Getting Motivated with Isaiah Lee
(Photo Courtesy of Official Isaiah Lee Facebook Page)
When life knocks you down you’ve got two options. You could lay low and let life pass you by, or you could use your adversity to drive you, rising like a phoenix - smarter and stronger. Newark rapper, author, and entrepreneur Isaiah Lee has been using some of his life setbacks to motivate and inspire those around him. With a rap career spanning close to a decade and a history of opening for some of the largest hip hop acts to come to Delaware, like Ja Rule and Trina, to name a few, you would never think Lee was born premature, with years of hospital visits or that he had a rough upbringing. We sat down with Isaiah to chat about his new clothing line, his story, and what he’s looking forward to in music.
Where are you from and where do you currently reside
I am from Chester, PA but reside in Newark, DE.
How did you get into music?
I got into music through the church. I play drums and piano but at the age of 15 after hearing my brother on the radio I decided to pursue the passion of rapping.
When did music change from pleasure to a passionate career?
Music turned into a passionate career for me in 2015 when I almost signed a record deal with Atlantic records and three months after signing a deal with EQ distro under Roc nation. I am no longer with either label.
Almost working with Atlantic came at a time when I did a showcase, I was not supposed to be a part of it but they had an extra slot so I performed. When they called me in to take the meeting I was ready but a day or so later I was told that the a&r that wanted to sign me had left the building. I did not get discouraged. I kept working and a few years later Roc nation's EQ distro offered me a distribution deal which I signed to for a year. During that year I still remained Independent but released a project under them. Just being a part of Jay Z's company gave me the feel of ‘one step closer’.
What motivates you to create?
My motivation to create comes from my past. I feel like I am an artist and my past is the canvas and my words are the paint brush. I want the world to see the painting in creating and also being a therapist to others musically.
(Photo Courtesy of Official Isaiah Lee Facebook Page)
How did you get into fashion?
I got into fashion through watching Nipsey Hussle and Jay-Z. With Nipsey Hussle I have been a fan of his since 2010 and mainly his music fit my lifestyle in the sense that I was headed towards being a businessman coming from a rough environment. His fashion sense is true to who he is but the swag and confidence makes a loud statement when he wears normal clothing. He has the Marathon Clothing brand which I support.... Also his interviews fit exactly where I am in life. Jay-z is the same way but I did not get into him until my older years. He showed me to be a fashionable businessman but put your own way in the culture.
For my brand Motivated By Losses I have a clothing section called MBLclothing which is Motivated By Losses Clothing and it is from both Jay's and Nipsey fashion ideas. Starting with T shirts and hoodies and transitioning to cut and sew. My design is simple but I am selling a story and lifestyle. When people wear it they will ask what it means so it is a conversation starter and that tells the consumer everything they need to know.
You are not buying a t- shirt or product, you are buying your lifestyle and you are telling the world I have been through this and I want to wear what I've been through proudly because I survived it.
What’s been one of your favorite memories as a musician so far?
My favorite memories have been performing in front of 1,000 plus people and opening for Trina and Dave East. The concert opening up for 1,000 plus people was my original hometown of Chester, PA. I was born and raised there and moved in 2002 so to come back felt welcoming. Opening for Dave East was very memorable because I met him a year prior to opening for him and telling him I was going to open for him when he came to Delaware and it happened so that was a full circle moment.
Opening for Trina was amazing because growing up I would watch her videos but also learn her business sense of how she builds her brands. So to watch her on stage after studying and learning her through business felt like I was watching a teacher.
What advice would you give to a young musician/entrepreneur who’s just getting started?
The advice I would give is to find yourself as a human first and once you do, carry yourself as a brand and establish rules and that will set your career on the right path.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I am looking for to building my community and connecting and inspiring others.
For concert dates, news and music follow Isaiah Lee online. Check out Lee’s single ‘Picture Me Rollin’ here.
