How Femme Queens Inspired Modern-Day Female Rappers

For many years, the look of a female rapper has become a quintessential part of their come-up. From Lil Kim’s cheetah print ensemble in her Hard Core photoshoot to the first time Nicki Minaj wore her 40-inch jet-black hair, we’ve seen a class of women in hip-hop emulate a certain energy and aura that transcends through music and social media. Whether it’s the extremely bright under-eye or super snatched silhouette, the look is usually labeled the Instagram baddie or female rap aesthetic, but what many people forget to acknowledge is the femme queen impact. 

The term femme queen stems from the ballroom scene. She’s a transwoman who exudes the highest version of femininity. “Most simply, a femme queen is a trans woman in the ballroom community, but I think more true to what a femme queen is, it’s an energy and an essence,” says Jordyn Jay, founder of the Black Trans Femmes In The Arts Collective. “It’s like a powerful, commanding energy, and a femme queen commands the attention.” 

The intersectionality between hip-hop and LGBTQIA+ culture continues to grow, specifically regarding the women and femmes in the space. When we think of female rappers in the industry, we automatically pay attention to their looks and energy. For makeup artist Londolly, the evolution of the femme queen glam continues to show up in pop culture. “The femme queens from the early 2000s have always worn very bright concealer, thin eyebrows, a lot of highlight, blush, and lip liner for days,” she tells GU. “ Now, you see, they apply a lot of makeup in the industry, but they don’t know where it comes from.”

The impact of Femme Queens, from Crystal LaBeija to Leiomy Maldonado, extends beyond just clothing to encompass hair and makeup. These icons of the ballroom scene are known for their meticulouslysrc=”https://girlsunited.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/IMG_0445.jpeg” alt=”Seen In Legacy: How Femme Queens Inspired Modern-Day Female Rappers” width=”400″ height=”225″ />

Read ‘Meet the Founder Of Black Trans Femmes In The Arts Collective’

From JT’s infamous “pretty like a transgender” line in “No Bars” to Cardi B having notable femme queen

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Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth Pop Out celebration took the internet by storm with an unforgettable evening of music, unity, and a little pettiness. The special event commemorating Juneteenth drew attention online and in person for its special lineup and surprises throughout the night. Special guest performances by renowned artists like Tyler The Creator, DJ Mustard, and Steve Lacy added an extra layer of excitement, each delivering electrifying sets that resonated with the audience.

Beyond the stellar performances, the Juneteenth Pop Out was a testament to the power of community support. Lamar emphasized the importance of giving back, and the celebration featured various local artists, creating a vibrant atmosphere that blended the California music scene together.

One of the most talked-about moments of the evening was Lamar’s performance of his diss track to Drake, “Not Like Us.” Lamar’s decision to perform the song five times back-to-back at the event was a bold statement as each rendition was charged with intensity and emotion. Check out the most viral moments from yesterday’s festivities.

Hoping to hear this song live? Purchase your Kickback Ticket Here

During his opening performance, Lamar surprised fans with an electric performance of “Euphoria,” where he debuted a new element of the song, spitting, “Give me Tupac’s ring back, and I might give you a little respect.” A reference to Drake recently purchasing the jewelry at an auction last year.

KENDRICK OPENING UP WITH PERFORMING EUPHORIA FOR THE FIRST TIME WITH EVERY ONE SINGING ALONGTHIS IS LEGENDARY SHIT pic.twitter.com/KGOQPrewV5

We all remember where we were when “The Box” dropped, so it was only right to see Roddy Ricch at the Pop Out concert taking fans on a trip down memory lane.

