Editors’ Note: Black history is American history. Reel 360 News’ Reel Black List is a commitment to recognizing the impact of Black voices across film, television, music, media, and culture every single day of the year. In a moment when DEI initiatives have been challenged and hard-won progress feels increasingly fragile, it’s more important than ever to amplify the voices of Black artists, leaders, and innovators who have shaped the industry and continue to move it forward. Today, we are so incredibly honored to spotlight and chop it up with talented artist, actor and mentor, Roycel Cooks.
Roycel Cooks, aka Rawcel, is an Artist, Songwriter, Producer, Mentor, actor, and the President of the ZupaLove International 501c3, founder of the Los Angeles international duo ZupaNova. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Roycel collaborated with global sensations the Black Eyed Peas as an artist, writer, and producer, and even introduced his classmate, Fergie, who went on to become an official member of the Black Eyed Peas.
Roycel has worked with Ray J, Randy Jackson, David Foster, Macy Gray, Lala Hathaway, Bell Biv Devoe, Aaron Neville, Tamia, Sevyn Streeter, Pau Gasol, Tiana Xiao, and more.
By 2017, ZupaNova was touring internationally annually in the US, Singapore, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. Following up with 2 single releases that hit the Top 40 on Mediabase. ZupaNova “Pop Pop” hit #41 and ZupaHot hit #38 on the US pop charts in 2020-2021.
In 2024, Roycel and ZupaNova were awarded by the State of California Senate, County of Los Angeles, the City of West Covina, the NAACP for their community service, local nonprofit support, and the XMA’s 2024 Spotlight Artists of the Year.
2025 Roycel has a starring role in the movie A Heart Full of Hope, premiering late 2025, produced by Suzanne DeLaurentis & The Mendez Foundation and directed by Dale Fabrigar. ZupaNova created a theme song for the movie called “Holiday” to be released on Tazmania Records July 4th on Independence Day 2025.
In 2026, ZupaNova is set to release a new single produced by two-time Grammy-nominated artist/producer Phazehop. The song, called One, will be featured in a one-of-a-kind music-and-gaming standalone experience on Fortnite called ZupaWorld, launching in February 2026.
Let’s meet Roycel!
What’s the version of your origin story you don’t put on LinkedIn?
I have been working as a part-time Caregiver since 2012.
Which dream did you outgrow? Which one won’t go away?
A dream I outgrew early was wanting to be an astronaut, and one that hasn’t gone away is becoming a successful entrepreneur. Was your career a choice, an accident, or a survival instinct? I would say it could be a combination of all the above.
Who were your mentors?
My mother, Will.I.Am who’s an old friend, Tom Keane a music producer I worked with for some time, and Marty a 7 time cancer survivor whom I cared for during his last 6 months until he passed. They all had a big impact on my life.
What’s a risk you took that looked insane to everyone else but felt necessary to you?
Probably pursuing the music industry or some of the women I chose to date in the past.
Tell us a story that’s 100% true and still sounds like bullshit?
I was with the Black Eyed Peas when 9/11 happened, will never forget that!
What lie do you tell yourself to keep going?
That heat and pressure create diamonds, and I’m a diamond in the making!
You wake up in a film universe? What is it? Who do you play?
I wake up in the film universe of A Heart Full of Hope. The world is full of purpose, emotional and cinematic. I play “Jai” an influencer who’s also a music artist.
What’s something people assume about you that’s completely wrong?
Perhaps I may seem conceited, but I’m just confident in myself.
What are you chasing next: clarity, chaos, peace, or power?
To build an empire, to build a legacy.
What does success look like when nobody’s watching?
Bills paid on time, no debt, quality time with family and friends, and resources to help those in need.
What does 2026 look like for you?
The best year to date, it looks progressive and epic literally as we launch our own Fortnite game this year, exciting times ahead!
For more Reel Black List honorees, click here.
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