Interviews Next Wave

Micah Lee Talks New Music “Clap My Way” Faith and Overcoming Challenges in his TCR Exclusive

Micah Lee is a mighty force of soul, positivity, and style; driven by his deep faith, sincere trust, and

By TCR Staff

November 8, 2024

Micah Lee Talks New Music “Clap My Way” Faith and Overcoming Challenges in his TCR Exclusive

Micah Lee is a mighty force of soul, positivity, and style; driven by his deep faith, sincere trust, and the blessings and power of God. Growing up in Boynton Beach, Florida as the son of Deacon Arthur L. Lee, Micah was trained to always be the best in everything he endeavored. Taking his father’s sentiment to heart, Lee hoped to inspire and bring joy to others with his God-given talent. That is until one moment changed the course of his life. Lee hydroplaned on a slippery Florida road in 2005, sending his car into a canal and submerging him in water until he was narrowly able to escape. Though doctors told him they would have to amputate both legs, they were able to save them at the cost of potentially never walking again. Feeling frustrated and alone, Lee found determination and healing in God’s love and glory. Things began to look up for Lee as he embraced the word of the Lord. After an arduous year in a wheelchair, Lee astonishingly was able to run around his Church after going up on stage to sing—stunning churchgoers and his medical team alike.

Almost twenty years later, Lee has run marathons, performed at award shows, and so much more. Empowered by God’s strength and grace and inspired by his father’s unwavering tenacity in fighting prostate cancer for eighteen years, Lee encourages audiences from all walks of life to start their journey now, because there may be no tomorrow. Lee’s signature brand—marked by ebullient optimism and stylish fashion—is as infectious and authentic as they come. As Lee works toward releasing a fresh, from-the-heart album as a tribute to his father, he lights the path for others to find peace and joy in God’s word in the grooviest way possible.

Motivated by his personal experiences with hardship, and watching his father never complain throughout his battle with cancer, Lee strives to pick the heads up of those who are going through the worst times in their lives. Though the song tackles serious and emotion-stirring themes, listeners wouldn’t know it from the irresistibly “earwormy” melody and beat. Lee’s soulful tenor is smooth and luxurious as velvet, and he recites the scriptures that guided him to get better every day—even when “walking five steps felt like running five miles.” As a soulful choir lifts his words, Lee’s incredible determination and tenacity teach listeners that it’s possible to “clap your way past” any obstacle or challenge, no matter how difficult. “No weapon formed against me shall prosper,” quotes Lee. As an anthem for resilience, “Clap My Way” provides listeners with a unique biblical blueprint to guide them through any situation; it’s Micah’s warm blanket of comfort he offers up to the entire human family in what has become a troubled, challenged world, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

In the “Clap My Way” music video, Lee transports viewers to a sleek world filled with those livin’ large and lovin’ life. Filmed in a studio in Atlanta by gifted filmmaker Will Thomas, viewers follow Lee and his friends on a journey through monochrome rooms, luxurious shapes, and vibrant passageways. These sets are a feast for the eyes and give Lee’s stylish personality and fashion the ultimate stage to shine. Outlined in a gentle glow, it’s impossible not to be mesmerized by Lee’s electrifying presence and essence as he inspires viewers to fight through challenges with the power of the Lord. These bright, upbeat visuals will capture viewers’ hearts, initially drawn in by Lee’s praise and further impressed with his character and finesse. Lee’s energy, passion, and authenticity exemplify that one can embrace a deep love for God while being stylish and confident, reminding fans that he infuses excellence into everything he does.

In what ways did your upbringing surrounded by faith influence your musical journey?

I grew up with a father, who told me that “ with Christ all things are possible and he, can do anything but fail!” I also grew up with a parent I said, “Micah, no one remembers second place! Anything that you do? You’ll be the very best at it.” so now in my career, I strive to do everything in excellence.

How did your experiences going through personal and familial hardship shape the creation of “Clap My Way”?

I think my faith is prevalent throughout the entire song the entire song is based off of scripture it’s actually a “biblical blueprint” on how you can clap past in situation

How would you describe the sound of “Clap My Way?” Which artists do you draw inspiration from?

The song Clap My Way is absolutely a bop. It has his baseline and a groove that can’t be matched. The song is produced by uncle Freddie of Darkchild Gospel, you can never go wrong with a Darkchild beat lol. I draw my inspiration for many amazing gifts, but I am a huge Bebe and CeCe Winans fan! A huge Clark sisters, fan, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, Kirk, Franklin, and so many others!

Did you face any challenges in the writing or production process for the song? How did you overcome these challenges?

I didn’t Face any real issues in creating this song, but, this song is very personal to me. It is actually telling my story of recovery how I was in a wheelchair and then a walker, and every step felt like I walked 5 miles scripture to myself a song as I stated earlier is a biblical blueprint on how you can clap past any situation. This song also hits me deeply, because this was also the testimony of my recently deceased father, he battled with stage four prostate cancer for 18 long years. And never complained! He would always say with God’s help will make it through this.

Talk to us a little bit about the creative process for the music video. What was your favorite part of the filming and production process?

So I am an extreme and I have an extremely analytical mind. I’m always thinking about all of the details so I had this crazy dream vision to be in these different, colorful rooms, and make this a real visual masterpiece, almost like a movie with different sets and wardrobe changes. If it was up to me, we would’ve had 20 different luxe

Describe your experience collaborating with filmmaker Will Thomas. What did you enjoy about the collaboration process?

So Thomas and I have been working together for well over 10 years! So he is like my brother! And he also understands my crazy vision! So we have the best time always collaborating because he knows I’m gonna have the best concepts and ideas and we playoff each other and making sure the execution is flawless! It’s just something special about getting to work with your friends!

As an artist who appreciates style and fashion—in what ways does “Clap My Way” capture your unique style and aesthetic?

It’s such an authentic video. This is the first time that I decided to style myself because I wanted the viewer to get a true visual of who I am. I have always been noted for my style in fashion, but I kind a let the people blow my head up. I will never make that mistake again. Styling is not my ministry. Yes, I know how to look good and put on clothes but putting together one look is way easier than putting together 10.

Your optimistic outlook shines through in the song—how important is it for you to spread joy and positivity through your music?

Creating music that inspires is all that I know I was raised in the church and raised with parents who told me that I could be anybody and I could do anything that I put my mind to enter never give creating music that inspires is all that I know I was raised in the church and raised with parents who told me that I could be anybody and I could do anything that I put my mind to, and to never give up. So I know that it’s a calling in my life to encourage people that even through rough situations, never give up keep their faith, and trust God.

As a reflective song, in what ways does “Clap My Way” represent where you want to go musically moving forward? What future projects do you hope to work on next?

The song Clap My Way it’s just a taste of the phenomenal album that I’m working on I’m working with some of the top producers in the country and Gospel and R&B and I’m creating a musical masterpiece! So I hope in this project to come that I’m making one of these classic albums that you’ll be listening to for many many years to come so look out for the new music, but in the meantime support Clap My Way as it rises to the top of the charts.