Murphy Lee exploded on the music scene as the youngest member of the multi-platinum selling group St. Lunatics while he was still in high school. He was featured on Nelly's Country Grammar in 2000 and stood out among music industry heavyweights like Jermaine Dupri, Snoop Dogg, and P. Diddy in the "Welcome to Atlanta" remix. His first single, "Shake a Tailfeather," featuring P. Diddy and Snoop, landed on the Bad Boys II soundtrack, and soared to the top of the charts to become a #1 hit. It sold over 2 million copies and won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. Lee's first platinum solo album, "Murphy's Law," reached #8 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured his biggest solo, "Wat Da Hook Gon Be," with Jermaine Dupri and made it to #6 on the Billboard Hot Rap charts. "Luv Me Baby," produced by Jazze Pha, also landed on the Top 40.
After leaving his major record deal as an individual artist, still signed as a St. Lunatic, Murphy Lee decided to educate himself on the business and started UCME Entertainment in 2008. He has since released five albums independently, including the latest. "2nd Time Around," which Lee says represents a mindset. "It's a promise to myself to respect the past, enjoy the present, and create the future," Lee says. His first shot in the business set the stage for the Murphy Lee business, which required him to grind hard to build a successful brand. A calm, humble soul who doesn't try to keep up with The Joneses, the superstar says he plans to enjoy the fruits of his labor this time.
He especially looks forward to road life, visiting beautiful places with his day ones, fans, and the FamLee, a name he affectionately refers to his wife and three children. They all contribute to the family business, each bringing unique gifts and talents to the table and steadfast love and support for each other.
"FamLee is everything," says Lee. "It's imperative to me to do business as a family, finding ways to implement everyone into the plan to build generational wealth." We all have our own projects but I’m loving the ideas and ventures that we have together that will benefit us all. Lee says, "We want to make sure that our grandkids' grandkids' best friends are good."
Lee's wife, Seviin Li, a shining star in her own right, is a singer, songwriter, and actress. Currently, she is recording original work, performing live shows honoring music legend Tina Turner in front of crowds of 6000 or more, and on tour with Devyne Stephens, "Grown Man Issues" starring Willie Taylor, Brian White, Latocha, and Claudia Jordan.
Murph and Seviin met in St. Louis, Missouri, in high school. They participated in many similar activities, including her being captain of the cheerleading squad and Lee on the basketball team. They ran into one another again while Lee was touring with St. Lunatics, and she was traveling with Marvin Webster's "A Fool for Love." When the two reconnected, they realized how much they had in common yet very different and from different walks of life and became good friends. The two creatives eventually started making music together, and Murphy Lee featured Seviin Li on his debut album "Murphys Law." A trip to Atlanta to record at Stankonia Studios would lead to the start of a forever union. The pair produced the best yet with three exceptional children whose names set the standard: Essence Imani 26, Righteous 17, and Divine, 6.
Seviin Li says, "We named them so that they would always speak life into them when people speak their names."
Gifted and uniquely made, each have contributed to their dad's work. Essence lends her beautiful vocals; Righteous introduced Murphy Lee's Documentary Album, and Divine is featured on 2nd Time Around. The FamLee has also made appearances in several music videos with the Grammy award winner. Essence sings and acts, Righteous is an athlete and aspiring children's book author, and Divine's World Adventures show is available on YouTube.
Whole food vegans for twenty years, Essence says, “Food also brings us together. We connect through meals, conversation, and adventures!” Seviin enjoys vegan cooking and one of the FamLee’s goals is to one day open a vegan restaurant.
A wise Murphy Lee's final words are a lesson for us.
"I don't chase fame but enjoy where I am in life. I appreciate my past. I'm excited about tomorrow. Mistakes lead to maturity, and maturity leads to peace. My motivation is my family, and my love for life itself is my inspiration. I want to participate in the rebuilding of our culture. Do my part."
Fans can text Murph at 314.408.TICS (8427) or visit www.newmurph.com. More on Seviin Li can be found at www.seviinlimusic.com.
