Hot Girls
86 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★ - 5 ratingsThe home of intimate, open conversations on creativity and the music industry.
Over five seasons, HOT GIRLS, is the space where musicians and creatives have raw conversations about how to create and overcome the challenges of the entertainment industry.
It's an inspiring and insightful listen, from London, for the world.
The Podcast is brought to you by Lex on the Decks and was supported using public funding from Arts Council England and the National Lottery. Illustrations for series 1-2 were created by @mythicmuse and season 3-4 by @badlydrawndjs
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Episodes
What Erykah Badu Taught Me About Soul
November 11, 2020 09:51 - 15 minutes - 35 MBHello and welcome to Hot Girls with me Lex on the decks. Today, I’m going to be exploring the life, approach, and work of a woman with more soul than a saxophone. Someone who has had a huge impact on music and culture, not just from her own releases but also from her approach to creativity, to artistic freedom, and also to the influence she’s had on some of the most notable people in music. She’s a woman who’s transcended genres from hip-hop, to blues and funk. The mother of neo soul, a genr...
Creative Entrepreneurship and Founding a Zine, with Michelle Hung
November 04, 2020 13:36 - 42 minutes - 97.1 MBThis week, Lex chats to Michelle Hung. Michelle has a background in film and photographic production and worked at brands including ASOS and Urban Outfitters. She founded Eden Zine after witnessing the ambition in her son to be successful but having a slightly warped perspective of what it takes to get there. Hers is an honest account of working it out as you go along when starting a new creative venture. Michelle Handles @michelle.hung_studio @eden.zine Lex Handles: Twitter: @lexonthe...
What Megan Thee Stallion Taught Me About Pursuit
October 29, 2020 09:19 - 13 minutes - 16 MBI’ve decided this week to look at a woman who is relatively new to the game but has achieved a hell of a lot in a short space of time. She’s someone I believe to be really culturally important and someone I really want all women to be cheering on. I think she could really be as big as the biggest. I’m talking Beyoncé big, Nicki Minaj big, Cardi B big. And I think those women agree because they’ve all collaborated with her. That woman is of course Megan the stallion. Hot Girls Handles: ...
Femininity, Creativity, and Sexuality, with Singer Song-writer Olivia Louise
October 21, 2020 06:17 - 38 minutes - 88.5 MBThis week Lex is joined by singer-songwriter, Olivia Louise. Olivia shares with Lex her experiences as an artist and the major contrasts that can create in your life. She talks about one weekend where she went from song-writing with Craig David, to mopping floors where she worked at the time. The pair also talk about how being female can impact you in male dominated environments and different creative mechanics to work around this. Olivia Louise Social Handles: Twitter: @Olivia_LouiseUK...
What Janelle Monae Taught Me About Identity
October 14, 2020 18:20 - 12 minutes - 28.3 MBThis week, I'm looking at Janelle Monae. An artist of incredible versatility and passion. An individual who experiments with different sounds and instruments, on an endless pursuit of quality and polished art. The thing I adore about Janelle Monae is how directional she is. She knows exactly the kind of artist she wants to be and more than that she knows exactly the type of person she wants to be. I read a quote in one of life coach Tony Robbins books some time ago now in which he spoke ...
Live Music, Social Media and Women in Music, with Alexandra Ampofo
October 07, 2020 06:47 - 31 minutes - 71.3 MBThis week Lex is joined by the very lovely Alexandra Ampofo. Someone who has multiple successful endeavours in the music industry. She is the founder of Acoustic Live, a life music event organiser for which she worked closely with Boxpark. She is also one of the founders of Women Connect, an organisation bringing together women from Sony Music and Live Nation to connect and help each other accelerate through the industry. And she also works for Metropolis music, as a promoter, for which she'...
What Mary J Blige Taught Me About Ambition
September 30, 2020 06:28 - 15 minutes - 34.6 MBThis week I’m taking a look at one of the most powerful voices of our generation. An artist whose released multiple platinum selling albums, and won five Grammys. I decided to explore Mary J Blige's career after seeing her crop up in the videos of Lil Kim and Missy. I thought I’d be writing about the influence of those relationships and the importance of sisterhood. However, while that definitely is a part of her story and character, when I dug into her journey there was a different narrat...
