First-generation Vietnamese/Chinese American artist Spence Lee is not only a musician, but a versatile creative in all meanings of the word. Growing up in the close-knit community of Franklin, New Jersey, he experimented with fashion, drawing, poetry, and sonics from an early age. Immersed in a diverse array of music, from hip hop to Jersey club to soul to rock to reggae/dancehall, he references each in a sound of his own. Inheriting an unparalleled grit and strong values from his parents and heritage, he paired his talent with a tenacity and determination — a powerful combination destined for success.

After selling shirts in New York to Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston, he was cast for Yeezy Season 1 as the only male Asian model, and later given the chance to prove himself as a stylist. The triple-threat began styling artists and producers for events and music videos, and ultimately began working with them on music as well. He has since signed with 88rising and Mike WiLL Made-I’s Ear Drummers Records — and is on his way to becoming the industry’s next big thing.

We talk to the talented Spence Lee about the essence and root of his sound, his creative process, and what’s to come with his new project.

Watch Spence Lee’s music video for “On God” here…

And now for the interview…

Who and what inspires you?
My family, friends, traveling, fashion, history, visual art, movies and music inspire me. I’m in love with the whole creative process of turning ideas and energy into tangible things that make people feel good. I’m also inspired by my ancestors’ history and the idea that I can inspire future generations through my art.

How did you first find your passion for writing and creation?
I had a natural interest in visual art and my dad taught me how to draw when I was very young. That’s where my creativity started. I was dancing and singing along to music before I even learned to speak, so the music always flowed through me. Then in middle school I discovered my aptitude for poetry. By high school I put it all together and I was drawing designs on clothes and making songs with my friends. But the passion to really lock in on music didn’t come until 2012 when my friend Chino passed away. I had a lot to get off my chest and music was the most thorough outlet for me.

How has your upbringing and cultural diversity shaped the way that you create?
I was born and raised in Franklin Township in Somerset, NJ. We grew up with people of every ethnicity. We had class together, created together, partied together, played sports together, made money together… everything. We grew up listening to hip hop, R&B, Soul, Dancehall, Reggae. We were at house parties every weekend dancing to Jersey Club music since like 2007. We were always turnt. All of my friends were into clothes and sneakers and getting fresh too. There was a lot of flavor in the town. My family also kept me in tune with my Chinese and Vietnamese roots which I weave into my art. So I try to create things that are fly and fun but also meaningful. I want to bring people together through art.

How did you find your sonic approach?
When I started working with my childhood friend Kakuyon, it unlocked me as a songwriter. Watching him play instruments and cook beats up from scratch helped me experiment more with melodies, harmonies, production, chords and music in general. That’s when I started making songs by feeling the music more and coming with different melodies. I try to find unique flows and pockets and then fill them in with words that are honest and witty.

How would you describe the essence of your sound?
My sound is eclectic, cinematic, anthemic, melodic, wavy. You could say it’s hip hop mixed with alternative, soul and r&b. I don’t confine myself to a genre because I’m inspired by all of them. I just look at music as human expression through melody, harmony, rhythm and the word. I know I can make a song on any beat as long as it feels good.

You are talented across several different creative fields, how do you manage trying to succeed across so many areas?
Thank you! Whenever I have a compelling idea I get it out asap because I know creativity is a gift from God. I try to let it flow naturally. I’m just a vessel to spread love and serve the greater good. I want to make as much art as I can while I’m here and help people.

What is it about fashion that draws you in?
Clothes are pieces of wearable art.

Talk us through your work with Mike WiLL Made-It?
We have been cooking up a lot of great music. Big sounds. Mike is all about being unique and innovative. He’s been pushing me to get more personal and honest in my music. You already know the beats are mind blowing.

You are heading out on tour with Masiwei this month, how are you feeling about that?
I’m feeling blessed and grateful to be going on tour with Masiwei. He’s a super talented and genuine person and his energy is amazing. This will be my first tour and I know it’s going to be legendary. I’m going to be performing a lot of new music.

Talk us through the creative process of your recent single “On God”?
In early 2021 I had to get emergency surgery to clear an infection in my abdomen. It was rough. I was at home recovering when my friend Melz visited me and I was sitting on the couch freestyling to that B-Rackz beat. I started mumbling that cadence and saying “on God” and Melz was like “you gotta lay that idea down!” So I did. The lyrics came easy because prayer and music were the main things helping me recover.

What can we expect from your upcoming project?
It’s a classic. Rich production, unique flows and melodies, witty bars. Live instrumentation. I’m getting personal on it too. There’s a lot of different vibes. Timeless music.

Where do you want to take your artistry?
I want to keep evolving my music and clothing. I want to tour the world. I also want to do more things to serve the community. I want to represent my family well and represent Asian people well too.

What else is to come from you?
Greatness.