Tea Parties Don’t Stop At A Certain Age; Here’s How Not Your Mama’s Tea Keeps Sisterhood On The Right Page

Have you ever noticed just how closely our kids’ toys and games mimic real-life experiences and elements that are a part of their elders’ lives? Each year, millions of dollars are poured into the sales of fake kitchenette sets, baby dolls, and medical supplies that allow children to pretend to be the most prestigious doctor in their homes. They not only fill excitement inside the kiddos from head to toe but it opens a glimpse of what adulthood will look like. It’s no secret that us grown folk have access to a whole ‘nother world as well as a right of passage to do as we please and make all decisions on our own; whereas children coming behind us have restriction after restriction. Ironically, one of the few things children get to enjoy that takes up the majority of adult’s leisure time is partying. Think about it /CW fam kids have a party for any and everything. I know you remember those Valentine’s day parties at the end of the day. Although there are hundreds of different types of parties such as birthdays, engagements, housewarmings, and even pizza parties, we used to collect a mountain hill of box tops for each party, which mirrored the same purpose. No matter how star-studded or lowkey the party is, the goal of letting loose, enjoying one another, and living in the moment remains the same. Surprisingly, there’s one kind of party that kids have on lock over their parents. (Drum roll please……….) Tea Parties!

The representation and lifestyle element of tea has always held high importance and demand in select counties including prestigious kingdoms and well respected cultures. However; the country labeled as innovative, spontaneous, and welcoming (The United States) did not gift tea the well deserved representation and education as others. Within the past five years, that narrative has done a complete 180-degree turn and it has now caused an international frenzy. Primetime showrunners and writers, including one of the industry's fairy godmothers, Shonda Rimes, have become heavyweight champs in creating stories and yellow brick roads to the doors where tea parties and the drink's social impact are the main setting and primary gears that heighten the story. The roles have reversed, and now children are educating their teachers, parents, and grandparents on how the theme is supposed to be carried out in an authentic yet organic light.

Although it would be easy and smooth to give all the credit to those behind the scenes of your favorite shows like award-winning Bridgerton, the real impact comes from everyday people hosting themed events and centering tea into their daily routine like founder of Not Your Mama’s Tea, Rhonda Hill. 

An intergenerational tea social club that strengthens both personal and professional relationships amongst the black community is what can describe Not Your Mama’s Tea. I view this phenomenon as the medium between “The Pit” and Khadijah James magazine Flavor in ‘90s hit sitcoms Living single & A Different World. A seed was planted inside founder Rhonda Hill back in 2018 when the unicorn launched in Milwaukee, WI. 

“The inspiration is about honoring the rich history and influence of tea in communities worldwide while incorporating it with hip-hop culture. Tea has always been a connector, much like music. It’s about providing a space where people can engage with tea culture and Black culture. Often afternoon tea time comes with thoughts of English tea time, with hats and gloves like Queen Elizabeth. As an avid tea drinker, I wanted to make sure I reflected my own Black culture when hosting an afternoon tea, thus tea for the culture.”- Rhonda Hill 

She made an interesting observation that struck me. Now I want you to be honest with yourself; when you think of tea what spaces and faces pop up in your head? For most people, they think of the UK, royalty and early 1600s interactions. On the other hand what comes to mind when you think of hip-hop culture? The scoreboard becomes filled with vocabulary such as energetic, loud, wild, colorful wardrobe and minority faces. Hill and her team found this to be unfair and mind-blowing how African-Americans; especially women, are not illustrated and represented in spaces that have tea at the forefront. This harsh reality lit a fire in her to create her business and start carving out an identity for black culture in the polished light of the beloved beverage. A simple idea to make tea and hip hop culture the hot new combo on the block quickly grabbed the eyes and ears of our city’s bold yet underground community of black women who are hardly recognized. 

