Today we’d like to introduce you to Racquel “Radcity” Lee
Hi Racquel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My first encounter with music likely happened when I was just 2 years old. Growing up with my grandmother, whom I affectionately called Yaya, I would often be in the playpen, humming and yelling, “I want to sing!” She would try her best to quiet me, but it was nearly impossible because I felt a deep pull to use my voice at a very young age. Singing in the choir at my local church inspired me to start learning the piano at around age 5. I would sit down and teach myself songs to sing, and that’s when I truly fell in love with music.
By 2010, I was performing throughout Philadelphia at talent shows, jazz lounges featuring local youth, and live at summer festivals. My passion for my art grew, and I began to truly appreciate how my gifts impacted others. Music production opened the door for me to refine my craft. By 2012, I had taught myself how to make beats, allowing me to express myself through sound.
That same year, I joined a musical theater program, which allowed me to fully expand my performance skills. I completed five semesters from 2012 to 2016 at the Suzann Christine Henry Creative and Performing Arts (SCHCAPA) organization, which led to an opportunity to attend a program at Temple University in 2014. There, I starred in, scored, wrote, and co-produced my first professional play alongside college students from another performing arts agency known as DL.M (D.ream L.ive M.ovement). This experience inspired me to pursue acting and screenwriting as well. By 2018, my senior year of high school, I told my parents I wanted to take a gap year to fully explore my creative abilities in New York, and surprisingly, they supported the decision.
Fast forward to my 20s, I’ve had the opportunity to work in both New York and Los Angeles, and I’ve since settled here. Throughout my career, I’ve secured editorial and sync placements and collaborated on modeling projects with brands such as OVERTIME Sports, United Masters, Beatstars, and Fashion Nova. I’ve also worked with artists like 2 AM Ricky, Khalil, NAOMA, Reed Shannon, Tre Prada, and many others across both mainstream and independent music scenes. It’s been a true blessing to be surrounded by so many talented creatives from diverse backgrounds. I’m grateful to share my voice, whether through music, acting or as a “Hope Dealer” — a motivational speaker. As a woman of many talents in the arts, I pray to the Most High that this journey continues to open doors of opportunity globally, allowing me to provide a safe space for fellow Black creatives to be seen and heard.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing has ever been easy in the music industry, especially when I first started. As a female producer, I often encountered bias when trying to connect and collaborate with male artists and producers, many of whom seemed hesitant to work with me. One of the main challenges I faced was navigating the industry as a Black, masculine-presenting queer woman—a combination that frequently led to me being misgendered and misunderstood based on my work.
Some male artists would listen to my beats and automatically assume I was a man. Once I corrected their assumption and made it clear that I was a woman, many of them chose not to work with me, which highlighted the deeper biases I was facing. A former mentor once pointed out that the issue was never with my beats—it was how their perception of me shifted the moment they realized a woman was behind the beats.
Fortunately, I was able to connect with artists who respected me from the start and embraced the fact that I was a woman creating music to heal and bring people together. However, there were other challenges—such as confronting the reality of the industry, which is far removed from the glamorous image many idolize. I had to dive into the business side of things, ensuring contracts were properly negotiated and signed. While I love the art of creating and collaborating, I knew I had to protect my work and my worth in such a competitive landscape. I learned the critical importance of publishing, standing firm in my values, and being selective about whom I worked with. As an independent artist and entrepreneur, I recognized that I am a business in my own right. Thankfully, I had some incredible mentors and resources to help guide me, providing the education and support I needed to navigate my career and continue growing.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m Racquel “Radcity” Lee, a music producer, singer-songwriter, rapper, actor, screenwriter, and content creator. Originally from Philadelphia, I am now based in Atlanta. I have been making music for over 12 years, with nearly 7 years of professional experience in the industry. Some of my most well-known productions include ‘EVOL’ by Khalil (BET’s 106 & Park) and ‘Same Heart’ by Reed Shannon (Netflix’s Arcane). I’ve also contributed to ‘For The Homies’ by Justice Allah (HBO’s Insecure).
What sets me apart is my ability to create music as a natural storyteller. With each song, I envision how a music video would come to life, complete with cinematic elements, setting, cast, and props. My imagination allows me to fully express my storytelling nature, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to use my platform to inspire, heal, and connect with fans and listeners through my compositions.
My most recent accomplishment was the release of my debut single, Ecstasy, in October. This track is part of my upcoming EP and marks the first time I’ve released music as a singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer. While I’ve spent much of my career producing for other artists, I felt it was time to showcase my full range beyond music production. I’m also excited to announce the release of my next single, Holiday Love, this December. This heartfelt love song, which I co-produced with the talented TMCxjr in California, will be released just in time to bring in some Christmas joy.
How do you define success?
To me, success isn’t about fame or popularity; it’s about how you show up for both others and yourself. I value community, culture, and collaboration. Not everything needs to be driven by trends, likes, follows, or comments—what matters most is being of service to humanity. When I look back on my life, I want to say that a Black, neurodivergent, masculine-presenting queer woman brought people together through art, music, and television/film. I hope to have fostered collective healing and connection within the entertainment industry, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/radcityofficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radcityofficial
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radcityofficial
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@radcity
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/rdcty
- Other: https://www.threads.net/@radcityofficial
Image Credits
Trey Robinson, Curtis Bryant, Siedah Dunn, Jordan Jackson
