Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts have left a mark in the film and music industries. They became the first queer couple in 52 years to be on the cover of Essence magazine. The couple serves not only as inspirations to other queer women and women of color but to everyone who wishes to love out loud and wake up every day and choose themselves no matter what. Their new single, “Ima Winner Baby,” works to encapsulate that experience.
Who is Niecy?
Niecy Nash-Betts is an actress who is known for playing Deputy Raineesha Williams in the comedy series Reno 911! Niecy is also known for hosting the Style Network show Clean House, for which she won a Daytime Emmy Award. She recently starred in Dahmer—Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress alongside a Golden Globe nomination.
Who is Jessica?
Jessica Betts is a singer, songwriter, and actress. She’s best known for working on the soundtrack to movies such as Big Momma’s House. She has also starred in the TV series The Rookie: Feds and in Reno 911! It’s a Wonderful Heist.
How did they meet?
The two began their friendship in 2015 on social media, when they initially bonded over music. Prior to dating Betts, Nash had only ever been in relationships with men. However, Nash told PEOPLE magazine that they had “[begun] to see each other in a way [they] never had before.” They eventually entered into a romantic relationship four years later in 2019, marrying in a backyard wedding in Ventura County, California, just a year later.
What is their new single about?
Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts have combined their talents to showcase their wins in life and their willingness to be out and proud. Combining smooth beats and vocals, the single advocates for not just self-love but positivity. The song’s primary lyrics–“I’m a winner baby”–impress upon the listener the truth that living authentically is an important process in not just a relationship, but in one’s life as well. That is the ultimate goal of their single: to help others feel proud about not just their life, but about themselves as well.
The pair has often faced scrutiny regarding their relationship. Both women have diligently displayed their talents, demonstrating that love knows no bounds. Nicey and Jessica have showed the world that by staying true to oneself and working hard you can find success even in the face of adversity.
Photography by: Courtesy of Niecy Nash-Betts and Jessica Betts by Saint and Citizen
