WHEN QUEENS COLLABORATE: CARDI B AND FKA TWIGS UNITE FOR LADYLAND, REDEFINING ARTISTIC INTEGRITY
written by a member of the WCB
In the ever-evolving landscape of music and cultural expression, authentic collaboration between artists can be as rare as it is powerful. This summer's LadyLand Festival announcement feels particularly significant—not just for what it represents, but for what it reclaims.
The Brooklyn-based LGBTQ+ Pride festival recently revealed that Cardi B and FKA Twigs will headline their 2025 event, taking place June 27-28 at Under the K Bridge.At first glance, it might seem like just another festival lineup announcement. But beneath the surface lies a potent statement about artistic integrity and the genuine celebration of queer identity.
I find myself reflecting on this collaboration in contrast to last year's controversy surrounding Lil Nas X and his "Montero" release. For those who may have missed it, Lil Nas X faced significant backlash—not exclusively from the expected conservative corners—but from those who felt his visual aesthetic borrowed too heavily from FKA Twigs' pioneering work without proper acknowledgment. The criticism went beyond the usual pearl-clutching about sexuality; it centered on the ethics of artistic appropriation.
What makes the LadyLand headlining announcement so refreshing is how it represents authentic collaboration within queer spaces. Cardi B, who has been open about her bisexuality since 2018, has consistently addressed her sexuality on her own terms. Meanwhile, FKA Twigs has established herself as one of the most boundary-pushing artists in contemporary music, particularly with her recent album "Eusexua" released in January.
The festival itself has a history of bringing together groundbreaking artists. Last year featured Arca and Tokischa as headliners, with a surprise appearance by Madonna. This year's lineup also includes Brazilian drag superstar Pabllo Vittar, Eartheater, Cobrah, and Sukihana, creating a truly diverse representation of queer artistry.
While rumors circulate about Lil Nas X potentially joining "Chasing: Reality," a YouTube channel focused on Black LGBTQ+ men, or even their "Chasing: Dallas" franchise, the contrast between his current position and this powerful festival lineup speaks volumes about how the community values artistic authenticity.
There's a certain irony in how conversations about sexuality have evolved. Conservative critics have long decried any expression of queer identity in mainstream spaces. Yet within queer communities themselves, the discourse has matured beyond simple visibility to questions of integrity, attribution, and genuine representation.
The LadyLand Festival, with Cardi B and FKA Twigs at the helm, reminds us that celebration of identity can coexist with respect for artistic innovation. In a cultural moment filled with appropriation and superficial allyship, their collaboration represents something more profound—a genuine convergence of artistic vision that elevates rather than exploits.
For those interested in experiencing this landmark event, tickets go on sale to the public on April 18, with presales beginning April 17.Something tells me this will be more than just another festival—it might well be a defining moment in how we understand the intersection of art, identity, and integrity in 2025.