Roddy Ricch’s performance of “The Box” tonight at Kendrick’s “Pop Out” concert was insanepic.twitter.com/mI84Bl6sdC

Tyler The Creator performed a surprise performance during the festivities, and fans embraced him on the stage. “It was beautiful to see the whole city come together last night,” he tweeted. My first raps were written at home off Crenshaw Dr and 82nd, right down the street from the forum. Thank you. Shout out to FREE LUNCH.”

it was beautiful to see the whole city come together last night. my first raps were written at home off crenshaw dr and 82nd, right down the street from the fourm. thank you. shoutout FREE LUNCH https://t.co/aoPmNqmcsO

As Lamar performed many of his hits, he brought several sections, artists, and musical figures together on stage to celebrate the city’s coming together. “This sh-t gets me emotional,” Lamar says. “We done lost a lot of homies to this music sh-t. A lot of homies to some street sh-t and for all of us to be on this stage together; unity from each side of motherf-ckin L.A., Crips, Bloods, Pirus this sh-t is special, man.”

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In true Gemini fashion, Kendrick Lamar activated his petty powers when he performed “Not Like Us” five times in a row. From the intense camera work to fans screaming the entire song he broke the internet. Not only did he have massive fan support, but many rappers and LA figures hopped on stage with him to have a full celebration as the diss track played.

KENDRICK RAN NOT LIKE US BACK IMMEDIATELY AND LET THE CROWD SING THE LYRICS FOR HIM DOG.. HE BARELY RAPPED!!!THIS IS THE MOST INSANE VICTORY LAP IVE EVER SEEN IN MY FUCKING LIFE pic.twitter.com/dig3zzZlC5

About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.

The post Everything You Missed At Kendrick Lamar’s Juneteenth Pop Out appeared first on Girls United.

Welcome back to Vitamin G, where we aim to tackle those intimate issues that may be considered taboo. Porn can be used to create a new level of intimacy between you and your sexual partner or by yourself. However, is it possible that porn could also be a hindrance to your sexual exploration? Porn is nothing to be ashamed of, and sex is a form of self-expression. 

While you may presume that this article solely focuses on the negative impacts of porn, there are many ways that porn can serve as a guide for your partner to learn ways to please you. Here are some ways that porn can affect our sexual appetite.

Due to the association that porn may have with guilt and shame, many people view porn in isolation. GU spoke with a former PornHub and OnlyFans content creator Muhammad A. Sanders where he spoke on how creating content for these porn sites for two and a half years impacted his relationship. “My relationship of five years was impacted, and we were serious to the point where we got engaged, which affected it towards the end. I was doing solo content, and she found out, which strained our relationship. She told me to delete everything, and I did,” he tells GU.

When porn is used improperly, it can disconnect people from genuine relationships. GU spoke with Mental Health Therapist Lamarr Lewis to explore the impacts that porn causes and how to utilize these outlets efficiently. Lewis told GU that “there is a lack of good sexual education, and it is important to find balance because porn can be educational through visual images. The issue comes from the secrecy of the porn within the relationship and that it becomes an unhealthy relationship associated with porn.” This level of isolation can create damaging impacts on one’s mental health and our ability to connect with others on a transparent level without fear of being judged.

According to a widely referenced study conducted by Dr. Dolf Zillman and Dr. Jennings Bryant in 1988, porn can switch the focus of our association with sex and create some self-serving tendencies as you start to become more focused on receiving pleasure than being in tune with your partner.

GU spoke with Melanie Truitt as she expressed a previous encounter that she experienced with a lover from years ago that overindulged in porn and masturbation. Truitt explains, “It felt like I was in a movie scene or something and not a good one. It felt like I just knew I would have a bad time.”

Moreover, a study was conducted in 2021, which showed that 1 in 4 adults believe that porn is the most helpful source for learning how to have sex. Lewis also stated that there is an importance in learning our association with porn whether it’s for performance enhancement, partner guide, or anxiety. Porn can be used to create visual guide points to discover new ways to please your partner or create an erotic atmosphere to further embrace your desires. 

When asked if porn can be a form of creating intimacy between you and your partner, Kori Crutcher told GU, “Yes, my partner and I are finding ways to make porn sexy for us because it’s our fantasy world,” Crutcher continues her sentiments as she states, “Girls can be just as horny as boys. Porn helps me keep a clearer head before I start my day.”

