
They Not Like Us - Lil Sisters, Brides of Hip Hop
Client:
Not Like Us - Lil Sisters, Brides of Hip Hop
Year:
They Not Like Us – "Lil' Sisters, Brides of Hip Hop"
2024 has been a year of relentless creativity—late nights, long days, and sparks of inspiration fueling my craft. Among all the projects I’ve poured my heart into, this one stands out as a tribute to hip hop, Black women, and the culture that shaped me.
The Concept
While celebrating my 1-year anniversary in Philly, my husband and I stayed at the Canopy Philadelphia. Hanging near the elevator was an arresting piece of art titled “Hip-Hop and the Boom Box: A Loudass Love Story.” It resonated deeply—a visual love letter to hip hop’s heartbeat.
Then, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” lyrics hit me:
"To any ***** that talk to him and they in love, just make sure you hide your lil sister from him…"
As a sister who loves hip hop—whether as a lil sister, big sister, or play sister—it spoke to me. It reminded me of our deep connection to the culture, how we protect and nurture it, and how we’re often its unsung heroes.
This inspired “Lil Sisters, Brides of Hip Hop”—a celebration of Black women in hip hop, married to its music, fashion, and trendsetting energy. It’s about resilience, beauty, and brilliance growing from the roots of our shared experiences.
Wearing the Veil
The veil in this series symbolizes reverence, elevation, and sacredness. It’s a metaphor for the strength and depth Black women bring to hip hop and the world—a visual homage to our undeniable impact on the culture.
Born in Jamaica, Queens, and raised in New Jersey, hip hop, community, and fashion have always been a part of me. This project is my way of giving back, honoring the culture, and amplifying its unsung voices.
Bringing the Vision to Life
To create this series, I blended art and technology:
* MidJourney for the initial designs
* Krea to refine the visuals
* Immersity AI for 3D effects
* CapCut & DaVinci Resolve for video editing
The result? A bold, visual narrative that intertwines art, tech, and storytelling—a love letter to Black women in hip hop.
Representation at the Core
Representation is the foundation of my work. Every story I tell centers on Black women and underrepresented voices, celebrating their strength, complexity, and humanity. This project is no different—it’s about rewriting the narrative and honoring those often overlooked.