Though superstars like Megan Thee Stallion, Cardi B and Flo Milli are examples of hip hop artists who have earned worldwide success for the visibility of women hip hop artists, they are still vastly outnumbered by male performers. Things are a bit more balanced within the Athens music landscape, but the hip hop scene has historically been a boys’ club, and it’s still common to see shows with no women on the bill.
Queenz United, a showcase produced by Athens-based artist Molly Tu Hott, has created a platform for local women hip hop artists to perform on a stage in front of an enthusiastic crowd and learn how to take the next steps to further their careers. For those who missed the first Queenz United show back in May, an ever bigger group of artists is scheduled to perform at work.shop, 160 Winston Dr., Athens, at 8 p.m. Saturday.
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Molly, whose real name is Arlisha Trotter, is a published author, concert promoter, artist manager and A&R representative for the Family of Business indie record label. But just because Molly works in the music business doesn’t mean she chased after a dream to become a marquee name. Instead, she has chosen to put her professional experience towards creating opportunities for other artists.
“It’s incredibly hard for women in the entertainment business because it’s still a male-dominated industry,” Molly told the Banner-Herald. “If you want to make a record, they’re usually the ones who control the studio. If you need a photo shoot, they’re usually the ones with the cameras. It can make you feel isolated and want to give up, so I’m trying to show other artists that there are ways around that.”
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After arriving in Athens in 2016 from her home state of Michigan, Molly was immediately met with a warm reception from the local hip hop scene, and made her debut performance in 2021 at Southern Culture restaurant, which served as an after hours hub for up and coming hip hop artists in the Athens area after the coronavirus pandemic. Molly credits Southern Culture owners Bernard and Delia Anderson, as well as local artists Knowa and Mokah Jasmine Johnson, with providing valuable input early in her career.
Though the Queenz United concert will feature performances by Pretty Neq, DMB Baby, Empress Mokah, Big Mallie, LB and several others, that doesn’t mean that men are completely left out when it comes to Molly’s support of Athens hip hop. Back in July, Molly produced an all-inclusive audition showcase event that was judged by local music veterans Angela the Arsonist and Montu Miller, and the winners will perform with Molly in Atlanta next month.
“I’m not a middleman and I’m not a gatekeeper,” said Molly. “I’m the person who picks the cord up off of the floor and plugs it into the socket so the show can go on.”
