Coi Leray Dishes On Loving Her Body The Way It Is And Inspiring Others To Do The Same
Over the years, rapper and singer Coi Leray have gained widespread recognition for her infectious melodies and chart-topping hits, taking over both the music industry and social media platforms.
Some of Leray's most notable tracks include "Players," "Twinnem," "Blick Blick" with Nicki Minaj, "No More Parties," and "Big Purr" featuring Pooh Shiesty. Since hitting fame in 2018, the 25-year-old has seen the positive and negative aspects of fame.
Aside from achieving professional success, Leray has also experienced criticism for her physical appearance. Leray, who has a slim physique, is often body-shamed online for not being as curvy as her peers. On May 1, during an interview with People magazine, Leray addressed the backlash and revealed how the adverse comments shaped her into the person she is today.
Coi Leray On The Negative Comments About Her Body
While promoting her latest singles, "My Body" and "Bop," Leray shared that from the start of her music career, her figure was always discussed among many because no one physically looked like her in the industry.
The star continued that because of the lack of representation due to many not becoming successful in the field, this was often a topic that was brought to her attention by other people.
"I mean, feel like since I started my career, my body has been a conversation because in reality, from the conversations that I've had with a lot of people that I look up to and are well respected in the industry, they'll tell me, 'Before it was kind of hard for women your size and that small to really prosper in the industry' because at one point there wasn't no woman [of] my size," she said.
Leray added that despite the negative responses she has been receiving about her body, most of her fans are thanking her for inspiring them to appreciate their own physique and confidently wear what they want.
"So I feel like that became something that a lot of people noticed in hip-hop and brought to my attention. And also too, just having a lot of young women hit me faithfully, always on a day-to-day telling me how much my body inspires them, how much that I inspire them, and how much more that," she explained. "They wear small, little... They wear booty shorts. They're wearing skinny jeans. They're wearing low-waisted. They're just telling me all this s---t. They're like, 'Yo, I haven't put on a pair of jeans in over five years, and I don't give a f---k since you started posting and being so confident.'"
Later, Leray expressed that her confidence in her thin frame came from knowing she is the only one who has to deal with her physical appearance.
Coi Leray On How The Negative Remarks Impacted Her
As the discussion shifted to how the body-shaming comments have impacted Leray's life, the "G.A.N." rapper claimed that the reactions hadn't changed her outlook on how she views herself.
In fact, Leray disclosed it had motivated her to bring awareness to the body-shaming topic and love herself a lot more.
"I don't give a f---k about the negative or what anybody has to say negative about my body. Because at the end of the day, I really love how I look, and I know I look good," she stated. "But it's just if I have to be that person to bring awareness and to motivate and encourage the industry and just people in the world, then I don't mind doing that. And that involves me having to speak about it or talk about it, and I'm all for it because I can relate."
To date, Leray continues to shed light on self-love through her social media posts and body-shaming by calling out anybody she feels has said anything remotely negative about her frame.
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images