If you feel the need to gain more intimacy with your partner through pornographic films, Lewis reviewed how some of his clients indulge in creating their sex tapes and use them to please their sexual impulses. This is a perfect way to keep things steamy for you.

Porn addiction can lead to long-term effects on your libido, which may affect your ejaculation frequency. Lewis further expounds on the issue of performance anxiety with men by stating that “due to enlarged penises that are displayed in pornography, some partners are not taking into account the film cut scenes, angle placement, and drug enhancements that some of these paid actors use to create longer films,” he says.

“Performance anxiety affects men also by challenging a man’s ability to make women squirt as these films display and some people don’t consider the exaggerated measures taken to create these scenes in these films.” Porn can also influence our attitude towards the association with lubrication, semen, genitalia expectation, and performance anxiety.

We have to consider the positive effects that porn has on the liberation of gaining confidence in an explicit and sensual atmosphere. Another way to change your association with porn is perhaps to indulge in porn stars that resemble your aesthetic, and it can change the narrative of how you view porn by learning how to please yourself and how you are seen as desirable in these sexual scenes. GU spoke with LGBTQIA+ advocate and ally Makeda Allen as she shed light on how porn can positively affect the LGBTQ community and how it can affect everyone’s self-esteem.

“It is impactful for trans men, women, and nonbinary people to see depictions of themselves in porn scenes where it shows actors that have similar appearances such as surgical scars and other body similarities since the community has been stereotyped as taboo in some narrow-minded environments. I can only imagine the amount of confidence that is instilled in them as they see depictions of themselves being sexually desirable to their partners,” she says.

These same sentiments can be said when considering the level of confidence that anyone can gain when viewing individuals who resemble their same attributes. This can help you become more comfortable with your body and learn how you want to be loved sensually.

About Amber: Amber Little is a writer, fashionista, and digital content creator. She has used her Journalism degree from Georgia State University and is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Interior Design at SCAD to educate others through life and beauty. 

The post Vitamin G: The Effects Porn Has On Our Sexual Health appeared first on Girls United.

It’s common for Black families to not know their historical archives because of centuries of inhumane treatment, from being kidnapped in Africa and sailed into slavery in the U.S. to other inequalities that continue today in the shadows. Due to this immediate adjustment, there weren’t many opportunities to hold onto our history, heirlooms, or property. One thing we did keep is recipes, passed down by practice or word of mouth. 

Traditionally, elders and youth observed each other. Then, the scribes and griots kept tradition. Thanks to improved technology and this generation’s efforts to immortalize elders’ stories, African Americans are better at documenting the previous generation’s struggles and triumphs. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become your family’s archivist.

“Before going to the foot of your elders, you first must develop an internal voice,” says Kesau’c N. Hill, a Los Angeles-based healer who teaches people how to develop an inner dialogue by journaling. “Learning Thyself comes with a new sense of purpose and dignity that we are missing across the consciousness of African Americans.”

He said acknowledging Ubiquitous Assimilation all day, from every direction, all the time, allows one to disconnect and go within. One has to physically dissimulate, unplug, and get out—go where nothing but nature exists. The Earth holds bones for thousands of years; they know one’s ancestors.“Writing is what they call magic, and it has always been that; that’s why when you put alphabets together, it’s called spelling,” he says. “It symbolizes a vibration that is life. That tone is called the word. This is why griots are important, and knowing our sacred languages holds the key, because in the beginning was the word.”

Develop an inner monologue. Communicate with the world around you. Spirits—your ancestors, don’t yell, they whisper. The word journal comes from the word journey. When you journey, writing the experience becomes immortalized. Hill utilizes the art of journaling, poetry and talk therapy as a creative means to address various traumas and connect within.

