Daily Inspiration: Meet Cuee

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cuee.

Hi Cuee, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I started back in the 7th grade writing to instrumentals of my favorite songs, things I would hear on the radio. I always wrote but never put it to music, so that was new for me. When my mom remarried, my stepdad was a house DJ and producer/rapper in Chicago, and he introduced me to the reality that music can be a career and I could be an artist. I know it sounds cliche, but I just knew it was always what I wanted to do. In high school, we were always rapping before and after school. I started the hip-hop culture club and started doing talent shows. It felt so important to bring hip-hop culture into a community where it didn’t exist. We hosted shows where I would perform, and high school became where I started seeing myself as a rapper. When I got to college, I rapped a little during my first year, and people knew I was into music because I was involved in the radio station (KJHK). As an undergrad, I stopped to focus on my degree. It was not until my first year of grad school that I was like, okay, I want to do music.

I released my first project – The Evolution of Mixtape- about transitioning from being Cue, the student, to Cuee, the rapper. That was the starting point of finding my voice and making a name for myself in Lawrence, KS. I released a few more projects and singles and started to perform all around the area. I found so much support from the community, which affirmed what I knew- that I wanted to create music and sustain myself to create full-time. I had just started getting a little name for myself in the area, and I connected with Bam Kieth, who produced a few tracks for me, including “Shook.” I released it in 2018 on my Shameless project; after landing on Spotify’s Official Pride Playlist, it propelled my career forward.

By 2021, I was performing throughout the Midwest and working on my first full-length album, Gospel. After releasing Gospel, I started to connect more with the LGBTQ+ community and learned that my music inspired many. It began to open up doors and opportunities for me. Music has always been an outlet to discuss my experiences and journey as a black trans man and the world surrounding me. I got folks’ attention when I collaborated with RuPaul Drag Race Star Silky Nutmeg Ganache on a song about being confident in being who you are. As folks listened, I continued to tell the story. Solidifying my voice in the community, this past year, I’ve released singles (and visuals) like “Man Now” and “Proud Boi” and have been performing all over the country. Recently, I’ve collaborated with Mars Wright, a trans artist and activist, in hopes of spreading Black Trans Joy. After receiving this year’s LGBTQ+ Emerging Artists by Music Forward and CitiBank, be on the lookout for what’s next.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My career has had its bumps in the road, for sure. Only some things I’ve been shows I’ve wanted to perform on, music I’ve wanted to release, people I’ve wanted to work with, and things sometimes work out. When I came out as trans, it transitioned my whole career, too. I talked about this before in an interview, but coming out alone is a journey – but sharing it with the world is a whole different thing. I struggled to find my place, opening me to a new world. Being loud and proud about your identity only sometimes goes well with many people. Looking back, I realize how those bumps made me get creative with how I approach my music career. It’s teaching me persistence, flexibility, and openness to new opportunities.

Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’m a Black Trans Recording Artist from Chicago, IL, known for my electrifying and interactive live performances. With my insatiable passion for music, I constantly push creative boundaries, like my most recent release, “Proud Boi.” What sets me apart is not just my music; it’s my ability to connect with audiences personally. I have a unique talent for bringing people together, and my shows are more than performances—they’re an experience. I am committed to community; connection is not limited to my music. I am an accomplished public speaker on topics ranging from recruiting and DEI in Higher Education to navigating the music industry as a Trans Man and everything in between.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory is growing up and spending much time with my grandmother. She passed when I was in 4th grade, but we spent a lot of time together when I was growing up. One of my favorite things we would do together was cook. It was a whole vibe with her- we would watch some law/court TV show or listen to music. We would sing and make up songs to songs that played.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cueemusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cueemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cueemusic/
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/cueemusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUdtod1Xb2xPVc8PDdRt5gg

Image Credits
Ailecia Ruscin