Princess Nokia - DESTINY (Documentary)

Princess Nokia is unafraid. During the 16-minute film directed by Orian Barki and produced by The FADER, the self-proclaimed New York aficionado commands the sidewalks of the Lower East Side and East Harlem. There's footage of intimate recording sessions, shots of some of her most beloved local spots, and vulnerable stoop conversations that all show the city's important connection to her work.
In the doc, Nokia shares the story of her life before she became an MC and it's clear that her honest rap persona is an extension of her truest self. Nokia doesn't shy away from talking about the hard times in her life and she reflects on her story with a certain tenderness, very much aware of what she survived.
In one of the final scenes of the film, Nokia stands before an excited crowd at her 1992 project release concert and looks towards her future and her past: "I had a lot of fun fucking making that record I’ll be honest with you, because I got to rap again. A lot of people used to ask me 'Why don’t you rap? Or why didn’t you continue rapping?' And I wasn't ready." After a short pause she continued, "I’m ready now."
www.thefader.com/2016/11/29/pr...
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Cast: Destiny Frasqueri, Anastasia Rojas, John Ortiz, Deborah Frasqueri, Rafealina Sanchez, Samuel Burgess, Patrick “Wiki” Morales
Director and Editor: Orian Barki
Producers: Robert Semmer, Naomi Zeichner, Joseph Patel
Executive Producers: Andy Cohn, Rob Stone, Jon Cohen, Anthony Holland
Production Coordinator: Madison LaClair
Cinematography: Orian Barki
Additional Cinematography: Asia Gorbacheva, Mayan Toledano, Sam Balaban
Color: Stephen Picano
Sound Mix: Eugene Wasserman
Graphics: Dan G. Windsor
Special Thanks: Merien Bennani, Taeer Maymon

[@Henrythompsonart]

broken laptop screens & rose water what an aesthetic

[@eminahist710]

she worked so hard for a better life and she deserve it sooo much. wish her everything good. 🕊❤🕊✊

[@ladyfightsoctopus8166]

The silence she met when she came out the bathroom followed by the instant "sorry" 😂😂😂

[@bluerryst4005]

That laptop is the realist shit I've seen in my life.

[@daethepoet]

see how people change up when they know who you are :in reference to the girl outside the bathroom as soon as princess nokia came she was all quiet

[@hellokittie9664]

Wakeupdae she said sorry too lol

[@rilaxkumah]

Loll doing good work to put rude people in their place. What if someone was sick and taking a shit???? Then you're banging on the door? Not anyones anyone's fault theres only ONE bathroom. (Or theyre all full/idk but obviously not enough bathrooms loll)

[@keziahbaker5834]

i love how shes a carefree hood girl who can articulate herself extremely well

[@drdoom1384]

Yes. The love for this kind of genuine intellect and beauty is... It sweeps me away! "Yeah, don't fuck around" - Oh... She has so many attractive qualities in such a beautiful being I may be a little high from all the exposure. Glad she's who she is though. A good strong role model to fly freely with all the gifts you have to play with and share with people. I am glad I found her because I felt I had too little exposure to female artists, seemed a smart move to take it all in.

[@datsun7918]

Yes! and shes sooooo unique, doing veeeery unique stuff right? Is rap the only way for you ppl to express urself?

[@katewalchle6704]

You make it sound like those things are an unusual combination; practically diametrically opposed. Let's get past that, yeah?

[@marymary25960]

That's not a rare combination though, you just aren't looking for it.

[@rebecaavelar471]

Gemini girl

[@theeyesiramirez]

I love how authentic she is, she speaks with such elegance and has so much passion in what she does.

[@SWEETDEE007]

She is a positive light. Honestly the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, inside and out. Would love to smoke and talk to her about the stars and the Divine within. Would be mind blowing I bet.

[@womb666]

SWEETDEE007 ok you seem cool

[@Kickdrum00]

SWEETDEE007 stalker status 😂

[@aliciabiatch]

I easily could've watched an hour of this

[@GoldenPuppy1O1]

Alicia Bee right!! i wish it was longer

[@hazz1519]

fr

[@user-lu4xp7iv8c]

Alicia Bee agreed

[@Unsure808]

Who else wanted this video to never end?

[@gabegardner94]

Janae Lovely i was just thinking that literally

[@Marcotootrilll]

Janae Lovely me

[@keylarosario6722]

Janae Lovely meeeeeeee😟

[@lucnold]

ikr, 16 minutes!. C'mon..😢

[@destinycarr8861]

Janae Lovely

[@whenstarseclipse]

The laptop at 4:56 is the REALEST shit I've ever seen. it's cracked but he's STILL going. it's like that sometimes when you can't afford new shit. these millennials are not privileged or spoiled. they're HUSTLING and creating art. Which is ESPECIALLYY hard to do successfully as a person of color or without privilege. I respect that so much!

