Micah Lee Explains the Miracle Behind New Single “Clap My Way”
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.
Talk to us a little bit about the writing process for “Clap My Way.” Was there a specific story or experience that encouraged you to write this song?
The song “Clap My Way” was written by myself and Singer songwriter. Alvin Garrett and the song were inspired by two very important things that have happened in my life. The first time I was in a major car accident where I ended up in a wheelchair and had to learn to walk again, after getting up from the wheelchair, I was on a walker, and taking one step felt like running 5 miles! But with every step I will quote scripture to myself I would say “No weapon formed against me shall prosper “I’d say “They that wait upon the lord, shall renew their strength they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not get weary, walk and not faint” and it felt like every day I got just a little bit more power! You have to stop me, that’s the preacher in me. So what this song is it’s a biblical blueprint on how you can clap past any rough situation. Set to a Darkchild beat so you know it’s about. This song also is my father’s story. We recently lost him to prostate cancer after an 18-year-long battle. He never complained and always said “It’s in God’s hands” and I watched him even in pain do everything that he needed to do to be better for his family.
How did your faith influence the lyrics and overall message of the song? How does it reflect your goals as an artist?
As I said earlier, this song, truthfully, is my story. I use my faith to get past even a situation like being told I never walk again, but I trust God to understand that, even when the doctor said one thing he has the final say, and look at me now I’m walking running and singing again I understand that sometimes we have to go through rough times in the process, but I use my face to understand that in the end I will still get a win because God is already giving me the victory so I’m clapping my way! As an artist, I’ve had rough times. All the money isn’t always there. Many doors slammed in your face. People telling you you’re not good enough to make anybody give up but with this song even for me, it’s my motivation, even though at the loss of my father, it’s been less than a month, and I’m still struggling emotionally. But I have to activate my own words. I get stuck in a sad place so I am continuing to push because I know that is also what for me to do.
What makes “Clap My Way” stand out from other songs in the gospel and soul genres?
“Clap My Way” was produced by Uncle Freddie Darkchild Gospel so you know it’s already a bop! It has a baseline that just won’t quit and is extremely infectious. It’s one of those songs that instantly gets it for your spirit! What makes this song stand out? It’s not just a traditional church sound, but it is still filled with the Holy Spirit. This song feels good for people from the age of three years old to the 80s who had something for them all: a great big strong message and a vibe!
Were there any specific moments during the creation of “Clap My Way” that felt especially impactful or emotional to you?
Every time I sang the lyric at the end of the song through depression through low self-esteem. Suicide has no power over me. I began to have a certain feeling because I wanted to make sure that that message was conveyed to people.
The “Clap My Way” music video is incredibly visually appealing. Where was the video filmed and how did you and your director bring this video to life?
“Clap My Way” was filmed in Atlanta, Georgia at Lux Galore Studios. The idea started in my brain when I said, I wanted to make a visual piece of art with my fashion being strongly prevalent. With bold colors and different rooms and of course, I’m over the top. I had over 16 different looks. We couldn’t get to them all
What role does community play in your music and your personal life? What communities do you hope to reach with “Clap My Way?”
I don’t just make community music and make people music real life music and that doesn’t just mean one group or set of people. We all have bills to pay. We all have family. We all have struggles, we all have to fight daily just to make it so this music is for all people who ever been through anything ever been through sadness or depression hurt no self-esteem. I hope I’m making music that touches lives And inspires and gives hope that you will live and not die!
If your audience takes away one core message from the song, what should it be? Why is this message important for you to share?
If there is one message that I hope this song conveys is that you can make it through any rough situation you can get past it I’m a living witness. The doctor said that I would never walk again if I took what they said, I would’ve still been in that wheelchair, so my message is for those who have no hope you think there’s no way out and think that they’re bound up by prison walls think that they’ll never be good enough that you’ll be able to make it and you can get past it. Just trust God and apply his word That has given us the Scriptures as a blueprint so I’m trusting God that this song really inspires every listener to continue
Your music carries a strong message of hope—what encourages you to create projects that are uplifting and inspiring?
I believe I have a Divine calling in my life. God has given me this work to do so I’m going to complete it plus, I understand the lies that are attached to me. There are so many up-and-coming artists to watch what I do and people who watch how I respond people who listen to my music there, watching how I respond to situations like even losing my father is Micah going to sink into sadness and depression and stop to continue and move forward so I realize that I have to move the message that I’m thinking about so that encourages me to get up and to continue
Do you plan on exploring similar themes to “Clap My Way” in future projects? What’s next for you?
I do. I’m currently working on a new album and I plan on taking you on that emotional roller coaster. It’s a good time to tear all on the same project so be on the lookout for that.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
