Meet Ricquélle Badger | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ricquélle Badger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ricquélle, how do you think about risk?
I believe risk taking is essential in being successful. I’m sure we’ve all heard the phrase “Big risk equals big reward.” I’m definitely a testament to that. Nothing in life worth having is going to be easy to obtain and maintain. You have to put forth effort and hard work consistently. The grind doesn’t stop. It’s a risk to put yourself out there for the world to watch, critique, and judge. Putting out art, music, and visuals in a creative way that not everyone may necessarily understand or agree with and yet and still offer opinions and feedback is a risk worth taking because it sparks conversation. One of my favorite songs that I’ve created and released is entitled “Something to talk about” for that very reason. I think people tend to get too caught up in negative comments and statements directed toward them or their work and they internalize it. When in actuality you have to redirect that negative energy into a positive and say “I am something to talk about and I’m going to keep giving them something to talk about.” It’s a power in that. It’s definitely a risk being a female in a heavily male dominated industry. More specifically an African American female in this industry. I’ve been tested and am still learning how to maneuver and navigate being a solo independent artist. I’ve had lots of help and support from my team, family, fellow artists, and creatives. Their encouragement keeps me grounded, motivated, as well as makes the risks worth taking. I feel risks are ultimately choices or decisions that can either help us level up or learn a lesson. I think what’s most important when taking a risk is that you own that choice or decision no matter what the outcome. I think of some of the most successful and legendary artists that I look up to and draw inspiration from. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Brandy, Janet Jackson, and Queen Latifah who took risks to follow their dream and passion, share their gifts and perfect their craft, along with dedication and strong work ethic dominated music, dance, and film to becoming iconic superstars to date. As Hip-hop is celebrating 50years, we definitely need to acknowledge the doors Queen Latifah opened up for female rap artists and risks she took not only standing up for women empowerment, but also demanding respect for our talent as opposed to being solely objectified for our bodies. She also broke barriers and raised the bar for TV, film, Broadway, production, and entertainment as a whole. Now-days in this industry you have to be multi-faceted not just a one trick pony. In my art, I take risks not only singing and rapping, but also doing so in Spanish. Spanish is not my first language however, I use it daily in my work and I have close friends and family who speak Spanish. I run the risk of being called “gringa” or “culturally appropriating” however, I don’t see it that way. Art has a way of bringing different cultures together and Spanish is a beautiful language. I listen to and watch artists like Natti Natasha, Selena, Becky G, Angie Martinez, and Snow Tha Product who are phenomenal artists. They expanded their range beyond music but also to TV, radio, and film. Listening to their music and watching them in shows and movies not only helps me better learn the language and dialogue, but it also gives me a better sense of their individual stories as well as appreciation for their art as they too have had to take risks to get where they are. It’s very inspiring and motivating. I’m also inspired by Sha’Carri Richardson’s story and the risks she has taken to get where she is. I can relate to her dealing with the loss of her mother. My mother passed away in 2010 and it is very difficult to continue day to day without her physically here. Sha’Carri has faced challenges and hurdles and instead of giving up, she stayed determined, focused, and persistent and has become a powerful force in the sports world for track and field.
I can honestly say that had I not taken risks, I would not be where I am today. I have accomplished a lot and have a long way to go but I don’t regret any of the decisions
I’ve made on this journey. Had I not taken those very risks, I would not have made connections and collaborated with other artists and created the music used in fashion shows for TSX Design House; LA Fashion Week and International Digital Fashion Week. I wouldn’t have had music featured on Spotify playlists or played on the radio. I wouldn’t have had the amazing opportunity to perform my music live at venues and on TV. I also would have never auditioned for SexEyecon Web series make sure you stay tuned for that! These are big risks that I believe God will bring big rewards and I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us next

