When you think of LisaRaye McCoy, you probably picture the "Diamond" queen in head-to-toe white, exuding that unmatched Chicago energy. But for those who’ve been following the actress since the The Players Club or her All of Us days, there’s another face that’s just as familiar. That would be Kai Morae, her only child. Honestly, if you saw them walking down the street together, you might mistake them for sisters. The genes in that family are truly something else.
Kai Morae isn't just a "celebrity kid" who stays in the shadows. She's been a public figure in her own right for over a decade. Still, there is a lot of noise online about who she is, what she does, and her life behind the scenes. People often assume she’s just riding her mother's coattails. That's not the case.
The Reality of Growing Up as LisaRaye’s Daughter
Kai Morae Pace was born on December 5, 1989. Her father is Kenji Pace. While LisaRaye’s high-profile marriage to Michael Misick (the former Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands) made global headlines, Kenji has generally remained more low-key.
Growing up as is LisaRaye's daughter meant Kai was thrust into the spotlight early. We saw her as a teenager and young adult on the reality show LisaRaye: The Real McCoy. That show was... intense. If you watched it, you remember the raw, sometimes uncomfortable friction between mother and daughter. It wasn't always the "all-white-outfit" perfection we see on Instagram. They bumped heads. A lot.
They’re both Tauruses.
That explains the stubbornness. LisaRaye has always been an "alpha" personality—protective, demanding, and fiercely independent. Kai, meanwhile, had to find her own voice while living under the roof of a woman who is essentially a cultural icon. It wasn't just about the fame; it was about the expectation of excellence.
Kai Morae’s Career: More Than Just a Famous Last Name
Kai didn’t jump into acting like her mom. Instead, she pivoted toward the fashion world. She made a significant splash as a plus-size model long before "body positivity" was the mainstream marketing buzzword it is today.
One of her biggest breaks came when she became the face of Apple Bottoms. Remember those? Nelly’s clothing line was huge in the mid-2000s and early 2010s. Kai was featured in major campaigns, including ads for Macy's. She proved she had the "it" factor without needing to recite lines from a script.
- Modeling: She worked with Derek Blanks and other high-profile photographers.
- Influencer Work: She’s built a massive following on social media, focusing on lifestyle, beauty, and parenting.
- Entrepreneurship: Kai has dabbled in various business ventures, keeping her hands in the fashion and beauty industries.
She’s always been very clear about one thing: she wants her own money. While the connection to LisaRaye opened doors, Kai has spent years trying to ensure those doors stay open because of her own work ethic.
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The Next Generation: Kai as a Mother
The dynamic in the McCoy household shifted significantly in December 2016. That was the year Kai gave birth to her daughter, Bella Rae.
Suddenly, the "Queen of White" became a grandmother. Or "G-Ma," as she prefers.
Seeing Kai as a mother changed the way the public viewed her relationship with LisaRaye. The tension we saw on reality TV seemed to melt into a shared focus on Bella. LisaRaye famously hosted a lavish, star-studded baby shower for Kai, attended by friends like Elise Neal and Kym Whitley.
Bella Rae is now a fixture on both their social media feeds. It’s funny how a grandchild can soften even the toughest personalities. The three generations of women—LisaRaye, Kai, and Bella—often post coordinated photoshoots (yes, usually in white) that show a much more unified front than the old reality TV days suggested.
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
There’s this weird narrative that Kai is "hiding" or that she doesn't get along with her mom because they aren't always seen together in 24/7 paparazzi shots.
The truth? She’s just private.
Kai doesn't seem to crave the chaotic energy of modern reality TV. She’s built a life that’s relatively stable and focused on her daughter. You’ll see her at the BET Awards or red-carpet events supporting her mom, but she isn't chasing every camera.
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Also, can we talk about the "lookalike" comments? Every time they post a photo, the comments section is a war zone of people arguing over who looks better. It’s a bit weird. Kai has her mother’s eyes and smile, but she’s very much her own person with a style that’s more modern-minimalist compared to LisaRaye’s classic "First Lady" aesthetic.
Why Their Bond Matters Today
In 2026, the "celebrity daughter" trope is everywhere. We see the "nepo baby" discourse daily. But Kai Morae feels different because she lived through the era of "struggle" reality TV. She didn't have a curated, PR-managed image from day one. We saw the arguments. We saw the tears.
That makes their current closeness feel earned.
When you look at is LisaRaye's daughter, you’re looking at a woman who survived the pressures of Hollywood parenting and came out the other side with her own identity. She’s an entrepreneur, a mother, and yes, the daughter of a legend.
What You Should Take Away
If you’re following Kai Morae’s journey, keep these things in mind:
- She’s a Body Positive Trailblazer: Her work with Apple Bottoms was a big deal for curvy representation in the 2010s.
- Parenting First: Her life largely revolves around Bella Rae now, and she uses her platform to share the highs and lows of motherhood.
- The Relationship is Real: Don’t believe every "feud" rumor. They are family; they fight, they love, and they show up for each other.
If you want to stay updated on her latest moves, your best bet is following her Instagram. She’s active there and usually shares her new brand partnerships and family milestones directly. Just don't expect her to wear anything other than white if she's posing with her mom—some traditions are just too strong to break.
Actionable Insight: If you're looking into Kai's professional work, check out her older modeling portfolios for Apple Bottoms. It’s a great case study in how the plus-size industry has evolved. For her current life, her social media provides the most authentic look at how she balances being a "legacy" child while raising the next generation.