Biography
Michie Michelle McCullock (born November 1, 1970) is a prominent Canadian rapper and actress, best known as Michie Mee. She is recognized as Canada’s first notable female MC and a pioneer in the country’s hip-hop scene. Michie Mee broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of female artists, leaving an immeasurable impact on Canadian music and culture.
Early Life
Michie Mee, whose real name is Michelle McCullock, was born on November 1, 1970, in Kingston, Jamaica, and moved to Toronto, Ontario, with her family when she was seven. Her family settled in the Jane Street area, known for its large Caribbean immigrant population.
Growing up, Michie Mee was exposed to a wide range of music genres, including reggae, soca, and calypso, which influenced her later music style. She started writing her lyrics and performing at local block parties and talent shows at 12.
At 14, Michie Mee was discovered by Tony Young, a radio host who recognized her talent and introduced her to the local music scene. She quickly gained attention for her powerful and confident stage presence, and by 1984, she had signed her first recording contract with First Priority Music.
Career
Michie Mee was a Canadian rapper who, along with her duo partner L.A. Luv, made a significant impact in the United States with their first single, “Elements of Style,” in 1988. The single helped them secure a recording contract with First Priority/Atlantic Records, making Michie Mee the first Canadian MC to sign with a major American label.
In 1990, Michie Mee collaborated on a one-off single, “Can’t Repress the Cause,” to advocate for more inclusion of hip hop in the Canadian music scene. The single was a critical success and highlighted Michie Mee‘s commitment to the genre.
The duo released their debut album “Jamaican Funk—Canadian Style” in 1991, which sold 60,000 copies in the U.S. and was nominated for a Juno award. The album showcased Michie Mee‘s unique blend of reggae, hip-hop, and dancehall and was praised for its originality and energy.
However, the duo broke up after Michie Mee ran into legal trouble. Michie Mee later pursued a solo career and became a founding member of the alternative rock band Raggadeath, which had a chart hit in 1995. She also began acting in the late 1990s, appearing in the film “In Too Deep” and the television series “Drop the Beat.”
In 2000, Michie Mee released a comeback album, “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” which was well-received and earned her another Juno award nomination. In 2004, she joined a group of local artists to form the Peace Prophets and released a charity single, “Drop the Chrome,” in association with radio station FLOW 93.5. She also appeared in the film “My Baby’s Daddy.”
From 2005 to 2009, Michie focused on acting in small films and TV shows, reconnecting with her rock band Raggadeath, and making features on other Canadian artists’ songs. In 2009, she released the single “Say About Us.”
During the 2010s, Michie continued with small acting appearances and music features. In 2020, to celebrate her 35th year in the industry, she released her first full-length album in 20 years, “Bahdgyal’s Revenge.” The album featured notable artists such as Chuck D and Canadian and Jamaican reggae legends and was critically acclaimed for its fresh sound and Michie Mee‘s continued contributions to Canadian hip-hop.
Discography
- Jamaican funk
- The first cut is the deepest
- Bahdgyal’s revenge
Filmography
- Drop the Beat
- Honey
- Narc
- The Tuxedo
- Rude
Personal Life
Michie Mee‘s personal life has been kept largely private, and she has not been publicly associated with any romantic partners or spouses. She may have prioritized her career and creative endeavors over pursuing high-profile relationships or disclosing personal information to the public.
Social Media
- Instagram @michiebadgyalmee
- Facebook @Michie Mee
Net Worth
According to various online sources, Michie Mee, a Canadian rapper, is estimated to be worth approximately US$9 million. Her net worth is believed to come from her successful music, acting, and entrepreneurship career.