The cultural innovation held its latest event on February 16th, 2025 at Milwaukee's Hip Hop Museum at 2222 N 19th St Milwaukee, WI. Soulful music served with a platter of intentional yet entertaining conversations regarding career development, self-identity, wearing a million hats as a black woman and true love for hip hop was carefully curated by Not Your Mama’s Tea during the afternoon. A light was shed on the newfound trend surrounding Valentine’s Day which is Galentines. Many mistake this day for only recognizing and praising romantic love but Galentines has rebirthed the structure of the national holiday. Thousands of friend groups are celebrating each other by having cozy girls’ night ins, a night on the town or intimate spaces to highlight their friendships. Hill and her team incorporate this type of atmosphere and sense of belonging all year round; not just for Galentines. Sisterhood shouldn't be celebrated during only one month out of the year when we are all sisters 365 days a year. 

“The culture of our events is all about inclusivity, relaxation, and celebration of ‘girlfriend’ culture. We create a space where women can unwind, enjoy quality tea, and vibe to great music, especially hip-hop. It’s about blending different aspects of life—culture, music, and community—into a warm welcome. We have been hosting parties at the Milwaukee Hip Hop Museum, making for a great blend of hip hop and tea.” - RH

Tea parties shouldn't end once of our little girls becomes a teenager or reach womanhood. They mirror a safe space for women to let their guard down and tune in their inner Angela Bassett in What’s Love Got To Do With It, where she played Tina Turner finding peace as she chanted “Nam-myoho-renge-kyo” and drunk tea. Since 2014, it's become one of the highest in demand beverages of the African-American household; acting as a bridge between social and health perspectives. Hill has made it a point to throw a variety of events using this framework such as birthday parties, community events and action plan workshops. You ever notice how when women are in union with one another there's always time for a good drink and plate of food made with love. No matter if it was Joan, Lynn, Maya and Toni in Girlfriends or Kim, Niecey, and Moesha in Moesha; drinks and food always served as comfort and connection. 

“Tea is a universal symbol of comfort and conversation. We chose tea because it is one of my favorites, making it a great way to blend my enjoyment of tea with my desire to connect and serves women. It’s not just about sipping great tea—it’s about creating a moment of connection. Tea encourages slow, intentional interactions, and that’s the kind of energy we want to cultivate in our events.”- RH

Do you feel that nobody can relate, understand or connect with you both socially and emotionally? Maybe you want space as a black woman to just be yourself without all the expectations and just looking for a good time to let your hair down and not be required to be superwoman all day. Become a member of the social club by booking your next event with them or purchasing a ticket for the company's next event on their website: https://www.notyourmamastea.com/.

Join the circle by following their Instagram @Tea4TheCulture as well to get access to the next sip of tea curated specifically for you. Comment down below what type of event you want to see next from them. In the meantime ladies I challenge you to drink your favorite blend of tea while bopping a hip hop song you can't live without. 

Desriana Gilbert | Entertainment & Social Journalist for /CW 

2Hi - Round and Round

Have your headphones on deck for this one...quarantine hasn't stopped Milwaukee Artist 2Hi from giving up a crowd pleaser, but your car speakers will do fine. “Round and Round” gives us all the bass that we live for and a complimentary catchy hook. With the grit in his voice to match, 2Hi’s energy may just provoke his listeners to call up the homies for a ride around the city just to incite a Busta Rhymes, “nod yo head and break yo neck,” session. I swear there's nothing like it! As the song reaches its end, the track begins to fade but it doesn't completely end right there. The production is cleverly adjusted for a good 15 seconds in order to paint a familiar picture of that moment where a stranger’s car pulls up beside yours with nothing but a hard hitting bass and 2Hi’s vocals bleeding through, and you involuntarily give a rhythmic head nod of approval while your curiosity sparks just before they pull off, or when you are on a late night drive and you cruise by the club and the F.O.M.O. briefly kicks in due to the sound that is pushing through the walls and just barely hitting your car. Tell me what you think about “Round and Round,” Milwaukee.