Coming of Age, Michael Jackson and Jamaica, with Jords
September 16, 2020 06:01 - 48 minutes - 111 MBRapper Jords is at an exciting point in his career having just released his first album under a label having previously been independent. We talk about his journey as a musician, from making bedroom beats with his brother to a million streams. Jords also chats us through the strong women who have had an influence on his life, and some of his favourite artists from Chronixx, to Wretch 32, to Destiny's Child. Enjoy! Intro track: Swing - Jords Jords Handles: Insta/Twitter: @jordsonline Spo...
What Sister Rosetta Tharpe Taught Me About Fame
September 09, 2020 05:48 - 10 minutes - 24.4 MBThis week, I’m slipping out of the rap world a bit to shine a Spotlight on a musical talent it’s almost impossible to categorise. If you have to Rock 'n' Roll is where she’d fall but as a Black Women performing in the 40s in glamorous outfits you’d sooner expect from a soul performer she doesn’t slot into the bracket we’ve created for Rock and Roll. It’s this exact reason I wanted to spotlight on her today. Because many women like Sister Rosetta Tharpe have been written out of history books ...
Jazz, Intuition and Radio with Worldwide FM's Laani
September 02, 2020 08:45 - 51 minutes - 119 MBThis week I'm joined by the wonderful Laani. DJ and host of the Fulljoy experience, Laani discovered her pull to the music industry through a DJ course with Bristol's female led 'Mix Nights'. She suddenly realised she was in the wrong industry and found her way, through much tenacity and fearlessness, as a tour DJ with Die Antwood and part of the team at Giles Peterson's Brownswood Recordings. Enjoy this joyous and open conversation and take a listen to some of the artists mentioned when yo...
What Cardi B Taught Me About Memes
August 26, 2020 06:54 - 17 minutes - 39.4 MBThis week I take a look at the Queen of Social Media. An incomparable sensation and rap icon who has had an incredibly quick rise to success and who continues to smash expectations over what she can and will achieve. When she had her first number 1 with Bodak Yellow, she became the first female rapper to top the Billboard chart since Lauryn Hill. At that time, 1xtra presenter Dotty said, “I’m not saying this should be anyone’s life plan but stripper turned reality star turned No 1 artist is ...
Rap, Busking, and Signing to High Focus, with TrueMendous
August 19, 2020 06:50 - 45 minutes - 105 MBFrom Myspace, to the streets of Birmingham, to Atlanta and then to London, TrueMendous has already had a really interesting career. Now this year, she announced signing to High Focus Records, the record label that brought us Rag'n'Bone man and the Four Owls. The talented lyricist has been putting out music and videos for a few years, growing her performance ability and resilience working as a busker. Now transitioning to being a signed artist, she released her EP HUH? in March and is set t...
What Teena Marie (Lady T) taught me about Faith
August 12, 2020 07:51 - 16 minutes - 37.8 MBTeena Marie is an artist who released 14 studio albums over a professional musical career spanning 25years. Often described as the “Ivory Queen of Soul”, she’s since been sampled by artists including Ciara, Mobb deep, The Fugees, Jadakiss and Nicki Minaj. Her faith guided her through many of life trials and tribulations. This is an exploration of her musical life and how faith played it's role. Hot Girls Handles: Mixes - https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/sets/hot-girls-the-mixes Play...
Resilience, Relationships and MTV with Jasmine Dotiwala
August 05, 2020 09:19 - 58 minutes - 135 MBFrom the rise of Destiny's child, to the career of Mariah, to the evolution of UK Black music from the Underground into the mainstream, Jasmine Dotiwala has seen it all. She started her career as a runner, before being thrust into the spotlight as a Presenter for Channel 4's "The Word". After The Word got axed for too many audience complaints, she went to join the team at MTV as an MTV News Presenter. Her long and exciting journey at MTV included being Head of Production for MTV Base. Since ...
