Rising Stars: Meet Sharae’ Cooper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharae’ Cooper.

Hi Sharae’, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’m 29 years old and I’m from Detroit, MI. I grew up on the west side and I’ve honestly been doing music my whole life. From church choirs and school choirs to playing the violin for 11 years, I’ve always been interested in music. Growing up, I always wanted to be an artist. As a kid, I liked to paint and draw and do arts and crafts. Little did I know, I would find my true artistry in music. I was also very interested in poetry. I used to write poems and short stories and I loved taking creative writing courses all throughout my educational career. I even attended a performing arts school for elementary and middle. When I graduated from Wayne State University with my BA in Public Relations, I assumed I would take my degree and find my place in the hustle and bustle of Entertainment PR. I quickly learned that I was not cut out for what that job would entail. So I tried out several different sides of the music industry before I landed on being an actual music artist. I worked as an intern for an indie label in Detroit. I assisted in launching an after school music program with some local schools. I even tried my hand at managing artists. All of this landed me right in front of a mic as Rae’ LaShae and also Risqkaé. I currently work as a professional music artist and A&R of Jupyter’s Galaxy (#tGLX) in Detroit, MI.

I started singing in 2017, releasing my debut album, ‘Transparency,’ which set the tone for the type of artist I wanted to be. There’s always a message, always some inspiration and motivation, and we’re always going to have some fun. Rae’ LaShae is the songbird and Risqkae is her alter ego. When I released my second EP as Rae’ LaShae, the doors of the sync placement world opened up for me. I’ve had sync ad placements with companies like Target, Peet’s Coffee and even Pinterest. I’ve since released eight projects several singles and I’ve had the pleasure of featuring on a few music projects also. I introduced the world to my alter ego, Risqkaé, in the midst of the pandemic, in 2021. I wanted to showcase a more edgy, sexy side of myself. I wanted to be more bossy and bring more main character energy. Instead of just adding the spice to Rae’ LaShae, I felt like my alter ego needed to stand on her own two feet. Thus, Risqkaé was born. Since the release of my debut and sophomore albums as Risqkaé, I’ve secured features, sync placements for commercials and tv and a ton more opportunities. Bringing this version of myself to the forefront has been a game-changer for me. I just want black women to know they can lead a life as the full version of themselves and dominate. Life is mad generous when you let it be (word to Myleik Teele). I look forward to what 2022 has in store for both the artist that live within me. Honestly, there are no limits.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road was not easy at all. I did a lot of hard work to get here and most of it came with no recognition and no ‘Thank You’s’. I learned pretty early on in my journey that majority of folks are in it for themselves and don’t really care about you. It seems a bit pessimistic but it’s true. It took a lot of pivots, tears and hard work to finally find my people and my team. When I was interning, I was very much so overworked and underpaid under the guise of ‘paying dues.’ When I was managing, I was accused of ‘being around just for the money,’ even though I wasn’t even being paid, lol. People have even criticized my music and said I wasn’t good. What you have to know is that people are going to talk regardless. I’m a strong advocate of silencing the noise, tapping in and maxing out. There are a lot of people who do music, especially in Detroit. It’s definitely sink or swim. But I feel like my music and my pen are definitely gifts from God. This is God ordained for sure. So I’m always coming Micheal Phelps, lol. The hustle and persistence are definitely built-in features when you grow up in a city like Detroit. I think that’s what makes me so equipped for pivots. I’ve learned to stay afloat even when the ship starts to take on water.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
– I am a Music Artist

– I rap, sing and also ghostwrite and A&R

– I go by Rae’ LaShae or Risqkaé

– I’m known for my music, of course but also I’m a woman of many hats. I’m known for being someone who does everything. A renaissance woman of sorts

– I’m proud of myself for consistently doing music for the last five years. I’m also proud of the opportunities that my consistency has afforded me in the sync placement world.

– I think the content of my music, the quality of my music and my magnetic personality set me apart

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
God first, Peace and Happiness, Family and Friends. Also, leaving a lasting positive impression on people and creating a bountiful legacy.

I don’t know what higher power others believe in if any, but me and God are besties for life. Definitely 4lifers. I’ve seen him work and no one can tell me any different. Peace and Happiness follow as a very close second because we live in a tech era now that is pretty tough on our mental health and overall wellbeing. Staying grounded and being very particular about who I share energy with have been groundbreaking. My family is a HUGE part of my life. I grew up in the house with my parents and my three siblings, I’m the oldest. We have a huge extended family. My family is just full of love and fun and good times. They’ve seen me through all my stages and changes. I couldn’t do life without them.

Leaving a lasting positive impression on people just makes me feel good. It’s like why not spread positivity and encouragement. A little of that can go a long way. I’ve been impacted greatly by some beautiful souls in this lifetime. I hope to do the same for others.

A bountiful legacy full of love, light, peace, happiness and financial literacy and freedom. It is my hope that if I have children, their lives will include way less struggle than mine and much more freedom financially. I want the people who follow and/or witness my legacy to know that you only get one life so you should live it to the fullest. I want them to understand that they can have complete control over their lives. I want them to know a little hard work can go a long way. I want them to be brave and pursue life with reckless abandon (word to Datwon Thomas). My legacy will reside in power, strong character, rough edges and soft centers. A legacy of being all you can be.

Contact Info:

• Email: Raedaarllc@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.everydayrae.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raelashaecoop/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayraedaar
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/raelashae
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC7d0V0s2lblipz0gj6L6M5Q
• SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/rae-lashae-1?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing