasn’t about seeking validation from others ⸻ it was about taking pride in what I did and overcoming my self-doubts. I transitioned from music production to becoming an artist, actor, and filmmaker. I had to remind myself that the stories I wanted to tell through sound and cinematography mattered to me. The right audience would find my work because of the passion and love I poured into each script, song, and character. That internal validation was all I needed ⸻ I just had to start, create, and evolve.

I used to be afraid to showcase my other talents and gifts because I worried about how others would perceive me. I began my career in music production, but now you can see me releasing songs, doing acting skits, and working in film. It’s been a beautiful transformation because I realized the only person standing in my way was me.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I am an artist, producer, writer, actor, and filmmaker originally from Philadelphia, PA, now based in Washington, DC. I’ve collaborated with brands like Fashion Nova, Overtime Sports, Beatstars, BMG, and Tubi, and I’ve written and produced songs for artists including Lala Ri, Justine Blazer, 2 AM Ricky, Reed Shannon, Khalil, and many others.

Since I was two years old, I’ve been singing. My mom, grandma (Yaya), and aunt used to tell me to be quiet late at night because I would hum catchy melodies from TV commercials or shows. But even then, I felt a deep calling to make music. I joined the local youth choir at church, which set me on the path to becoming a producer.

At five, I taught myself to play the piano, humming and learning the songs we sang every Sunday. When my mom saw my interest, she bought me my first Casio keyboard, which ignited my passion for making beats. I started by experimenting with drum presets and creating chord progressions. As I got older, I learned to program drums and craft melodies in FL Studio and Logic. Throughout my teenage years, music production became both my passion and a career that found me.

In 2018, I told my parents I wanted to take a gap year right after high school to pursue music production. I expected them to say no, but they encouraged me to go for it. I spent six months in New York working on different projects, networking, performing at open mics, and even collaborating on my first album as both a producer and singer-songwriter in a girl group called Aquarius SZN. That was my first experience working in a professional music setting. I believe pivoting becomes easier when you understand that certain phases of your life are only temporary. It often takes stepping out on your own to discover what lies beyond the comfort of the familiar.

I worked on singer-songwriter Khalil’s album “Disaster” as a producer, songwriter, and engineer. Two of the album’s singles, “EVOL” and “Outta Bounds,” reached #27 and #58 on the Australian iTunes R&B/Soul Charts in 2024. I’m still processing the fact that I can now label myself as a charting producer. I’m incredibly grateful to God ⸻ this achievement feels like one of my younger self’s prayers being answered.

My vision is to create indie projects in both music and TV/film that bridge the gap between culture and community while highlighting indie Black voices in the industry. Having been shaped by my experiences in nonprofit organizations that focused on musical theatre as a child, I want to create similar opportunities for my peers through digital content, music, and films that resonate with real-life experiences and inspire future generations in entertainment.

As a Black, queer, neurodivergent artist, my work amplifies underrepresented voices and celebrates the brilliance of Black visionaries. I advocate for civil rights, LGBTQ+ rights, mental health awareness, and social justice, fostering transformative change through inclusive storytelling.

Recently, I executive-produced the soundtrack for “All the Broken Pieces,” a groundbreaking documentary by trans activist Marissa Miller, in partnership with Speak Out USA and Gilead for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. The film centers on HIV awareness in the Black and LGBTQ+ communities.

I also just finished recording my first EP as both a producer and singer-songwriter, and I’m making my acting, writing, and directorial debut in an upcoming independent film. Plus, I have a few sync placements in some films coming out this year. While I can’t share too many details just yet, I believe people will connect with both the EP and the film. There’s so much coming up that I’m excited to share with the world!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

As a multifaceted creative, I’ve been able to pivot from music production to being an artist, then to directing my vision toward screenwriting and filmmaking. Each area has strengthened my voice and helped me build a foundation for authentic, compelling work.

1. Creative Vision. ⸻ At the core of every performance and production lies a creative spark. My natural talent for storytelling and my commitment to nuanced character work allow me to create experiences that resonate deeply. Whether I’m performing a scene or working on a beat, creativity guides everything I do.

2. Emotional Intelligence. ⸻ Great art can inspire people. As a creator and performer, I use my emotions to connect with the work ⸻ whether on stage, in the studio, or on screen. I create characters with depth and vulnerability, and I take the same approach in my music production, songwriting, acting, and directing. This emotional awareness helps me be authentic and draws people to my work.

3. Cultural Awareness. ⸻ I approach every project with a genuine interest in culture, identity, and personal experiences. I draw from my background and the diverse stories around me to create work that respects complexity and truth. This focus on authenticity helps me tell stories that entertain and resonate, offering new perspectives and meaningful representation.

These skills have been crucial to my growth. They’ve helped me handle the challenges of the industry with confidence and bring my ideas to life. If you’re pursuing a career in music, acting, or filmmaking, focusing on these qualities can elevate your skills and open new opportunities.

Alright, so before we go we want to ask you to take a moment to reflect and share what you think you would do if you somehow knew you only had a decade of life left?

If I only had a decade left, I would focus on creating and sharing the stories that haven’t been told yet. As an artist, my past goals seem less important than the legacy and message I want to leave behind.

I would collaborate with as many Black and queer creatives as possible to produce albums, films, and shows that reflect our stories and truths. These projects would serve as a blueprint for the next generation of creatives in music and film.

I’d also travel the world. I love exploring, so I’d visit new places, meet people, try new foods, and create new art. I’d spend my time with the people and things I love most: my family, close friends, and loved ones. I wouldn’t take a single moment for granted ⸻ life is precious, and I’d cherish every second, minute, hour, day, week, month, and year.

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Image Credits

Trey Robinson

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