His story:

Kick Lee is a music producer, Cincinnati native and advocate of the music arts and independent artists. He is the founder of the Cincinnati Music Accelerator, which builds entrepreneurs through the art of music while simultaneously working to put an end to starving artists.

Only 30-years-old, Kick has already worked in music for over 16 years and had his musical works licensed and placed in advertisements with brands such as Disney, Toyota, Samsung, Puma and many others. He is a People’s Liberty 2017 project grant recipient, graduate of Full Sail University and of Elementz Hip Hop Youth Arts center. In addition to the Cincinnati Music Accelerator, he operates KL Studios Inc. which specializes in audio recording, audio production, post production and music licensing for TV, film, trailers and commercials.

Why Cincy:

What made me decide to make Cincinnati home was the community. I traveled a lot as a foster child, so I was able to see what Cincinnati distinctively had to offer that other cities didn’t.

Advice for African Americans relocating to the Cincy region:

Be fearless. Don’t be afraid to open windows and knock on doors. There are people here who want to help you fit in. All you have to do is just ask questions.

Advice for emerging African American leaders:

Learn to be a dedicated leader. The best leaders aren’t the ones who want to be leaders, but those who follow while learning to lead.

Cincinnati as a “future city” is:

A music city and will become the music capital of the Midwest.