/Naomi-Re’a for CW

Quies Terry - For Sunday Mornings & Summer Nights EP

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If somebody needed an anthem that encouraged them to keep it pushin’, Quies Terry may have it for you on his most recent EP “For Sunday Mornings & Summer Nights.” With the gritty yet optimistic undertones of “Cruise Control,” the blatant truth of ''Late Shift”  and the un-sugarcoated transparency of lines like “Aint no catchin up to you butterfly, I set you free....where's that love you said you had for me? shit I could use it now...where's that love you said you had for me? Oh it's useless now….” in a farewell letter to an ex, the one that, at one point, we all wished that we could write, “Off You,”. I could practically feel his hunger for better; Quies Terry tells us what the reality is for choosing to be ten toes down in the hustle all while patiently waiting his turn to bare the fruit of leveling up. But we can't neglect the turn up just because our bad days are more common than we’d like, which is further encouraged in “Pretty Girl Party” ft. Paper Stacks & The Oshi. Tell me how YOU feel about “For Sunday Mornings & Summer Nights,” Milwaukee. 

/Naomi-Re’a for CW

Kaylon Raps - WhatCanUDo

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It’s fly, it’s lyrical, it’s clever, is it a bird reciting shakespeare? Or a plane full of Dr. Suess impersonators?? No! It’s Kaylon Raps’ new hit!!

Having trouble stepping out from the crowd and being your unique self? Whip out that good ole pen and pad and take notes while listening to Kaylon Raps’ single ‘WhatCanUDo’ as he gives you free game on keeping it one hunnid with a side order of reggae. 

It’s everything you could ever want in an upcoming potential new anthem; beats that bump, lyrics so fire you could spark your campfire, and a flow that just simply annihilates. 

Shoot him a follow on the gram and tune in but try not to burn your house down *wink wink*. 

Instagram: KaylonRaps

/CW Maxp

NilexNile - Elon Musk (video submission)

We believe that with a minimum you can make a masterpiece. 

NilexNile’s video for his track “Elon Musk”, shows simplistic living, swift production by bdwthr with matching bars, lightly traveled snow paths and a whimsy side to satire [if that can even be a thing].

“Take your time, find your way, on the way”, is just one line of NilexNile’s reflection. The shuffle of the moment seemed so fleeting but so impactful. Even the moment called out blatantly with the lyricist standing in front of a BLM mural, posture simply a matter of fact.

Ride this one out with us y’all. 

/CW

Shot by Carter Green and Lokiifernox.Directed by Carter Green, NilexNile , and Lokiifernox.SoundCloud link -https://soundcloud.com/nilexnile/nilexnile-elon-m...

Lakeyah- Time’s Up

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There’s always a time to give one their roses…. And Lakeyah’s time is now!

Milwaukee native, Lakeyah Danae is the newest artist signed to Quality Control Music and released two projects in 2020, Key Mix II and Time’s Up

Lakeyah’s latest project Time’s Up, released December 2020 features an all star line up such as label mates City Girls, 42 Dugg and Inayah. Time’s Up includes rap, R&b and dance tracks that showcase Lakeyah’s range. 

The constant theme of her project is that she has something to prove and it’s already being proven! Her singles from the album “Big FlexHer” and “Female Goat” are perfect examples of this theme. She also shows off her vocals on “Worst Thing” which samples Jasmine Sullivans “Bust Your Windows.” [a cult favorite].

My favorite songs are “Worst Thing” and “2 Tone.” Both songs are very different but instantly caught my attention making me replay them over and over. “Worst Thing” is really relatable and reminds me of Eve, in her prime. Now, Lakeyah’s flow on “2 Tone” is unmatched!  It is now my new turnup song!

If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Lakeyah’s latest album and videos. Her confidence, flow and versatility makes her flowers well deserved.

/CW Tanasia

Listen to Time's Up on Spotify. Lakeyah · Album · 2020 · 10 songs.

Tre$o - No Hook ( video + more submission)

There is no need to front. Our Submission inbox is back up with music and videos from creatives pouring out there hearts through 2020. As everyone was trying to get there voices heard are team was too trying to stay a float.

All that being said, this submission was found in that stack. Name not really seen before in our files but a quick peek to see if there was something to share. Tre$o made a quick impression with a list of links to his work and this YouTube Video ‘No Hooks’ of the clutch with some scrappy bars, 414 reppin’ and that young freedom that has not been tainted  by the way music move around here [well not yet at least]. 

