Ambassador Digital Magazine Editor-in-Chief Musa Jackson kicks off the New Year by spotlighting new talent: Houston-born, Harlem-based powerhouse Lady Matt—a striking rapper, actress, creator, and lifestyle brand carving her own lane. Blending Southern grit with Harlem polish, she’s emerging as a dynamic voice in hip-hop and a multifaceted artist, entrepreneur, and community builder.
Lady Matt is establishing a presence that’s as fearless as it is authentic. As a rapper, she’s built momentum through standout performances, opening for Kash Doll, BigXThaPlug, and That Mexican OT, while earning features in respected outlets. Her music has been showcased on major platforms including BET and Revolt TV, and her electrifying stage presence has lit up festivals like SXSW and Hollapalooza.
Currently, working with top producers and expanding her catalog with a clear vision for global reach. Beyond music, Lady Matt is the founder of NUSKN Active, a women-focused fitness and wellness brand she plans to scale into a luxury wellness spa concept. She also leads the Boss B!tch Mindset community, a digital sisterhood empowering women to step into their power, prioritize balance, and live abundantly.
Her commitment to impact runs deep. Lady Matt is launching a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children of incarcerated parents, a mission rooted in her own story and upbringing. With one foot in entertainment and the other in empowerment, she’s building bridges between Houston and Harlem while using her platform to uplift, motivate, and lead. Trust us before long, you won’t be asking who is Lady Matt.
“Harlem taught me to stay the course. The city has this go-getter energy that pushes you to continue being yourself and stay on your game. “
Houston to Harlem is a powerful axis. What parts of Houston still live in your sound, and what did Harlem teach you about refinement, confidence, and pacing?
The parts of Houston that are still in my sound—I’d say the culture overall, because I go home a lot and I stay connected to my southern roots. I also try to work with producers from Houston, which I’ve been doing for the past three years, so those are the elements I really keep in my music. Harlem taught me to stay the course. The city has this go-getter energy that pushes you to continue being yourself and stay on your game. It required me to be the best version of myself in order to create and be an artist.
Your records like Brick by Brick and Run It Up feel very earned. What did you have to unlearn about yourself before you could truly step into your power as an artist?
The first thing that comes to mind is learning not to relive my childhood, but instead to embrace the little girl in me. I had to show up more as a woman, break myself down, and allow myself to be vulnerable in order to express my full self. A lot of times, artists speak in future tense—some things haven’t happened yet—but I know they will. For me, it was about mentally starting over, breaking myself down, and tapping into both my younger self and the vision I have for my future self.
Touring with Kash Doll and BigXThaPlug, what did the road teach you about protecting your energy?
My second show with BigXThaPlug was my first tour, and I learned how important me-time is. I had to prepare myself, especially because I drove during the tour. I realized the day before I needed time for myself to really own the opportunity. With Kash Doll, I was more prepared mentally and physically, making sure everything was aligned logistically before traveling.
Touring is a great way to connect with fans. On Kash Doll’s tour, I discovered I had core fans in Texas, which was really exciting. But the biggest takeaway for me was the importance of solitude. Creating music is one thing, but touring especially with multiple shows doesn’t always give you time to breathe. I promised myself I would always make time for moments of solitude, and that’s been crucial for my energy and focus.
You’re stepping into acting now. What part of yourself did the camera pull out that music never did?
Vulnerability. Acting forces you to dive into a character in a way music sometimes doesn’t. On camera, I have to fully express the character and intentionally pull things out of myself I didn’t even know were there. Music has many elements, especially visually, but acting requires more intentional vulnerability and fully showing yourself.
You didn’t wait to build brands. Why was ownership non-negotiable from the start?
That’s just who I am. I’ve always been entrepreneurial, a go-getter who does things on my terms. Building my brand as Lady Matt, along with NUSKN Active, my wellness brand, and Boss Bitch Mindset, my motivational community, allows me to show all sides of myself. Ownership is especially important as a Black woman. it’s about having something that’s truly yours. I haven’t put all my eggs in one basket with NUSKN, but I’ve been nurturing it for a long time.