[@maliiciousv]

good eye

[@XoXoG]

I agree with you except the millennial part. We (I'm saying we because I'm in their age group) are not millenials. The millenials are those born from the year 2000 and after. She and her team are late 80's and early 90's babies.

[@Lilreeces10]

Nah man, Millennials are those born from 1980-Late 90s, so 80s and 90s babies are included.

[@95acdcRocks]

Lilreeces10 between 1982 and 2004 to be precise

[@queenpixpix9357]

whenstarseclipse lol that shit difficult, my bro threw a ball and it hit the screen. It's annoying difficult trying to work on a broke screen.

[@x97sfinest]

This girl is mystical. So much soul. You can tell she's really lived.

[@kitanakitana7429]

i want her to make a movie of her life

[@lottemcgregor2369]

Do it girl x

[@awg7068]

Same

[@99ivyrose]

damn this was fucking good, I didn't want it to end. She needs to release a whole hour documentary or something. She's really smart and pretty af!

[@mattadrev471]

the realest people make the best art

[@justjulied]

really feel like i'm watching a star in the making. princess nokia is her own brand & i wouldn't be surprised if she made it big one day, not that she already is, but she has plenty of great things in store for her.

[@mikabass]

julie well lets hope sugar honey ice tea takes off

[@ignorantslut6507]

Shes already half way there

[@giulietta4633]

shes a mess so no

[@MISSritaliu]

She made it yall

[@MB4life321]

man i want to be as fearless as her but I can't im too nice to people that do me wrong

[@eliezerdaum4385]

J word fam, word. I feel you.

[@julia4606]

just focus on your own greatness. it will keep coming your own vibe is so much better than uhm, the others. im going thru the same at the very moment. deep down im a bad bitch i know

[@Isaac2.]

I think we have all that fearless spirit in us, we just need to loose two fucks of what ppl think. We are too scared of taking risk & the perception of others. Don't let fear consume your mind, it is a sickness! It will prevent you from doing the things you love. B/c we are too focused on the fear of failure and we loose site of what really important !

[@thegypsyleo6]

true story the fucking struggle is real

[@lottemcgregor2369]

I am too but if someone is nasty to you its because they have shit to deal with as we all do. NICE TO BE IMPORTANT BUT ITS MORE IMPORTANT TO BE NICE. In her heart Princess Nokia is soft and beautiful and noble.

[@chiefbeef444]

I can appreciate her more after watching this

[@ilovecody7514]

She's fucking precious and such a dope rapper!!!

[@user-ld7ps7yj9h]

Tha Swami I looove her

[@ilovecody7514]

바보 ᴖᴥᴖ She's amazing! 1992 was one of my top 10 hip hop albums of 2016!

[@tickeymickey360]

Holy shit you're everywhere I'm at!!! I just found about her from her "Tomboy" video! There's something endearing about her, like a genuine vibe I get from her it's dope.

[@ilovecody7514]

*****​​ Lol, yeah I get around. And tbh I freaking love her! After hearing her on Rating on Puerto Rican Judo, even though that was the worst track on the album, that didn't stop me from checking out and loving her breakout single Bitch I'm Posh and following her unconditionally. That's why 1992 became a fan favorite for me. She has a lot of personality and charisma. 1992 is underrated and Kitana, Brujas, and Saggy Denim have to be just a few I my favorites. Her choice of production also has to be top notch too! Reminds me a lot of Ratking the way it's hyper, psychedelic, lush and sometimes even smooth but not boring.

[@tickeymickey360]

Tha Swami Goddamn, I gotta check out this "1992" project then! I like your music tastes, I feel like they line up with mine somewhat. And I here I was thinking The Game was the only one who dropped a project called "1992" lol I was confused like "why is he talking about Game's album it wasn't even that good?" but now I know you're talking about Nokia. I'll check her out!

[@vileriley8890]

I want to hang out with people like this

[@lottemcgregor2369]

They'll find ya + you'll be ready when they do x

[@Jeanettelovesyouh11]

where they at tho :(( hope i can find some authentic souls like her one day

[@chechanrevolution992]

lotte mcgregor I fully agree, they have found me.

[@nonon0n0N0]

This is such a spooky conversation thread but I love it. You’ve been found.