The last time a person speaks your name is when the soul dies the second time. He put an emphasis on “speak” and not just “remember” because he says you can’t draw from your reality if it’s in your mind.” He references a time when people would recall the names of ancestors just in their names alone. “My name is Kesau’c N. Hill, born to Shar’on Daire’ and Louis Hill.” Some can’t even remember who their great-grandparents are,” Hill says. Embrace the opportunity for self-reflection. Record your story using a tape recorder, voice memo app, video, or written responses. Our individual narratives will be part of Black History, too.

Preservationist DeMarco Smith credits his grandmother, Eulise Barbara Dillard, with why he was introduced to history at such an early age. He witnessed her scrapbooking everything he wrote and did. She would decorate her walls and kitchen with his work. She even had a built-in library in name order: Jet, Ebony and Essence Magazine. She kept a big cassette of Marvin Gaye and all the Black History. 

Smith’s best friend from his youth was Feltus Quartet, 91, who helped build the 110 and 405 freeways in Los Angeles and marched with Martin Luther King. They often hung out at Winchell’s donuts and discussed the elder’s legacy. Smith recalled being a young cat reading the newspaper and watching Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons. “In the Black community, your resources can come from aunts and uncles,” Smith says.

Even in America, Black History starts with oral and our elders passing it down. Before the Civil War, Black People were considered property without last names or legal marriages. Finding someone’s family tree can be hard; people often hit brick walls. The next time you talk to your elders, ask them about their life. Interview everyone at the next family function to weave a quilt of your shared history. 

Don’t know what to ask? Ask questions like: Who were they born to? Where were they born? What were their grandparent’s names? What is their message to the youth?“We’re returning back to our Oral History traditions,” says Archivist David Steele Ewing.

These days, we can rely on stories, family bibles, photos, newspaper obituaries, photos, birth/death, and marriage certificates. When someone passes away, where do their family photos and artifacts go? People worry about life insurance and deeds of the material world but don’t realize that keeping family traditions and the family name is where the true richness sits. Use acid-free binders and photo albums to protect the integrity of the images over time. Put artifacts in glass cases. 

Preserving family photos is vital to your heritage; we don’t want to lose them. They hold the spirit of our shared stories and cultural legacies. Losing these visual treasures can feel like a piece of our identity is fading. Add pictures of your transitioned loved ones to your altar to honor those who aren’t living.

Smith’s process started with using the public library’s resources, including free Wi-Fi and computers. He treats archiving like a puzzle piece. He says he can only get the puzzle pieces from the journalists who wrote the story, like Slauson Girl, Miriam Matthew, Mayme Clayton, Charlotta Bass, and Leon Washington. “The newspapers are the proof that it happened,” Smith says. 

You can be an archivist by telling your story and preserving it by learning from elders, journalists, librarians, archivists, and others who have done this work. Ewing said Alex Haley, the author of “Roots,” traveled to courthouses and experienced hostility for asking about deeds and records while preserving the story of his ancestor, Kunta Kinte. Today, you have a little more liberty.

Preserving digital information, including historical content and digital data, and scanning pictures is a crucial step in safeguarding against losses caused by moving, disasters, or even theft by your cousin during a family reunion. Landmarks can also become personal identity and community memory. The psychological impact of losing landmarks on individuals and communities is catastrophic. It’s important to understand one’s roots and preserve its cultural heritage, as well as the potential consequences of not doing so. 

“What is the psychological impact of >South Central is Mecca.” “I didn’t come up for air at all; it was a sign from the higher power to do his work,” he says. 

The curriculum is designed to dive into the history and archives of the great migration; transportation;  employment; housing laws;  business; Black Panthers and Crips; Cointelpro sabotage, finding weak links to be double agents and informants to bamboozle the people; and the movement to create detachment and destruction.

About the Author: Nabou Ramu, born Seynabou Clark, is an afrocentric journalist who covers all things art, culture, and business. The griot’s word is an album for archiving and preserving time and memory within those beats. She is jazz to classical, documentaries to cinema, a ratio of soulful truth and naturally practiced. When she’s not writing, she is playing her saxophone, La Sirene, or painting. 

