“We want to be a platform for people who are not at the forefront of hip-hop” explains hoe__mies co-founder Lucia Luciano. Together, the crew aim to realise their mission of creating a more diverse hip-hop scene, one which also includes women and the LGBTQ community. As part of their party at Berlin’s CTM Festival — guaranteed to immerse attendees in the experimental sounds of tomorrow — we got to know the girls behind the club night collective, to find out exactly how this whole thing works.
Lucia, 27
What’s your role in hoe_mies? Together with Gizem, I co-founded hoe_mies. What is special about your crew? The family aspect — we’ve all known each other for ages, that’s why it works so well. Why do you think women and the LGBTQ community are still underrepresented in the hip-hop scene these days? Because for many people it’s still not natural to be able to come out and the community is therefore dependent on safe spaces. What can you do about it? We want everyone involved to be able to show their talents. How does feminism in hip-hop work? I don’t like to work with labels, but apparently society needs them. Hip-hop should be accessible to everyone, not just men. It is time for women and the whole community to support each other to make us stronger. What can we expect from your party in the CTM? Many empowering tracks.
Gizem, 27
What is your role in hoe_mies? Together with Lucia I do the booking, the creative direction, organisation and coordination. What is special about your crew? It is definitely the family aspect. These are all really cool women! Why do you think women and the LGBTQ community are still underrepresented in the hip-hop scene these days? Because there are the same dynamics that exist in society, even in music — sexism, racism, homophobia and trans-ferocity. Sexism has an effect on the music industry and party scene, who gets access and is represented. The LGBTQ community and sis women are so extremely marginalised. What can you do about it? Start a party [laughs]. That’s why we actually started. Our party is about counterbalancing a scene dominated by men and rarely giving women the opportunity to show what they are capable of. We want to be a platform for those who are otherwise overlooked by the mainstream. Why are Safe Spaces so important nowadays? Our society can be very destructive, so certain retreats are important. What makes the CTM so unique for you? It’s one of the biggest underground festivals. That’s why I’m pretty happy that they give us the chance to fill a slot that has been filled by men for the last two years. What are you looking forward to the most? To the Spanish rapper Bad Gyal. She combines reggaeton with electronic and makes something very unique.
Destina, 19
What is your role in hoe_mies? I help out at the parties. What is special about your crew? We have enormous charisma and stand for empowerment and equal rights. At the parties there is always a good mood. Why do you think women and the LGBTQ community are still underrepresented in the hip-hop scene these days? This is probably due to lack of willpower. The male world is unfortunately still superior. We want to fight and try to make a statement that we will not put up with that. What can you do about it? We take courage with our party and show it is OK for women to make music, especially in the hip-hop scene. Why are Safe Spaces so important nowadays? Because it is important that people feel comfortable. No matter if you’re male or female, gay or lesbian. In the end, it is the character that makes us. That’s why we need to find ways to make sure everyone is integrated today. What can we expect from your party in the CTM? Diversity, a lot of fun, openness and acceptance. You can not describe hoe__mies, you just have to be there.
Cecilia, 24
What is your role in hoe_mies? I’m sitting at the cash register. What is special about your crew? This whole feeling of togetherness. Anyone with ideas can also bring them in and contribute their part to the crew. Why do you think women and the LGBTQ community are still underrepresented in the hip-hop scene these days? Because of the sexism in the industry, this makes women in hip hop feel unwelcome. Luckily, the scene is undergoing change. What can you do about it? hoe__mies is made exclusively of women. What can we expect from your party in the CTM? A very relaxed and open community.
This article originally appeared on i-D DE.