When words failed me, music spoke. It became my healing, my strength, and my purpose—a reminder that even from pain, something beautiful can rise.
Music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
When I was just five years old, I began to experience relentless bullying because of the color of my skin. It broke something inside me. By the time I was seven, I had learned to hate the reflection in the mirror and to hate the very skin I was born in.
But when words and pain became too heavy to carry, music found me. My music teacher, Cydney Dixon, placed a trumpet in my hands, and for the first time, I felt peace. That instrument became my refuge which was a place where the noise of cruelty was replaced by melody. I practiced nonstop and got so good that by eight years old, I was playing with the high school band.
At twelve, I taught myself piano and drums, and music became more than a distraction, it became my voice, my healing, and my hope. Later, as a music major at Sonoma State University, I found joy performing with local bands and using my voice to connect with others.
Even now, music remains my greatest outlet whether I’m playing drums at church to worship and give thanks or writing songs in my home studio to release pain, stress, or pure joy. Every note carries a piece of my journey from the darkness of self-doubt to the light of self-love and purpose.
That purpose became The LIME Foundation, and through its Turner Arts Initiative, I now help at-risk youth discover the same power of music and creativity that once carried me through. Because no child should ever feel unseen, unheard, or unloved.
This album is my way of giving back. 100% of the proceeds will benefit The LIME Foundation, supporting our youth as they find healing and hope through the arts.
The name “Puddle of Love” was born from the idea that love doesn’t need to be vast to be powerful. Even a small puddle can reflect the light of the sun, just as a single act of kindness or a simple melody can reflect love into someone’s heart. Through my music, I hope to spread those ripples of love one song, one story, one moment at a time.
The title track, “Queen of the Flame,” is the heartbeat of this album, a reflection of my journey from pain to power. It tells the story of rising from the ashes of doubt and shame, embracing every scar as proof of survival, and reclaiming my strength with pride. Queen of the Flame is not just a song, it’s a declaration that no matter how many times I was told I’d never make it, I continue to rise, higher than the flame.
Music became the voice God used to heal my heart and through this album, I hope to share that same grace and strength with others.
Queen of the Flame” by Letitia Hanke (Puddle of Love)
Queen of the Flame is more than an album, it’s a reflection of my life, my heart, and my healing. Every song tells a story about moments of love and loss, the state of our world, and the strength it takes to rise when life tries to pull you down. These songs came from the quiet spaces of grief, the sparks of hope, and the fire of perseverance that has carried me through for over 40 years.
Through each lyric and melody, I wanted to give voice to the emotions we all share but rarely say out loud such as heartbreak, courage, forgiveness, and resilience. This album is a reminder that even in darkness, we can still shine.
I chose the title Queen of the Flame because it represents the fire within each of us like the part that refuses to go out, no matter what we face. My hope is that this music will touch hearts, ignite courage, and remind people that love is stronger than hate.
And because giving back is part of who I am, 100% of the proceeds from this album will be donated to The LIME Foundation to support the Turner Arts Initiative, helping youth discover their own voices through music, art, and creativity.
This project is my way of turning pain into purpose and lighting the way for others to do the same.
Music became the voice God used to heal my heart and through this album, I hope to share that same grace and strength with others.
Songs
Game Over
This song makes me laugh every time I hear it! “Game Over” is about heartbreak in the worst way, filled with lies, deceit, and mistrust. I wrote it after going through a really rough relationship. When I finally ended things, I literally said, “GAME OVER!” and it felt so freeing.
This song is for everyone who’s ever been through that kind of heartbreak, the kind that hurts like crazy, but also teaches you how strong you really are. It’s that moment when you stop crying and start smiling because you realize you’ve taken your power back. So, crank it up, sing it loud, and let it remind you that sometimes the best win is walking away. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!!!
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Island Hearts
This song is about being on my favorite island with the man I love with that feeling of being completely free, surrounded by beauty, and lost in the moment. “Island Hearts” came from a place of peace and gratitude so it’s about slowing down, letting go of everything else, and just being with the one who feels like home.
When I wrote it, I was looking at the sunset dipping into the ocean, the palm trees swaying, and that golden glow where time seems to stop. It’s a song for anyone who’s ever fallen in love while the waves played your soundtrack and the stars lit the sky.
For me, it’s not just a love song, it’s a memory, a heartbeat, and a reminder of what it means to truly be present in love.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Unapologetic
This song is an anthem to my three best friends from our college days, back when we thought we were so cute strutting around in high heels that only ended up hurting our feet! “Unapologetic” is about those nights when the world felt like ours, full of laughter, bad dancing, and pure confidence.
It’s a reminder of who we were back then which was fearless, fun, and a little bit reckless (Although I was always Momma Tish making sure we didn’t get into trouble), and how that fire still lives in us today. We didn’t have it all figured out, but we were bold enough to shine anyway. This one’s for the girls who show up, stand tall (even in broken heels), and live life loud.