The post How To Properly Store Black Archives For Future Generations To Learn appeared first on Girls United.

One thing about people from the South — they don’t play when it comes to holidays, especially Juneteenth. Though Juneteenth became a federal holiday in 2021, it was celebrated centuries before. Black Americans revere June 19, 1865, because that is the day Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the end of the Civil War, which ended slavery for good. What used to be a sacred holiday, especially in the South, was heavily commercialized when it became nationally recognized. 

Brands threw marketing dollars toward campaigns to appeal to a specific audience and increase sales. After noticing how unauthentic the holiday felt after being accepted on the federal level, Black Americans took to social media platforms to express their frustrations. Those accustomed to much quieter, local holiday celebrations felt that people and brands were exploiting Juneteenth.  

Fast-forward to 2024, and some people, especially Zillenial Southerners, still feel that way. They are disappointed but not shocked at how brands continue to capitalize on the holiday. “They’re trying very hard to reach this demographic, and it’s very obvious, ” says Jamie Daurell, a recent Columbia University Graduate who grew up in North Carolina, “It’s definitely what I would expect from the way America is.” 

Unpopular Opinion: But #Juneteenth was better off remaining a Black Texas holiday that was regionally and culturally embraced by Black people down south.Corporations, white people, and East/West Coast Black folks who found out about it have exploited/commodified its meaning.

The obnoxious plastering of Juneteenth in retail stores and corporate spaces feels the opposite of how it should be celebrated. Daurell says, “It should feel like a family reunion.” Growing up, she experienced intimate gatherings to celebrate Juneteenth. The Black community in her hometown would host outdoor activities at their local park. Now, the national initiatives are overwhelmingly off-putting and disingenuous to her.

Since federal holidays are embedded into a corporate calendar, marketing initiatives probably won’t cease, but Black Americans have been intentional about making Juneteenth feel communal again. When asked how she’s seen those her age continue to highlight the legacy of Juneteenth, Daurell enthusiastically mentioned her friend’s festival. “The event celebrates black music throughout time and how it’s progressed in our history,” Daurell says, “Since it’s coming from within the black community, it feels very genuine.” 

Celebrations by us, for us, reinstate the honor and adoration a holiday like Juneteenth should uphold. That “family” feel of togetherness, celebrating the freedom of our ancestors from their horrific treatment in this country. Luckily, we had the privilege of speaking to the event organizer that Daurell spoke of, Marquéz Cassidy. His Family Reunion: The Juneteenth Special event in North Carolina merged Black Music Month and Juneteenth celebrations.

He resides in a rural community with a low Black population, so knowing more than one demographic would show up to the event, he made sure to “make awareness around the Juneteenth holiday because some people don’t see the relevance as to why we celebrate it or why it should be important to them.” But don’t get it twisted; they partied, too. They had soul food, played games, and did a soul train line.  Cassidy enthusiastically mentioned, “We played Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Luther Vandross — stuff you would normally hear at a family reunion.”

Cassidy’s event embodies what many young adults nationwide, especially in the South, do to revere Juneteenth. They have an element of education, ensuring that those who suffered before us are recognized and honored, and then have an element of partying. He says it highlights “the joys and the pains… the tales of our struggle but also celebrates where we are and where we’re headed. It has to be both.”

Beyond hosting events, those in the South remain connected to the history of Juneteenth through stories. Folklore keeps history and traditions alive. “There are people within our midst, grandmothers and grandfathers, great grandmothers and great grandfathers… people that we can sit down with and talk to, and read a book with that sheds light on things we wouldn’t normally hear.” 

As those more closely affected by slavery, segregation, and blatant racism are dwindling, we must seek out information from them. A shift occurs through this knowledge transfer, almost like a release, to pioneer history forward, becoming responsible for the information they’ve shared. “The Black leaders have tried to be very intentional about passing on the mantle and elevating the younger people so that new traditions can be born and be carried out,” Daurell says, “I think the face of it [Juneteenth celebrations] is the younger people with support from older generations.” 

