#Repost REVOLT TV: Cardi B makes her debut at Coachella, further cements her deserved ascent to rap superstardom

Cardi B's scheduled Coachella debut is equal parts a publicist's dream and utterly divine timing. The 25-year-old has had no shortage of historic winsthese days, with the latest victory arriving merely hours before her highly anticipated (and admittedly costly) performance was slated to go down: this regular degular shmegular girl from the Bronx now has the No. 1 album in the country.

From her already Gold-certified debut Invasion of Privacy earning 255,000 equivalent album units its opening week to Cardi becoming the fifth female to land on the No. 1 slot on the Billboard Hot 200 to announcing her pregnancyon the Saturday Night Live stage to hosting the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon all in the past week and change, I've already used up my allotted word count listing her recent achievements and we haven't even gotten to her highly anticipated performance yet.

Needless to say, all eyes have been on the eccentric, unfiltered and empowering entertainer. While Cardi admits she's still getting accustomed to her meteoric rise into the spotlight, she handled the mammoth amounts of pressure like a veteran OG, baby bump and all. With a montage of throwback photos glowing behind her on massive LED screens, Cardi opened her set Sunday night (April 15) with her motivational and confessional track, "Get Up 10," the same song that kicks off her star-studded debut album.

With the desert sun slowly beginning to descend, Cardi B was joined by a squad of dancers, who broke out into a choreographed routine as she first addressed the crowd with her signature greeting, "Washpoppin' Coachella?"

Cardi B then transitioned into giving the festival crowd a brief introduction (one that may not have been necessary for those watching at home) quickly running through her earlier tracks "Lick" and "Foreva," the latter of which features the now-meme'd line that accented her glow-up from reality TV star to full-fledged rapper: "If a bitch beef with me, we gon' beef foreva."

"I'm running out of my breath, y'know my pregnant ass," Cardi B stated, several energetic twerks later, going on to recruit the help of her collaborator G-Eazy. The two performed their 3x-platinum banger, "No Limit," noticeably shaking the crowd out of a blissful daze as the audience began eagerly chanting the lyrics (and taking note of Cardi's not-so-subtle modification referencing the latest development in her personal life that she and Offset are expecting their first child).

Behind the pair, Cardi's crew of back-up dancers began taking their talents to the custom set design's metal structure, dangling off the top and showing off their Cirque du Soleil-esque moves on the supporting poles while donning white bikini tops. In other words, this was a move that the #BardiGang likely will interpret as an official FU to anyone who doubted her or strangely still dwells on her past as a stripper (and rightfully so).

Cardi B, who proudly paid homage to the iconic 90s group TLC with her all-white outfit and multiple high pigtails a la Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes during her set, got things moving with her braggadocious anthem, "Money Bag," before taking a swift moment to address the thousands in attendance and count her blessings.

"When God puts you somewhere, only he can take you not," she quipped. "No human, not the devil, juhuuuuurrdd."

As her flock of 90s-inspired dancers playfully flashed the crowd their white undies, Cardi B welcomed YG to the stage to perform their collaborative track, "She Bad," a track she hilariously credits her pregnancy with. ("And that's how I got pregnant y'all. Just like that. But look at this drip baby.")

While the transition into her next song, "Drip," was an easy one to predict after such an obvious segue, the rapper performed the banger-in-the-making sans Migos, something that is an interesting choice given her highly publicized engagement to Offset. Regardless of the missing special guests, Cardi was quick to make up for it, with Chance the Rapper casually skipping out to sing his contributions to their joint track, "Best Life."

At this point in Cardi B's performance, it became crystal clear that she has entered a new chapter in her career, one signified by both the ability to create hit-after-hit AND execute them flawlessly live. Her maturation as an artist and a performer is happening at lightning speed in front of our eyes and the world can't get enough of her Binderella story—especially not those who have been tuning in long before she was collaborating with the likes of Bruno Mars and dominating national television and the charts alike.

After thanking Chance for joining her on stage, Cardi was soon welcoming Kehlani in his place (aptly introducing her with her nickname Baelani), with the Bay Area native majestically belting out the deeply personal lyrics of "Ring," making for one of the most memorable and enjoyable live music moments of the entire weekend. Kehlani took her time exiting the stage, bowing down to Cardi in a gesture showcasing the glowing pride and respect her fans are now joyfully expressing as they rapidly tweet their reactions online.

