Makis Raqeem

Makis Raqeem’s story begins in the toughest neighborhoods of St. Louis, where survival was a daily reality. Raised in poverty alongside 15 siblings, he grew up surrounded by chaos, instability, and the constant pressure of becoming another statistic. Instead of allowing his environment to define him, Raqeem turned to music as a lifeline—a positive outlet that kept him grounded, focused, and alive. From an early age, music became both his refuge and his resistance. Where others saw dead ends, Raqeem saw expression, healing, and purpose. He used songwriting to process trauma, tell the truths he witnessed firsthand, and carve a path that challenged the narrative placed on him by circumstance. Music became not just an escape, but a mission—to speak for those whose stories often go unheard. Today, Makis Raqeem is a St. Louis–based hip-hop artist known for blending soulful storytelling with raw, streetwise energy—creating music that heals, inspires, and confronts reality head-on. His sound resonates with listeners who crave authenticity, weaving narratives of resilience, social commentary, and hope into a musical experience that transcends boundaries. In 2020, Raqeem’s mission-driven artistry gained national recognition when he was selected as a recipient of the UnitedMasters x Cash App “Cash for Change” Grant, awarded to just 25 artists nationwide. The honor not only provided vital support but affirmed the impact of his message—one rooted in community, accountability, and transformation. Staying true to his values, Raqeem donated half of his winnings to the social justice organization My Block, My Hood, My City, reinforcing his commitment to giving back to the same environments that shaped him. His breakthrough single, “Poverty in St. Louis,” captured national attention, trending on Instagram for two consecutive months and earning over 9.1 million micro-sync streams and 4.1 million overall streams. The track’s raw honesty and emotional weight showcased Raqeem’s ability to transform personal hardship and community struggle into universally resonant art, cementing his voice as one that speaks truth rather than trends. Beyond streaming success, Makis Raqeem has achieved major milestones in sync licensing, landing placements with the NBA, Netflix, and Diageo. His catalog has surpassed 70 million micro-sync streams, reflecting both the depth of his storytelling and the versatility of his sound across platforms and audiences. On stage, Raqeem has proven his ability to command crowds, performing at regional festivals and serving as the opening act for AJ McQueen’s “When We Evolve” Tour at Delmar Hall in St. Louis. Each performance reinforces his reputation as a dynamic live presence—bringing the same honesty, intensity, and purpose from the studio to the stage. More than just an artist, Makis Raqeem continues to carve out his lane as a storyteller, activist, and visionary. His music carries the soul of St. Louis while reaching far beyond its borders, uniting audiences through creativity, compassion, and conviction. With every song, sync, and stage he touches, Raqeem reaffirms his place as a transformative force in modern hip-hop—built from survival, sustained by purpose, and driven by truth.