EssJay TheAfrocentricRatchet

Minneapolis Transplant, EssJay TheAfrocentricRatchet, is bum-rushing the hip hop scene, one lyrical haymaker at a time. An independent femme rapper, EssJay’s style displays the gritty and eclectic upbringing experienced growing up in the rough and culture-rich streets of Chicago. Through aggressive bars, unapologetic braggadocio, and true passion for the genre, EssJay has turned her shortcomings into her greatest assets.

Diagnosed Bi-Polar in the fall of 2017, EssJay has since used music and her growing platform as a therapeutic resource and tool to speak on mental health, normalizing big body confidence, overcoming generational trauma, and more. An intellect upon first introduction, EssJay's ‘ratchet’, turnt up alter ego is not to be overshadowed.

The 2020 EP release, YODY, an acronym for You Out Did Yourself, brandishes boss bad bitch energy with the twerk anthems like Pop It and Golden. EssJay’s stage presence and larger-than-life personality are the draw for crowds attending the annual YODY show. YODYFESt and YodyPalooza, sold out 2022 and 2021, leading to a demand for a bigger space and a bigger show. In 2022, at the famed Minneapolis venue The Cabooze, EssJay put on what has been said to be the best event experience in the Twin Cities to date, with YODY, Again.

Self-proclaimed hood rat, revolutionary, mother, and wife, EssJay represents the complexities and diversities of the Black Queer Femme experience in America.

Past Shows


Jun
28
th
2024
First Avenue
Jun
28
th
2024
First Avenue

DJ Keezy presents
The Klituation Pride Party

featuring Jax (RuPaul's Drag Race)XINASophia ErisJasmine SpiceMaria IsaEssJay TheAfrocentricRatchetDJ McShellenBigg KiaaFreesiaCoffe • hosted by Micamaryjane • Meet & Greet with Mal, star of The Ultimatum Queer Love

★ Local Show ★
Dec
19
th
2023
7th St Entry
Dec
19
th
2023
7th St Entry

Basement Gang presents
PRESSURE MADE

with RZ ShahidBushido.Chop.Bigg KiaaEssJay TheAfrocentricRatchet • sounds by Sole2Dotz • hosted by Juice Lord

★ Local Show ★
Sep
3
rd
2023
7th St Entry
Sep
3
rd
2023
7th St Entry

Bigg Kiaa

In the Arkham Asylum
with Komari Cloud, DD The Spektrum, Breezy2Fresh and more!
Apr
23
rd
2023
7th St Entry
Apr
23
rd
2023
7th St Entry

EssJay TheAfrocentricRatchet

Once Upon A Time @ Ratchet St Entry
Hosted by Tella
with Tailor Briann, Jaeji, EuphoriasRoom and more!
Feb
16
th
2023
7th St Entry
Feb
16
th
2023
7th St Entry

City Tkovr Vol. 7 ft. Kelvino, Qmoe, and Treyson Green

Sounds by DJLOW and DJ Kessel
with EssJay TheAfrocentricRatchet, Bigg Kiaa, Jae Fontane and more!
Jun
24
th
2022
First Avenue
Jun
24
th
2022
First Avenue

DJ Keezy presents
The Klituation ⏤ Pride Party

featuring Sophia ErisMaria IsaReviiRicki MoniqueDJ K.ReevesJijaChico ChiEnzy RoseNewblackcityTygraEssjay The Afrocentric RatchetRaven Nevermore Ninja • hosted by Destiny Spike
with Gully Boys
Dec
28
th
2019
Mainroom
Dec
28
th
2019
Mainroom

The Klituation and DJ Keezy

with DJ Sophia Eris, KRISSY MARCHANTE, Indigo Crew and more!

More Shows

May
31
st
7th St Entry

Jackie Venson

Mar
27
th
7th St Entry

High Fade

with Purple Funk Metropolis
Mar
8
th
First Avenue

Josh Meloy

with Kenny Feidler
Apr
4
th
Fine Line

LA LOM