Emanuel Lee was born on May 3, 1975, at Hillcrest Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Major Emanuel Lee and the late Rosa Mae Franks. He had one sibling, Rose Marie Lee.

Emanuel was born and raised on East 139th Street. He attended Mount Pleasant Catholic, where he helped establish the Royal Family. Emanuel excelled in basketball at Mount Pleasant Catholic and played baseball for Glenville St. Henry's. He had a special bat that was known for hitting home runs and a special pitch called the knuckleball. Emanuel later earned his GED and a bachelor's degree in business. He was a man of God and a member of Throne of David Missionary Baptist Church. In his early twenties, he welcomed a son, Kenneth Barkley Jr. He later married Tamika Crankfield, and they had three children: Maya Lee, Madison Lee, and Mekhi Lee.

For many years, Emanuel worked in security before becoming a truck driver for Simmons Trucking. He was more than an avid sports lover; he was a serious and devoted Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Guardians fan. Emanuel gained his wings on July 17, 2026.

Emanuel was preceded in death by his mother, Rosa Mae Lee; his father, Major Emanuel Lee; and his son, Kenneth Barkley Jr.

Emanuel leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Rose Marie Lee; his three children, Maya Lee, Madison Lee, and Mekhi Lee; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.