Pioneering Women are Reclaiming Hip-Hop’s Narrative with “Passing the Crown”
A new initiative is actively working to address the historical underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color, in the world of hip-hop and classical music.
If you were to have asked late Sugar Hill Records co-founder Sylvia Robinson who helped put hip-hop—a genre traditionally dominated by men—on the map, she would have justifiably raised her hand. Robinson, who passed away in 2011, was largely responsible for hip-hop’s first Top 40 single, “Rapper’s Delight” by the Sugar Hill Gang in 1979, as well as “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five in 1982, rap’s first socially conscious track.
The roots of this fight for recognition stretch back to the very beginning of the genre. Taking it back even further, Kool Herc’s younger sister, Cindy Campbell, co-hosted the historic Back to School Jam at 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx on August 11, 1973, widely celebrated as hip-hop’s “birthday.” Despite these foundational contributions, more than 50 years after the genre was created, women—especially women of color—are still fighting for a seat at the table. While there has been progress with the rise of prominent Black female rappers like Megan Thee Stallion, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B, advocates say there’s more work to be done.
Enter “Passing the Crown,” a groundbreaking project founded by classically trained violinist Juliette Jones. Established in 2024 as an extension of her talent booking agency, Wondersmith Entertainment, “Passing the Crown” uniquely pairs female emcees, breakers, and DJs with female classical musicians. These musicians utilize an array of instruments – violins, percussion, keys, and cellos – to create a dynamic and culturally enriching experience.
While symphonies have collaborated with hip-hop artists before—including performances with Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Cypress Hill, Nas, and Common—few have been composed solely of women of color. This is the core distinction that sets “Passing the Crown” apart.
Jones, who has performed alongside musical icons like Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Jon Batiste, Stevie Wonder, and Janelle Monáe, enlisted violinist and Wondersmith Entertainment director of finance and operations, Monique Brooks Roberts, as associate producer. Together, they’ve already produced shows featuring Grammy Award-winning artist Rapsody and trailblazing female rapper MC Lyte. However, Brooks Roberts acknowledges the challenges they’ve faced.
“As classical string players, we don’t see ourselves represented, but sometimes—because we were always one of one—we were pitted against each other,” Brooks Roberts explains. “Sometimes you don’t get the full respect from your colleagues. But when I met Jules, she was so humble and so incredibly talented but also a supporter of me and my work. It was like, “Put me in, coach!””
Jones elaborates on the project’s mission, stating, “Passing the Crown allows us to center women in a very specific way. As Black women in this thing, we are considered the bottom of the totem pole, but we rise at all times. Creating Passing the Crown was a way for us to work with our sisters and amplify women, both in music and in dance, and do something meaningful.”
“Passing the Crown” represents a powerful step towards a more equitable and inclusive future for women in hip-hop and beyond, demonstrating that when women support women, the entire musical landscape benefits.