NUSKN Active and Boss B!tch Mindset center wellness. What’s the biggest lie women are told about self-discipline?
That you just keep going without listening to your body or mind. Even today, I didn’t feel like going to the gym, but I went anyway. I wasn’t at my full capacity, but I showed up. It’s important to check in with yourself, listen to your body, and be mindful of your mental state. Women are often told to always be on the go, but as long as you execute something every day, that’s enough. Overworking and overthinking doesn’t help. I’ve always focused on being in tune with myself mentally and physically, that’s my main priority, right after God.
Your nonprofit work is personal. How does purpose change the way you chase success?
Purpose fuels success. I’m a person of service first, and that mindset was instilled in me as a kid. Giving back is only right because I’m a village baby. Time is the most valuable form of expression. Without seeking applause or reward, giving is the most rewarding thing. I’m an Angel Tree baby—my mom was in prison, and I received gifts from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program every year. That experience inspired me to give back. Last year, I wanted to start my own Angel Tree, but time didn’t allow it. At the very least, I showed up during the holidays and passed out food during Thanksgiving. I take pride in it. It’s part of who I am, not something I do for cameras.
Luxury, rawness, and community all live in your world. How do you define success today?
I define success by where I am now. I’m not at the peak of my goals yet, but I have the freedom to be present in the spaces I occupy. It’s about creating, showing up in the community, and being unapologetically raw with myself. I feel raw and blessed to even feel that, to live in this city, and to have accomplished what I have over the last seven years. Success is still showing up, by the grace of God.
AI is changing how artists are created and consumed. What’s the one thing technology will never replace in your work?
My voice. The way I talk, my vernacular from Houston, my energy, my tone—technology can’t replicate that. I use AI as an assistant for business tasks, but not for songwriting. A song has to feel like me, carry my energy, my tone of voice, and my slang. Technology can’t do that. I’m here for AI, but not for creating a whole new artist or writing songs for me.
You’re creating your own lane. What do you want the Lady Matt era to change in culture?
I want the Lady Matt era to show individuality. I’m in my own lane, and very few women stick to being themselves. I may have entered the entertainment world later, but I want my legacy to show that it’s never too late. I push ownership, owning my lane. I’m just a little girl from the South, from Houston, Texas. Not many Houstonians have made it yet. I want them to know the South is here. Houston is here. Third Ward is here. Lady Matt is here.
-Musa Jackson
Talent: ladymatt__
Photography by @marcbaptistephoto
Styling/Creative Direction by @the_real_re_edit
Makeup by @greggbrockingtonbeauty for @michelleleoagency
Stylist Assistant: @hayila.k
Hat by Voluptuary888
Ear Cuff by Haus Of Topper
Dress by Ty Brooks
Earmuffs by Jenny Baptiste
Gloves by Wing & Weft
Dress by Ty Brooks
Earmuffs by Jenny Baptiste
Gloves by Wing & Weft
Jacket, Dress and Hat by Voluptuary888
Boots by Ty Brooks
Jacket and Hat by Voluptuary888
Dress and Hat by Ty Brooks
Hat by Ty Brooks
Necklace and Cuff by Haus Of Topper
Bodysuit and Headscarf by XULY.Bet
Boots by AKIRA
Glasses are stylist’s own
Dress and Hat by Voluptuary888
Bra and Panty by La Perla
Gloves by Wing & Weft
Lady Matt Skincare:
@ayanatskincare #hydratingfacecream
@retrouveskin #revitalizingeyeconcentrate
Skin:
@onesizebeauty #securethesweat primer
@juviasplace #iammagic concealer #j13 & #j16
@patmcgrathlabs #Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Blurring Under-Eye Powder
@hungvanngobeauty #Longwear Waterproof Precision Gel Eyeliner
@lisaeldridgemakeup #sculptandshapelippencil
@hauslabs #Color Fuse Longwear Hydrating Glassy Lip + Cheek Blush Balm Stick
#glassyrosette
Location courtesy of Dennis Decker
NY TEAM:
Founder & Editor In Chief:
Musa Jackson @iammusajackson
Art Director/ Cover & Editorial Graphics:
Paul Morejon @Paulmorejon
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