The Unity of "B!TCHES": 90s IT GIRLS

It is important that we know the divas who came before us. The rich history of women coming together and being fabulously animated. The ones who wore their skirt so mini, their top so cropped and their lipsticks so bold. They made dressing up look so fun and freeing.

Starting off strong was Lil Kim in the 90s. I mean, like let’s really talk about it. Lil Kim rose to fame for her clever penmanship and “I’m the baddest bitch in here” attitude. “Want a cheap trick? Better go down to FreakNik. Buy this girl gifts of course, So I look slick, in my Six with my Christian LaCroix”- Crush on you. Her style was the depiction of flirty, fun and fly. In my humble opinion she took Chanel and made it “ghetto-fabulous”. She wore brows so thin and arched, it looked like she was having a face off with anyone she stood next to. MAC must’ve had a different recipe in the 90s because how are those looks almost impossible to recreate now ! (Let me in the lab)

Then came Eve. Close to the first woman ever created, Eve never g.a.f about the rules and had a tempting demeanour. She is a major figure in female rap. Many know her for the anthem “Who’s that girl” but anytime you saw her she had the cuntiest outfit on. Her signature look was a colourful pixie cut and the two paw print tattoos showing on her chest. When it came to her style she was slightly different, she had a rockstar hottie vibe to her. Like do I want to be her or date her ?

Another champion in women’s rap was Missy Elliot. Needless to say, Missy’s style showcased her feminine freedom. From tracksuits, jerseys, big hoops and spunky nails. Missy Elliot’s influence is undeniable. If you don’t know a Missy Elliot song, perhaps you have no taste ?

What was so beautiful to see, was the friendship and comradeship between Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Eve, our queen Aaliyah, Da brat and Trina. In a time when males had the upper hand in the industry, individually and collectively these women opened up many doors for women today. They birthed a generation of divas that have no excuse but to come together and continue to dominate all these male dominated spaces. We all say “Thank you B!tches!”

Written by Essie Francis