INNOVATORS

KEKE PALMER

29 · Unparalleled Performer

BY QUEEN LATIFAH

Keke Palmer is one of the most talented human beings I’ve ever met.

When she was younger and we first crossed paths, she already was brimming with so much energy and power, so much humor, and so much light and professionalism. Then I got to meet her family and her siblings, and I immediately understood how she was already so remarkably together at such a young age: she was surrounded by true love and true caring.

Watching Keke evolve as a young woman has been a joy. She is the epitome of grace, poise, and honesty. To watch her grow as an artist, taking on a range of challenging roles—including her stunning performances in Akeelah and the Bee, Pimp, and the critically acclaimed 2022 blockbuster Nope—has been inspiring to me as a fellow actor. Not to mention, the girl can sing! But then again, this young champion has been inspiring adults for many, many years.

Keke is the future, and I can’t wait to see the things that she will do as she continues on her journey.

Queen Latifah is a Grammy-winning musician and Oscar-nominated actor

FKA TWIGS

34 · Poetry in Motion

BY COURTNEY LOVE

A few years ago, I saw the FKA twigs video for “Cellophane”—the one where she’s pole dancing and swirling in silks, wearing steep plastic hooker shoes and looking hauntingly elegant. She maintains the mystery of Mata Hari while conveying so much emotion: at one point in the video, the expression on her face is pure yearning. And when she’s dancing, she’s like a lightning rod. I remember her from L.A. when she was a little sprite. I could see the artist in her then. I love how, over the years, she has toyed with us, as if she breaks it all down in front of us: her insecurities, sex, heartbreak, her songwriting, her trauma. The photo on the cover was so on point—her mouth open, ready to spill her guts. She is ready to tell us who she is, victorious, flying by in the breeze, the music in every muscle in her body.