[@sasamilic720]

What a wonderful human. The entire film was sustained with her personality alone.

[@lottemcgregor2369]

yes

[@CallHerChristian]

YES

[@titusbennett7360]

I love her so much💖💖her energy is so magical

[@womb666]

Titus Bennett she is a witch after all ;)

[@morgan9702]

lmao she's a Witch???

[@womb666]

Morgan Johnson yes, witches aren't what society makes them out to be.. there's different kinds and everything

[@morgan9702]

lmao yea I getchu lol

[@Tish256]

lmao EXACTLY

[@matheustorquato176]

she's one of the dopest girls in the scene right now

[@alanamarie6942]

Something so raw about her , something you don't find everyday , which is why she so special

[@1stladyofet]

Her vibe is so organic, leaves you wanting more. Hope she continues to progress with the music. Thanks fader!

[@corinnesarakitzis]

WOw so sensitive and mature I love this filmmaker

[@unjenniferr]

I would watch a whole movie based on her ❤️

[@AliBanana1493]

i met destiny a couple years ago and she was such a sweetheart and just amazing

[@AliBanana1493]

she performed in this apartment someone turned into a little show space with art everywhere and after me and my friend hung out with her a little, her voice was kinda gone so she took our phones and typed really nice notes to us and it was just so refreshing, a bunch of girls complimenting each other. she also said i reminded her of her sister lol

[@AliBanana1493]

and damn i remember when she used to be Wavy Spice and i immediately fell for her, its been great watching her grow

[@mezymoo]

NOTHING GIVES ME MORE PLEASURE THEN TO SEE THIS CHIC THRiVE

[@SpaceCattttt]

One day, she'll be married to King Samsung...

[@galimgim]

haha

[@khalo-ismine9229]

teppolundgren :")

[@SpaceCattttt]

YourMother Recharge your battery...

[@SpaceCattttt]

YourMother Your empathetic attitude towards others is lacking, so your battery must be failing...

[@SpaceCattttt]

I'm all for her equal rights and free choices. You're the one who called her a dyke. Sort out your priorities, son...

[@ashentertainment7770]

I seriously cried while watching this . Her soul is so beautiful and being that she's from New York just warms my heart so much !! She is really underrated.

[@TakeCareRihanna]

I just discovered Princess Nokia and im already in love with her. She is the type of person i would be friends with. I love her music. and she's so different to all the other artists. I really wish her all the best. she deserves it.

[@edubvb5193]

Kitana is such an empowering song and I just love every vibe she has in different songs. Such an awesome artist.

[@Afaedite]

her whole essence is intoxicating

[@annasigersmark9910]

I think this doc and Princess Nokia right here saved me in a way, in my teenage years, I felt very isolated, weird and lonely but Destiny really gave me a place to belong in those hard times, some kind of solace and comfort that really helped me through. Thank you for this doc and thank you for being here Destiny, we're so thankful for you.

[@yassiebott]

she takes me to the new York I love, the new York I remember growing up.

[@shinebabyshine.]

Man, I need her to win. ❤️

[@khanyilukele3093]

Jai the Conqueror so bad

[@johntyler7882]

she just made a new fan. thx u fader

[@nickynada-btc]

This person has multiple accents and personalities.

[@CarlosJimenez-tp3wr]

Apparently you not very fond of her😂😂😂

[@Abrahamdarich]

Nicky Nada she's a Gemini fuck you expect

[@sharcam2010]

@@Abrahamdarich she's a witch...fuck YOU expect?

[@CallHerChristian]

SHE A GEMINI, you a fan

[@Itsunclegabby]

She's a Gemini from NY. NUff said.

[@shayla5781]

omg the background info on why you got your name princess nokia is so sad. It is never okay to abuse a child and i am glad you made it out of that situation alive and well. We may forgive but never forget. Now she can go ahead and miss you hearing and watching you grow into the amazing woman you have become and continue to be

[@davidkoch8857]

its crazy looking at this with a californian perspective , this some real NY shit respect.

[@khadijahtaylor9085]

Her speaking voice is soothing. love you Princess Nokia!

[@roxicero5425]

I fell in love with her Tomboy track, and saw this pop up in my recommendations.. and, man! I love her vibe she's such a beautiful down 2 mars girl!

[@lottemcgregor2369]

She is x

[@rahkiajohnson7926]

Princess Nokia singing Rebel Girl 💕💕💕💕

[@wavydomx]

Did I just fall in love with her brain, maybe😩👏🏾❤️

[@khanyilukele3093]

Dominique D same

[@Souffrantte]

This was so beautiful, damn, I hope you and your niggas go all the way up

[@Pro-habits]

This chick is so unique ,differently amazing out of this world she gives 2 fucks she living wish more people would just love their live's!

