Kathy Iandoli - God Save the Queens: The Essential History of Women in Hip-Hop

You know, some people go ahead and write books that stem from some life-altering event that they endured, where they get to thank everyone for helping them through the process. Meanwhile, I got my book deal and then the life-altering events piled on. Funny how that works.

But, I digress...

Thank you, God, for allowing me the strength, patience, and grace to weather the storms of my life that led to this rainbow of a book. My core was shaken, but my faith never was.

To my mother, Anna Acquaviva Iandoli. Mommy, we celebrated my book deal on earth, my writing process while you fought the battle of your life, and my turning in the book right before we said goodbye. Now, the celebrations are happening both here and in heaven. Thank you. You are my muse, my greatest supporter and cheerleader, my inspiration, my role model, and now my angel. I will write about you until my pen runs out of ink and continue to make you proud. I am forever #AnniesDaughter. I love you and miss you, always.

To my other angel, my grandma Josephine Acquaviva, who still comforts me from heaven. Grandma, I hope you, Mommy, Pop-Pop, and Great-Great keep sending blessings down, and that youre proud of me. Love and miss you.

To Albert Prodigy Johnson, my original coconspirator. P, you know I had to include you in this book. Ill continue to ride for you. Rest well, my friend.

To Debbie Harry, the real goddess of Paterson and Hawthorne. Thank you for paving the way.

To my agent, Robert Guinsler, and the team at Sterling Lord Literistic. Who knew that a frantic call to you about one female rapper wouldve led to a book about every female rapper? Thank you for being who you are and keeping my sanity and best interests in tact, especially after my whirlwind of a year. Youre now stuck with me. Lucky you. Love love love you. Thank you, Neil Martinez-Belkin, for taking my call that fateful day.

To my editor, Carrie Thornton, and the team at Dey Street Books and HarperCollins. Thank you for taking a chance on another girl from Hawthorne, New Jersey. You pushed me to my creative limits, and Ive left this experience a better person and writer because of it. Bring on the next book! she shouts, while hiding under her bed. Love you, and thank you to Tatiana Dubin for your patience.

To the amazing women who sat down with me, either in person or on the phone, to tell their stories and share their insights:

To my dear friend Debbie D... I finished the book, Debbie! And you were there every step of the way. Thank you for being an architect of hip-hop but also for building a friendship with me and helping me along the way. You are priceless, and I cant wait for your book.

To Monie Love, who sent the radar out when I needed to speak with people and vouched for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

To Rah Digga, who is simply the coolest and for years now has always helped out another Jersey girl. Youre the best, Digga.

To Kid Sister... thanks for making our interview so difficult to transcribe because all I did was laugh. Love you, Melis, and Im so thankful for your friendship.

To my dear friend Rapsody. Rap, no matter how busy you are, youre always there for me. I cant thank you enough for your contribution to this book but also for being my ear when I needed one and for being the brilliant artist that you are. Love you, Sis.

To Bahamadia, for your inspiration, support, and check-in texts.

To Gangsta Boo, for your friendship. Lobster mac is on me!

To Megan Thee Stallion, who came through in the eleventh hour. Our moms are smiling down. Its time to shine.

To Yo Yo (and Gabby!), Spinderella, La Chat, Snow Tha Product (and Dove), Azealia Banks, Dessa, Mia X, Sparky D, Baby D of the Mercedes Ladies, Precise, Young M.A., Ladybug Mecca (and Mary Sierra), Lady Luck, Trina, Nicki Minaj, Lil Kim, and Remy Ma. All of our conversations and your insight (both past and present) made this book possible. Thank you.

To Kim Osorio, my sister, my friend, my mentor, and my perpetual pain in the ass (lovingly). Thank you for making calls when I needed them, for our Panera dates to write, for being a part of this book, and for always holding me down. Always.

To Vanessa Satten, for being an amazing friend, editor, and support system, and of course for taking part in this book. I cant thank you enough, V.

To Laura Stylez, my day one, who came through for this book but always comes through in my life. Love you, Sis. Thank you.

To dream hampton, for taking me under her wing ten years ago, and then letting me fly. You really didnt think I was going to allow this book to go to print without you appearing in it, did you?

To Ahmir Questlove Thompson. Our constant conversations over the last twenty years about you-know-who led to you-know-what (this book). Thank you for riding with me, providing your stories, and for being my friend.

To Dre (of Cool & Dre), Im glad one of our many conversations about hip-hop could find its way into a chapter of my book.

To Thembisa Mshaka, who helped me handle my entertainment biz. You are the BEST, Sis.

To Fly Ty, Janette Beckman, Kurtis Blow, Cool V, Salaam Remi, DJ Clark Kent, Michael Gonzales, Nelson George, Lorenzo Agius, Jimmy Douglass, Styles P, and Chris The Glove Taylor, for your stories. Its all so appreciated.

To Marisa Mendez, who has been my right hand since day one. I legit dont know what I would do without you. I know youve grabbed the torch and are writing your own books now, but you better never leave me! Love you.

To Rachel Sonis, who jumped on board without question. Cant wait to gather again at Dos Caminos for the next one. Well bring Robbie!

To Krista Schlueter, for the headshots; Tyrsa, for the amazing cover art; Victoria Ford and Sneakshot Photography, for the photos; and Adriana Imhof, for all your help. To Alex Boronat, Mike Sheehan, and of course Nix, who helped me recount some memories that we can all laugh about now.

To Porscha Burke, my friend, sounding board, and fellow hip-hop obsessed bibliophile. I owe this all to you. Seriously.

To Marvis Johnson, for whispering book-sales stats in my ear, which in turn inspired me to make the greatest book possible. Hahaha. Youre an amazing friend, Marvis. Thank you.

To Cassandra Spangler, my friend and legal counsel. We need all of the burgers to celebrate.

To Dan Charnas, who is the greatest friend, ear, and connect. Thank you.

To KC Orcutt (my protg and work hangs partner) and Jon Reyes (my Jonathan), who both provided love and friendship during this process but also read my pages with tears in their eyes throughout because they knew what it took to get here. I love you both SO SO SO SO MUCH.

To my best friend, Maryum, who remains by my side as my rock and puts up with me through thick and thin. Thank you for being a part of this story but also for adding to the story of my life. You are the best friend and sister in the whole world. I love you til infinity, Little. #bitchiloveyou

To my cousin Jenn, who has literally been a part of my entire hip-hop experience. From concerts to clubs we hated being in, youve been my partner in crime. Thank you for all of that but also for sending me a meme of Idris Elba saying Shouldnt you be writing? every time you knew damn well that I wasnt. I love you, Jennifah.

To my sister, Gina, who would check in to say Are you writing your book? at least once a day. Thith, I love you to pieces, and I welcome your constant stalking. So thankful that you (and our brother, Jimmy) exist.

To Daniel Sozomenu, for being there, reading my pages, and then getting mad at me when I didnt send more. Thank you.

To Wendy Carbajal-Ortiz (Dita), for our Thursday therapy sessions, and to Sally, for being my guide and ear whenever I need one. To Dr. Berger, for the crack. (Hes my chiropractor, calm down.)