Detroit-born multidisciplinary artist Maleek Rae (they/them) is a force whose work refuses to be boxed in. Raised on the Eastside and sharpened through the SUNY Purchase BFA acting conservatory, Rae has carved out a creative path rooted in intention. Every verse, performance, and piece of writing serves as a vessel for what they describe as “praise and worship”—an offering that honors resilience, ancestry, and the healing power of art.
2025 marked a powerful era in Rae’s musical journey with the release of their EP Notes to Self. The project is a thoughtful blend of uplifting messages and introspective storytelling laid over melodic, energized production. It’s music made for anyone needing a reminder of their own strength.
Shortly after the EP, Rae dropped “BIG STEPPA” on November 14, 2025—a Fukk2Beatz–produced track pulsing with sharp punchlines, lyrical agility, and nods to historical resistance like the Underground Railroad. It’s a victory lap and a battle cry rolled into one.
Across Screens and Stages
Rae’s artistic reach spans far beyond music. Their on-screen credits include a recurring role in NBC’s Law & Order: Organized Crime, as well as standout performances in Peacock’s The Best Man: The Final Chapters and HBO’s Random Acts of Flyness. Each role adds another layer to their growing repertoire, showcasing an ability to shift from grounded realism to genre-bending experimental work with ease.
On stage, Rae’s creativity shines even brighter. They co-created the solo play Ghetto Alchemy: A Lunchroom Survival Guide at The Tank—an innovative and deeply autobiographical performance. Their writing credits also include Love Birds: or How to Fix a Broken Heart in a Day and Ceremonies for Alligator Bait or Guttah, further cementing Rae as a playwright with a distinctive voice. From national commercials to video games to original multimedia creations, Rae continues to explore how far their artistry can stretch. Their portfolio reflects a commitment to building work that is as expansive as it is deeply personal.
Rae’s rising influence has been acknowledged by some of the industry’s most respected institutions. They are a recipient of the NYSAF 2025 Founders Award, a Princess Grace Foundation Honoraria Award, and fellowships with Target Margin Theatre, The Laundromat Project, and Brooklyn Arts Exchange (BAX). Through every project, Rae remains guided by purpose, reinvention, and a devotion to art as a tool for liberation. Their journey is still unfolding—and they’re only getting started. Check out Maleek’s new single below!