DJ Sparkx, Cardi's longtime DJ, helped rile up the crowd in between tracks, with the energy soon shifting to make way for her more upbeat, club-ready songs. As exemplified by her striking growth since her days on Love & Hip-Hop, Bardi is increasingly in command of her audience and her material alike. Thankfully, while a lot has changed since then, Cardi has proven time and time again that her larger-than-life personality hasn't been eclipsed or compromised by her plethora of successes. With festive gemstones carefully placed around her eyelids, a detail that matched her trademark bejeweled nails, and her tried-and-true witty personality intact, Cardi's unfaltering authenticity continues to be her most important secret weapon, fueling her hard-earned reputation as the hottest in the streets.

While her lighthearted sense of humor and remarkable charm undeniably adds to the quality of her live show, Cardi B's Coachella performance was truly for the fans who have had her debut album on repeat since it dropped just over a week ago. From performing the cautionary "Be Careful" (even performing her singing parts live) to breaking out into a salsa for a quick rendition of "I Like It" and "Finesse" to being joined by 21 Savage for "Bardi Cartier" to closing with her definitive breakout monster of a single "Bodak Yellow," this performance undeniably further cements Cardi B's ascent into rap superstardom. The best part? She deserves it all. The second best part? She's just getting started.

Originally published here, via REVOLT TV.

#Repost REVOLT TV | Highlighting History: 10 Legendary achievements by women in music

One of my favorite inspirational memes of all time reads: "What's a Queen without her King? Well, historically speaking, more powerful."

While the quote's validity is entirely dependent on context, such as how Isabella of Castile, for example, was more powerful than her husband Ferdinand, it does speak to the interpretational mantra that a woman's worth is not defined by a male counterpart. And that is a mentality that many female or non-binary identifying trailblazers can get down with, especially in male-dominated industries such as music.

Throughout the past century and beyond, women have fought tirelessly, courageously and often selflessly to influence culture and the arts in an impactful way, despite maybe never having their stories properly told or their accomplishments acknowledged, let alone celebrated.

Such an uphill-but-necessary battle continues today, as grave statistics remind us that less than 5% of engineers or producers are female or that there haven't been more than three women in the top 10 most-played artist lists since 2014. One glance at the 2018 Grammy nominations will indicate that, yes, diversity is improving but throw a dart at the list and it's more than likely going to hit a man's name.

However, the desire to see women shine and representation change is becoming a more universal notion with each passing day and with every awards cycle. I'd like to think that the music industry is ready to embrace such a shift in power and praise alike, but naturally, that lies in the consumer at large.

While examining trends and predicting where the future of music is heading, it's undeniable that fans are a primary driving force. Through initiatives such as Spotify's gender equalizer (which creates a more gender-balanced suggested playlist) and Apple Music highlighting a list of its most-streamed women, the reminder becomes amplified in neon-lit letters: fans have the daily power of choice and there are no shortage of incredible (non-male) artists to choose to actively support.

As the groundwork continues (and to point out the obvious) there are dozens and dozens of women to thank and celebrate when it comes to today's music landscape. In honor of continuing the dialogue this Women's History Month, take a look at 10 legendary achievements that have had a profound effect on the history of music—and inspired millions along the way—with women leading the charge.

Note: Artists such as Beyoncé (please forgive me, Beyhive), Lauryn Hill, TLC, Nicki Minaj and Rihanna, among countless others, were left off this list in an effort to showcase a broad range of achievements across both the industry and art alike, as well as to honor some of history's finest who are no longer with us today.

Ethel Waters

Ethel Waters had an illustrious career both as a professional blues and jazz singer and as a dramatic actress. While growing up in extreme poverty, Waters turned to music to create a life for herself, with her versatile talents leading her to become the second Black woman (after Hattie McDaniel) to be nominated for an Academy Award, as well as the first woman of color to be nominated for an Emmy Award in 1962. Decades prior, in 1939, she became the first African-American to star in her own television show, The Ethel Waters Show, which was broadcasted on NBC.