Season Two - Trailer
July 18, 2020 07:33 - 2 minutes - 4.23 MBHOT GIRLS is a new female focused, music centred conversation pulling back the curtain on the tenacity required to forge a career in the creative industries, and the resilience necessitated to stay there. Examining the intersection of music & contemporary culture HOT GIRLS is a chronicle of the fighters, the divas & the dreamers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hot Girls: Spoken Word, Management and Unconventional Paths with Selina Hannaford, founder of Luna Legacy
July 01, 2020 07:30 - 39 minutes - 90.3 MBThis week, Lex was joined by Selina Hannaford (Luna Lisabet), a spoken-word artist, photographer, and the founder of creative platform and management agency, Luna Legacy. Selina has had a fascinating career journey, really finding her passion and tribe after some personal battles. We spoke about her influences growing up, the role of the manager and how to create and manage events against the challenges of London night life. Artists Mentioned: KDotMelody, Fela Mi, Maverick Quest, Kendrick...
Hot Girl History: Ms Dynamite ft. Akala
June 24, 2020 07:44 - 18 minutes - 42.3 MBFor the penultimate episode of Season 1 I wanted to bring it closer to home and look at one of the only female MCs to have sat at the top of the UK charts. It sounds like an exaggerated statement, but it isn’t. That woman is Ms Dynamite and her voice was one of the defining sounds of early millennium music. She’s a brilliant blend of grime and dub basslines with really smart lyrics and has been the winner of a mercury music prize, mobo awards and brit awards. She’s also the older sister to A...
Hot Girls: Unity, Imposter Syndrome, Brit School and Blossoming with DJ and Music Producer Melle Brown
June 17, 2020 05:32 - 45 minutes - 105 MBThis week I'm joined by the super talented Producer and DJ, Melle Brown. Having done a taster course in music production when she was 14, Melle became comfortable with Logic early on, releasing her first EP Blossom as her dissertation project. Having met label owner and Radio DJ Jamz Supernova at a Soho House event, Melle ended up releasing her second EP "Intersection" on her label Future Bounce. It's house at its centre but with soul infusions. As a DJ she's played for the likes of Gorrilaz...
Hot Girl History: Sade Adu
June 11, 2020 05:55 - 22 minutes - 50.8 MBThis week we are going to be exploring the life of the soulful, seductive, romantic and mysterious Sade. One of the most successful solo female artists in the history of British music, Sade’s iconic sound blended elements of jazz, soul and funk to create a timeless sound which has been lusted after by listeners for decades. In fact, she has released a successful album in every decade since her initial 3-hit series in the 80s. One of the amazing things about Sade was that she achieved an incr...
Hot Girls: Songwriting, Soul and Multi-tasking with Artist and DJ, Bklava
June 04, 2020 05:44 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MBThis week Lex is joined by Bklava. A multi-talented artist and DJ from London who's singles are distinctive for their fresh, restrained take on Garage. Known for singing and DJing at the same time, Bklava also co-founded the female and non-binary DJ platform Spin Suga, which has a radio show on Brighton station Platform B, as well as hosting DJ workshops and panel talks. Bklava also did a mix which you can listen to on the Hot Girls mix series on Soundcloud. Songs Played: Bklava - Got it G...
Extra: The Cultural Importance of Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage"
May 31, 2020 17:34 - 13 minutes - 25.7 MBThis episode explores the success of a song by a phenomenal black woman, remixed by another phenomenal black woman. Exploring: the context of women being a minority in rap, the legal battle she had to go through to get her record out, and the way she used TikTok to secure the success of the song. On the 13th May, for the first time ever, four black women occupied the top two spots on the US Billboard Chart. On the 25th May an innocent black man was murdered forcing us to face up to how deep...
Hot Girl History: Gwen Stefani
May 27, 2020 05:29 - 27 minutes - 62.3 MBThis week, I explore the life and legacy of American artist, Gwen Stefani. I’ve chosen Gwen, because both through her solo releases and work with No Doubt she’s been heavily influenced by Jamaican music and you wouldn’t necessarily know that immediately when thinking about her music. She's released just shy of 10 albums, which is remarkable, defying agism and showing her resilience. I found it particularly fascinating how her personal and her professional life have interwoven. It’s an intere...
