Exploring Creativity and Community: The Artistic Journey of Rell Be Free
Photos by Jordan Somers
Recently on The Day with Trae, Jerrell Davis, known creatively as Rell Be Free, stopped by to discuss his upcoming music releases and ventures in film with host Trae Holiday. Davis is a multifaceted artist and community organizer based in Seattle's South End. He shared insights into his artistic journey, upcoming shows, and his commitment to supporting emerging artists and community initiatives through his music and performances.
"I feel like I've been making music in this way for probably the last decade now, which is kind of wild to say because when you're in the middle of it, you're just continuing to be creative," Davis said.
Davis feels he hit his creative stride around 2019, finding inspiration and space to create at his street studio in the South End. He draws his musical energy from his emotions, creating music that reflects his current feelings, whether he's grieving or feeling energetic. For him, it's essential to lean into these emotions, as he identifies strongly as a person who deeply feels.
"It's interesting because my music comes from what I'm involved in, though not all the time; it's not always just my experience. So, every song isn't going to be 'for the people,'" Davis said. "Sometimes it's me processing what I'm going through, you know. And if that connects to people, that's kind of the purpose."
Davis feels that people often tell him they appreciate his songs and how they resonate. Over the past few years, he has been focused on creating music about life, family, and love. While these themes may not always align with the protest or rally atmosphere, they are essential for him as a creative artist with range and depth.
"I feel like people can see the growth from the way I record to my voice cadence and how I use my voice in my music on stage," Davis said. “I feel like people always enjoy the show, and for me, I always want to be a great showman, giving people an experience they can remember. So if you see me perform, you're not going to forget that you were there, you know? That's really what I take pride in.”
Davis believes staying grounded and humble is essential, viewing music as a vehicle and a tool that's inherent within him.
He will continue making art regardless of external validation, confident that people know he’s still rapping even if they don’t see him for six months. For him, it’s crucial to stay connected with young people, drawing energy and inspiration from their ideas and perspectives. He follows their lead, believing the movement should align with the energy of the youth.
“For me, it's about staying connected intergenerationally—with my elders and the young people—and being aware of what's going on currently without spending too much time on the internet,” Davis said.
Davis gives a shout out to all the videographers, photographers, and graphic designers he's worked with, emphasizing that his work is inherently collaborative. It starts with a vision in his mind, which he shares with others to see if it inspires them. He only wants to work with those who are genuinely interested. If someone finds it difficult, he prefers they decline, as he'll find someone else more suited. He believes music needs strong visuals in this era, as people want images that captivate them.
Often, people remember the videos more than the songs, so he invests significant energy, time, and creativity into creating unique and storytelling visuals. Davis aims to showcase Seattle in a way that serves as a timestamp, capturing parts of the city that might change, like the disappearance of landmarks and neighborhoods like Rainier Avenue and Beacon Hill. He wants his videos to offer a glimpse of Seattle from the 2020s, something he feels hasn't been done by previous artists from the city.
"You know, it's dope when things fall into your lap, when you put something into motion and it comes to fruition. I feel like that's really the dance of being an artist—you have to speak what you want, and you don't always know what's going to hit you, but you just always want to be ready," Davis said.
To learn more about Davis’s latest releases and show schedules visit linktr.ee/rellbefree.
For more on art initiatives in Seattle, tune in with Trae every weekday at 11 a.m. on all Converge Media platforms and The Day With Trae YouTube Channel.
