LADIES FIRST

WHY LADIES FIRST?

Since hip-hop’s inception, women have always embraced & redefined the sound, look, and culture of the genre without receiving their proper credit. As a new generation of listeners, artists, and industry players challenge the outdated perspectives existing within the hip-hop community, it is imperative to create spaces where women are celebrated for their contributions to the most influential sound in the world. In Buffalo, where the hip-hop scene is reaching a new frontier, many women who are involved in the musical arts have a two-fold mission - perfecting their gift and nurturing their community through their gift.

Honoring the 5 elements of hip-hop, we feature women who showcase their talent and tell their stories along with a hand-selected group of ladies propagating hip-hop. You will learn what they do and why they do it. In the powerful words of Queen Latifah, this is “Ladies First.”

Ladies First 2024 was made possible by Torn Space Theater, Get Fokus’d Productions, Buy Back Buffalo, Buffalo Institute of Contemporary Art, Tech Buffalo, Trend Up, Deja’s Embroidery, and Spotlight Series 716.

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO TORN SPACE THEATER, EULA BANKS & MALIKA HENRY

The WOMEN OF LADIES FIRST 2024

DJ LISA LUX

Growing up in the late 80's in NYC, DJ Lisa Lux was immersed in Hip Hop at a young age… Along the way Lisa began learning and exploring the art form of turntablism. Being a young female in a male-dominated industry at the time was challenging. Now a special education teacher in Buffalo, NY, she continues to DJ events and uses Hip Hop to educate the next generation.
YANAVA " NAVI" HAWKINS

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Yanava (Navi) Hawkins is a passionate co-founder of Girl Gang Entertainment LLC, a small business dedicated to hosting events that foster conversations and reduce stigma around sexual health in the Black community. Alongside her entrepreneurial pursuits, she channels her love for movement as both a dancer (Krump) and softball coach, empowering others to thrive on and off the field.
DJ LITTLE ITALY

DJ little Italy is an independent DJ with 10+ experience working in the music industry. She creates spaces that highlight subculture and queer community through music.
PRETTY BULLI

Pretty Bulli has been earning her right as an emcee since 13 years old. From neighborhood cyphers to full fledged shows, the seasoned rhymer has continued to display her spirited, aggressive flow earning her spins and praise from the likes of Sway Calloway, RZA, Heather B, RIOC, DI Premier, Math Hoffa's "My Expert Opinion Show:, BoomBap Nation and many other highly regarded music and media platforms. ]