We recently connected with Racquel “radcity” Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Racquel “Radcity”, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

It was 2017. During my senior year of high school, while many of my peers were planning for college or moving away, I felt a strong pull towards pursuing a music career. I’ve always had a deep connection to music and people have often remarked on my natural talent for music production.

It all clicked for me when I started sharing my beats on Instagram. It was like a lightbulb moment – I knew I wanted to be a full-time music producer and singer-songwriter. This feeling compelled me to take a gap year after high school to explore this passion.

Preparing to graduate, I shared my aspirations with my parents. To my surprise, they were very supportive. Shortly after 2018, I traveled to New York to work with artists and producers to gain insights into the music industry, particularly as an entrepreneur.

It was a completely new experience for me. I had been homeschooled all my life, so I was quite introverted and sheltered. Being part of a creative community was a new and welcoming experience. I was stepping out of my comfort zone, getting to know new people, making beats, writing songs, and doing features. Looking back on it now, I’m glad I chose this path because it was meant for me. It is my calling, and seeing how my talents impact others and inspire future generations brings me joy.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Racquel “Radcity” Lee. I am a music producer, singer-songwriter, rapper, model, actor, and screenwriter originally from Philadelphia, PA. I am currently based between DC and Atlanta. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with companies and artists such as Fashion Nova, Overtime Sports, United Masters, Khalil, 2AM Ricky, and Reed Shannon, among others.

I consider it a blessing to be able to share my gifts and impact the lives of others through storytelling. As a child, I spent my spare time writing stories and plays, which ultimately prepared me for pursuing screenwriting and acting. From 2012 to 2016, I attended a local program in Philadelphia called SCHCAPA (Suzann Christine Henry Creative And Performing Arts), which provided me with training in musical theatre, voice, fashion, and modeling.

In 2014, I had the opportunity to join a production company called DL.M (Dream Live Movement), which allowed me to write, produce, and star as the lead in one of their debut productions at Temple University. I was one of the youngest members of the company, as the other members were college students.

These experiences laid a solid foundation for my career as the years went by. I was honored to be featured in BeatStars’ “Top 10 International Female Producers” and to have my work recognized in Medium Magazine. I’ve had the opportunity to travel across the country, working with incredibly talented individuals.

None of this would have been possible without God, so I have to give my gratitude and praise to him.

When I think about my mission, I believe that I have been given different gifts that impact individuals in various ways. I’ve been put on this Earth to heal people through my art, music, writing, storytelling, acting, and more. I aim to “Create Beautiful Minds as a Believable Genius” to bring peace, love, harmony, and healing into the world.

I also live within some of the prayers my younger self answered. Much of this is a tribute to her. I’m a neurodivergent, queer Black woman who is making a mark in multiple creative fields that she once thought she couldn’t break into. There were times when I knew she would’ve wanted to see herself reflected positively, sharing her art and voice fully and freely. And now? She can! And, I hope this inspires others to do the same.

I’m preparing to release my first single “Ecstasy” in early October, from my upcoming EP. This is the first song I’ve released in 4 years as an artist. The last release I did earlier this year was from a production standpoint, and I promised to release one song from my catalog before the year was out. I can’t reveal too much about the EP yet, but I can say that it explores the different experiences and challenges I’ve faced this year in my twenties, including love, heartbreak, self-love, healing, and overall personal growth. Ecstasy is just the beginning of what’s to come!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Knowing that I’m making a positive impact in someone’s life through my music, acting, or writing is incredibly meaningful to me. I want to use my voice to spread love, happiness, and positivity. Recently, I had an experience where I created a music composition for a child, and his face lit up when he heard the beat, he was cheesing like crazy. Seeing that something I did gave him joy reminded me why I do what I do. If I can bring a smile, tears of joy, or positive feedback to others, then I believe I’m fulfilling my purpose in this lifetime as ordained by a higher power. Everything that comes with this career, I appreciate the blessings and lessons, but the impact is what keeps me focused and going.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’m currently in a transitional phase. I started this year focusing on music production and building my entertainment collective. I had friendships, relationships, and opportunities that I thought would last, but things changed. I didn’t feel aligned with certain outcomes, connections, or experiences. Things that I was doing no longer resonated with me. As these things fell away, I had to step back and reassess what wasn’t working. I realized that the person I was becoming didn’t align with my current path. I had to accept that it was time for me to pivot, and although it was uncomfortable, it was necessary. Sometimes what worked for you in one phase of your life, won’t work in this new one. I’m still learning and growing through discomfort, changing my routines, embracing change, and taking risks. I’ve learned that it’s okay to step into the unknown and trust that I will find the light in the darkness. This summer, I worked on a project outside my comfort zone, and I was grateful for the experience. Every day, I strive to improve and grow in all areas, embracing new opportunities and experiences according to God’s plan.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://unitedmasters.com/radcity
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radcityofficial/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radcityofficial
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/racqlee
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@radcity
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rdcty
• Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/60WfjtkkwxqrYxvIVrGiXB?si=Ldq-It_MS02WUPRvmcTaUQ

  Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/radcity/1462728704

  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@radcityofficial

Image Credits

2AM Ricky, Trey Robinson, Ju.