We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ricquélle Badger. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ricquélle below.
Ricquélle, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us about a time that your work has been misunderstood? Why do you think it happened and did any interesting insights emerge from the experience?
Being an artist, my work can occasionally be misunderstood and mischaracterized. Unfortunately that is what comes with the territory. That’s also why it’s imperative that an artist knows who they are and has a strong sense of self, solid foundation and support system, as well as passion and dedication for remaining positive, gracious, humble, and creative in a world where there is constant distraction, negativity, and people whose main objective is to attempt to break your soul, define you, and assassinate your character. I’ve never been a person who needs to tear someone down in order to build myself up. Growing up, I’ve always been a firm believer in the saying “It takes a village”. Not to sound cliche but it takes a team of people to accomplish anything great in life because no one person can do everything on their own. Everyone doesn’t have the same strengths and weaknesses however, collectively a team is powerful when you bring all of those strengths together, nurture one another, encourage, uplift, be willing to listen and learn from one another, you can essentially develop a strength from what once was a weakness. As a writer and recording/performance artist I’ve been told everything from “I can’t sing” to “I belong on stage” and “My music is aggressive” to “My music goes hard”. Everyone has an opinion on art which makes it objective. Controversy sparks intrigue and dialogue. Dialogue leads to enlightenment and understanding. Understanding then leads to appreciation. It’s not realistic to say you are going to agree with everything a person says or does. When you understand a person’s story, know their heart and intention, you can then begin to see the beauty and strength in their art which is what I believe are the makings of a great artist. Someone who can take what society may deem a not so “glamorous” and humble beginning like Eminem or Cardi B and use their talent and hard work to overcome various obstacles when others underestimate them is the definition of resilience. I think of artists like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar who have shown and proven how to take the negativity of others, being misunderstood, as well as social injustices and channel that energy creatively into something positive, inspiring, and powerful. I aspire to use my life experiences, lessons, mistakes, and successes to empower, inspire, and motivate myself, my youngins, and the world around me.
I grew up in church. My parents were both ministers and I was one of the pianists on the praise team. One may question why I chose to write secular music (Hip-hop/R&B) as opposed to Gospel or Christian Contemporary. Some may argue that me being a mom, some of my lyrics are too suggestive or borderline overtly sexual. I understand why some would have these thoughts. I then counter with if I were a man would the question of my choice in genre of music style be an issue? I would also challenge is the fact that I am a mom who works to provide for her children, is comfortable and confident in her sexuality, who is a strong, compassionate, God fearing, and driven African-American female that despite much adversity continues too create thought provoking art and music through collaboration in a post pandemic, primarily patriarchal society intimidating? When I was creating Covergirl Project 2: Mind Over Matter, I knew some feathers would be ruffled. What I didn’t anticipate was the overall impact. As an artist I feel it’s very important to be conscious to never intentionally offend anyone with my art. I also find it liberating to speak my truth as there is immense strength in vulnerability. The definition of mind over matter is the use of willpower to overcome physical problems. Whether you are religious or spiritual, we all have something within us that encourages us to keep going when we face life’s hurdles. Because I was raised in church, I believe that God knows the plans he has for me and that they are plans to prosper me and not to harm me. I know God’s plan for my life is to give me hope and a future. With that being said the very first track on CP2 is entitled “Something to Talk About”. That song can arguably be what some may consider an “aggressive” track or some may say that song goes hard. What many don’t know is that was one of the most emotional songs for me to write and record. The beauty of that song is not only the many elements sonically such as the orchestral opening or the knock of the bass and 808. What I love is the collaborative efforts made to create the song. Everything from you hearing my youngins voices, to Dj Quilla reciting the serenity prayer in Spanish, and the climax of Phai’s and my vocals singing “Give em all something to talk about”. That very song was featured in TSX Design House spring/summer 2023 collection ‘Chakrasana’ in not only LA Fashion Week but also International Digital Fashion Week.