From Milwaukee, but currently living in ATL this artist may be vibin’ with that hunger we like to see from a youngin’. We shall see where that takes him.

Let us know what y’all think. Keep it in rotation or nah?

/CW

ig: treso47soundcloud.com/fucktreso

& more

Listen to Leo on Spotify. Tre$o · Album · 2020 · 10 songs.

Hip Hop & Health [Virtual event] w/CW and other Local business owners, educators, community leaders, and health advocates

Have you registered to virtually attend the Hip-Hop and Health event happening this weekend?

Did you sign up to be apart of the #maskonitchallenge and win $1K?

Go ahead, and do for the culture!

https://www.hiphopandhealth.com/

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In an effort to promote the importance of health information in the Black and Brown community and beyond as we close the year, Milwaukee organizations are coming together to host “Hip Hop and Health”—a live, virtual panel event moderated by Carrie “Noni Juice” Mahone with a live performance by renown DJ Jazzy Jeff of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.

The event will take place on Dec. 13 at 6:30 PM CST, and feature a two-part panel conversation, discussing vital questions about health information as it intersects with Hip Hop culture. The panel will explore how Hip Hop and its culture connect with positive health practices.

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The event is Free, Family-Friendly, and will not be your traditional “talking at you” virtual experience. Please visit hiphopandhealth.com for details and to register for the event before December 12th.

/CW



Donno - Greater Life

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Formally known from being ½ of the groundbreaking rap duo MT Twins, Donno is now a solo artist. The former rap duo racked in over 100,000+ on several music videos and even hit a million on one before calling it one and going their separate ways. That’s actually insane, a million? I can only imagine how hard it was to transition from a group to a solo act when people are constantly reliving the moments of success from the former group. But the spotlight this week is just for Donno and his first solo project, “Greater Life.” We were lucky enough to have a couple of our questions answered and here’s a little about what Donno had to say about “Greater Life.” 

“Greater Life is all about helping people understand that there are more values to life than what the public promotes. It’s a fun but very chill project that expresses the inner thoughts over the past year, speaking on the importance of building closer relationships with family, keeping loved ones close, growing as a man and understanding the difference between the person I was and the person that I am today and even plan on becoming.” Believe it or not, it is reflected in the music. This project is extremely solid. Donno talked a little about the inspiration of the project, highlighting some of the struggles of being the underdog artist in terms of popularity. “I began writing the project about a month or so after the split up of the MT TWINS. I wanted to prove to everyone that I was capable of holding my own without 3xsimpson. Knowing that he was the more popular twin between the two of us, I wanted listeners to get to know me more as an artist. The style of music I like to create, the way I carry myself, even down to the message I give, I feel is completely opposite of what you would have heard from the MT TWINS. The sudden split up made me feel angry and betrayed but at the same time motivated me.” That’s real. If you’re not  able to speak your truth through music then what does that do for you as an artist? Not a damn thing. Greater Life took about three months to write and three months to record and now we have a masterpiece of a project. So let’s get into a few songs. Let’s talk about that.

Now I am not a fan of reviewing entire bodies of work and commenting on every single thing I hear. I think that it makes it less personable. I don’t think people like reading all of that in this type of setting. But y’all… this project is nicccce as hell like i’ve listened to it three times before even beginning to write. When I say this is a solid body of work, this is like next level. This doesn’t come off as “Milwaukee Music” or something that was just thrown together. Greater Life is intentional, nicely produced and arguably one of the best projects to come out of the city--ever. Yes, ever. I’ve heard a lot of music, a lot of wishful thinking music, the kind of music whereas you wannnnna like it and kindaaaaa sound goood but the bars kind’ve lame and the artist can’t catch the beat. Dis ain’t dat.

One of the songs I really enjoy on the project is Breathe, which is track 12. Here, Donno is expressing the anxiety that he gets from people always breathing down his back. He is essentially talking about needing to breathe because it’s always seemingly suffocating around other people. He is having conversations with himself while other people are giving unsolicited advice and I know that shit irritating ‘cause nobody asked y’all. There’s a lot of “how” questions and if you think you have some unsolicited advice to pass on, keep it. These questions are rhetorical. He basically said let him breathe, damn. Y’all doing a lot.

