From Dynamic Duo to Solo Dominion- City Cinderella, Coming to A Stage Near You!
JT at Ikonic Live, Baltimore MD 4/21/24
When the City Girls burst onto the scene with their debut mixtape Period in 2018, nobody foresaw that just six years later, in 2024, JT would be stepping out for a solo tour, on the cusp of dropping her solo project.
Yet, as the seasons change, so do people, relationships, and career trajectories.
Whispers of disparity within the City Girls grew louder following JT's releases of her solo tracks ‘No Bars’ and ‘Sideways,’ hinting at a growing gap between the duo. Despite this, City Girls' latest album RAW arrived in October 2023, but after their promotional efforts, it was clear from their diminishing rapport that their journeys might be diverging.
JT dropped ‘No Bars’ in July of 2023, and also put it on their joint album later that Fall, RAW. Upon release, this song immediately gained traction, fan praise, and requests for more solo material.
Fast forward to February 2024, JT released ‘Sideways’ and immediately announced a solo tour about a month later.
“Ridin solo, but I’m still in a group, Biggest in my city and I’m still in a coupe.”
JT proclaimed on ‘Sideways’, affirming her roots but also showcasing her individual prowess.
Even as she reassures fans that the City Girl brand remains vital to her, her solo performances reveal that JT's robust rap talents, her dynamic on-stage presence, and her genuine connection with her audience are potent forces that could very well shape her path in music, with or without a partner in rhyme.
I recently had the joy of catching JT's live performance at her Baltimore MD show at Ikonic Live, marking the 14th stop on her journey through 21 cities. Each of these shows takes place in a cozy lounge/nightclub, making it easy for JT to connect with her audience. It's reminiscent of the old days when artists would build their followings face-to-face, long before social media's ease. This more personal approach helps fans feel a closer bond with her as she boldly steps into her solo career with a sincere grassroots effort.
JT chose to spread the word about her single without turning to big-name distributors. Instead, she relied on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok, boosting direct interaction with listeners. It's common to see artists hustle to get their work out there, but it takes a certain kind of grace to start afresh, understanding that short-term loss can lead to greater gains later on—something not everyone is willing to embrace.
During her club appearance, JT energized the crowd with her latest singles, ‘No Bars’ and ‘Sideways,’ and also delivered her dynamic parts in the remixes of BRS Kash's ‘Throat Baby Remix’ and Stunna Girl's ‘Like Dat Remix.’ Her stage time may have been brief, just ten minutes, but she spent a good 45 minutes mingling—dancing, chatting, and capturing moments with her fans. Even though she wasn't performing the whole time, the evening had a genuine and unique feel, leaving fans with the sense that they had shared a special moment with a much-admired female rapper.
The anticipation for JT's upcoming solo project, City Cinderella, is rising. What truly warms my heart about JT's tour and her way of doing things is how it bridges the gap between her and her listeners. It's a throwback to what being a fan used to feel like, bringing an authentic and heartfelt touch that's deeply valued. Offset, formerly of a rap group, also embraces a comparable path in his solo artist journey. Discover the details of his Set It Off Tour at the provided link below.
By focusing on fostering real connections rather than the commercial side of the industry, JT has rekindled that intimate fan-artist relationship. She's inspired her fans to be more active supporters, much like her latest hit ‘Okay,’ which soared to popularity on TikTok in just 48 hours. Her strategy isn't just smart—it's refreshingly genuine.
Easy Listening, The Urban Music Enthusiast.