Malia Lee

musician / performer

BIOGRAPHY

Malia Lee, also known as MC Mel, is a powerful Hmong-American rapper, spoken word poet, and emcee whose art is deeply rooted in personal identity, social justice, and community empowerment. As a first-generation Hmong-American woman, Malia defies cultural expectations that often prioritize quiet resilience over vocal expression. Her artistry provides her with a bold platform to speak truth to the struggles, resilience, and growth experienced by herself and those around her.

Raised in a community where traditional norms often limit public expression, Malia uses hip-hop and poetry to challenge silence with rhythm and resistance. Her performances explore themes of identity, generational trauma, healing, and collective strength. She has taken the stage at culturally significant events such as the Little Mekong Night Market and the Minnesota State Fair on Hmong Day, captivating audiences with her raw lyricism and magnetic presence.

Beyond performance, Malia is actively engaged in grassroots community building. She plays an integral role in Fresh Vibes, an initiative focused on uplifting her local neighborhood through creative collaboration. The program empowers young people, artists, and residents to reimagine and reshape their environment while promoting values of equity, diversity, teamwork, and sustained social impact.

Malia’s mission as both an artist and a changemaker is to spark dialogue, bridge cultural divides, and nurture a creative ecosystem where underrepresented voices can thrive. Whether on stage or in the community, she is a catalyst for transformation—unafraid to speak her truth and help others discover theirs.

Qualifications

Malia is a skilled songwriter with a strong foundation in lyrical composition and musical arrangement. She is an experienced rapper and live performer who has appeared at regional cultural and arts events. In addition to her artistic practice, she is proficient in a wide range of creative software tools including Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Autodesk Revit, Sketch-Up, Logic Pro, and Adobe Premiere. These skills support her multidisciplinary approach to storytelling, design, and digital media production.

Skills

  • song writing

  • rapping

  • performing

  • software applications: Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign, Autodesk Revit, Sketch-Up, Logic Pro, Adobe Premier

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