In a music world mostly run by men, two fearless urban women have taken over hip-hop. Caresha “Yung Miami” Brownlee and Jatavia “JT” Johnson, known as the City Girls, have won fans everywhere. They are known for their bold and honest rap1.
Coming from Miami, Florida, these friends have made it big in music. Their hit song “F*ck Dat N*gga” went viral in 2017. This success led to their debut mixtape, “Period,” which caught everyone’s attention in 20181.
The City Girls have made a big splash in music. They appeared on Drake’s hit “In My Feelings,” showing they’re stars on the rise1. Their album “Girl Code” showed off their talent, with hits like “Twerk” and “Act Up.” “Act Up” even reached the top of the Billboard Hot 1001.
Rise to Stardom: From Miami Streets to Music Royalty
Yung Miami and JT, childhood friends from Miami’s tough neighborhoods, have been close since middle school2. Their music career started in 2017 with their hit single, “F*ck Dat N*gga.” This song, aimed at their ex-boyfriends, caught Quality Control Music’s eye. This led to their signing and the release of Period, their debut mixtape, in 20183.
The Lifelong Friends’ Unbreakable Bond
Yung Miami and JT’s friendship is the key to their success. They’ve faced music industry challenges together. Their strong bond has helped them reach the top of the charts.
Viral Hit “F*ck Dat N*gga” Launched Their Careers
“F*ck Dat N*gga” was a game-changer for the City Girls. It drew fans and industry leaders to them. The song, with a sample from Khia’s “My Neck, My Back,” became a hit. It paved the way for their quick rise to fame3.
“We’ve been best friends since middle school, so our bond is unbreakable. We’ve been through it all together, and that’s what makes our music and our brand so authentic.”
– Yung Miami, on the City Girls’ lifelong friendship.
Overcoming Adversity: JT’s Incarceration and Yung Miami’s Perseverance
The City Girls’ journey to fame was filled with hurdles. JT, a key member, was arrested and convicted of aggravated identity theft. This led to a 24-month federal prison sentence4. While JT was away, Yung Miami worked hard to keep their music alive.
She paid DJs to play their songs in clubs in Miami and other places5. This effort showed her dedication to their success, even when JT was not there.
Yung Miami’s efforts paid off, and the City Girls’ popularity grew. Even with JT in prison, their bond remained strong. When JT was released in March 2020, she was ready to join Yung Miami again.
The City Girls faced many challenges, showing the tough realities of incarceration. By 2000, over 1.5 million kids had mothers in prison or jail6. Their story brings attention to the emotional and practical struggles families face.
Despite these challenges, the City Girls have become leaders in hip-hop. Yung Miami’s solo success and their ongoing fame show their strength and unbreakable bond.456
Girl Code: Debut Album Success and Billboard Hits
In 2018, City Girls burst onto the music scene with their debut album, Girl Code7. The album included hits like “Twerk” with Cardi B and “Act Up,” both making it to the Billboard Hot 1007. “Act Up” even hit the top spot on Billboard’s Rhythmic Songs chart7.
The album’s success made City Girls stars in the hip-hop world7. It reached number 55 on the US Billboard 200 chart and number 31 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart7. By 2019, Girl Code was ranked 179 on the US Billboard 200 year-end chart7.
“City Girls’ debut album ‘Girl Code’ contains several Billboard Hot 100 hits that have helped propel the duo’s rise to fame in the hip-hop scene.”
“Twerk” ft. Cardi B and “Act Up” Platinum Certifications
The album’s hits, “Twerk” with Cardi B and “Act Up,” hit platinum with the RIAA8. This achievement made City Girls a major force in music. Their catchy songs and beats won fans all over.
City Girls’ success fits into a bigger trend of female artists leading in music9. Female artists have won six out of eight Best New Artist awards9. City Girls’ success shows women’s growing impact in hip-hop798.
City on Lock: Continued Acclaim and TikTok Virality
The City Girls’ second album, City on Lock, came out in 2020. It got lots of praise and did fairly well in sales10. The album had guests like Lil Durk, Lil Baby, and Doja Cat, making their music even more interesting10.
Featuring Musical Heavyweights and “Twerkulator” Craze
“Twerkulator” became a big hit on TikTok in 2021. A dance by Layla Muhammad made it go viral10. But, it was held back because of sample issues until May 2021.
The City Girls kept making hits. Songs like “P—y Talk” with Doja Cat and “Twerkulator” hit the Billboard Hot 10010. They also had “Good Love” with Usher, “I Need A Thug”, “Piñata”, and “Face Down”. This shows they can keep making songs that fans love.
“Twerkulator” became a TikTok sensation, with users creating viral dance challenges and sharing their moves to the unreleased track. The song’s popularity on the platform paved the way for its eventual official release, further solidifying the City Girls’ impact on popular culture.
