A Moment in Time With Coi Leray
On any given Wednesday, one goes to Garden State Plaza for food, festivities, and fashion. But on September 13th, 2023, I had an opportunity to meet and take a picture with the lovely Coi Leray. Daughter of The Source’s, Benzino, her earlier career in music started at 14, with hits such as “G.A.N.” from her debut mixtape, “Everything Coz” (2018) and “Huddy” from her sophomore mixtape, “EC2” (2019). Ever since that faithful moment, when her lyrics touched beats, she’s been climbing the charts. Earlier this year she was crowned No.1 on Billboard’s Emerging Artists Chart (Feb 2023), thanks to her single “Players”. Additionally, she laced Metro Boomin’s Spider-Verse Soundtrack with the hit song “Self-Love”. With her sophomore album, COI, which released June 23, 2023, Leray is truly a “party starter” as she is blessing her fans with her lyrical flow, positive energy and perseverance.
While I stood on the fandom line, people of all ages gathered to see America’s newest superstar, as she took the time out of her schedule for fans. The line was a mix of people from different backgrounds, spanning a range of ages, from younger to older individuals. Some waited hours before, showing just how dedicated they were to see the famed celebrity. And as I waited in line, there was a catch, you had to purchase some merch. As for me, I purchased a t-shirt. A small price for a moment in time with an artist? I’m down.
As I entered Hot Topic, the line continued, toward the back of the store. Getting closer to my goal, fans were also fortunate enough to listen to her music from the new album. Heads bobbed, with some citing the lyrics. It was a vibe.
To see her and listen to her was an experience, a brief concert with her illuminating the stage. I also can’t ignore the love that Hot Topic provided as mall security, sales associates, police, and Leray’s own media team and security stated the unwritten rule, “get comfortable, but not too comfortable. It will not end well for you”. Needless to say, everyone was on their best behavior.
Fan-love filled the air as Leray signed autographs on paraphernalia, spoke with fans, and passed out an autographed poster to guests. One special moment that was shared was a dedication portrait to her from a fan. I didn’t get the name of the artist, but I hope this article helps her out, her art was amazing.
My turn was next. As I approached Ms. Leray, I admired her resolve. She had a dream, and she went for it. The obstacles she overcame, the battles she fought. The battle scars. There are articles highlighting them and they are out there, but that is the past. Her future, on the other hand, is vertical. Positive. Self-Love. Self Confidence. She is the chosen one.
Within this brief encounter, I ask her two questions, one for permission to ask the question and the actual. As a pop culture enthusiast, I could ask about her music, her rise to fame, her battles. Instead, I ask her, “What’s your favorite anime?”.
There is a pause. She snaps her fingers three times, asking her assistant to assist with her response, “Seven Deadly Sins,”, from Netflix, she says. The anime, with a cast that includes,
Meliodas, a demon.
Ban, a former human.
Diane, a giant.
King, a fairy.
Escanor a human
Merlin, a mage
Gowther, a wizard created doll
Originally called Nanatsu no Taizai, the manga was written by Nakaba Suzuki and lasted 41 volumes, encompassing 100 anime episodes.
Coi Leray’s response is a great example of how anime is now mainstream. As both Leray and anime continues to rise in global prominence, they are both demonstrating their power of artistic expression, transcending boundaries and uniting people.
Sidenote: The quality of anime's themes, along with the creative inspiration it offers, has ignited the imaginations of both fans and artists alike, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and influences. Creators such as King Vader, Tony Weaver Jr. with 'The Uncommons,' RDCWorld and their comedic anime insights, and Megan Thee Stallion have all demonstrated their love for anime through wordplay, clothing, music, literature, and live streams.
Coi Leray's music has not only solidified her status as a rising star but has also endowed her with the unique ability to be versatile and fierce, transcending boundaries not only within the realm of music but also through her extensive social media and the streets.
She’s Outside, don’t be a G.A.N.!!!
Additionally, Leray's star power radiates across multiple dimensions. In her music, she defies genre constraints, effortlessly blending elements of rap, hip-hop, and R&B to create a sound that is uniquely her own. This versatility allows her to connect with a wide-ranging audience, from fans of hard-hitting rap verses to those who appreciate soulful melodies. Her fearless approach to music embodies the spirit of an artist who refuses to be confined by conventional labels, constantly pushing the boundaries of her craft to chart climbing heights.
....And as she signed a poster for me, I bent down and we posed for a picture together. As I left, I turned around and took a picture of her self-portrait by the unknown artist. Coi Leray, a star who refuses to be confined by boundaries, whether they are musical, digital, or physical......
And I was able to be in her universe for but a brief moment in Hot Topic.
RESPECT.