While many of her accomplishments were for her work on screen, her work on stage as a vaudeville singer helped her pave her own way, later leading her to star on Broadway and perform alongside artists such as Duke Ellington. She has also had three recordings be added to the Grammy Hall of Fame, which was established in 1973 to honor recordings at least twenty-five years old that have had "qualitative or historical significance." Needless to say, the career and legacy of Ethel Waters is an extraordinary one.

Carole King

Carole King is best known for her accomplishments as a songwriter, with her pen game garnering her the recognition of being the most successful female songwriter for the latter half of the 20th century. Throughout the years 1955 and 1999, she wrote 118 pop hits that appeared on the Billboard Hot 100.

In the early '70s, King shifted her focus to recording her own material, releasing her debut solo album Writer in 1970. Her sophomore effort, 1971's Tapestry, became her breakthrough record, going on to hold the No. 1 spot on Billboard for 15 consecutive weeks. The project, which earned her four Grammy Awards, went on to remain on the charts for nearly six years after its debut and has since sold over 25 million copies to date. In 1987, King was inducted, along with her husband Gerry Goffin, into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, as well as into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame three years later. From being awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame to being recognized with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, King is an undeniable inspiration to songwriters and artists across the board.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe

Known as the "Godmother of rock and roll" and the "original soul sister," Sister Rosetta Tharpe inspired a generation of musicians, including Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry, Little Richard and Johnny Cash, to name a few. At the age of four, she emerged as a child prodigy, teaching herself the guitar and going on to perform alongside her mother as part of a traveling evangelical troupe. Her 1944 record "Strange Things Happening Every Day" became the first gospel song to make Billboard's Harlem Hit Parade (which eventually evolved into the R&B singles chart), with many critics referring to the song to as the first rock and roll record. From her renowned live performances to her expert guitar playing, Sister Rosetta Tharpe was as revolutionary as she was controversial, with some, unfortunately, denouncing her talents by saying she could "play like a man."

While most of her recognition has arrived posthumously, such as being commemorated with a stamp by the US Postal Service in 1998 and being inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2007, this past year saw a massive victory for her estate and legacy when she was elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as an Early Influence on December 13, 2017. Sister Rosetta Tharpe's unique guitar playing, which is categorized by the combination of melody-driven urban blues and traditional folk arrangements, undeniably helped pioneer what would later become immortalized as good ol' rock and roll.

Gloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" will go down in music history as one of the most memorable, impactful tracks of all time (just ask VH1, Billboard or Rolling Stone). Gloria's iconic disco smash earned her the first and only Grammy Award for Best Disco Recording. While the decline of the disco's popularity took a toll on Gaynor's career, she herself bounced back in ways the genre did not, building a name for herself through releasing over a dozen studio albums, touring the globe and, of course, performing her timeless classic, which was inducted into the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry in 2016. An icon living.

Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the First Lady of Song, Queen of Jazz and Lady Ella, was one of the most impeccable vocalists of all time. She became the first woman to earn a Grammy Award at the inaugural ceremony in 1958 and would later be awarded 14 total Grammys throughout her storied career, including one for Lifetime Achievement in 1967. Another standout from her impressive list of accolades was being honored with America's highest non-military recognition, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1987, which recognized her as a cultural ambassador who fought to break boundaries and overcome racial discrimination.

With archival material from her lengthy career being housed in the Archives Center at the Smithsonian and her personal music arrangements being held at the Library of Congress, Ella's legacy is rightfully being preserved and honored in a variety of ways. Today, her philanthropic spirit continues to live on in the form of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, which focuses on providing opportunities for the less fortunate in a variety of ways, such as through music education, medical research and providing academic opportunities for children.

Aretha Franklin

To say the least, Aretha Franklin is a force to be reckoned with. After earning the title of "Queen of Soul" in the late 1960s, she began carving a legacy entirely her own, going on to become the most charted female artist on the Billboard Hot 100—a crown that would later be passed to Nicki Minaj in 2017. In addition to becoming the first female artist to have 100 songs on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (with her 2014 cover of Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" helping her achieve this impressive career milestone), she also became the first woman to to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987. In total she has earned 18 Grammy Awards, including her Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 and an honorary degree from Harvard in 2014—and not to mention, an actual Asteroid was named in her honor.

