Queens Of The Grind

Often times in Hip Hop Culture we forget about the ladies, like it's a men's only sport. But some women are the hardest working beings in the culture, locally, independently, and on the mainstream scale. Some do it with a graceful style, some do it with grit, but above all, they just do it. In Queens Of The Grind, I'll showcase some of the hottest, hardest working females in the culture. Let the ladies get some! 

First up is New Orleans' underground flame spitter, and NOLA Hip Hop Awards nominee, Xo Boogie. 2014 was an absolute banger year for Xo Boogie. On hit after hit, the young female MC showcased her amazing strengths which happen to be, relatable lyrics about life, larger than life metaphors, and a flow to make anyone run for cover, male or female. Before long, the world will undoubtedly know who Xo Boogie is, there's definitely room for her in mainstream rap, not just as a female MC, but as an MC in general. The game always needs a truthful, passionate spitter, and that's what Xo Boogie brings to the table each, and every time. If I had to compare her to a rapper in the game, I would compare her to J Cole, like Cole she always has a story to tell, and always brings that story right to your front door like it happened to you. For that very fact, she has a fan, and a supporter in me always. Xo Boogie the facts spitter! Queen of Underground New Orleans Rap.

Next up is OG Legs, a frequent guest on Sliktron.com, who we love to have each time. OG Legs hails as a female DJ, Queen of The Mix, with an impeccable style to match. With OG Legs' amazing style, awesome hair switch ups, social media presence, and of course the DJ Skills, she's destined to be a star. Her mixes always show her wide range in music taste, and I haven't been at an event in which she's dj'd before, but I heard from reliable sources that she gets busy! The ceiling is indeed missing for OG Legs. It's rare that you find a female DJ with this much personality, and this much charisma, and style, with the skills to match. She dropped a Thanksgiving mix on the site that I myself will be listening to for weeks to come. TheRadioShaq, and Sliktron.com definitely love OG Legs!

Kenna J. Moore, multi award winning Film Director, and owner of Ghost Of Elysian Films. Kenna J. Moore has already transcended the lines of being a female film director. She's shifted the culture in an entirely new direction. Two of her films have taken home awards at the NOLA Film Festival. First her enlightening, and eye opening documentary, Omitted, which shined light on the sometimes forgotten Bounce Music genre. Then her film, Church In Black  won an award, and that documentary gave you a chance to look deep into the perceptions of the black church. Kenna J. Moore is a go getter, someone who I've known for years, and who's been inspiring me for years. She's a beautiful woman, and a beautiful spirit, and just has the look of someone who can ultimately take the film industry by storm. Super excited to see what she has on deck next. Queen of Film.

The young lady that's bringing every artist's song to life right now, Cinemadona. Every music conversation that I have (and I have a lot of music conversations) involve someone asking, "have you seen so and so's new video?" And that video is always shot by Cinemadona, Wade, Daniel Heartless, Niño Wavey, FLOATN, the list goes on and on. If the video is hot, Cinemadona shot it! This is what I love about her work, no two videos are the same, but you can always tell that she shot it. It's a weird, but effective quality. There's a certain sharpness about a Cinemadona shot video that let's you know that she gets busy with the ratchet. Honestly if you're working on a project, and a campaign, trying to get your rocks off, a Cinemadona video is a necessity, in my opinion. Queen of The Visuals.

Karen Civil, aka Bae. What does Karen Civil do? Well, everything. Her job description isn't important. She's put her stamp on Hip Hop Culture, and she's certainly here to stay. Karen got her start interning for Funk Flex, and from there she's never stopped moving. Now she just freelances her way through the industry, impacting any career she can. Karen Civil is also a philanthropist, building a playground in Haiti recently. Her website booms up there with the hottest of Hip Hop sites, and you can always catch the exclusives on her social media accounts. It's been said that Karen is the new Oprah, and as a fan of the culture, I can see it, and I wish for that. She surely has the dedication, and passion for it. Karen Civil, Queen of Media.

Last, but certainly not least, Danyel Smith. Journalism's First Lady. FLOJ. Although married to the goat of Hip Hop Journalism, that's surely not the way the way the culture knows Danyel Smith. Danyel has carved her own lane as a well respected journalist. Starting her career as a freelance writer, and a columnist, Danyel Smith has come full circle in her career, and is now one of the leading faces of journalism. Along with her husband Elliott Wilson, Danyel Smith has a brand new, limited edition magazine called HRDCVR on the horizon that I'm extremely excited for. HRDCVR is a a culture magazine, created by diverse teams, for a diverse world. HRDCVR is very necessary, the world needed this, and Danyel Smith proves to be a journalism genius for assisting her husband in bringing it to life. Long Live Print. Queen of Journalism.