She is one of the bright young stars of the contemporary soul scene, and she has a name that seems to grow daily. Los Angeles native Raquel Rodriguez was inspired by legends like Prince, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, and Amy Winehouse, and has used that inspiration to create a sound the blends elements of R&B vibes of the past half century.
The University of Southern California grad began her professional journey in the 10s, notably working with Anderson.Paak on his album Cover Art and on his Malibu Tour.
In 2018, she released the EP The 310, a homage to her Los Angeles roots. The standout track “Mile High” garnered significant attention, amassing over 5 million streams and solidifying her presence in the R&B landscape.
Her 2021 album, Sweet Side, showcased collaborations with talents like MXXWLL, Matt Johnson (Jamiroquai), and Amber Navran (Moonchild). The album resonated with audiences worldwide, accumulating over 25 million streams and becoming a staple on global playlists.
October 2024 marked the release of her most noted project, Housewife. Housewife features collaborations with familiar names like SammyB, Jess Best, Nigel Hall, Amber Navran, and Dux, as well as new contributors like Misha. The project blends live musicianship with modern electronic elements, further refining her distinct sound.
That year she also dueted with noted singer Jarrod Lawson on the song “Next Move,” which became an international hit.