TT the Artist and Shiftee Made a Feminist Anthem With Middle School Girls in the Bronx

NYC turntablist Shiftee recently linked up with Baltimore rapper TT the Artist on a track called "Dope Girls," a throwback anthem that celebrates independent women who keep it fresh. "Keisha? She a dope girl! Lisa? She a dope girl! Roxanne? She a dope girl! TT? She a dope girl, dope girl!" goes the song's catchy chorus, which also features live scratching and back-up vocals sung by students at an all-girls middle school in the Bronx.

"TT & I know each other IRL, but we made this track over the internet. As soon as she sent back the vocals, I knew we had a winner. Her concept and flow perfectly matched the throwback vibe of the tune," explains Shiftee. "I was like, 'Dope Girls! Damn, this could be an anthem. I then cut up her vocals with live scratching for the chorus, and went and recorded a girls middle school in the Bronx for the final touches. Shout out to Girls Prep!"

TT provided additional context, adding, "'Dope Girls' was inspired by the everyday girl who embraces her inner cool. When creating this song , I knew I wanted to incorporate the attitude of an independent woman who is proud of who she is and where she comes from." The single is out now on Hot Mom USA, and come March, look out for a series of remixes from all-female producers.