City Girl JT, whose real name is Jatavia Shakara Johnson, has undoubtedly made a remarkable journey from her early days to becoming a fashion icon. She is best known as one half of the hip-hop duo City Girls, alongside Yung Miami (Caresha Brownlee). JT grew up in Miami, Florida, and had a challenging upbringing. She started her music career by writing and recording songs with her partner Yung Miami and the duo gained attention through social media and their debut single “Fuck Dat Nigga” in 2017.

JT’s metamorphosis into a fashion icon reached a zenith with her association with Poster Girl, a cutting-edge London-based fashion label founded by Francesca Capper and Natasha Sommerville. This partnership marked a significant moment in her style evolution. The Poster Girl campaign featuring JT captivated audiences with its avant-garde approach. The promotional material placed JT in the role of a celebrity on trial, reminiscent of the lo-fi paparazzi era of the early 2000s, akin to the iconic moments of Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears. Throughout the campaign, JT made multiple “court appearances,” donning daring and audacious attire, including micro-boy shorts, a G-string, a cropped jacket, and her trademark long acrylic nails. Her bold presence and neo-pinup-girl charm were nothing short of captivating, propelling the campaign to go viral and solidifying her status as a fashion trendsetter.

As JT’s fashion choices have evolved, she has not been immune to criticism on social media platforms. While her style is celebrated by many, it has also faced backlash. Examples of criticisms range from those questioning her attire to others expressing confusion or disapproval of her unconventional looks. These instances of criticism highlight the tension between innovation and the conventional expectations of the industry.

While JT’s fashion evolution is noteworthy, it’s essential to recognize the broader context in which Black women in hip-hop operate. They often face stereotypes and rigid expectations that limit their artistic expression. This intersection of race and gender can be particularly challenging, as the industry sometimes pressures them to conform to specific aesthetic standards. The term “BBL fashion” (Brazilian butt lift fashion) is indicative of this expectation, where women in rap are often encouraged to dress sexily and reveal a lot of skin. JT, however, has chosen to challenge this norm. While she embraces sexy attire when it aligns with her personal expression, she also asserts her agency in controlling her own presentation. This includes her willingness to experiment with unconventional looks that provoke curiosity and intrigue, transcending conventional expectations.

JT’s journey emphasizes the importance of celebrating and embracing the diverse identities of Black women artists. They are not confined to predefined molds or stereotypes. Each artist, like JT, possesses a multifaceted identity that defies easy categorization. It’s crucial to acknowledge and celebrate this diversity, recognizing that there is beauty in embracing one’s authentic self, even when it doesn’t conform to traditional expectations.