News & Features, September 2017

Remy Ma opens clothing store in Raleigh

Remy Ma’s fans may recognize her from the VH1 show “Love & Hip Hop” and from her hit songs such as “Money Showers” and “All the way up,” or from her feature on Keyshia Cole’s song, “You.” But now she wants to be known for her clothing fashions as well.

The raptress, one of only five female rappers to ever top the Billboard charts and one of only three multiple winners of the BET Award for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, has opened a clothing store right here in Raleigh. Remy Ma’s ladies fashion store held a grand opening on Sunday, Aug. 20. The store, located at 3031 Capital Blvd Suite 101, offers ladies clothing ranging from sizes 0-5X.

The store is named Conceited, after the 2006 single from her album, “There’s Something about Remy: Based on a True Story.”

Remy Ma’s most recent collaborative studio album, with rapper Fat Joe, is entitled Plata O Plomo. It was released this past February.

With busy days recording, attending and performing at events such as the Essence Festival, Remy Ma still made time to make it in person to her store’s grand opening. Even though it was a hot day, fans waited patiently in line for the grand opening. K97.5 Raleigh’s local radio station was also at the event providing live broadcast, music and more.

Among those in attendance was Jaylin Artis, a Saint Augustine’s University freshman from Raleigh, NC. “It’s nice with reasonably priced items,” Artis said. “I am a fan because she is just real and she has always been real and will always keep it real. My favorite song by her is, “You” with Keyshia Cole – it shows her crazy side.”

Not only did fans have a chance to meet Remy Ma in person at the grand opening; they also had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with her husband, rapper Papoose. Papoose is well known for his song, “Alphabetical Slaughter” where he showcases his rhyme skills rapping lyrics from A-Z. He is also recognized from his feature on rapper Busta Rhymes 2006 hit, “Touch It” remix.

During an interview with K97.5’s on air radio personal Mir. I. am, the raptress talked about to why she decided to open Conceited in Raleigh. Remy Ma – whose real name is Reminisce Mackie – explained that she spends a lot of time in the area and the majority of her family resides in North Carolina. She also mentioned that her sister was very influential in helping handle business when she was not in the area.

Remy Ma’s sister RaeMonique Blount is co-owner of the new store. Blount is also a salon owner and stylist at Beautyfull Bundles Hair Bar & Salon in Raleigh located not too far from Conceited.

Conceited sells fashionable clothing items, shoes and other accessories. Although most Saint Augustine’s students had just arrived on campus at the time of the grand opening and were busy preparing for the new semester, many are looking forward to visiting the shop.

Genesis Horton a sophomore from Charlotte, NC, said she plans to visit the store. “I am a fan simply because of what she stands for,” Horton said. “As most of us know, she’s a convicted felon but she did not let that stop her from becoming the strong black woman that she is today. She is a female hip-hop artist and I will forever support women doing great things.”

— Jazmin Powell