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am an artist/model/songwriter. I incorporate art, music, and dance into my work. I’ve enjoyed music and the performing arts since I was little. From singing in church choirs, to public speaking reciting excerpts from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech, to performing original compositions at high school talent shows. Music has been an outlet for me to express my emotions and creativity. I would write lyrics and create melodies on my keyboard. Myself and Kryssy Lyric D would create music in college together. Her coming up with lyrics and me adding music to it. I temporarily lost passion for writing and creating in 2010 after my mom passed away from cancer. It just became difficult for me to play piano/keyboard without crying as she was one of my biggest supporters and motivating factors in me pursuing my music journey. Around 2015, I started working with the group L.I.3 (Loyalty is Everything) as the R&B singer. We didn’t discover my talent for rapping until I covered Mobb Deep’s “Quiet Storm”. I was initially inspired to write to it after hearing Lil Kim’s iconic verse. I knew if I wanted to be taken seriously and gain respect as an MC, I would need to challenge myself and successfully execute covering a legendary song. I also listened to Young MA’s and Fabolous’ version of “Quiet Storm” for inspiration. Originally I wanted either D-Boi or Profit Made on the track with me, but after they heard it and told me I didn’t need a feature, I knew I had something. I respect their pen game and if they were giving me the nod of approval to do it solo, I trust them. I kept writing, rewriting, and pushing my pen until I had a body of work that I could confidently present to the world. I also contributed music to Erinna McKissick’s “Leaving Egypt”. I collaborated with Bridstylz, TSX Design House, and King Quis Productions for the “CoverGirl” visual. From then on the grind hasn’t stopped. I’ve had the pleasure and opportunity to collaborate with amazing, creative, dope, and talented artists, producers, Dj’s, sound engineers, graphic designers, beauticians, makeup artists, models, photographers, and stylists whom together have put out some great art. I’ve said before only my supporters can answer the question of what sets me apart from other artists or what void I fill. What I value and appreciate most from my supporters is how they keep me humble, show mad love, and go hard for me which is why I continue to go hard writing and creating music for them. Music that will allow them to laugh, cry, vibe, turn up, dance, feel empowered, or whatever mood they need to feel in that moment. We recently released CoverGirl Project 3: No Magazine in 2022 and we’re currently working on new musing that will be dropping next year in 2023.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the connection my art is able to create between people. We all are very different. We have different backgrounds, style, views on the world, challenges we face, interests, goals, etc. With all of our differences seeing my music resonate with someone else speaks volumes and gives me such joy and reassurance that I’m not alone. Art, music, and fashion is a great industry and can be very profitable, but it’s definitely not easy. Having the opportunity to perform my songs live, virtually, and interacting with the audience is an indescribable feeling. Seeing and hearing my music featured in fashion shows as models walk with confidence and exude beauty, power, and strength is phenomenal. Collaborating and having the experience to learn and grow with other creatives specifically my youngins has been wonderful, unmeasurable, and such a blessing. I have no regrets and am truly thankful and appreciative for everyone who has contributed their talents and time to support my vision and continue to rock with me on this journey.
Have you ever had to pivot?
A time when I have to pivot on my journey is when unexpected events or circumstances arise. As an independent artist, I’m responsible creatively and financially for my work and how it is presented. I don’t have the backing of a major record label yet to cover costs of studio time, visuals, photo shoots, hair and makeup and everything that comes with major marketing and promotion. As I continue to focus on my music, perfect my craft, grow my audience, and network as the phrase goes “If I build it, they will come”. That being said, at the end of the day I’m still a mom and being a mother is and will always be my first and main priority. So if I need to shift my focus to support my youngins whether that be for school or extra curricular activities such as basketball, football, or track and field, then that means my music may have to take a back seat. One of the benefits I’m learning with social media is that it gives creatives control over their content which allows for me to not feel pressured to release art or music until I’m ready to do so. I’m able to work on my own terms which is refreshing and reduces anxiety. I’m a perfectionist and I want to ensure that my process is never rushed, ill thought out, or poorly executed. Timing is everything and I’d rather all elements be right than rushed or on anyone else’s time frame. I’m also learning to embrace the moments when I need to pivot to tune out unnecessary noise and distraction to concentrate on what’s important which is my fam time. What really has helped me refocus my energy as well as maintain positivity and mindfulness is yoga. Yoga not only reminds me to set my intentions, manifest positive vibrations, but also encourages me to make my words pure magic as the tongue can be a sword and I never want to use my energy to destroy others; only to build. Meditation, yoga yance, chakra dance, and trap yoga is so much funners for me. Not only is yoga a great stress reliever and intense work out, it also prepared me for the role in Ebony Adell’s “SexEycon” web series. Make sure you check out the promo which is out now! Stepping out of my comfort zone to act is another pivot in my journey that has allowed me to channel my creative energy while simultaneously challenging me to grow and evolve as an artist. My aunt Dianne Johnson told me on the day of my college graduation (UW-Milwaukee) that “Just because you take a different route, doesn’t mean you won’t get to your destination”. In the moments when I find myself pivoting or needing to take a different route, I remind myself even if it takes me a little longer to get there, I know my purpose and that I am destined for greatness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/quellez
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quellez
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@quellez0313
Image Credits
@_bridney_ @quayology @bedsidenailz @rosebudtee_makeup @tsx-design_house @fashionable_demand @levels_of_lace @kingquis74 @_humble_pie @shunpfilms