Before the illustrations, there was a major co-sign from rapper Ice Cube. Lee began his career as a web designer working on commercial projects. In his free time, he logged onto social networks like Myspace to connect with indie musicians and ask if they’d like him to create cover art for a single or album. In 2014, Lee experimented with a “Hip Hop Heads” series to pay homage to famous rappers of our era through digital portraits. Eventually, his illustration of Ice Cube got the attention of the artist’s camp. The nod from the former N.W.A member encouraged Lee’s exploration with more music-centered work. Being online has been rewarding from the beginning.

Lee has since discovered that his joy is in capturing the lonely yet beautiful metropolis when the sun is growing, dancing, or retreating. Each new illustration he shares on Reddit or Instagram captures the attention of various art and design forums. Artists and fans alike love that he evokes fuzzy feelings or transports them to a softer world.

“I would say that I’m definitely a sensitive person – emotional, too,” Lee said. “I think that kind of makes me a nostalgic person. When I think back and certain images stay with me in my head.”

Over 5,000 miles away in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, music label Chillhop discovered Lee’s work online. The “lofi hip-hop and jazzy hip-hop” platform has carved a niche for itself in the online world of instrumentals and beat tapes. They’re best known for their “beats to study/relax to” livestream on YouTube, which lures in thousands of users looking for the aural equivalent to a weighted blanket. Now, with almost three million followers on their YouTube channel, Chillhop boasts a label with a global footprint and a robust roster of young producers. The team is constantly searching for emerging visual artists like Lee to create digital album covers, posters, and vinyl for the music they release.

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