Hot Girls

This episode explores the success of a song by a phenomenal black woman, remixed by another phenomenal black woman. Exploring: the context of women being a minority in rap, the legal battle she had to go through to get her record out, and the way she used TikTok to secure the success of the song.

On the 13th May, for the first time ever, four black women occupied the top two spots on the US Billboard Chart. On the 25th May an innocent black man was murdered forcing us to face up to how deep and systemic racism is in the world today. I don’t want to be another person happily taking the gifts black people have given the world and not also taking action against their oppression. Things we can all do:

1. Write a letter to your local MP/Councillor/Lord, people in Government asking for a public response and a plan to address this by further examining diversity in parliament, and more research into whether the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on BAME individuals could have been prevented or mitigated. Email me if you would like a draft - [email protected]
2. Email your company's HR Department asking for details of diversity in your workplace. Is it good enough? 
3. Donate to one of the groups financing protestors and charities. Consider pledging a regular donation or setting a reminder in your calendar to check up on donations - this won’t be fixed overnight with the prosecution of a handful of police officers.
4. Educate yourself on racism and be open minded to prejudices you may unintentionally be holding.

Remember that we all touch different circles and different people so every voice has an impact. 

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This week, I explore the life and legacy of American artist, Gwen Stefani. I’ve chosen Gwen, because both through her solo releases and work with No Doubt she’s been heavily influenced by Jamaican music and you wouldn’t necessarily know that immediately when thinking about her music. She's released just shy of 10 albums, which is remarkable, defying agism and showing her resilience. I found it particularly fascinating how her personal and her professional life have interwoven. It’s an interesting story so I hope you enjoy.

Gwen Stefani Handles:

Twitter: @GwenStefani

Insta: @gwenstefani

Hot Girls Handles:

Mixes - https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/sets/hot-girls-the-mixes

Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0M8WInsGc6kYGht82WXPgz

Insta - @LexOnTheDecks

Twitter - @LexOnTheDecks

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This week I'm joined (via Zoom!) by Music Producer, Hannah V. After being classically trained as a Jazz Pianist, Hannah began working as a session musician, performing with artists including Rhianna, Eminem, Jessie J and Anastasia. After deciding she wanted to stay in one place for a bit, she began work as a professional producer for Sony. She's released music under her own name but she's also worked closely with artists including JP Cooper, Pepper Rose, and many upcoming Drill artists. We talk about her evolution and the importance of women in music being more visible.

Artists named:

JP Cooper, Pepper Rose, Stormzy, Pitbull, Rihanna, Eminem, Lalah Hathaway, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Lil Wayne, Kendrick Lamar, Aretha Franklin, Mac Miller, Kanye West, Swindle, Cadenza, Steel Banglez, Toddla T, Ghosty, HER, Jhene Aiko, Mary J Blige, Frank Ocean, Childish Gambino

Guest Handles:

Insta: @hannahvofficial

Twitter: @HannahV

Host Handles:

Insta / Twitter / Soundcloud: @LexontheDecks

[email protected]

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With three back to back Platinum selling albums, Lil Kim is one of the few females in rap who's legacy is rarely questioned. In this episode we take a look at how a 17 year old Kimberley Jones went from living on the streets of Brooklyn, to being one of the biggest selling artists in the world. From her creative partnership with B.I.G, to her time in jail, to where she's at now.

As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re looking at the decisions she made in her career and challenges, to get to where she has.

Lil Kim Handles:

Twitter: @LilKim

Insta: @lilkimthequeenbee

Hot Girls Handles:

Mixes - https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/sets/hot-girls-the-mixes

Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0M8WInsGc6kYGht82WXPgz

Insta - @LexOnTheDecks

Twitter - @LexOnTheDecks

Tiktok - @LexOnTheDecks

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This week, Lex is joined by Shireen Ramezani, to talk about the process of breaking artists. Shireen started her career as a producer on London's Radar Radio, before heading label side to UMG. While there she was responsible for playlist creation and development, as well as working on Spinnup which was Universal's platform for emerging artists. She has recently joined the editorial team at Resident Advisor where she will continue her work elevating female talent in the industry.

