

6 Things You Don't Know About Trap R&B Singer DaniLeigh
To describe the musically unique singer/songwriter DaniLeigh as a vibe you can't get anywhere else, would be to put it lightly. Just one scroll on her Instagram, a listen to her vocals, or a peek at her style would be enough to convince any person that she's here for both a long time and a good time.
Her joy is contagious, her energy is pure, and her music? Well, her music speaks for itself. With a new album on the way, her musical versatility spans across different styles, namely trap, R&B, and some Dominican influence, which is an homage to her Latina roots. But it wasn't just her impressive vocals that made us want to know more about the young Miami native.
After being personally sought out to direct and co-star in a music video by the Purple One himself at just 18 years old, and gaining a major co-sign from Drake after featuring her infamous #InMyFeelingsChallenge in his music video, the stage is now set for DaniLeigh (pronounced Dani-LAY) to make her own mark on the industry. xoNecole got the chance to briefly catch up with the swaggy songstress just before her meet and greet at Lady Foot Locker in New York City.
DaniLeigh at her Lady Foot Locker in-store appearance in Soho, NYC (11/28). To get DaniLeigh's sneaker look, she's rocking the Jordan Retro 11 Utility.
Lady Foot Locker
With an album (The Plan) out now and her nationwide Be Yourself tour underway, the "Lil BeBe" singer chatted with xoNecole about why it's important to do just that along with her personal style and her new album.
xoNecole: How does the vibe on this upcoming album ‘The Plan’ differ from your debut EP, ‘Summer With Friends’?
DaniLeigh: I feel like Summer With Friends was [based off] the place I was in. I had just gotten signed to Def Jam and I was super happy! I think the vibe was definitely more light and colorful whereas I think The Plan is a little bit more moody. You really get to hear my story. I think I've grown as an artist, I think my pen game is better. I really tried to just show my versatility and I played around with different types of production, a little bit of darker things.
xoNecole: If you could describe yourself or your music in two words, what would they be?
DaniLeigh: Cool and unique. I say "cool" because as far as my personality goes, I like to be chill. With everything that's happened in life, I kind of handled it in a patient way. I never acted out of character. As far as "unique" goes, that comes out in my music. My tone, my voice is different, I don't really sound like anybody. The tracks that I get on are different, no one can really compare to me.
"No one can really compare to me."
Ryan Postas/DaniLeigh's Instagram
xoNecole: As you can see, the women in the music industry are doing impressively well right now. Cardi B, Rihanna, and of course Queen Bey. How does that make you feel as an up-and-comer?
DaniLeigh: It's amazing, I love it. Every female on top has a dope message to give and that's important. As women, I feel like we have to work a little harder to get respect in the game, but it feels like we're finally taking over. It's a wave for women right now and that feels good.
"It's a wave for women right now and that feels good."
xoNecole: You’re at Lady Foot Locker, so let’s talk shoe game. Where did your personal love for sneakers come from?
DaniLeigh: In high school, that's when I really started to get tuned in with sneakers. I always had my Air Maxes, my Jordans, my Nikes. My Air Force Ones back in the day, those were my favorite. Now the love has just grown to where now when I make an outfit, I think of the shoe first. I got to have a crazy shoe on to complete the outfit, you know?
xoNecole: Makes complete sense. And speaking of outfits, your personal aesthetic is on a whole different level, it's not mainstream. Not many people dress as differently as you do. Where do you draw your style inspiration from?
DaniLeigh: I was always inspired by Rihanna. There are a couple of different girls I follow on Instagram, but I like to look different. I definitely have that tomboy aesthetic to me. But I like colors and matching down to every little detail, even my nails and my socks. I have a vintage side to me as well. I like to incorporate the high-waisted jeans, oversized turtlenecks, things like that. That's my speed.
xoNecole: Last thing, what’s one important thing you want your current fans and potential fans to know?
DaniLeigh: I want them to know that it's okay to be yourself. Throughout my life, people were always trying to change me or they weren't really accepting who I was. But I feel like I kept it real and always showed who I really was from the start no matter what. And now I'm starting to get recognized and it's for just being me, my authentic self.
Keep up with DaniLeigh by following her on Instagram. Click here to listen to her new album now.
Featured image via Def Jam Records.
- Get To Know Our Girl DaniLeigh | Def Jam Recordings ›
- NYC Embraces Singer Dani Leigh | 93.9 WKYS ›
- Meet DaniLeigh, the Dominican Rapper & Singer With a Prince Co ... ›
- 5 things you didn't know about DaniLeigh - AXS ›
- Meet DaniLeigh, the Singer-Songwriter-Dancer Mentored by Prince ›
- DaniLeigh | Official Site ›
- DaniLeigh - "Lil BeBe" (Dance Video) - YouTube ›
- DANILEIGH (@iamdanileigh) • Instagram photos and videos ›
Writer. Empath. Escapist. Young, gifted, and Black. Shanelle Genai is a proud Southern girl in a serious relationship with celebrity interviews, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and long walks down Sephora aisles. Keep up with her on IG @shanellegenai.