Another song I enjoy on this 12k Freestyle. This is definitely like a drake flow freestyle like if you listen to it, you’ll know what I mean. It’s fire. He just went in, nonstop. One of his favorite lines from this song is “I just wanna make this song cry / Indecisive thoughts, I hate changing my mind / I was dead at a point of time , I finally revived / Tryna change life for the friends who give family vibes.” Flame de la flame. 

It’s hard to even critique anything because this entire project is SOLID. From the bars to the multiple flows to these nice ass beats. THIS IS HOW YOU GO SOLO.

He does want his fans to get something out of this project. He says, “I want them to hear the difference between solo Donno and MT Donno. There are all sorts of different styles records on this project that I believe it’s something on there for everyone. I want listeners to relate to what I’m saying and not just sing along because it is a catchy record. You’ll hear me actually rapping way more than what fans have heard in the past and giving more bars. The goal of the tape is to motivate, education and inspire the youth!”

Well, I know i’m not the first to say this is incredible and I damn sure won’t be the last. You are destined for more man, this project is definitely the ticket. I am so proud of you bro. Stay on their necks and keep making great music. 

We love it here.

Stream Greater Life on all streaming services today with ya crusty self. Apple Music, Spotify, Youtube, allll det. YKWTFGO. “It’s vibe” and you’ll get the reference when you listen to track three. HANNN. See what I did there? 

HEY LOOK AT ALL THIS IMPORTANT SH*T

Instagram: @greaterlifedonno

Youtube: MT Twins (Donno’s videos are here)

/Imani for CW

Tr3y - Essential AF

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Are we back to the normal orrrr? Not really-ish? Normal + Current state of reality = Not really normal. We probably will never be normal again, tbh. Personally, I’m in a constant state of living as my best and worst self-ish? Does that make sense? There is a global pandemic literally happening right now as we speak (read) along with a huge social justice movement so I hope you’re really paying attention to what's going on in the world around you. What side of history are you going to be on? Always ask that. #BlackLivesMatter, in case you were confused or on the fence about it. 

Butbacktothetopicathand, Essential AF? What’s that about? Hmm, I’m glad you asked because we’re going to find out together.  Tr3y is a Singer/Songwriter based out of Milwaukee,WI. He recently released a new video and song titled  “Essential AF” produced by Young Tarzan and himself. In Tr3y’s words, “This is a song that’s current to the pandemic we are dealing with right now but in a sexy RnB way!” He decided to switch up the conversation when it comes to the current state of the world. Why not? We need at least one moment to think of something else that is not so heavy but kind’ve related right? Ahhh, that’s where this song lies. I’m not gonna lie, you have to be one hell of a person if you “Essential AF” in his terms. (Shout out to all the real essential workers that worked faithfully through covid-19--y’all need more money for risking your lives fasho.) 

In this song, Tr3y is really tryna see his chick during quarantine. He opens the track with an audio clip of somebody’s president (cause he ain’t ours) insulting a reporter. I didn’t really understand the correlation but some stuff you just ignore when you don’t understand it so we’re going to move on. He goes on to just really pour out his love for this girl who he’s really risking his life for at this point but you know, like he said, he got his masks, his gloves and he on the way. Period. Is yo’ lil dip risking his/her life to see you right now? If they not, you know you got a little reevaluating to do. RIDE OR DIE hit differently now. 

Gon’ head and check the new R&B quarantine love song and send it to yo’ boo and slide on em’ SAFELY WHILE STILL PRACTICING THE APPROPRIATE SAFETY MEASURES. 

*WOW, LOOK HERE FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION*

Essential AF: https://youtu.be/dmD6034ccjs

Instagram: www.instagram.com/tr3ybesingin 

Twitter: www.twitter.com/tr3ybesingin 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tr3ybesingin

**Disclaimer: Be safe, wear your masks and remain social distancing please :)

/Imani for CW

Shot by: PrimeTime Visuals Stream Essential AF: https://song.link/us/i/1513205314 Purchase your #EssentialAF Face Mask: https://essentialaf.bigcartel.com Lov...