Hip-Hop Salute to Queens of The Culture: “Still We Rise”

In 2023 Queens of the Culture reign supreme. And this is a hip-hop salute to some of the great women doing their thing, claiming their thrones, holding their crowns, and creating legacies with utmost grace and elegance.

All Hail Queens Of 2023

2023 has just begun and has already been outstanding for some phenomenal women. Of mention are Beyonce, Angela Bassett, Missy Elliot, Viola Davis, Lizzo, and Letitia Wright. And while many more women have risen to great acclaim, here’s to the few who have grabbed the 2023 spotlight showcasing their excellence.

Queen Of The Culture #1: Beyonce

Beyonce. Image source: Getty Images, Frazer Harrison.

Beyonce is a force of nature. Her business acumen, style, and work ethic are incomparable. With every move she makes, she creates a blueprint for excellence. But what more does one expect from someone who has lived most of their life perfecting a craft? Beyonce has been putting in work for over three decades.

From her humble beginnings as a member and front leader of Destiny Child in the 90s to her ascension and claim to Queen Bey, she has exemplified greatness. And her work has culminated in a massive win. February 2023 would forever solidify Bey’s legacy as a consummate artist. According to the New York Times, “Beyoncé made Grammy history… setting a record at the 65th annual ceremony for the most career wins by any artist,” making her a royal amongst royals in the music industry.

Queen Of The Culture #2: Angela Bassett

Bassett is film royalty. She has portrayed some of the most iconic Black women of the culture and done so with absolute finesse. Her filmography is noteworthy and speaks for itself.

However, one thing becomes evident every time the star graces the screen. Bassett wears a cloak of regality. And no role has showcased that better than her portrayal as the Queen of Wakanda and mother of T’challa. The world recognized her stature this year. Her mesmerizing performance as Queen Ramonda led to a most noteworthy achievement. According to CBS News,

“Angela Bassett made history when she won the Golden Globe for best supporting actress in a film for “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” becoming the first performer to win a Globe in an acting category for their role in a Marvel film.”

As most know, she wears the crown of excellence with every role. And this is one of many achievements in recognition of her greatness.

Queen Of The Culture #3: Viola Davis

Viola Davis’s talent is immeasurable. If there was anyone who could lay claim to the adage “Your gift will make room for you,” she could. Her presence is magnetizing, and she commands an audience on small or big screens.

Viola Davis. Image source: Leon Bennett, Getty Images.

Davis’s natural talents and beauty are bar none. And never was a role so excellently played than her performance as the mighty General Nansica of the Agojie in the feature film “The Woman King.” Although a general, it was undeniable that royalty was an indelible part of her DNA. However, the moving delivery of her book “Finding Me” led to Davis becoming the 15th individual in history to gain EGOT status, an honor befitting the best of the best.

Queen Of The Culture #4: Missy Elliot

Missy is one of the most talented women to step onto the hip-hop scene. Her contributions are enormous. Missy is a trendsetter and never fails in whatever capacity she takes on. Elliot is the showstopper and undoubtedly holds the pattern for originality. She came fully as herself in a world where everyone else was striving to make it with cookie-cutter images. She was unapologetically Missy Misdemeanor Elliot.

Missy Elliot. Image Source Elle/Mark Seliger

As a style maven, choreographer, writer, producer, and performance artist, Elliot is the undisputed Queen of boss moves. And this year, she received a few of the choicest flowers. According to E Online,

“Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its 2023 nominees on February 1 with the rapper reaching a major milestone as the first female Hip Hop Artist to receive the honor.”

Queen of the Culture #5: Lizzo

If it could be said that Missy was the original, Lizzo is the next-level archetype. She, like Missy, has made it in the industry entirely as herself. Her bravery, confidence, and artistry are refreshing. She stands as a steadfast example of being beautiful in your own skin. She models excellence. Her grace and elegance are breathtaking.

Lizzo. Image Source: Kevin Mazur, GI for The Recording Academy.

And in 2023, Lizzo received another well-deserved honor. Lizzo, who has been serving and shining in her capacity since she first took the mic, took home the Grammy for Record of the year “About Damn Time.”

While it may seem like small potatoes compared to other achievements, it is no small thing. This win has moved Lizzo closer to achieving the coveted EGOT status, as she now has an Emmy and a plethora of Grammys, which she took home in 2020.

Queen Of The Culture #6: Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright. Image source: Scott Garfitt, Invision, AP.

Finally, we recognize Letitia Wright, who brilliantly played Shuri, the brilliant intellect and tech-savvy sister of T’challa. She owned the screen alongside Bassett in the recent Marvel Epic, “Black Panther Wakanda Forever.” However, unlike Letitia’s counterparts, her achievement for the year comes from her home country. According to Caribbean Loop. Wright left the country of Guyana at the age of eight. However, she has made a massive name in the entertainment industry. According to the source,

“She began her career with appearances on Top Boy, Coming Up, Chasing Shadows, Humans, Doctor Who, and Black Mirror. And subsequently, Wright received a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for the latter.”

But that is only a portion of her accomplishments. Wright went on to win a SAG and an image award from the NAACP for her portrayal of Shuri. But most recently, she received a tremendous honor from Guyana, an appreciation and recognition award for her work and craft. On February 1, 2023, Letitia Wright was awarded an honorary Doctorate in arts and letters from The University of Guyana.

In Conclusion

All hail these beautiful women and cultural leaders who exemplify what talent, dedication, and hard work render. We salute them for continuing to exhibit regality, for being living demonstrations of the immortal words of great poet laureate Maya Angelou. “… Still, we rise.”

Written by Renae Richardson 

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