JT is the latest sensation to grace the cover of Essence Magazine, and she is standing in her power. Inside, she opened up about her exciting new journey as a solo artist. Sporting a series of stunning outfits pulled together by celebrity stylist Ronnie Hartleben, JT expressed her enthusiasm for her debut solo mixtape, City Cinderella, which was released in July. The 16-track project is packed with hits and features collaborations with hip-hop power players like DJ Khaled, Jeezy, and more.

JT described the mixtape as a true reflection of her authentic self.

“This is my thing. The most regrettable era of my career was me just pretending to be. I have been to prison, and to be able to represent my people in the best light as a second chance is so real,” said the Miami native. “And I said some sh-t. But it’s like, I’m now being able to be that girl and keep it clean. I haven’t fully got to that stage yet—but they’re going to see how we can present ourselves like anybody else and earn the respect. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m viral for being pretty.’” 

JT shines on the cover of Essence Magazine.

JT is stepping up her fashion sense.

As JT embarks on her solo career, she’s discovering new dimensions of power and freedom through her wardrobe. Formerly known for her dynamic role with The City Girls alongside Young Miami, JT now embraces the cutting edge of fashion, blending the avant-garde designs of Rick Owens and Alexander Wang with luxury labels like Chanel and Prada. Her distinctive style is showcased on the cover of Essence Magazine, where she stuns in an auburn Ferragamo gown with a sweeping V-neck, complemented by smoky eyeliner and a glossy chocolate lip.

JT, known for her love of luxury brands, initially wondered if her fans would embrace her bolder, more distinctive style choices. However, with a boost of confidence from her “partner,” she found the courage to elevate her style and fully explore her inner fashionista.

“I’m not going to lie—I was like, ‘What’ Because I’m from down South. We don’t have those stores. I think they just put Rick in Miami recently. We are very much Chanel, Gucci, Prada girls. Then I stepped it up when my partner put me inrunway, and it was very uncomfortable. I’m a street b***! Then I said, Okay, I like this, and this can be my identity. Thiscan elevate me.”  

In June, JT and Yung Miami faced the tough decision to part ways as The City Girls to embark on solo careers. As JT ascends in the music industry, she highlights the importance of remaining authentic throughout her journey, a quality that has sharpened her competitive edge. She urges other aspiring young artist to stay true to themselves as they pursue their own musical dreams.

“Be new, and be you. You have to be both. I hear people telling people all the time, ‘All you’ve got to do is be yourself.’ But in this market, you have to stand out,” JT shared. “What’s so special about you, that makes you deserving of people’s attention? And when you get in that position, you’ve got to fight to stay in that position. You’ve got to come in with your head on strong.”

She added, “You can’t look around and see that it’s working for her, so you’re going to go, and you’re going to do what she’s doing. And—whether they like it or not. People might hate something, but if that’s you, they’re going to be able to identify it. [Still], just being yourself isn’t enough in this industry—because there are so many of us, and it’s so oversaturated. You’ve got to be authentic and new. Invent yourself in a way that takes your authenticity and mixes it with something that’s going to make you stand out, no matter what it is. Then you apply your talent to that, and create your brand.”

Read JT’s full Essence Magazine interview here. 

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