From singing at Martin Luther King Jr's homegoing service in 1968 to performing at President Barack Obama's inauguration in 2009, Aretha Franklin's legacy can best be summed up by the former POTUS, who famously said in 2015, "American history wells up when Aretha sings. Nobody embodies more fully the connection between the African-American spiritual, the blues, R&B, rock and roll—the way that hardship and sorrow were transformed into something full of beauty and vitality and hope."

Sylvia Robinson

While Sylvia Robinson was a recording artist in her own right—and an award-winning one at that—she is best known for her work as founder/CEO of Sugar Hill Records. Her vision as a music executive earned her the title "the Mother of Hip-Hop," with Sugarhill Gang's 1979 record "Rapper's Delight" and 1982's "The Message," by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five helping both cement her legacy as a pioneer and introduce hip-hop to a mass audience across the United States.

While a biopic telling the story of how her business sense and savvy as a producer helped foster an entire musical movement has been in the works for the past several years, in the meantime, Taraji P. Henson's Empire character Cookie Lyon allegedly draws inspiration from Sylvia's four-decade-long career. Empowering, impassioned and dedicated are just three words of many to describe Sylvia Robinson and her forward-thinking, entrepreneurial spirit.

Whitney Houston

Of her many achievements, Whitney Houston is known for being one of the best-selling music artists of all time—impressively selling over 200 million records worldwide—and for being the most awarded female act of all time. Her domination on the charts began with her 1985 self-titled debut, which went on to become the best-selling debut album by a woman in history. Numbers aside, Whitney Houston is celebrated for her exceptional talent as a vocalist, for her legendary reign as the "Queen of Pop" in the 80s and 90s and for inspiring several generations of singers, with women such as Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Nelly Furtado, Destiny's Child, Alicia Keys and countless others all citing her as a key influence.

Outside of music, Whitney made her on-screen debut in 1992's The Bodyguard, going on to make several other high-profile film appearances. She held roles in 1995's Waiting to Exhale and 1996's The Preacher's Wife, with the soundtrack to the latter film becoming the best-selling gospel album in history.

From becoming the first women of color to receive heavy rotation on MTV for her "How Will I Know" music video to laying the blueprint for what has since been referred to as the pop/soul diva, Whitney Houston is forever immortalized as a music icon.

Sylvia Rhone

For women aspiring to hold down high-level executive jobs in the music industry, Sylvia Rhone is an absolute inspiration. In 1994, one standout achievement (of many) helped solidify her legacy, as she became the first Black woman to attain the dual title of chairman and CEO at a major label when she was hired by Warner Music Group chairman Doug Morris to lead the charge at Elektra Entertainment Group.

Throughout her storied career, Sylvia has worked at a variety of reputed companies, including Atlantic Records, Motown Records and Universal Records (which later split into Universal Republic Records and Universal Motown Records, the latter of which she served as president). Currently, Sylvia is the president of Epic Records, as well as is a member of the Board of Directors for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While her next career chapter remains in a state of speculation following Epic CEO L.A. Reid stepping down in 2017 after being accused of sexual harassment, one thing is certain: Sylvia Rhone's work in the music industry is far from finished.

Angie Martinez

Angie Martinez is a hip-hop radio pioneer and industry mainstay, just ask some of the ladies featured on our recent list highlighting the achievements of women in media. While earning her stripes as an intern at Hot 97 as a teenager, it soon became apparent that she was destined for a career in urban music/radio, something that DJ Funkmaster Flex recognized early on during their time working together. From teaching her to run the boards to encouraging her to hop on the mic, Angie went on to earn a show of her own, something that later proved to be one of the New York-based station's wisest decisions.

While balancing a burgeoning career in radio, Angie tried her hand at rapping after appearing on KRS-One's 1997 track, "Heartbreak." The guest feature soon led to opportunities to collaborate with the likes of Lil' Kim, Missy Elliott, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes and Da Brat. Their collaborative remix of "Not Tonight," which appeared on the Nothing to Lose soundtrack, went on to peak at number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earn Angie a record deal of her own. After releasing two studio albums in the early aughts, Angie announced her retirement as a recording artist, instead choosing to continue fostering her career in radio and work on other projects. In 2014, her decision to resign from Hot 97 to sign on with their main competition Power 105.1 shocked the industry, a surreal moment that vividly opens her New York Times-best selling memoir, My Voice. Currently, in addition to hosting her afternoon show on Power 105.1/iHeartMedia, Angie Martinez works as a consultant for content and culture at TIDAL, hosts a podcast alongside her longtime friend and music journalist Miss Info and, naturally, has plenty of other projects up her sleeve.