Artists named:

Scratcha DVA, IKONIKA, Manara, Bok Bok, AJ Tracey, Sicaria Sound, Big Zuu, Master Peace, London On da Track, J-Hus, Jorja Smith, Shaybo, Impey, Yazzus, 6 Figure Gang, Meg Thee Stallion, Princess Nokia, JunglePussy, Sherelle, Naina, Lucy (LCY), Club Yeke, Tash LC, Jamz Supernova, MIC, Ghostnotes, IMAN, KG

Guest Handles:

Insta / Twitter / Soundcloud: @TailorJae

Host Handles:

Insta / Twitter / Soundcloud: @LexontheDecks

[email protected]

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This week, we shine the Spotlight on M.I.A. A Tamil rapper who has led a remarkable life. From her early experiences on tour with Brit Pop group, Elastica, to her work with Diplo, Paper Planes and her complex relationship with the world's media. Learn about MIA and you will start to understand how important it is to know yourself and be comfortable with exactly who you are. She is now back making music, sharing her journey on Patreon.

As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re looking at the decisions she made in her career and challenges, to get to where she has.

M.I.A. Handles:

Twitter: @MIAuniverse

Insta: @miamatangi

Hot Girls Handles:

Mixes - https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/sets/hot-girls-the-mixes

Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0M8WInsGc6kYGht82WXPgz

Insta - @LexOnTheDecks

Twitter - @LexOnTheDecks

Tiktok - @LexOnTheDecks

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This week, Lex is joined by Tailor Jae. A bass DJ, who’s been making waves for a few years, since being crowned Mixmag and Coors Light DJ Quest Winner back in 2017. Since then, she’s shared the stage with some pretty big names in music including Peggy Gou, Swindle and Jaguar Skills.You may have heard her sets on Rinse FM, Reprezent, out with Keep Hush, or in the infamous Mixmag Lab.

Artists Mentioned:

Melle Brown, Jamz Supernova, LR Groove, KG, El-B, LCY, Calvin Harris, Traces, 6 Figure Gang, Shirelle, Jossy Mitsu, Horsepower Productions, Ronnie Loko, Skelekta, Jetsss, Keep Hush, Hiplife, Highlife 

Guest Handles:

IG / Twitter / Soundcloud: @TailorJae

Host Handles:

@lexonthedecks

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An exploration of the life and musical legacy of a true icon! Not only a remarkable musical artist but also a remarkable visual artist and an incredible producer. Missy really encompasses every trait that can make someone great. This episode looks at her life and discography to see how Melissa became Missy Misdemeanor Elliott.

As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re looking at the decisions she made in her career and challenges, to get to where she has.

Missy Elliott Handles:

Twitter: @MissyElliott

Insta: @missymisdemeanorelliott

Hot Girls Handles:

Mixes - https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/sets/hot-girls-the-mixes

Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0M8WInsGc6kYGht82WXPgz

Insta - @LexOnTheDecks

Twitter - @LexOnTheDecks

Tiktok - @LexOnTheDecks

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This week Lex is joined by Drewmula. A hot boy. Drewmula is an artist from South London who’s music is best described as a fusion of Afrobeats and RnB. He first caught people’s attention a couple of years ago when he released his first single as a solo artist, Purple Clouds and has seen a steady rise and growth since then. His new single 'Wanting' has recently been released, he’s got an EP dropping this year and signed to MN2S in November last year. 

Artists Mentioned:

Darkoo, Meek Mill, Jae5, Afro B, Kojo Funds, Junior, Ms Banks, Brent Faiyez, Nadia Rose, Pop Smoke, IAMDDB

Music Played:

No Palava - Drewmula

Wanting - Drewmula

Handles:

@drewmula

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This week Lex is joined by the amazing Bamz. A producer, songwriter and DJ who is as open as she is humble and is on a journey towards greatness.

Artists Mentioned:

Bamz, Nadia Rose, Rico Nasty, Megan Thee Stallion, Lauryn Hill, Paramore, Teedra Moses, Jamilah Barry, Kaytranda, Tiana Major9, Black Coffee, Black Motion, Missy Elliott, Yebba, Robert Glasper, Princess Nyah, Katy B, Ms Dynamite

Music Played:

Bamz - Raining Season

Bamz - Bam’Day

Bamz v. Mis Teeq - Scandalous Rmx

Handles:

Facebook: facebook.com/bamzgotbangers

Instagram: @bamz.dmg

Twitter: @AtBamz

Soundcloud: @AtBamz

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