Music and Movie Reviews | July 22nd, 2024

JT’s City Cinderella: An Ode to the Come Up

By: Nissa Phillip

“I did it for Caresha, I did it for the city, now I’m doing it for JT,” JT shares via her song “Star of the Show.”

On Friday, July 19, rapper JT dropped her debut solo project, “City Cinderella.” The Florida native was previously a part of the game-changing female rap duo “City Girls” but has since begun her dynamic solo career. The album is an ode to her come-up, and it details how she has transformed and grown into the phenom she is now.

“When I listen to City Cinderella, it’s what I want to hear. I was being completely true to myself, the south, my city & my day 1’s,” JT shared via Instagram. She also thanked her team for the rollout.

Here are some of the key themes:

She is more vulnerable than ever.

JT’s past is not much of a secret, but on this project, there is a level of vulnerability that allows fans to connect and fall in love with her more than they already have. On the album opener, “Intro (Hope),” she shares more about her traumatic upbringing and leaves fans with a powerful mantra:

“Young, black and lost, but never lost hope.”

Imagery from JT’s music video to “90’s Baby” via @thegirlJT on Instagram

JT created an instant anthem for young black girls everywhere by sharing her own experiences. She also takes accountability for songs like “Swang”, where she admits that she “had to pay [her] dues for some bad choices.”

She’s taking no prisoners.

JT took time to address rumors and haters through her music, specifically on Swang.

“Talked behind my back, and they smiled in my face, but I’m putting names on it. I ain’t giving b*****s grace.”
The rap phenom continues to say, “If it’s some pressure, better swang when you see me.”

The City Cinderella wasted absolutely no time asserting herself as an emergent dominating force in the rap game with bars like “JT, you know I’m vicious” and “My heart pump blood no fear.”

She hasn’t forgotten her roots.

JT was born and raised in the county of Dade and never let’s her fans forget it! The track “Uncle Al” pays homage to the late Miami DJ with the same name. She also reminisces about growing up with sliders and steppers while shooting dice and playing tonk, all while reminding us, “I rose from the trenches, I’m the City Cinderella.”

Aside from her Miami roots, she also pays her dues to hip-hop legends before her. Throughout the album, she pulls references from R&B artists Joe, Timbaland, Magoo, and Fatman Scoop, among others.

She’s still representing the dark-skinned girls.
Early in her career, JT faced a lot of criticism for being a dark-skinned black woman. On her rise to the top this is something that she’s embraced, especially on her single “No Bars.” The City Cinderella is still representing for the dark skin girls. Throughout the album, JT delivers metaphors and wordplay to uplift women with dark skin.

“Dark skin for the win, things turned like Tina. Ain’t it’s funny now it’s bout ‘Pam? Damn, Gina!”
JT on “Star of the Show”

JT for the cover of Apple Music’s Rap Life via @thegirlJT on Instagram

This is only the beginning for our city, Cinderella
The overarching theme throughout the album is that JT has finally reached new heights in her career and will continue to climb despite her past. Through the album’s imagery and lyrics, she is able to tell the story of her past life in contrast to her present. This album is a creative tribute to the come-up and JT’s irrefrangible spirit. Let her tell it she is “hydrated, meditated, focused on [her] wellness.”

JT’s solo project “City Cinderella” is out now.