As the ability and capacity of those before us to advocate decreases, the theme of ‘passing the baton’ increases in local communities. Juneteenth’s legacy can’t be condensed to kente cloth designs on ice cream containers and candles. It’s meant to be revered through activities that inform and reflect on its history and connect communities whose descendants were directly impacted by slavery. Spending time with generations before us and taking in their stories is how history and traditions are kept alive. Southerners get that and are therefore committed to preserving the culture around Juneteenth.

About the Author: Shelby Denise Smith is a Social Media Editor and Freelance Writer. She’s passionate about life rel=”tag”>feedback Juneteenth trending

The post Let’s Talk About It: How Southern Gen Z’ers Bring Awareness To Juneteenth’s Legacy appeared first on Girls United.

This summer, we’re in our “that girl” era, adding to our wardrobes and wearing things to elevate our feelings. The warm weather is when all is well, socializing doesn’t feel too strenuous, and energy is high. Adding staple and statement pieces to your. Having a jewelry collection this season is a good route to get into your groove of “that girl” summer activities. 

We’ve found a few brands we’ve loved that embody the good vibes we’re all trying to give off this season. Effortlessly cool, inspired, and Black-owned brands are on this list. These brands offer self-expression from dainty necklaces, statement earrings, and everyday rings. Keep scrolling to see what brands take us through our hot girl summer shenanigans of late nights and exhilarating weekends.

Read ‘YouTube To Entrepreneur: Shop These Influencer Owned Brands’

Tenisha Wilde founded the namesake brand in 2016. The brand is based on the love of travel and exploration. Summer is about new experiences and making unforgettable memories, so we highly recommend trying out some uniquely crafted pieces.

A post shared by Ten Wilde (@tenwilde)

Melanie Marie was founded in 2013 by Melanie White to bring her talents in custom jewelry to the forefront. From nameplates to custom script earrings and more, this brand leans on the classics and embodies finding who you are. Maybe this summer is a coming-of-age season for you.

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The New York-based brand founded by Morgan Thomas offers innovative and unique pieces that are sustainable through upcycling. Morgan is not one to waste; if you aren’t, her charmed earrings are definitely for you.

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SOKO, founded by Gwendolyn Floyd, Catherine Mahugu, and Ella Peinovich, offers an array of jewelry lines from multiple artisans. This gives different emerging designers and brands a chance to step into the spotlight, something we’re always down to support.

A post shared by SOKO (@shopsoko)

Ashley McFarlane founded Omi Woods in 2016, inspired by African craftsmanship. The brand offers pieces that feel like heirlooms that can be passed down from generation to generation, as they also have a timeless effect. 

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Founded by Lisette Scott, Jam + Rico is inspired by Caribbean heritage. The brand’s pieces embrace the warm weather, gorgeous waves, and tropics feeling of an Afro-Caribbean Island. 

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The post These Jewelry Brands Are A Must For The Season appeared first on Girls United.

As the temperature continues to rise the summer festivities are only just getting started. ESSENCE Festival of Culture is only a couple weeks away and we are highly anticipating seeing your fly fits, take inspiration from our favorite creatives before you pack your bags and head down south. 

Skirts are a go to no matter the season. Whether they are sheer, patterned or just a solid color they seem to be the focal point of any outfit. You can dress them up with a pair of stilettos or select a more casual option by opting for a combat boot. Influencer Malonnie J chose a green skirt, paired with Samba sneakers, and an interesting sock combination. 

Making a statement with the perfect stiletto is the perfect way to complete a summer ensemble. Ever since Loewe debuted their balloon heels and rose stiletto the it girls have been hooked ever since. Creative Mary Ann sported a pair of pale yellow sandals with a strapping silhouette and a floral piece sitting right on the toe. 

Whether you prefer a microshort or an oversized option the opposing lengths will add drama to your simplest outfit. It doesn’t matter if you’re headed to a festival or celebrating Fashion week like stylist MV Tiangue, an oversized pair of shorts will always seal the deal. 