Originally published here as part of REVOLT TV's Women's History Month initiative. 

#Repost REVOLT TV | The Takeover: 10 Women in Media Making Moves

Somewhere along the way, throughout the past several decades, traditional media married nostalgia and none of us nerds were invited to the wedding.

That romantic longing for the days of buzzing newsrooms, thriving alt-weeklies and the overall confidence that comes with knowing people still read lingers with nearly every writing job application. For bonafide lovers of the craft and aspiring journalists alike, it's easy to fall into a daydream reminiscent of what the traditional media taught nationally in colleges across the US looked like, the kind that movies like Almost Famous (2000), Network (1976) and Broadcast News (1987) portrayed so poignantly (you know, once you remove the overt sexism and the lack of diversity).

However, strip away the facade of whatever journalism's glory days may have been while you procrastinate filling out a soul-crushing edit test free of charge and the reminder still hits as hard as ever: journalism and media at-large have historically been a male-driven field (pause for reaction), and today's statistics still don't lean in favor of inclusion, representation and equality (shocking, we know).

As reported by the American Society of News Editors (ASNE), men dominated media across all platforms in 2015, making up nearly two-thirds of the industry (numbers that only further decrease for women of color). In the several years that have since followed, the stats have only slightly shifted, with the disparity between gender/race particularly abhorrent in television and broadcast news.

Meanwhile, the numbers in colleges curiously reflect the opposite nationwide: women are reportedly making up more than two-thirds of graduating classes (for students holding degrees in mass communication or journalism). Time will tell whether this is evidence that the media landscape will look drastically different in the future, but for now this important research exposes how difficult it is for women to pursue careers in media comparatively and how much like other movements in our country, such as #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo and #TimesUp, women are working to lead the charge in media, as well.

Organizations such as the Women's Media Center and online resources like @WritersOfColor, among others, are working relentlessly to help increase visibility and fight for representation in order to achieve a diverse and inclusive press. WMC co-founder Gloria Steinem has worded this mission so poignantly time and time again, sharing in a statement in 2017, "When men or women turn to or turn on the media, yet fail to see women in our true diversity, there is a sense that all or some women literally don't count. It's crucial that the media report and reflect, not conceal and distort."

From the New York Times' initiative honoring women throughout history whose legacies were never given a proper obituary to on-air talent like Catt Sadlerand Jemele Hill taking ownership of their careers in different ways and for different reasons, the responsibility to document the full story and amplify diverse voices has emerged as being more important than ever.

As the conversations continue, it is undeniable that culture is shifting and we have many trailblazers to thank (and to continue supporting). Today, REVOLT TV celebrates ten women who have forged their own paths in their respective media lanes, each more than deserving of having their voices heard, their words read and their own stories told (despite brilliantly helping tell other's stories).

Jemele Hill

While Jemele Hill has since become a household name, many are looking forward to the day where her contributions to journalism will be discussed more than the controversies surrounding her tweets have been.

A proud Detroit native, Hill was suspended by ESPN in October 2017 for voicing her personal opinions about Donald Trump on Twitter (the network explained that this was a "violation of social media guidelines"). As the nation voiced support for her actions and criticisms of the network's response (as well as the other way around), Hill chose to leave SportsCenter's rebranded SC6segment and begin a new role at the company's The Undefeated vertical in February 2018. She expressed adamantly the transition was "definitely, 100 percent, [her] choice," explaining to Al Sharpton that her job change will allow her to be on the proper platform to offer commentary about issues revolving around race and sports without compromise or censorship.

An alum of Michigan State University, Hill, now 42, has razor-sharp wit, an incredible breadth of knowledge and has been firmly standing her ground for more than a decade as a sportswriter and anchor. In 2005, when she worked for the Orlando Sentinel, she was reportedly the only Black female sports columnist in North America, inspiring others to pursue their dreams and career goals all while staying true to her own voice and path without apology. Needless to say, we stan.