Exclusive: Gabrielle Union On Radical Transparency, Being Diagnosed With Perimenopause And Embracing What’s Next
Whenever Gabrielle Union graces the movie screen, she immediately commands attention. From her unforgettable scenes in films like Bring It On and Two Can Play That Game to her most recent film, in which she stars and produces Netflix’s The Perfect Find, there’s no denying that she is that girl.
Off-screen, she uses that power for good by sharing her trials and tribulations with other women in hopes of helping those who may be going through the same things or preventing them from experiencing them altogether. Recently, the Flawless by Gabrielle Union founder partnered with Clearblue to speak at the launch of their Menopause Stage Indicator, where she also shared her experience with being perimenopausal.
In a xoNecoleexclusive, the iconic actress opens up about embracing this season of her life, new projects, and overall being a “bad motherfucker.” Gabrielle reveals that she was 37 years old when she was diagnosed with perimenopause and is still going through it at 51 years old. Mayo Clinic says perimenopause “refers to the time during which your body makes the natural transition to menopause, marking the end of the reproductive years.”
“I haven't crossed over the next phase just yet, but I think part of it is when you hear any form of menopause, you automatically think of your mother or grandmother. It feels like an old-person thing, but for me, I was 37 and like not understanding what that really meant for me. And I don't think we focus so much on the word menopause without understanding that perimenopause is just the time before menopause,” she tells us.
Gabrielle Union
Photo by Brian Thomas
"But you can experience a lot of the same things during that period that people talk about, that they experienced during menopause. So you could get a hot flash, you could get the weight gain, the hair loss, depression, anxiety, like all of it, mental health challenges, all of that can come, you know, at any stage of the menopausal journey and like for me, I've been in perimenopause like 13, 14 years. When you know, most doctors are like, ‘Oh, but it's usually about ten years, and I'm like, ‘Uhh, I’m still going (laughs).’”
Conversations about perimenopause, fibroids, and all the things that are associated with women’s bodies have often been considered taboo and thus not discussed publicly. However, times are changing, and thanks to the Gabrielle’s and the Tia Mowry’s, more women are having an authentic discourse about women’s health. These open discussions lead to the creation of more safe spaces and support for one another.
“I want to be in community with folks. I don't ever want to feel like I'm on an island about anything. So, if I can help create community where we are lacking, I want to be a part of that,” she says. “So, it's like there's no harm in talking about it. You know what I mean? Like, I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change. I'm just getting better and stronger and more intelligent, more wise, more patient, more compassionate, more empathetic. All of that is very, very welcomed, and none of it should be scary.”
The Being Mary Jane star hasn’t been shy about her stance on therapy. If you don’t know, here’s a hint: she’s all for it, and she encourages others to try it as well. She likens therapy to dating by suggesting that you keep looking for the right therapist to match your needs. Two other essential keys to her growth are radical transparency and radical acceptance (though she admits she is still working on the latter).
"I was a bad motherfucker before perimenopause. I’m a bad motherfucker now, and I'll be a bad motherfucker after menopause. Know what I’m saying? None of that has to change. How I’m a bad motherfucker, I welcome that part of the change."
Gabrielle Union and Kaavia Union-Wade
Photo by Monica Schipper/Getty Images
“I hope that a.) you recognize that you're not alone. Seek out help and know that it's okay to be honest about what the hell is happening in your life. That's the only way that you know you can get help, and that's also the only other way that people know that you are in need if there's something going on,” she says, “because we have all these big, very wild, high expectations of people, but if they don't know what they're actually dealing with, they're always going to be failing, and you will always be disappointed. So how about just tell the truth, be transparent, and let people know where you are. So they can be of service, they can be compassionate.”
Gabrielle’s transparency is what makes her so relatable, and has so many people root for her. Whether through her TV and film projects, her memoirs, or her social media, the actress has a knack for making you feel like she’s your homegirl. Scrolling through her Instagram, you see the special moments with her family, exciting new business ventures, and jaw-dropping fashion moments. Throughout her life and career, we’ve seen her evolve in a multitude of ways. From producing films to starting a haircare line to marriage and motherhood, her journey is a story of courage and triumph. And right now, in this season, she’s asking, “What’s next?”
“This is a season of discovery and change. In a billion ways,” says the NAACP Image Award winner. “The notion of like, ‘Oh, so and so changed. They got brand new.’ I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
"I want you to be brand new. I want me to be brand new. I want us to be always constantly growing, evolving. Having more clarity, moving with different purpose, like, and all of that is for me very, very welcomed."
She continues, “So I'm just trying to figure out what's next. You know what I mean? I'm jumping into what's next. I'm excited going into what's next and new. I'm just sort of embracing all of what life has to offer.”
