Da Brat Opens Up About Her Journey to Living Authentically
Da Brat told the “Speak On It” podcast that she remained “in the closet forever” during the peak of her music career because discussing sexuality was considered a taboo, career-ending move for women in the industry. The 51-year-old rapper now lives openly with her wife, Jesseca “Judy” Dupart, after previously prioritizing privacy to maintain her professional status.
Why did Da Brat keep her sexuality private for decades?
According to the “Speak On It” podcast, Da Brat viewed transparency regarding her sexuality as a violation of industry “rules.” She stated that during the height of her career, such disclosures were effectively forbidden for women in music.
“Like we didn’t tell shit,” the rapper said during the interview. She explained that the prevailing culture at the time mandated that individuals “keep that shit to your motherfucking self.”
How did Jesseca “Judy” Dupart influence her decision to come out?
Da Brat noted that while she had been in previous relationships, her connection with Dupart created a unique desire for visibility. She told the podcast that Dupart was the first person who made her want to be “out loud.”
The artist attributed this shift to experiencing feelings and emotions she had never felt before. This emotional connection eventually outweighed the fear of industry consequences.
What is Da Brat’s current family life and outlook?
The couple expanded their family with the birth of their son, True Legend, who was born via IVF. Da Brat reports that her decision to live authentically has resulted in significant support from her fans.
Now 51, the “Funkdafied” artist says she no longer adheres to the music industry’s unspoken mandates. Her current focus is on visibility and sharing her happiness with the public.
What may happen next for the hip-hop pioneer?
Given her current focus on visibility, Da Brat may continue to use her platform to discuss the evolution of industry standards. This could lead to further reflections on the historical barriers faced by queer women in hip-hop.
Her openness is likely to maintain the current wave of fan support as she balances her personal life with her legacy as a pioneer in the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Da Brat’s wife?
Da Brat is married to Jesseca “Judy” Dupart.
Why did Da Brat say coming out was difficult in the past?
She stated that being an openly queer female artist was previously viewed as a career-ending move and was “against the rules” in the music industry.
How did Da Brat and Judy Dupart have a child?
They welcomed their son, True Legend, via IVF.
How do you think the music industry’s approach to artist authenticity has changed over the last few decades?