In the Queen Diamond Era, “It’s Going Down”

In a video blowing up on social media, Miami R&B artist Queen Diamond raps from the deck of a yacht, surrounded by a crowd enthusiastically dancing to her song, “It’s My Birthday.” As the crowd bounces up and down, hands in the air, Queen Diamond raps:

On the yacht, rooftop, downtown
Where the cake? Where the gifts? Getting lit now
Ain’t nobody messing with my vibe tonight
I’m the Queen… I own this life!

It might seem as if Queen Diamond, born Catrese Alston, just appeared on the music scene from out of nowhere. But in fact, her output is the result of many years of hard work. As an entrepreneur (where she acquired the name “Boss Cat”), an events maven, and a music producer for other artists, she laid the groundwork for her own unique voice, has now launched her Queen Diamond Era. As she says in “Money Wave,” after putting in time quietly making power moves, she is cashing the check – out loud.

Power moves quiet then the check screams loud…
It’s going down…
Stepping on the stage, all glitter, all glow
Boss Cat payday pockets on overload
Flipping investment numbers during cardio

The story behind “Money Wave/It’s Going Down” is as invigorating as its energy. The track was written in just 18 minutes, in a moment of inspiration while waiting for a studio session originally booked for other songs. The hook – “It’s going down” – was a suggestion from Alston’s daughter. That family-fueled creativity is central to her artistry; her daughter and her godson have been huge supporters, serving as unofficial co-producers, pushing her to express her lyrics with attitude and fire.

But the journey to the Queen Diamond Era wasn't always glitter and glow. Alston reveals that a major health scare, including a battle with cancer and the temporary loss of her vision, sent her into a literal and metaphorical darkness. Her husband encouraged her to find her way out of depression by creating music.

“Like a diamond,” she says, “you have to be cut to shine.” This philosophy is the heart of her music: embracing life’s pressures to emerge stronger, more brilliant, and unapologetically yourself.

Her sound is a reflection of a life lived from New Jersey to Williamston, Wyoming, Hawaii, Raleigh, Atlanta, Tennessee and now Miami, and influenced by everything from the gospel she grew up on to the country music she loves, with a deep appreciation for icons like Queen Latifah, Mariah Carey, SWV, Whitney Houston, Kenny Rogers and Michael Jackson. 

Queen Diamond is working on new music videos, a film project, and collaborations with established artists such as BJ Bowman who is a platinum-selling artist of Southern Players. She is building a music empire on her own terms. She’s the Queen. It’s her time. And, as the track promises: it’s going down!

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