To commemorate Black History Month and the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop, we took to Instagram live with producer, entrepreneur and advocate TRAKGIRL to discuss all things life in our Making History IG Live series. TRAKGIRL was raised in the DMV area and got her start in the musical world by growing up listening to and admiring influential artists including Prince, Michael Jackson, Missy Elliot, Timbaland and Quincy Jones – to name a few. From an early age, she held strong to the importance of authenticity and individuality within creativity, especially music. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Missy Elliot helped to kickstart her passion and interest in all things creative, storytelling and art – which then translated into both her career and into her music production.
Not only is TRAKGIRL a talented and influential force within the music industry, she is on the forefront of advocacy and change as well. It is necessary for her to pay forth her knowledge and views that each idea is worthy – that you should do what you want and create what you want, on no one’s time but your own. Empowerment and individuality coexist within the framework of both success and influence within music and creativity, which is what helps her within her own work as an activist.
Coinciding with her producing career, and in true TRAKGIRL fashion, she launched two initiatives aimed at helping women within the industry: PAY US TODAY and the 7% Series. PAY US TODAY is a movement inspired from the “horror” stories of women within production not being compensated for their time, work and creativity. Starting off at first with apparel and now as an educational tool, PAY US TODAY helps women within creative spaces to advocate for equal pay within the workplace. Her other initiative, the 7% Series, is a new collective aimed to highlight “women in music while creating a unified and inclusive platform to strengthen our community”. TRAKGIRL is not only a pillar within the music and production industry, but within her community as well. Thanks to her efforts in the fight for equity, Black women and girls around the globe can be inspired and uplifted to be their best creative selves.
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