Hot Girls: Touring, Jazz, and Studio Sessions with JP Cooper and Stormzy, with Hannah V
May 19, 2020 13:52 - 53 minutes - 123 MBThis week I'm joined (via Zoom!) by Music Producer, Hannah V. After being classically trained as a Jazz Pianist, Hannah began working as a session musician, performing with artists including Rhianna, Eminem, Jessie J and Anastasia. After deciding she wanted to stay in one place for a bit, she began work as a professional producer for Sony. She's released music under her own name but she's also worked closely with artists including JP Cooper, Pepper Rose, and many upcoming Drill artists. We t...
Hot Girl History: Lil Kim
May 06, 2020 06:25 - 19 minutes - 37.8 MBWith three back to back Platinum selling albums, Lil Kim is one of the few females in rap who's legacy is rarely questioned. In this episode we take a look at how a 17 year old Kimberley Jones went from living on the streets of Brooklyn, to being one of the biggest selling artists in the world. From her creative partnership with B.I.G, to her time in jail, to where she's at now. As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re looking at the decisions she made in her career and challenges,...
Hot Girls: Digital Radio, Playlisting and the Hyperman set with Shireen
April 29, 2020 05:55 - 49 minutes - 114 MBThis week, Lex is joined by Shireen Ramezani, to talk about the process of breaking artists. Shireen started her career as a producer on London's Radar Radio, before heading label side to UMG. While there she was responsible for playlist creation and development, as well as working on Spinnup which was Universal's platform for emerging artists. She has recently joined the editorial team at Resident Advisor where she will continue her work elevating female talent in the industry. Artists nam...
Hot Girl History: M.I.A (Maya Matangi)
April 22, 2020 05:28 - 23 minutes - 54.2 MBThis week, we shine the Spotlight on M.I.A. A Tamil rapper who has led a remarkable life. From her early experiences on tour with Brit Pop group, Elastica, to her work with Diplo, Paper Planes and her complex relationship with the world's media. Learn about MIA and you will start to understand how important it is to know yourself and be comfortable with exactly who you are. She is now back making music, sharing her journey on Patreon. As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re lookin...
Hot Girls: Skills, Confidence, Bass and iPods with Tailor Jae
April 15, 2020 05:03 - 35 minutes - 81.8 MBThis week, Lex is joined by Tailor Jae. A bass DJ, who’s been making waves for a few years, since being crowned Mixmag and Coors Light DJ Quest Winner back in 2017. Since then, she’s shared the stage with some pretty big names in music including Peggy Gou, Swindle and Jaguar Skills.You may have heard her sets on Rinse FM, Reprezent, out with Keep Hush, or in the infamous Mixmag Lab. Artists Mentioned: Melle Brown, Jamz Supernova, LR Groove, KG, El-B, LCY, Calvin Harris, Traces, 6 Figure Ga...
Hot Girl History: Missy Elliott
April 08, 2020 06:38 - 22 minutes - 52 MBAn exploration of the life and musical legacy of a true icon! Not only a remarkable musical artist but also a remarkable visual artist and an incredible producer. Missy really encompasses every trait that can make someone great. This episode looks at her life and discography to see how Melissa became Missy Misdemeanor Elliott. As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re looking at the decisions she made in her career and challenges, to get to where she has. Missy Elliott Handles: T...
Hot Girls: DMs, Counting your wins and Collaboration, with Drewmula
March 31, 2020 06:45 - 42 minutes - 96.3 MBThis week Lex is joined by Drewmula. A hot boy. Drewmula is an artist from South London who’s music is best described as a fusion of Afrobeats and RnB. He first caught people’s attention a couple of years ago when he released his first single as a solo artist, Purple Clouds and has seen a steady rise and growth since then. His new single 'Wanting' has recently been released, he’s got an EP dropping this year and signed to MN2S in November last year. Artists Mentioned: Darkoo, Meek Mill, J...
