Tens (feat. Jack Mizrahi)
Jennifer Lopez
Celebrating the Ballroom Culture: Jennifer Lopez's 'Tens (feat. Jack Mizrahi)'
Jennifer Lopez's song 'Tens (feat. Jack Mizrahi)' is a vibrant homage to the ballroom culture, a subculture that originated in the LGBTQ+ community, particularly among Black and Latino individuals. The song's lyrics are a celebration of voguing, a dance style that emerged from this culture, characterized by its dramatic poses and fluid movements. The repeated references to 'tens' highlight the competitive nature of ballroom events, where participants strive to receive perfect scores from judges for their performances.
The song is filled with energetic commands and affirmations, such as 'Clap, bitches, clap' and 'Snap, bitches, snap,' which are common in ballroom settings to hype up the participants and the audience. By calling out 'legends, legends, legends and stars, stars,' Lopez and Mizrahi pay tribute to the iconic figures within the ballroom community who have paved the way and set high standards for others to follow. The lyrics also emphasize inclusivity and unity, as seen in lines like 'Whether you're black or Puerto Rican... It's about fun, there's no segregation,' underscoring the diverse and accepting nature of the ballroom scene.
The song also serves as a call to action for participants to give their all on the runway, with lines like 'Give me your heart, leave it out on the floor' and 'I wanna see you leave it all on the floor.' This reflects the passion and dedication required in ballroom culture, where individuals express their identity and creativity through their performances. The mention of various fashion houses and iconic ballroom houses, such as Lanvin, Ebony, and Balenciaga, further roots the song in the fashion-forward and competitive spirit of the ballroom scene.
Overall, 'Tens' is a powerful celebration of self-expression, resilience, and the vibrant culture of ballroom. It captures the essence of what it means to be part of this community, where performance, fashion, and identity intersect in a dazzling display of talent and creativity.