June was on FIRE! Forget "celebrate women" – these phenomenal QUEENS were redefining what it means to DOMINATE. From music that'll get you BOUNCIN' to fashion that'll FLIP THE SCRIPT, these boss ladies were busy making history and looking FLAWLESS while doing it. Let's dive in and see what these icons have been servin' up!
Lupita Nyong'o: Global Glamour Queen
Our queen of the screen, Lupita Nyong'o, ain't just slayin' on the big screen – she's taking over newsstands! This month, she graced the covers of not one, not two, but FOUR Glamour magazines – US, Mexico & Latam, UK, and Germany! Talk about world domination! We loved seeing all the different looks and interviews that showcase Lupita's undeniable charisma.
Tems: Tiny Desk Takeover
Black Music Month got a SERIOUS upgrade thanks to the soulful stylings of Tems on NPR's Tiny Desk. She surprised everyone by performing mostly NEW tracks from her debut album, "Born in the Wild," which is finally out and living rent-free in our heads. Tracks like "Unfortunate" and the show-stealin' "Love Me JeJe" had the whole room VIBIN'!
Sha'Carri Richardson: Speed Queen & Brand Ambassador
This powerhouse athlete ain't just the fastest woman alive – she's also got the endorsement game on LOCK! Sha'Carri Richardson, fresh off her smoking 10.71 seconds win at the Olympic trials, has been named a brand ambassador for Olay. With Paris 2024 on the horizon, expect to see Sha'Carri bringing home the gold and SHININ' bright in the spotlight this summer. Plus, we can't wait to see her flaunting her dope nails and fly hair on the track – iconic style AND athletic prowess. WE STAN!
Victoria Monét Pays Homage with "Alright"
Victoria Monét dropped the music video for her song "Alright," and it's a full-blown ODE to the legendary Janet Jackson. Monét rocks a modern take on the classic zoot suit and flawlessly replicates Jackson's iconic choreography. But it doesn't stop there – she throws in some Michael Jackson-inspired moves for good measure, proving she's a master of paying homage while adding her OWN unique flavor.
Normani Drops Debut Album "Dopamine"
The wait is finally OVER! Normani's debut solo album, "Dopamine," is here, featuring collabs with Cardi B, Gunna, James Blake, Brandy, and Victoria Monét (talk about a DREAM TEAM!). From the smooth sounds with Brandy to the edgy vibes with Gunna on the track "1:59," "Dopamine" is a genre-bending masterpiece that showcases Normani's undeniable vocal talent and versatility.
Rihanna Makes History with Dior
The one and only Rihanna continues to break barriers. This month, she was announced as the new face of Dior's iconic J'Adore fragrance. This is a MAJOR move, as Rihanna is the first Black woman and the second celebrity (after Charlize Theron's 20-year reign) to hold this prestigious title. It's a testament to Rihanna's influence and power in the fashion world, and we can't wait to see how she puts her own spin on this classic campaign. Still no word on that rumored album, though... girl, we're GETTIN' IMPATIENT for a new one!
Ariana Grande Gets Down with the Legends
Ariana Grande knows how to pay respect to the QUEENS who paved the way. She enlisted the powerhouse duo of Brandy and Monica for a remix of her song "The Boy Is Mine" from her "Eternal Sunshine" album. These R&B icons, who owned the charts in the late 90s with the original "The Boy Is Mine," absolutely SLAY on the track. This collab is a beautiful tribute to the impact these artists have had on music and the inspiration they continue to be for generations of singers.
Hot Girl Summer Gets Even Hotter with Megan Thee Stallion's New Album
June wouldn't be complete without a dose of Hot Girl Summer, and Megan Thee Stallion delivered in a BIG WAY! Her self-titled album, "MEGAN," dropped at the end of the month, markin' her first release under her OWN independent label, Hot Girl Productions. This fierce album features FIRE collabs with GloRilla on "Accent" and Victoria Monét on "Spin," proving that Megan Thee Stallion's reign is just gettin' STARTED.
June was a whole VIBE! Black women were out here LEVELIN' UP across the board, droppin' musical masterpieces, and servin' fashion moments that REWROTE the definition of iconic. We're still GLOWING' from their wins and can't wait to see what these QUEENS achieve next. Let us know in the comments – who stole the show for you this month? We're keepin' it LIT next month too, so stay tuned for the hottest pop culture tea!