Queens
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Who threw the first punch?
Why did the groupreallybreak up?
What made you devote your life to God?
When did you feel it was most safe to celebrate your identity as a lesbian?
How did you manage life after losing millions of dollars?
What do you think about the current state of women in hip-hop?
Created by Zahir McGhee,Queensis the musical drama about women in hip-hop that we didnt realize we needed.
Who are the Nasty Bitches, you ask?
Now in their 40s, the women reunite to reignite the magic they once shared.
It makes sense that the framing of the video screams Hype Williams influence.
We meet the women via split-screen life in 1999 visually juxtaposed against life today.
During Professor Sexs performance, its hard not to imagine which female emcees her character was inspired by.
Im sure the answer is many.
While doing the hair of two of her daughters, her youngest daughter rocks her Nasty Bitches chain.
Brianna and her husband have a seemingly happy marriage.
The two flirt while discussing her husbands recent health issues.
From their cute kitchen flirting, we learn that its been a while since theyve had sex.
We next meet Jill (Da Thrill).
During her Nasty Bitches days, Jill had a wild side.
Jill has been hiding her sexuality from her family and friends for years.
She is the current host of The Shade Americas top-rated morning talk show.
But when she finds herself in trouble at work because of her shady im-a-do-whatever-it-takes-to-get-to-the-top ways, she quickly reconsiders.
Last but not least, Naomi (Xplicit Lyrics).
Back then, she was a hard-core female rapper.
Id say she has themostdrama of the four women.
A lot happens in the premiere episode.
Naomi surprises Jojo for her birthday, but Jojo feels abandoned and rejects Naomis efforts.
She gives Jill somewhat of an ultimatum.
And Valeria gets caught drugging her co-host out of spite and jealousy.
Her plan worked temporarily.
Fans now want to know why the group broke up and their current whereabouts.
After 20 years of not seeing or speaking to each other, the now-40-year olds meet up in L.A.
The meet-up is filled with excitement, nostalgic handshakes, hugs, and Black girllike greetings.
That is up until Valeria arrives.
Most recently, producerDallas Austin recounted when Monica punched Brandy in the face before their VMA performance.
Since then, bothBrandyandMonica have confirmed the teenage brawl.
Naomi and Valeria get their resentment and anger out of their system.
After the scuffle, the two share intimate moments.
It sucks this moment doesnt last for long, though.
I smell nothing but drama.
They only have a week to prepare to perform at the BET Awards with new-age colorful rapper Lil Muffin.
After the drama is set aside, they get to the dope-ass cypher!
And the women do not disappoint!
The women jump right into practice mode, accompanied by Lil Muffin and the iconic hip-hop choreographer Fatima Robinson.
At practice, Jill catches Lil Muffin crying in the bathroom.
Muffin, whose real name is Lauren, is frustrated by her managers and the male-dominated industry in general.
Jill reminds Lauren of the importance of separating her persona from who she is as a person.
She sees so much of herself in Lauren, including the drug habit.
The tension between Jill and Laurens manager ends with her backhand saying Hi to his face.
He, of course, breaks the joint-performance agreement.
With their big opportunity no longer in front of them, the ladies start finger-pointing.
Amid the arguing, Jill shouts out that she is gay.
The women make up and acknowledge that their friendship is worth more than a crowd or stage.
Sisterhood is a big theme here, as the women forgive and love on each other.
They also remain committed to putting on a flawless show to honor their once-thriving career.
The performance also includes a revised verse from Jill da Thrill where she expresses her love for her girlfriend.
The ladies understood the assignment so much that the Queens are going on a world tour with Lil Muffin!
Ill be getting my ticket!
Other Notes
I could listen to Brandy sing all day!
I absolutely love how her singing was integrated into episode one.
Yup, both Brandy and Eve will write and record original songs for the show.
Did yall peep hip-hop video veteran Fatima Robinson?
She most recently was the creative producer for the 2021 Grammy Awards.
So far, the show doesnt feel gimmicky or corny.
I hope it remains that way.
