Lil’ Kim on Soul Train, 2003.

It is okay to just be. Every day is not going to be a day you feel like glamming up. Your hair may be a bit disheveled. You might dress down in comparison to your typical choices in fashion due to your recent weight gain and you just don’t have the funds to upkeep your appearance but that’s okay. You are doing the best with what you have and that’s more than enough. You found enough strength to pull yourself up by the bootstraps and get out of bed this morning. You did what some people don’t have the luxury of doing today so pat yourself on the back. You did it, girl! Put on that head scarf. Wear something that makes you comfortable. Put on some lip gloss, if you have any, and start the day on a high note. This is your world and we are all just living in it.

Jayde Steele at the 50 Cent Massacre Barbecue, 2005.

Time is of the essence and we aren’t getting any younger. Whatever it is you want to do, do it TODAY! Don’t procrastinate. Go to that gym and get that workout in. Go check out that book you always wanted to read. Pick up that new hobby you have been holding off on. There isn’t a more perfect time to do it. It’s the top of the year and you can start on a clean slate.

Foxy Brown for Word Up! Magazine. (Sept. 1997)

Angela White, everybody!

Karin Jinsui. (2022)