The Ascendants

Documentary 2020

Available on Topic

An intimate look at four rising musicians from Chicago and the common issues that young Black women artists have to overcome both in a male-dominated music industry and a marginalizing society, from racism to physical expectations to sexual trauma.

Documentary 2020

14+

EPISODE 1

J Bambii

Shortly after releasing her mixtape, “RETROGRADE,” rapper, teacher, and tarot card reader Jasmine (aka J Bambii) talks about the roots of her anxieties and how music has helped her heal and learn to accept herself.

7 min Jan 20, 2020 14+
EPISODE 2

Christian JaLon

At 22, singer Christian has already won the respect of Chance the Rapper, but it hasn’t been an easy road. On the South Side, she dealt with redlining; in Freeport, she faced open racism. Now the preacher’s daughter is taking on the music industry.

9 min Jan 21, 2020 14+
EPISODE 3

Akenya

Akenya, 26, is a quadruple threat: singer, pianist, composer, and arranger. After overcoming a lonely childhood, health issues, and every form of marginalization, she’s now working with Grammy-nominated artists and ready to release her own album.

8 min Jan 22, 2020 14+
EPISODE 4

Jean Deaux

With a sound that’s like Erykah Badu meets Little Dragon and an eclectic style, Jean Deaux is poised for breakout success. She revisits her first open mic stages, opens up about a trauma, and reveals how she resists fear.

10 min Jan 23, 2020 14+

About

The Ascendants

DOCUMENTARY

An intimate look at four rising musicians from Chicago and the common issues that young Black women artists have to overcome both in a male-dominated music industry and a marginalizing society, from racism to physical expectations to sexual trauma.

Information

Studio: Topic
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2020
Rated: 14+

Languages

Audio and Subtitles: English (United States) (AAC, CC)

Accessibility

: Closed captions (CC) refer to subtitles in the available language with the addition of relevant non-dialogue information.