Hey there, if your name happens to be Jennifer Lopez, this week hasn’t been great. Rumor has it that Shyne is considering seeking to expunge his record. There’s talk that JLo is financially supporting Diddy to avoid backlash. But the real kicker? JLo is catching flak on TikTok. Why? Well, Jaya recently went on a rampage against TikTok creators, urging them to stop mentioning her. She tried to blame it on her recent movie flop, but that explanation didn’t hold water. What does make sense, according to street rumors, is that JLo tried to get influential TikTokers’ accounts taken down to silence them before her legal issues with Diddy unfold. We’ve got the latest scoop on JLo’s TikTok drama, along with some top TikToks for your viewing pleasure. Stay tuned, because by the end of this, you’ll remember something important: JLo’s journey from being deemed unlikeable to attending a special camp post-fame to work on her image. Despite Diddy’s role in her career, it seems like he might also be contributing to its downfall, with everyone around him facing scrutiny. Let’s dive into these TikToks, and I’ll catch you after for a chat. Got a JLo story to share!
In 2019, I found myself dancing alongside Jennifer Lopez at the Grammy Awards during her much-discussed Motown tribute performance. It was surprising to many that Jennifer had agreed to take on this tribute, considering Motown’s significant cultural and historical importance as a Black-owned record label and home to legendary artists like Diana Ross and The Temptations.
Having worked with Jennifer before on music videos and performances, such as the Billboard Awards, I was initially taken aback by her involvement in the Motown tribute at the Grammys—an event celebrating music across genres.
Walking into rehearsal on the first day, I noticed a striking lack of diversity among the participants. Out of the entire group, which mostly consisted of Hispanic and other ethnicities, only three of us were Black—the dancers. As we began rehearsing formations on stage, it became apparent that the Black dancers, including myself, were being positioned away from the center where Jennifer would be performing. I vividly remember standing opposite another Black dancer, both of us placed at the edges, while Jennifer occupied the central spot. At one point, Jennifer remarked that “they have to move,” indicating a need to adjust our positions further away from her.
As rehearsals progressed into the third or fourth day, an article questioning Jennifer’s role in the Motown tribute began circulating in major publications like Variety. In response to the negative press, our team gathered us and tried to reassure us, emphasizing that we would prove why Jennifer was the right choice for this tribute. Jennifer herself entered the room with a determined air, declaring that we would show everyone why she was chosen for this performance.
Following that pep talk, rehearsals felt somewhat easier for me personally, and I found myself more relaxed, focusing solely on my job at hand. Despite the initial surprises and challenges, I remained committed to delivering my best performance during the Grammy tribute.
It was during a lunch break, and I remember exactly how my hair looked at that moment. I was sitting with the choreographer, engaged in conversation, and Jennifer was there too, cracking jokes and having a good time. Suddenly, Jennifer turned to me with a serious expression and asked, “So, what are we going to do with your hair?” I understood what she meant. My hair didn’t fit the Motown theme of our performance at all. In fact, the whole show wasn’t remotely Motown—it was more like… well, not Motown.
Let me pause here to remind you all that there was a salsa breakdown in the performance. Yes, salsa. But instead of focusing on that, Jennifer was fixated on my braids.
Now, I’ll be honest. This incident happened back in 2019 when I was fully immersed in my career as a professional dancer, hustling behind artists and doing what I loved. Looking back, I’m glad it happened then because if it had been in 2024, I would have been in a panic. I turned to my friend Tiger Bomb, the most amazing hairstylist in the world, for help. He created a custom Motown-inspired look for me that I ended up adoring. So, shout out to Tiger!
What really surprised me was the lack of Motown vibes from everyone else. Keep in mind, there were only three Black people involved. I wondered what the others would do. Well, let me tell you, it was nothing close to Motown. The Black dancers, especially this incredible female dancer in the midst of a sea of white performers, was killing it. She was absolutely owning the stage, showcasing her talent with every move. But sadly, she was pushed to the sidelines. It was disheartening because not only was she exceptionally talented, but this was supposed to be a Motown tribute after all.
That’s the last time I wasted my energy on situations like that. Now, let’s grab some lunch—ham and cheese on a roll with a bag of chips and an orange drink. If you know, you know.
Since we’re on the topic of Jennifer Lopez and this incident, let me share another memorable encounter I had with her during my childhood. This involves some background about the neighborhood and my personal experience.
Fun fact: I attended the same school where JLo’s mother taught and where JLo herself once studied—Holy Family School in the Bronx. Although I missed JLo’s mother as she had recently retired, I remember hearing that she won a lottery jackpot and decided to call it quits, which is completely understandable. I also frequented Cross Bronx Pizza, JLo’s go-to spot, and even attended the same after-school program at Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club for a brief stint.
These places, along with the school, are all located on Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx, which I assume is what JLo refers to as “the block.”
Now, onto the main event in 2002. It was winter, and I vividly recall leaving school at dismissal time. As I descended the stairs, I noticed a commotion—kids being shuffled back inside by burly bodyguards. I found myself caught up in this chaos, only to glimpse a woman, oblivious to the frenzy around her, walking briskly between her security team and out the door.
After recovering from the chaos and gathering my things, I stepped outside and contemplated heading to my favorite pizza joint for some solace. But the unusually crowded street made me reconsider, and I opted to hop on a bus to my aunt’s house instead. It was later confirmed by my family that the woman causing the stir was none other than Jennifer Lopez.
I stumbled upon an old article from 2002, echoing sentiments that JLo’s visit was more of a media stunt than genuine outreach to the community. The closure of Holy Family School last year added to the sentiment that JLo’s Bronx roots seemed more of a branding tactic than a meaningful connection.
Now, let’s fast-forward to a more recent encounter in 2015 when I worked for Kohl’s, home to the Jennifer Lopez Collection. Our team’s hard work had caught JLo’s attention, leading to a much-anticipated visit from her.
On the day of her visit, JLo arrived fashionably late with her manager, Benny Medina, in tow. The VP of the company, visibly excited, introduced us to JLo for what was supposed to be a motivational session. However, JLo’s demeanor was less than inspiring as she critiqued the fit of our designs without much enthusiasm. Despite the awkwardness, I admired her assertiveness in expressing her opinions.
Months later, when some of my designs hit the stores and received JLo’s approval, I couldn’t help but smile to myself. Maybe she wasn’t referring to my work after all.
That’s my encounter with JLo—twice over. Let me know if you want to hear more stories. I’m Nikki, and that’s all for now!
