Yo! June 1995

If you think a hoe is a hoe is a hoe, you better think again! Kim Kenner and her sister Tonya with partner Robin Nelson are here to tell ya the difference. So listen up! HWA (yeah, you got it-Hoez With Attitude) are here to school ya.

HWA define hoes as smart women who are up front about their sexuality; strong women who are committed to their own independence as they are to making their men happy; savvy women who know how to use their brains to get what they want.

And don’t let the name fool ya. Sure, Hoez with attitude offer scintillating rhymes and sexy and skimpy clothes. But that’s not all. These three women-Kim, Robin and Tonya- have more than just sex on their mind. Hard to believe but true that HWA’s intent is to create an atmosphere where men and women talk frankly and meaningfully about sex, relationship and yes, love.

Just as their male counterparts who champion the word “nigga,” the HWA trio is intent on redefining the word “Hoe.” According to Kim: “We are products of our environment, the Chicago projects. We understand the meaning of ‘Hoe’ and the meaning of ‘Whore.’ Hoez are hustlers, women who are achievers. Janet Jackson refers to dancers as hoes without a trace of irony. We’re also hoes- strong women selling records.”

Indeed, from their meager beginnings, Hoes With Attitude displayed a knack for hustling. Kim attended a knack for hustling. Kim attended Southern Illinois University for a couple of years before she was kicked out for fighting while pledging a sorority. After that, she worked for Century 21 in Chicago selling real estate for two years. One day, she put together a rhyme for her and her sister Tonya to perform at a friend’s birthday.

“Everyone loved it and said we should pursue rap more seriously, so we did,” continued Kim. “We packed our things and moved to L.A. We were absolutely broke, trying to stretch my savings. Eventually, we made some demos. Of course, all the struggles were worth what we have now.” They now call Ruthless Records home (yep, Eazy-E’s label) and are, as some say livin’ large.

Along with partner Robin Nelson the Kenner sister believe in everything they do. “We love men, but we love ourselves, too,” assures Kim who is the spokeswomen for the trio. “We’re ‘90’s hoes.” And they mean it, but keep in mind they are referring to HWA’s definition of a hoe.