Find Jemele Hill's work here.

Liza Koshy

With a mantra of "making content to make you feel content," Liza Koshy has emerged to the forefront of social media by becoming the fastest-growing YouTube personality in the platform's history to reach 10 million subscribers.

While sharing content weekly on YouTube, Koshy has grown her brand to include hosting duties, such as during the 2017 Golden Globes' live pre-show on Twitter and on the reboot of MTV's Total Request Live. She also plays the role of Violet Adams in Hulu's original series Freakish (2016-present) and appeared in Tyler Perry's Boo! A Madea Halloweeen (2016). From interviewing President Obama about voter registration to tackling issues such as mental health, identity, entrepreneurism and other topics, the 21-year-old has since garnered over 1.5 billion views, as well as has been honored with two Streamy Awards and a Teen Choice Award. In addition to cultivating success through her various content channels, Koshy is also a collaborator with the Giving Keys, a jewelry company that employs and helps support the formerly homeless population. Self-described as a "little brown girl with big dreams," it's a safe bet to say Liza Koshy is living hers.

Find Liza Koshy's work here.

Tracy G

Tracy G has spent the better portion of her career empowering other women, all while being transparent with her own journey to self-improvement, making her equal-parts a dream best friend and someone many can relate to. She first got her start in media as a writer, working for publications such as Marie Claire, Complex, Essence and Rolling Stone, before working as an editor at VIBE. She later transitioned to working in radio, becoming an on-air co-host for SiriusXM's _Sway In The Morning _show on Shade45.

While cultivating her own wellness platform and brand She's Beauty and the Beast, Tracy has also worked with companies such as Conde Nast, MTV, MTV2, VH1, BET, Essence LIVE, Andy Cohen, Fuse and REVOLT. From speaking on panels, radio and her podcast alike to dropping gems on Twitter to putting together audio vision boards and hip-hop yoga playlists, Tracy G is absolutely someone taking over in media—and having a lot of fun doing it.

Find Tracy G's work here.

Laura Stylez

Laura Stylez has been cultivating a following for the past decade and then some, with her work in radio leading her to become a celebrated fixture on Hot 97. From making the move to New York City at age 19 to make her dreams of being a radio personality a reality to learning from the legendary Angie Martinez after first joining the Hot 97 family as a producer, the California native's multifaceted career is a testament to hard work paying off. Her infectious personality and taste-making tendencies have led her to host major events, including the annual Summer Jam concert, and star in campaigns for companies such as Hennessy Black and Xbox 360.

In addition to her daily on-air work with Hot 97's Ebro in the Morning show, where she interviews a star-studded array of musicians, politicians and influencers, Stylez is currently making waves with her podcast Improper Etiquette, alongside co-host Leah McSweeney, during which the pair candidly discuss love, sex and relationships.

Find Laura Stylez's work here.

Janice Llamoca

Janice Llamoca is a Peruvian-American multimedia journalist currently working as an associate producer for NPR's Latino USA. After finishing her master's in Journalism (in Spanish) from the Universitat de Barcelona, Llamoca moved from her beloved Los Angeles to find her footing in New York. Throughout her ever-evolving career, her writing has appeared in a variety of publications, including Remezcla, LA Weekly, NPR, HipHopDX and TrackRecord, among others, showcasing her vast knowledge and expertise in culture and entertainment.

Since earning a home at Futuro Media Group and working her way up from a digital media editor to an associate producer for NPR's Latino USA, Llamoca's passion for unearthing interesting and impactful stories pertaining to the Latino community has been further ignited, resulting in the audio work she's produced being some of her best to date. Llamoca is also a seasoned traveler, sharing stunning photos from her journeys across the world and documenting her experiences (such as her incredibly inspiring climb of Mount Kilimanjaro) on social media.

Find Janice Llamoca's work here.

Amber Grimes

Amber Grimes is currently a Senior Manager of Urban Indie at Spotify as well as is the CEO of her own consulting and managing business, the Cardi Brand Agency. She first got her start in music and entertainment as a teen before going on to land a position as an Executive Assistant to Abou "Bu" Thiam (then VP of A&R at Def Jam). She later went on to work with Nick Cannon on all things Ncredible, including Oxygen's show Like a Boss.