Hot Girls: Goals, identity and protecting the creative process, with Bamz
March 12, 2020 07:00 - 1 hour - 144 MBThis week Lex is joined by the amazing Bamz. A producer, songwriter and DJ who is as open as she is humble and is on a journey towards greatness. Artists Mentioned: Bamz, Nadia Rose, Rico Nasty, Megan Thee Stallion, Lauryn Hill, Paramore, Teedra Moses, Jamilah Barry, Kaytranda, Tiana Major9, Black Coffee, Black Motion, Missy Elliott, Yebba, Robert Glasper, Princess Nyah, Katy B, Ms Dynamite Music Played: Bamz - Raining Season Bamz - Bam’Day Bamz v. Mis Teeq - Scandalous Rmx Handles: ...
Hot Girl History: Spice
March 10, 2020 12:07 - 18 minutes - 42.5 MBThis week I’m going to be delving into the back catalogue of the Queen of Dancehall; Spice. An icon of that genre of music and an all round inspirational person. As always, this isn’t just a biography, but we’re looking at the decisions she made in her career and challenges, to get to where she has. Spice Handles: IG and Twitter: @spiceofficial Hot Girls Handles: Mixes - https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/sets/hot-girls-the-mixes Playlist - https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0M8WInsGc...
Hot Girls: Presenting and promotion, with Khadejia
March 05, 2020 07:58 - 37 minutes - 86 MBThis week Lex is joined by DJ and Presenter, Khadejia, to talk about her favourite artists, tour, playing the bangers and self-promotion. Artists Mentioned: J Lo, Stefflon Don, Ms Banks, Beyonce, Rihanna, Koffee, Spice, Meg Thee Stallion, Cardi B, Iggy Azelea, Nicki Minaj, Remy Ma, Lil Kim, Missy Elliot, Section Boyz, Youngs Teflon, Yungun, Chip, Roddy Rich, Gunna, Timbaland, Mase, Diddy, Yemi Alade, Lady Leshurr, Drake, JME, Lorraine (Loz), Little Simz, PA Salieu, Jay1 Guest Handles: I...
Hot Girl History: Tiwa Savage
March 05, 2020 07:57 - 16 minutes - 30.6 MBIn today’s episode we take a look at the woman often called the Queen of Afrobeats. An artist who signed her first record deal in 2009, was the first woman to win Best African Act at the MTV EMAs, an artist who, despite all her success recently said, “I see myself as a new artist again who is hustling. That’s my mentality, I don’t walk into a room expecting anyone to know who I am. I’m just here to get a seat at the table”. The most celebrated female artist from Africa, this episode we’re ta...
Hot Girls: What Success Looks like, with Sophie Simone
March 05, 2020 07:57 - 37 minutes - 72 MBThis week Lex is joined by DJ Sophie Simone to chat about hot talent, foundation fm, writing and what it means to be successful. Listen to Sophie's Mix: https://soundcloud.com/lexonthedecks/hot-girls-sophie-simone-ft-rico-nasty-bbymutha-queen-key-princess-nokia-070-shake Artists Mentioned: Cardi B, Meg Thee Stallion, Glass Animals, Denzel Curry, The Weeknd, Justin Bieber, Maxo Kream, Ragz Original, Skepta, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, Eminem, Queen Latifah, Salt n Pepa, Eve, Missy Elliott, Ta...
Hot Girl History: Nicki Minaj
March 05, 2020 07:55 - 17 minutes - 33.4 MBThe biggest selling female rapper of all time, the first female MC to perform at the Grammys, and the first to get a No.1 album in the UK. This is an exploration of Nicki's life and music, as we seek to understand what it is about her, not just as an artist but as a person, that took her so far. How, she managed to achieve the level of fame and critical acclaim that she has. If we want more women to compete with Nicki, to get to that level of success, she’s someone it would pay to learn from...
Introducing: Hot Girls - The Podcast Trailer
December 27, 2019 10:16 - 1 minute - 2.3 MBFor years, the worlds of Hip-hop, Dancehall, Rap and Afrobeats have been dominated by male artists. Hot Girls is a 45minute long radio-style podcast, which celebrates female Urban artists, both established and up and coming. The Podcast will include guest mixes by DJs, conversations with extra special guests in the industry on the topics of success and personal fulfilment, and some of their favourite artists. NB. Clips used in this trailer were not owned or recorded by anyone associated ...