The fifth annual ESSENCE GU Disruptor Summit returned to Atlanta on Saturday with more surprising activations, empowering conversations, and onstage performances from rising stars in music.
As part of the celebration, attendees welcomed recording artists Reyna Roberts, Amber Riley, and Lady London on stage for a live podcast recording of “If Not For My Girls.” The trio held nothing back as they discussed various topics, including the importance of authenticity, knowing their worth, and the power of sisterhood amid setbacks.
Roberts kicked off the lively conversation by opening up about her experience as one of the few Black female country artists. Early in her career, she shared how advocating for herself led to her remaining authentic when record labels or members of her team would encourage her to pursue different routes.
Roberts, who is featured on Beyoncé‘s Cowboy Carter album, credited staying true to herself as the main factor in her recent career accomplishments. “Over the past year, my career has elevated,” Roberts tells GU. “I’ve gotten to work with a lot of incredible artists. Now people are saying that my vision was right.”
Riley chimed in by explaining how she’s learned not to be afraid to reject opportunities that don’t align with how she envisions her career.
“I said no a lot, and I’ve made my managers and agents mad”, the Glee alum says. “But I’ve always had to stay true to what I felt was right for me, and that doesn’t always feel good because I said no to things that did well. But it wasn’t for me, and sometimes you can’t explain that to people.”
The flow of the conversation continued with London as she recognized how essential it is for artists to know their value. It is a common experience for the music industry, which remains male-dominated, to take advantage of many female artists. “Often you walk into situations, and people try to tell you what they believe the value of your work is,” London says. “If that’s the case, get somebody else to do it, or you do it.
A round of applause filled the room as audiences resonated with the struggle of being undervalued as a female creative. The rapper also gave another perspective on how certain opportunities serve as a bridge to a greater reward in the future.
“On the other hand, I understand that not everything is transactional,” London continues. “Some opportunities are building and stepping stones for great, fostered relationships in the long run.”
As musicians in a fast-paced industry, staying grounded is essential to their wellbeing. Whether vulnerable with close friends or family, all three admitted they lean on their sisterly bonds for support.
“My support system is always my girls,” Riley says. “The closest people to me in my life are women. My sisters, aunts, cousins, and best friends are the women that I’m around because there is nothing like talking to someone, and you don’t have to go into depth about what it is that you’re feeling or what it is that you’re thinking.”
London told the audience that she counts on her tribe whenever she needs a moment to vent or a safe space to talk situations through.
“Sometimes you don’t need advice; you just need a soundboard,” the rapper adds. “You just need somebody that’ll hold that phone and hear you. I’m not trying to get any advice from you, sis. I ain’t trying to do none of that. I want you to listen while I vent because I don’t have a solution or want one right now. I want to tell you and be heard.”
For Roberts, relying on her faith alongside sisterhood is how she copes with unfavorable circumstances or unexpected situations. Additionally, Roberts explained her viewpoint on setbacks and how she doesn’t view them as failures. Instead, she sees her setbacks as an opportunity to learn and improve from.
“I call them [setbacks] lessons instead of failures,” the country singer says. “Then, I speak to God about it. I’m like, ‘Lord, can you show me what I’m missing in this scenario so I can learn and grow from it, so I don’t make this same mistake or have to learn this lesson again.’”
Later, the podcast hosts pivoted the conversation to talk about dating and their relationship deal breakers. Broken trust, lack of individuality, and toxicity were high on the list of red flags for the trio. As for relationship must-haves, all three recognized the importance of having healthy communication with their partners.
Riley shared how she’s learned that open and honest communication in her relationship has been the main ingredient for their success. Whether it be marriage, coupling, or friendships, she said being an active listener and taking accountability are the keys that foster a healthy relationship dynamic.
“As people, we’re always evolving and changing,” Riley says. “In year two of our relationship, we have learned to give each other the space to change, figure out who we are individually, and how we fit collectively. And that takes a lot of communication.”