From working as a brand ambassador for Reebok to managing Music Box Studios in her hometown of Atlanta, Grimes has been forging her own path by letting her dedicated hustle speak louder than the fact she doesn't have a college degree. Her networking skills and ability to fully commit herself to new challenges have been integral to her successes, all while inspiring others to find what moves them.

Find Amber Grimes' work here.

Liane V

Liane V (née Liane Valenzuela) took a six-second video on Vine and wisely turned it into a lucrative career. While creating short skits on the platform, she cultivated a following in the millions before going on to build viral comedy sketches on YouTube. Liane then began building her fanbase beyond video, going on to create a fashion line with G by Guess after crossing paths with Paul Marciano while attending a runway show in Italy, as well as recording her own original music.

From building a name for herself in fashion, beauty, music and social media alike, Liane V's work as a comedian, host, influencer, recording artist and content creator is a testament to the brilliance of what can happen when you create your own opportunities through sticking to a vision and trusting the process. Plus, she's hilarious.

Find Liane V's work here.

Kimberly Drew

Kimberly Drew, more commonly known as Museum Mammy, is the social media editor at the Met Museum, as well as is currently working on her book, The Black Futures Project, alongside the New York Times' Jenna Wortham. She holds a BA from Smith College in Art History and African-American Studies, which led her to interning at Harlem's Studio Museum. Drew adapted the alias of Museum Mammy while starting her blog, Black Contemporary Art, where she first began curating a place "for art by and about people of African descent." Her writing has appeared in Teen Vogue, Glamour Magazine, The Fader, W Magazine, Lenny Letter, and more, while she herself has been featured in Elle, Brooklyn Magazine, Essence, The Root, Women's Wear Dailyand _ the New York Times, among others. She has gone on to deliver lectures and participate in panel discussions at the New Museum, Art Basel, Moogfest, The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture and the Brooklyn Museum.

As a writer, curator, social media manager and activist, Museum Mammy,'s passion for innovation in art, fashion and cultural studies has led her to become one of the most exciting voices to cheer on. Next up, Museum Mammy will be speaking on a panel titled Race and Intellectual Property Law at Harvard University.

Find Kimberly Drew's work here.

Karlie Hustle

Karlie Hustle is a music industry veteran currently based in Brooklyn, New York. She previously worked as a programming and music director at Hot 97, with her expertise and drive leading her to create her own bow tie company, serve as director of brand relations for 9th Wonder's Jamla Records and form her own consulting business for artists, managers and labels. She currently can be found working as a Music Manager for Apple Music's Beats 1, while also hosting her Brutally Honest podcast, which she describes as a labor love.

During the podcast, which has garnered a loyal and consistently growing following since its launch only 8 months ago, Karlie discusses the daily grind of being a working mom in the music industry, with a mantra of "My truth in 20 minutes." From helping independent artists to throwing parties/events to dropping hard-earned wisdom on her podcast, Karlie Hustle has easily become one of our favorite people to follow on Twitter.

Find Karlie Hustle's work here.

Kathy Iandoli

Kathy Iandoli is a veteran music journalist who has interviewed a vast array of musicians across genres that would make up a dream festival line-up reducing Coachella to a cute long weekend. While she has worked in every facet of the entertainment industry, ranging from holding it down at Fat Beats Record store to working in-house at a label and more, she is best known for her pen game as a journalist, author and screenwriter. Her writing has been published on the GRAMMYs site, Mass Appeal, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, Playboy, XXL, Complex, Vice, Billboard, REVOLT and more.

In 2016, Iandoli co-authored a book alongside the legendary Mobb Deep member, Albert "Prodigy" Johnson, Commissary Kitchen: My Infamous Prison Cookbook, providing a deeper perspective of what it's like to consume meals in prison and how difficult it is to be health-focused while incarcerated in America's current system. While her accomplishments, experiences in music and cultural criticism are worthy of their own book—one that fans are hopeful will be arriving further down the road—in the meantime, Iandoli is readying her next book dedicated to documenting the criminally untold history of women in hip-hop, Ladies First: The Slept-on History of Rap's Riot Grrrls.

Find Kathy Iandoli's work here.

Originally published here as part of REVOLT TV's Women's History Month initiative.