Monarchs' Mixtape Dedication: "This one goes out to Queen B and L Boogie!"

Lauryn Hill and Beyoncé are two of my favorite artists.  I dedicated ft. Celeste - a Monarchs Mixtape to them because I am so inspired, moved and challenged by their music and talents.   This release was my first excercise in rapping, writing over hip hop beats, owning my "babeness," and dancing in a music video (coming soon...) --- all of this was SO MUCH FUN and I am really stoked about continuing a creative exploration of writing and performing from a hip-hop angle.  Thank you Queen B and L Boogie for holding it down as females in the hip hop world!

I bought Fugees' album, "The Score," on CD in Brookwood Mall in Birmingham, Alabama when I was 12 years old.  I wasn't old enough to buy the "Parental Advisory" version - so I know the record backwards and forwards - but without cuss words.  I LOVE Lauryn's chorus and rap in this track:

The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is probably my all time favorite record.  I was 14 when it came out and immediately fell in love with it.  That woman speaks from the heart and spirit.  "Ex Factor" is one of those tunes that just cuts me to the soul:

I freaking LOVE Beyoncé's song "Countdown" off of her recent record. Me and my boo, in my boo coup RIDIN':

Dude.  I get so pumped up when I watch her music videos (to the point that I can't sleep and start dancing around my bedroom).  She is the BEST dancer.  I want to do that!  I'm particularly partial to crumping:

xx, Celeste