Free Agent

Lee Wilson

By: Jayson Rodriguez

January 24, 2006

NAME: Lee Wilson
AGE: 23
HOMETOWN: Boston
GENRE: R&B
FAVORITE ALBUM: Songs in the Key of Life, Stevie Wonder
DREAM COLLABO: Mary J. Blige

Lee Wilson doesn’t need to exaggerate his struggles. Just over three years ago, the singer relocated from his middle-class Dorchester neighborhood to New York, where he survived on nothing but his love for music and the spare money he made from gigs. “I started getting so skinny that everybody was looking at me kind of funny,” says Wilson, who slept wherever he could—whether it be a friend’s couch or on the subway. “That’s when I was like, I need to change this.” So Wilson organized “The Starving Artists Tour” and—along with a couple of friends—traveled the East Coast doing open-mic nights. “Believer,” an acoustic ballad, finds Wilson recalling his difficult journey and underlining his resolve. “I’m a fighter,” he says. “Anybody in the arts has to be, and has to have thick skin.” And a willingness to go hungry while chasing your dream.

SEND US YOUR DEMO.
If you're an unsigned artist, here's your chance to shine! Beginning with the September 2004 issue, VIBE will feature an unsigned act in our monthly Free Agent column. After reviewing submissions, a commit tee of editors will pick the artist/group to be featured as the "Vibe Free Agent" of the month. In addition to national exposure in the magazine, the Free Agent's music will be featured on our Web site, vibe.com, where VIBE readers will rate the music, on a scale of 1 to 5, and give their feedback. If you've got what it takes, and aren't afraid to hear what others have to say, send in your demo. Maybe you'll be VIBE's next Free Agent.

Mail submissions to:
Free Agent
c/o VIBE
215 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016