Yung Miami’s solo song “Rap Freaks” hit No. 81 on the Hot 100. JT’s solo track “No Bars” reached No. 25 on the Bubbling Under Hot 10010. This shows the City Girls’ talent and versatility, both together and solo.
City Girls: Unapologetic Style and Outspoken Personas
The City Girls are known for their bold style and outspoken nature. Yung Miami, a mom of two, has also made it big as a solo artist. Her debut single, “Rap Freaks,” hit the Billboard Hot 100 in 202111. They’ve also dived into business, co-producing the Max original series Rap Sh!t. This comedy series is inspired by their own Miami-based experiences.
The City Girls’ city girl fashion and influencer status have become a vital part of their brand, resonating with their legions of fans.11 Their bold, confident, and unflinching attitudes have earned them a devoted following. Fans love tuning into Yung Miami’s podcast for her honest views on various topics12. The City Girls’ bold self-expression has inspired a new generation to be true to themselves and challenge the norm.
The City Girls continue to draw in fans with their music and fearless personas. Their influence goes beyond the music charts11. They’ve set a new standard in fashion, business, and artistic expression. Their trailblazing has opened doors for other female artists in the male-dominated hip-hop world111312.
Beyond Music: Business Ventures and Artistic Influence
The City Girls have grown their influence beyond music. They’ve started business ventures and artistic projects. As executive producers of Rap Sh!t, they’ve helped show the world of female rappers14.
Yung Miami and JT are big names in fashion. They show off their unique styles, inspiring others. Their fashion choices are a big part of their brand14.
Rap Sh!t Series and Fashion Influencers
The City Girls made a TV show, Rap Sh!t. It highlights the struggles and wins of female rappers. This show lets them share stories that need to be told14.
Yung Miami and JT are fashion leaders. They inspire fans with their bold style. Their looks on stage and in the streets are unforgettable14.
The City Girls have made a name for themselves in many areas. They mix their music talent with business and creativity14.
The Dynamic City Girls Duo’s Impact on Hip-Hop Culture
The City Girls duo has made a big splash in hip-hop and urban culture. They are among the top female rap acts today. Their bold lyrics and engaging personalities have won over fans, making them key figures in hip-hop15.
Their success has motivated many young female artists. They are seen as pioneers in the music world16. The City Girls are known for their role in promoting Hip Hop and feminism, inspiring Black women and girls everywhere16.
They’ve also brought attention to the changing roles of women in hip-hop. Their public feuds and collaborations, like JT’s with Nicki Minaj, have added to the scene’s drama15. Events like Spotify’s “Gold Standard” show have sparked talks about how personal relationships shape the industry15.
Source Links
- Who Are The City Girls? The Dynamic Duo Dominating Rap – https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/689729-who-are-the-city-girls
- JT Reigns as Miami’s Princess in Her Solo Debut ‘City Cinderella’ | stupidDOPE – https://stupiddope.com/2024/07/jt-reigns-as-miamis-princess-in-her-solo-debut-city-cinderella/
- City Girls Rule – https://officemagazine.net/city-girls-rule?page=150
- The Successful Road of Reentry After Conviction – https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=11979&context=dissertations
- Outside the Walls – https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/57856/410911-Outside-the-Walls.PDF
- Resources for Mother-Child Community Corrections – https://www.ojp.gov/pdffiles1/bja/190352.pdf
- Girl Code (album) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girl_Code_(album)
- City Girls — Quality Control – https://qualitycontrolmusic.com/City-Girls
- Billie Eilish, Lizzo & More Front-Runners for Best New Artist at the 2020 Grammys – https://www.billboard.com/music/awards/billie-eilish-lizzo-best-new-artist-2020-grammys-predictions-8533544/
- CITY GIRLS RELEASE VIDEO FOR “FLASHY (FEATURING KIM PETRAS)” – Press Releases – Universal Music Canada – https://www.universalmusic.ca/press-releases/city-girls-release-video-for-flashy-featuring-kim-petras/
- City Girls Rule – https://officemagazine.net/city-girls-rule
- Joe Budden Calls Yung Miami the ‘Worst Female Rapper’: Controversy Sparks Debate in Hip-Hop — TeflonJohn – https://www.teflonjohn.com/teflonradio/joe-budden-vs-yung-miami-a-deep-dive-into-the-controversy-and-female-representation-in-hip-hop
- The Artists Dismantling the Barriers Between Rap and Poetry (Published 2021) – https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/t-magazine/rap-hip-hop-poetry.html
- How City Girls Are Injecting ‘Ratchet Womanism’ Into a Male-Dominated Field – https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/city-girls-ratchet-womanism-hip-hop-8547905/
- On Female Friendship And Rivalry In The Hip-Hop Industry – https://www.forbes.com/sites/sughnenyongo/2024/08/09/female-friendship-and-rivalry-in-the-hip-hop-industry/
- Letter to Jatavia Johnson and Caresha Brownlee (The City Girls) – https://scholarscompass.vcu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1146&context=jhhs
