entering the Billboard Hot 100 at number 81<\/a> in April. This is the first song by the Chicago-born artist, who released her first EP at 16 years old, to enter the top charts.<\/p>\nAccording to Lenae, the new visibility has led to some scrutiny about how she presents herself as an artist. But in the Reel she posted yesterday, she made it a point to cite the Black women who inspired her look.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s been a few moments like this where I felt like my blackness, my identity, has been questioned or picked apart, and I really want to understand where it\u2019s coming from,\u201d she said, responding to the post from X. \u201cBecause if you really study Black aesthetic, you would know that I\u2019m pulling directly from the women who have come before me, the Chaka Khans, the Minnie Rippertons, the Diana Rosses. That\u2019s who I look to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaking directly to the poster, whose username she chose not to share, Lenae\u2019s message was simple: stop putting Black girls and women in a box.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis shows me that you have a very limited view on what Black girls or Black women can be, and that\u2019s really unfortunate, because I think we can be whatever we want to be,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd this type of projection is only perpetuating a really sad and small mindset. So don\u2019t do this to me. Don\u2019t project on other Black girls.\u201d<\/p>\n
Celebrities like Keke Palmer, Ryan Destiny, and JT hyped Lenae up in the comments for speaking out.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometime folks don\u2019t understand CHICAGO,\u201d Palmer replied. \u201cChicago is funk soul blues rock n roll we are and have always been what folks say is \u2018alternative\u2019 ALWAYS and the culture we bring has often removed our face ! You represent us well and I see you sisTAH\u201d<\/p>\n
More must-reads:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n