This year marks the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Hip-hop continues to generate billions of dollars yearly, and touch billions of lives. From sold-out arenas to the most celebrated musical stage, the Grammy Awards, hip-hop continues to be one of the music industry's most popular genres. Originating in the Bronx, New York in 1977, today hip-hop is listened to and celebrated not just in the place of its birth, the United States, but all over the world.

Today, hip-hop is a global phenomenon, a culture in and of itself. It's an expression, a lifestyle, and an attitude. And of course, with the rise of hip-hop has come a unique and distinct flair in regard to fashion. Over the years, women have played an important role in helping to integrate hip-hop culture into mainstream life. Pioneering female hip-hop artists like Queen Latifah, Yo-Yo and Salt-N-Pepa have helped to pave the way for fashion-forward and culture-creating entertainers such as Cardi B, Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion.

This month I had the wonderful opportunity to attend an event honoring 50 years of fashion and hip-hop with rapper and actress Yo-Yo. Most of Yo-Yo's music speaks to female empowerment. After meeting Yo-Yo and being in her presence for five minutes, I knew I had to end Women's History Month by acknowledging her as an artist and woman whose work goes beyond the mic! Let's give it up for Yo-Yo Yolanda Whitaker.

You can follow Yo-Yo on Instagram at @yoyofearless. 

 Editor Samantha Hunter