Let’s be honest; Instagram can be the best place to find your next outfit. There is nothing wrong with grabbing a little inspiration from the Internet, and these creatives brought the best >livinglikebeni View this post on Instagram

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It’s that time of year when we get to bring Hot Girl Summer to Essence Festival 2024 at GU Creator’s House. Now, if you missed it last year, just know that we’re doing things bigger and better. As promised, GU continues to be the epicenter of innovation, networking, and creation. We provide attendees a unique platform to showcase their work, learn from industry leaders, and collaborate with their peers outside social media.

Attending the Essence Girls United Creator’s House this year grants our readers another opportunity to connect and speak to some of the culture shifters in the industry. As Zillennials continue to rise in their careers it’s important to remember it’s also about who you know to make a name for yourself in the industry. As your virtual big sister, we’re here to bring the people to you with some of the most influential people making waves behind the scenes and in front of the camera.

These creatives are here to help provide practical knowledge and mentorship. Through various conversations, the playmakers attending are here to help attendees refine their craft, expand their networks, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry landscape. GU Creator’s House is more than just a learning experience; it celebrates Black Zillennial’s creativity and global impact. This year’s Creator’s House promises to be a >Want to experience GU Kickback? Purchase Tickets Here

Spinelli is a young woman from New Orleans who fell in love with music at an early age. Her taste has no limits and neither does her deep knowledge of music when it comes to her favoritedecoding=”async” src=”https://girlsunited.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/SPINELLI-FRI-JULY-5TH-SUN-JULY-7TH-scaled.jpeg” alt=”Essence Festival 2024: Here’s A Sneak Peek At Who’s Going To Creator’s House” width=”400″ height=”225″ /> Lynae Vanee

NAACP Image Award Nominee Lynae Vanee, is a multifaceted performer, poet, influencer, writer, and actress from Atlanta, Georgia. A graduate of Spelman College and Boston University with a Master’s Degree in African American Studies, Lynae uses her digital platforms to speak on race, feminism, politics, and inclusivity. Her viral videos have garnered over 70 million views across platforms.

Elyse Fox is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker, writer, and founder of the nonprofit Sad Girls Club. Sad Girls Club was created to provide access, resources and community within the mental wellness space to Black women and the BIPOC community. For nearly a decade, Elyse has offered thought leadership through collaboration with brands and organizations, including L’Oréal, The US Intelligence Community, Harvard, Nike, and Google.

Derrian “Phreshy” Perry is an award-winning publicist, life decoding=”async” src=”https://girlsunited.essence.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PHRESHY-FRI-JULY-5TH.jpeg” alt=”Essence Festival 2024: Here’s A Sneak Peek At Who’s Going To Creator’s House” width=”400″ height=”225″ /> Zay Morris

Zay Morris is a trailblazer and multi-disciplined artist who hails from Mississippi and operates creatively from New Orleans, Louisiana. He chronicles his exploration and experimental techniques through his coveted brand, Saint Michèle Atelier. He gravitates his focus toward sustainability and artisanship, using antiquated references and pieces to cultivate stories that align with his creative visions.

About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.

The post Essence Festival 2024: Here’s A Sneak Peek At Who’s Going To Creator’s House appeared first on Girls United.

Unpopular opinion: club culture is dead—at least in New York. The generation that grew up watching music videos and seeing a steamy club scene from the Y2K era, anxiously awaiting the day they got to experience it for themselves, has outgrown it. Today, parties have taken over as the hotspots for nightlife, with monthly events like Beautiful Faces, Everyday People, and the rising function, South House. 

Founded by Nashville native Tochi Ukwu, the South House brand didn’t start out as a party or of its name but a successful marketing ploy to promote Ukwu’s clothing line, Southern Yankee. Since throwing house parties from high school to retain funds for tuition, events are not new to Ukwu. The pop-ups of the graphics-heavy streetwear brand established in 2015 were partly impactful in the birth of South House. However, after reaching 600 – 800 attendees in Tennessee, Ukwu needed more space to grow.

