Tiffany Haddish's SNL Debut Reminded Us Why We All Want to See Her Win
I think most black women collectively did the Nae Nae with Tiffany Haddish, after her Saturday Night Live guest appearance this past Saturday.
The Girls Trip breakout star made history last night as the first black woman stand-up comic to host the show in its 43 seasons. And in 43 seasons, she is only the twelfth black woman to host the live sketch-comedy show. Her monologue was definitely on point, and it also made me cheer for her a little bit harder.
Tiffany has never been shy about revealing that she was the child of a woman with mental illness issues, or that she grew up in the foster system. So when a few minutes into her set, she gave thanks to tax payers, it made me laugh, and choke up a little:
Before I was in Girls Trip, I was in foster care. And I wanna say thank you to anyone who paid their taxes between 1990 amd 1999, because if you wouldn't have paid your taxes, I wouldn't be standing here today. So thank you.
I lived in a lot of group homes, and my favorite show growing up was SNL. That's my favorite show. And you don't have no idea how difficult it is to get a bunch of black and Hispanic kids to watch SNL over In Living Color, okay? Trying to convince them that Dana Carvey was just as funny as Damon Wayans was a problem. I got stabbed twice y'all! In a bunk bed!
Tiffany has come a long way, and you could tell that in that moment, she was truly thankful. She also reminded us that she's still new money, by wearing the same dress she wore to the premiere of her breakout film Girls Trip. She explained since she paid over $4000 for the McQueen dress, she will be wearing it everywhere -- including a casual Sunday brunch, a Bar Mitzvah, and her funeral.
I feel like I should be able to wear what I want, when I want, however many times I want, as long as I Febreze it.
Another highlight of her monologue was addressing what the fellas needed to hear about sexual harassment.
Listen fellas, if you got your thang-thang out and she got all her clothes on, you’re wrong! You're in the wrong! Wait till she got all her clothes off, and then pull your thang thang out. Okay?
She was given plenty of funny sketches that held true to her personality, which was pretty refreshing. She did a spot-on impressions of Mary J Blige and Cardi B auditioning for the roles in the live action "The Lion King Screen Test" sketch.
She also played Boo Boo Jeffries - a character in a Mortal Kombat-like game who hates violence; an Instagram butt model-turned movie critic, starring opposite Leslie Jones; and a touchy-feely, sneak dissing co-organizer of a cat giveaway, opposite Kate McKinnon.
But her best sketch was the too honest, rare black unicorn sketch, where she starred opposite Leslie Jones.
In the sketch, three travelers set off on a journey to find the last black unicorn. When they find one (Tiffany Haddish), the unicorn tells them about her futures, and it's all bad for them.
What I loved about the sketch, was that it may have been a bit of a reference to her actual book, The Last Black Unicorn, that's set to drop this December. Just like in her book, the hilarious sketch conveyed that life is what you make it, and even though bad things happen to you, you're not obligated to complain about it or allow it to bring you down.
She and Leslie nailed it.
Did you see Tiffany's guest appearance on SNL? What was your favorite sketch?
ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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Curate The Vibes With These Black-Owned Candles For Every Mood
Black women of the 90s and early 2000s had incense, and Black women of today are fully embracing our luxury candle era. Candles have become just as important as our perfume selections, and as a luxury candle connoisseur, I keep all of my favorites in stock in my storage closet.
Whether you’re moving out for the first time and want to try new scents or looking to set the mood for a self-care day or sexy evening, consider these Black-owned candle brands to curate the vibe you’re looking for.
If You’re Feeling Bad & Bougie
The Original Candle
If you’re the bougie friend of the group, this candle is for you. Hanifa has become a staple luxury brand; with celebs like Tracee Ellis Ross, Jennifer Hudson, Naomi Campbell, and Danielle Brooks seen in her designs, they have become everyone's favorite brand. They recently launched their first candle, The Original. The candle is infused with notes of mandarin, orange blossom, caramel, sandalwood, jasmine sambac, and vanilla.
When Wash Day Comes...
"Wash Day" Candle
Cavo
Need some inspiration to get up and section that hair so you can get to washing? Not to worry. This pineapple, mango coconut milk, and sugar candle will have your house smelling as good as your favorite conditioner.
Wellness Girl Necessity
Sunday in Brooklyn Candle
If you’re a girl who loves clean scents that clear the energy in your home and feel like the best Sunday you ever had, you need this candle. Infused with wild basil and lemongrass, it’s guaranteed to help you find your zen.
For Sunday Brunch If You’re Hosting
Champagne Showers
Champagne Showers is the perfect candle for a birthday celebration, Sunday brunch night in, or toast to your next big win! The candle includes a blend of bright bergamot, peach fizz, and creamy woods. It’s a bubbly fragrance that’s as sophisticated as our girl, Jackie Aina.
After You Listen To SZA
"After A Good Cry" Candle
Cavo
Let the tears flow, and let the healing begin. This rainwater, lavender, vanilla, and bean and bourbon candle is just what the doctor ordered if you’re getting over a breakup. But once you’re done crying, just remember you're worthy of much more, okay?
For The Lover Girl Era
"Love" Luxury Candle
If you’re done crying and have found the one you’ve been waiting for, let this candle burn as warm as your love for your new boo. Harlem Candle Co.'s "Love" fragrance represents a dramatic, romantic theme with both masculine and feminine accords melding beautifully together, infused with crisp apple and watery green notes.
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Featured image by Maskot/Getty Images