Look out for Gabrielle in the upcoming indie film Riff Raff, which is a crime comedy starring her and Jennifer Coolidge, and she will also produce The Idea of You, which stars Anne Hathaway.
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Feature image by Mike Lawrie/Getty Images
Have you ever been in a relationship with someone and felt so deeply connected to them? Everything about the relationship was intense – good or bad? Then you might be in a part of a soul tie.
The concept of a soul tie binds individuals on a level beyond a relationship's physical and emotional aspects; it’s more than a mere connection. You can form a soul tie with anyone – lover, friend, colleague, etc.- but we are discussing romantic partners for this article. Think of you and your partner as an intensely burning flame. The flame can burn passionately to light the relationship’s way or chaotically burn everything in its path. Either way, it leaves an indelible mark on the souls involved.
A soul tie should not be confused with the term “soulmate.” The main difference is that a soul tie can be positive or negative, while a soulmate is a mutual, harmonious connection. Unlike a soul tie, a soulmate relationship is generally characterized by mutual understanding, support, and shared values.
However, the more we learn about soul ties, the more it becomes evident that they are not monolithic; they vary in nature and intensity. As someone who has experienced a negative soul tie, it is crucial to discern whether they contribute positively to personal growth or hinder you from flourishing.
If Your Soul Tie Is Positive
A positive soul tie creates a deep and affirming connection between individuals. One key indicator of a positive soul tie is effective communication. If you’re experiencing a positive soul tie, a shared understanding fosters open and honest dialogue, contributing to a sense of connection and support.
Mutual growth is another hallmark of a positive soul tie. When individuals in a relationship encourage each other's personal development and evolution, it signifies a positive and uplifting connection. This mutual support leads to an environment where both parties can thrive individually and together, contributing to the overall health of the soul tie.
Emotional security is a crucial element in identifying a positive soul tie. In such connections, individuals feel a deep sense of trust and comfort with each other. This emotional security forms a stable foundation for the relationship, allowing both parties to express vulnerability and foster a strong, positive bond. These three indicators—effective communication, mutual growth, and emotional security—underscore the positivity inherent in a healthy and affirming soul tie.
If Your Soul Tie Is Negative
A negative soul tie manifests as a detrimental and draining connection between individuals. One clear sign of a negative soul tie is the presence of emotional turmoilwithin the relationship. When the connection becomes a source of constant distress, causing emotional upheaval and hindering personal development, it indicates a negative soul tie.
Codependency is another red flag for a negative soul tie. In such connections, individuals may become overly reliant on each other, impeding their ability to thrive independently. Codependency often leads to unhealthy dependencies and can result in a toxic dynamic that hinders both individuals' growth and well-being.
A lack of effective communication is a third indicator of a negative soul tie. When there is a breakdown in communication, misunderstandings and unresolved issues can fester, contributing to a strained and unhealthy connection. In negative soul ties, the absence of open and honest dialogue can perpetuate a cycle of negativity and prevent the resolution of underlying issues. These three indicators—emotional turmoil, codependency, and poor communication—point to the negativity associated with an unhealthy soul tie.
Putting Out The Fires And Breaking Your Soul Tie
Unfortunately, my deep, intense connection only caused destruction. And despite the obvious red flags, it took a minute before I broke the connection. Why? Because I was addicted to the relationship, we both were. But it is possible to break a soul tie if and when you are ready because if you are not, pretending you are when you are not is a waste of your time.
Breaking a soul tie requires intentional and purposeful actions. Establishing clear and firm boundaries is a fundamental step in severing the connection. By limiting contact and emotional engagement with the person involved, individuals can gradually weaken the tie and create space for personal growth.
Seeking professional support is another effective strategy to break a soul tie. Guidance from therapists or counselors provides valuable insights and coping strategies. Professional assistance can help individuals navigate the emotional challenges associated with breaking a soul tie, offering a structured and supportive environment for healing.
Redirecting energy toward personal growth is important in breaking free from a soul tie. Engaging in activities that promote individual well-being and create a sense of independence allows individuals to refocus their attention on their own growth and development. This redirection of energy is essential for breaking the emotional bonds of a soul tie and moving towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.
The last step I advise everyone to go through is the mourning period. My partner and I did our song and dance for years before I walked away. And I would be lying if I didn’t say that I mourned our relationship while I healed.
Recognizing the presence and nature of a soul tie in your relationship is crucial to understanding its impact on your well-being. Whether positive or negative, the intensity of a soul tie can shape the course of your personal growth and happiness. Breaking free from a negative soul tie demands intentional efforts, from setting clear boundaries to seeking professional support. Redirecting energy toward personal growth and allowing oneself a necessary mourning period are vital steps toward healing and liberation from the intricate ties that bind.
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Feature image by JD Mason/ Unsplash