“Am I going to be in Nashville for the rest of my life?” Ukwo reminisces. “I’d never lived anywhere else. I went to high school here, and after college, I stayed here, and I just kind of felt comfortable. I made a quick decision and within three weeks I quit my job and moved to New York.”

Just like anyone else who journeys to the Big Apple, moving to the city where over capacity meets your wildest dreams, took a leap of faith in 2019. To build his network and grow the Southern Yankee brand, Ukwo stuck to his party roots and brought his curations to New York. However, this time, he brought southern rap along with him. Mentioning the likes of Meg The Stallion, Future and Young Thug as prominent figures of southern hip hop that weren’t getting much streaming or radio plays in the north. Knowing no one, Ukwo’s quick thinking and hustle led him to begin the South House journey. 

“I did the first South House at a little rooftop in Bushwick called The Ledge and 75 people came out,” Ukwu tells GU. “It wasn’t anything big and I lost money on it, but people helped support me which gave me the confidence to say, ‘okay, let’s do it again,’” 

The motivation to continue paid off. In the following month, South House’s second party brought 200 attendees while the third event grew to 500. Just as the parties began to increase, the 2020 pandemic caused Ukwo to move back home to reconnect with family and reflect on the ways South House will return even bigger. In 2021, Ukwo moved back to New York and South House took off like it never left. 

“I wanted to bring that type of energy to New York, how when your mom sends you down south to live with your auntie for the summer and you’re staying with your cousins and learning what they’re doing there, in their customs and their culture,” Ukwu details. “I wanted to go back to the roots of feeling that intimate yet everyone’s dancing and no one’s on the wall vibe. South House stands for Southern Houseparty and we’ll give you a good time like nowhere else.” 

Scroll ahead to as GU chats with Ukwo about the influx of New York functions, the future of club culture and South House’s upcoming Juneteenth party.

Tochi Ukwu: Club culture is dead. With social media, we were able to communicate more and share the same sentiments that we’re just not having fun in these sections. Everyone’s getting super dressed up to spend thousands of dollars to sit in a section and just look at each other. No one’s moving. No one’s dancing. South House is the total opposite, we don’t cater to like the most popular influencers or celebrities, and people are going to dance and have a good time because that’s what’s needed right now. 

TU: I do a great job making difficult things look easy because this sh-t is hard. I wish anyone could start a business and throw a party for profit so they could see how hard it is to sell one thing or get people to show up. Some of the hardest parts are specifically in curating. It’s one thing when people give you kudos, but there are expectations that every event must be a banger.   

TU: I think, right now, we’re past just being a hot event, and we’re turning into an institution, and not only in New York but across the country. I think it’ll happen here soon, but I think that’s what will happen in the foreseeable future for us.

TU: I moved out here in late 2019, then I moved back in 2020, and then I came back at the beginning of 2021. I’ve roughly seen the last curator’s collectives of nightlife. The party scene isn’t like it used to be. There’s a lot of discourse online, and there’s a lot of discourse in certain communities [from] people who experienced the 2017-2019 [party scene], and the thing is, it’s not going to be the same, and it’s supposed to be different. The event scene in New York right now is exciting. There are so many different types of events right now. I think it’s a perfect time to live in New York and curate events there. 

TU: We’re so excited, and what makes the experience so special is the intentionality. Our community sees certain things and gets excited, so the experience is what I’m excited for everyone to be a part of. The theme is Black-owned brands. This is the third year we’re doing this theme and that’s special because it [encourages] people to shop Black and gives people a chance to support another Black-owned business. 

The post How South House Became The Hottest Party Across The East appeared first on Girls United.

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About the Author: Kenyatta Victoria is the lead writer for Essence GU, working on all things pop culture, politics, entertainment and business. Throughout her time at GU, she’s garnered devoted readers and specializes in the Zillennial point of view.

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