Because sometimes being unapologetically you is the most powerful thing of all. Love you Do, Hook, and Pookie!!
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Why
“Why?” is a song I wrote a couple years ago after a conversation with someone very close to me about the war in Ukraine. At the time, he was living here in America and couldn’t return home to see his family, to make sure they were safe. During that painful period, his mother passed away from cancer, and he never got the chance to say goodbye. Watching his grief and helplessness broke my heart.
This song was born from that heartbreak, but it grew into something much bigger. “Why?” asks the question so many of us carry quietly in our hearts: Why do we choose hate over love? Why do we let fear and anger divide us when compassion could heal so much?
In many ways, it’s not just his story, it’s ours. It’s about the walls we build, the pain we perpetuate, and the hope that somehow, love can still break through.
I hope this song moves people to pause, to feel, and to remember that even in a world full of conflict, love is still our most powerful act of resistance.
Find the Light
"Find the Light" was written in memory of a student we lost to suicide who was a young life full of promise that ended too soon. In that moment of grief, I wished he could have seen the spark still burning inside him, the light that can never truly go out.
This song is a reminder that no matter how dark life feels, there is always a fire in your soul waiting to be seen, felt, and held onto. It’s a message of hope, healing, and the courage to keep going to find the light that was always yours.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Bittersweet
“Bittersweet” is all about the chill island life that I love so much. It’s inspired by those moments when I’m barefoot in the sand, feeling the sun on my skin and the ocean breeze on my face in some of my favorite places like Hawaii, Jamaica, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Mexico… anywhere that lets me truly relax and just be.
This song is my reminder to slow down, breathe, and let go of all the noise of the world. No clocks, no shoes, no stress, just gratitude and peace. Life isn’t perfect, but in those moments when I’m surrounded by nature and calm, it feels bittersweet in the best way because I never want it to end.
For me, “Bittersweet” is the sound of freedom such as a hammock swaying, laughter in the distance, and the simple joy of being alive and blessed.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Rise Above
“Rise Above” comes from one of the deepest and most personal places in my life. It’s about the pain I endured from being bullied and told I’d never amount to anything because I’m a woman, and because I’m Black. There were moments I almost believed them… but I didn’t.
This song is my reminder that no one gets to define your worth but you. Every scar, every insult, every closed door became fuel for my fire. Rise Above is about reclaiming your power and turning pain into purpose and standing tall even when the world tries to shrink you.
It’s my story, but it’s also for anyone who’s ever been underestimated, dismissed, or made to feel small. You can rise, not just survive, but shine.
Because when the world says no… you rise above.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Unbroken
“Unbroken” is another deeply personal song to me. I’ve been through a lot of traumas in my life, things that could have broken me but with God’s grace, I’m still standing. This song is my anthem, not just for myself, but for every woman who’s ever been through pain, heartbreak, or hardship and found the strength to keep going.
It’s about owning your scars, your story, and your strength. Life doesn’t always go easy on us, but every time I’ve been knocked down, I’ve risen stronger. Unbroken is for all the women who refuse to be defined by what they’ve been through, the ones who fight, heal, and persevere anyway.
No matter what’s happened to you, you’re still here. You’re still standing. You’re Unbroken.
I dedicate this song to my dear friend Tylaun, because without you, I wouldn’t have found my journey back to music.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Underground
This song is one of the most personal pieces I’ve ever written. It’s taken me over 20 years to truly finish because I wasn’t ready to tell this story until now. “Underground” has many layers of meaning but it’s about hiding parts of myself, feeling lost in the dark, and finally finding the courage to rise up and be who I really am.
For a long time, I felt buried by fear, by doubt, by expectations. But somewhere deep inside, there was always a spark waiting to break through. This song is that moment of release.
I know many of you have felt the same, trapped, unseen, or silenced, but trust me, the cracks in your walls are just the light trying to find its way in. “Underground” is for everyone who’s ready to break free and rise.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
You’re my True Love
“You’re My True Love” is a heartfelt tribute to the person who feels heaven-sent like the love that makes every storm worth surviving. After years of heartbreak and searching, this song celebrates finding peace, warmth, and safety in someone’s arms. It’s about knowing, deep in your soul, that every wrong turn led you right where you belong.
With gentle, soulful verses and an anthemic chorus, “You’re My True Love” carries the warmth of redemption and the beauty of devotion. It’s a timeless love song and a reminder that true love isn’t found by chance; it’s found by grace. I love you, Jake.
Album drops Dec 5, 2025
Overflowing Joy
“Overflowing Joy” is a celebration of gratitude, a song that shines with faith, peace, and purpose. It honors every blessing that God has poured into my life and the joy that comes from blessing others.
With lyrics that dance between sunrise and starlight, the song reminds me that grace flows endlessly through laughter, kindness, and the quiet moments of gratitude. Each verse carries a message of renewal and generosity, echoing the call to “pay it forward” so others can feel that same divine light.
“Overflowing Joy” is both a prayer and a promise to live each day as a reflection of the blessings I’ve received.