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am an artist, singer/songwriter, model, and actress. I released my first solo project; L.I.3 presents: Quellez CoverGirl Project in 2017.  L.I.3 which stands for Loyalty Is Everything. In 2020 we dropped CoverGirl Project 2: Mind Over Matter right at the start of the pandemic. We made adjustments to how we worked post pandemic and released CoverGirl Project III: No Magazine in 2022. We kept writing, grinding, and collaborating and dropped BRB in 2023. All projects are out on all music platforms. You can also check out the CoverGirl visual and SexEyecon web series promo both out now and shot by King Quis Productions. I’ve had the amazing opportunity modeling for TSX Design House and recently was featured in Ebony Adell’s face sculpture exhibition at the Nicoleta Gallery in Berlin Germany. I’m super excited for the new moves we’re making. Without giving away too much definitely tune in to SexEyecon web series coming soon. I’m excited for the new opportunities to perform and showcase my music as well as new music we’ve been working on. I’m most proud of the growth and continuing to develop as an artist. Our work ethic is strong because we stay grinding. I like to surround myself with people who are constantly making moves because it motivates me to stay focused. I’ve gotten to where I am today by keeping God first, keeping my family around me, and positive energy in my circle. I have so much more to accomplish but I’m beyond proud of how far I have come being an independent artist. I’ve mentioned before it’s definitely not easy being independent and financially responsible for all visuals, cover art, promo, hair and makeup, studio sessions, paying producers, stylists, marketing etc. That being said I’m super blessed, grateful, and appreciative to everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working with on this journey. It can also be a challenge balancing working a 9-5, being a full time mother, and finding time to spend with friends. There just aren’t enough hours in the day but I’m forever learning better ways to time manage and budget. It can also be challenging when it feels like an opportunity is missed out on. I’ve been told ‘No’ so many times yet I remind myself that God has a plan and that what God has for me, it is for me. I believe that he is preparing me for what’s ahead and to not take anything personally. So I just go harder until that ‘No’ turns into a ‘Yes’. The biggest challenge is not having my mom physically here with me to offer guidance and advice on my art, my parenting, or just life in general. I know she sees what’s going on and I definitely feel her presence when it comes to being a mom to my youngins; seeing them thrive in school as well as excel in their sports activities such as basketball and track and field. I want the world to know that my life is by far no fairy tale and I too have daily challenges and hurdles just like everyone else. I create music to not only encourage and motivate myself and my friends, but also for those who may feel misunderstood or searching to find their voice in the world. I believe that everyone has a story that can inspire and impact others. You’d be surprised how much others can relate to your story. You just have to be brave, confident, and take a risk in sharing your story with the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would first go to Shady Valley Park or Rock Mill Park. It’s a great place to take the kiddos to play while doing yoga. Very peaceful and gorgeous atmosphere. If you’re wanting to get your hair done definitely check out Plush Midtown. Paschal’s is great if you’re in the mood for soul food. Love the fried chicken and greens. If you have a taste for Mexican, definitely go to Señor Patron in Midtown. For night life we can go to Escobar Restaurant and Tapas. They have good food, great music, and good vibes. The entertainment at Magic City is lit and the dancers are beautiful, super athletic, and acrobatic. We’ll have funners.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who I have to shout out. I’ve mentioned before my family but specifically my cousins. To my cuzzos on my dad’s side (Philadelphia) and my mom’s side (Detroit) y’all are such an inspiration and encouragement to me. I remember taking trips to Philly in the summers and traveling to Detroit for family gatherings and celebration of life services. We’ve grown up, started families of our own and I’m so proud of us. We have been through trials and hurdles and we’re still standing. To my cousin Erinna, thank you for the opportunity to write and contribute music to ‘Leaving Egypt’ yal make sure to check that out. Profit, thank you for reigniting the spark and passion in me to continue pursuing music. Make sure yal check out his music too. ‘Profit Made’ on all music platforms. To my cousins Jared and Marc, I thank yal for your continued encouragement and support. Yal inspire me more than you know to keep going and stay authentic. To my little cuzzo Grayce who is also pursuing music and has a single out now entitled ‘Daddy’s Little Girl’ make sure you check it out now on all music platforms! Keep going girlie and keep God and the fam first. I also want to thank my aunties who pray for me and my family daily. Those prayers are felt and they truly keep me going each and every day. To my sister Kryssy Lyric D, thank you for being my heart and my motivating factor on this journey. We started this in college and even though life has taken us down different roads, our love and passion for music always brings back together. I thank you for being a no nonsense, tell it like it is yet still full of life and love who I can always trust to be honest with me when it comes to my art. To every artist, producer, Dj, sound engineer, choreographer, beautician, makeup artist, stylist, videographer, photographer, graphic designer, model, and creative whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with on this journey, I sincerely thank you for contributing your time and talent to helping me achieve my vision. To my DJ and mi chica bonita DJ Quilla, thank you for always believing in me and challenging me to push myself out of my comfort zone. The outcome and payoff is always a success. To my mom and my youngins who push me to go harder, I love yal so much. To my supporters, I appreciate yal so much for rocking with me since day one and continuing to grow with me. Thank you for being patient with me when it takes time for me to put out content and release my art as yal know I’m a mama first and my main priority is and will always be my youngins. Yal love and support truly keeps me going. Yal have seen me take risk after risk and learn and evolve. I’m forever a work in progress and those of yal who have attended shows and performances in person and virtually, those of yal who have attended yoga sessions with myself and Ebony Adell where we focus on health and wellness, mindfulness and meditation, as well as those artists who contributed music to our yoga mixes, I appreciate you. To everyone who listens to, has shared, and streamed my music from the bottom of my heart I thank you. This is just the beginning and we’re destined for greatness so stay tuned.

Website: https://linktr.ee/quellez

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quellez

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100011275866467

Youtube: http://youtube.com/@quellez0313

Image Credits
@bridney @quayology @bedsidenailz @rosebudteemakeup @kingquis74 @tsx_design_house @fashionabledemand @shunpfilms Neaokia Collins