[@gabegardner94]

i love you princess nokia

[@jocelynshaw7612]

YESSSS!

[@zoraumana3224]

I LOVE HER AT THE BEGINNING REBEL GIRL BY BIKINI KILL

[@yikeslez]

zora umana EXACTLY

[@chayennemetuneter3508]

So inspiring , she made 1992 on a half asslaptop and a Mic in an open room . There are no excuses. She's a godess and so unapologetic. Salute to the sister queen.

[@xoMissTaylorDivine]

She's amazing. I mean enjoying all of her current work & am excited for all new projects she comes out with. She is so genuine & it's a rare to find that nowadays in artist 💖

[@neilforbes3537]

She changes her voice like Riff Raff. Interesting.

[@talaf6616]

"I realized I had 3 dollars in my pocket, a cell phone wit 75% battery, whoosh" I'm dead😂😂😂😂

[@liosanchez8573]

girl, are you spraying that rose water?? lol

[@wiscovirgo]

lio sanchez no, she just had plain water in the bottle. It was summer when this was filmed, probably hot as fuck.

[@lizochoa4462]

lio sanchez that rose water video was heaven lol

[@tatyanabarlow6524]

She grown with balls and barrettes in her hair. I love her she does her own thing. She looked hella cute too

[@maliiciousv]

this directing is so good

[@MrKimSays]

This was beautiful. So moved.

[@klarafall2164]

Please more of Princess Nokia. She's just amazing

[@itscheap]

I always come back to this because it’s authentic and relatable thanks for creating a masterpiece

[@goldenxronnie3739]

She's everything man. Issa wife 💖

[@mysticyouth9126]

You cute 👀

[@amandamkhize5539]

Watching this at 2019 so ducking proud of how far she’s come

[@juliannacampo9453]

This literally almost brought me to tears. I love this so much, I touched my heart and I watch it over and over again. Especially towards the end before her performance when she's talking about falling in love with New York and the scenery. So proud to be a New Yorker

[@TheHostForMyFolks]

Loving this the format, edits and all great job

[@warzerdelta6496]

she changed so much

[@redapplejuuice]

This video was amazing honestly

[@pceluvNdorkyness]

omg i love this and her so much! great mini doc

[@geauxtama]

Thank You Fader. New fan acquired.

[@christiancruz2015]

i bet everyones gonna like her now cuz they understand better y she's raw

[@lottemcgregor2369]

The more I explore about this lady the more respect and admiration I have for her. She impacts me like Neneh Cherry did when I first discovered her. I love her realness she is saying it how it is love love love girl xxx

[@Zero683]

She is great and wiki making music with her is even greater!! I didint know who she was 5 days ago but I started watching her videoclips and she does really good music. Awesome doc Fader !

[@thealanadiaries]

the imagery in this is so dope! kudos to the videographer and editor.

[@ashtinnel7304]

Can we just take a moment to appreciate her and this beautiful creation of a documentary!!!

[@timkruse9912]

She lowkey looks like Zoe Kravitz

[@wrongendofyourcigarette]

she is so empowering and beautiful. she helps me living in an abusive home. like, thanks to her, i know it's not my fault

[@khanyilukele3093]

Imke I’m so sorry , hope you make it out.

[@blancadesigns]

It’s not your fault at all and I promise it won’t last forever. There’s a light at the end of the tunnel I swear 💕

[@franziskauhl7319]

This is a masterpiece on it‘s own.

[@CancunMimosa]

This was just beautiful. Beautiful frequencies.

[@APR944]

I wish good things for this young artist. Really hope to see more from Princessa. XX

[@Iris80Mcfly]

I got chills watching this. I am rooting for you, girl!

[@dannyarvad]

You are soooo great. Congrats and please keep it real like this❤

[@dwborahpurvis6151]

God this brought back crazy memories. I lost my mom at a young age. Ended up in foster care. This was real cool to watch. I love how you tell your story.

[@-tulliae1694]

Beautiful documentary

[@HerusWorld]

Amazing from start to finish. Love herr!

[@jessietomasovich8753]

My favorite part was 8:20 when she called the girls to the front. Then she really connected with the women in the audience. A very warm feeling of sisterhood👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩👩‍❤️‍💋‍👩

[@Aonexia]

Simply awesome! Much love to you...

[@mailynnemusicbox]

what a star! i really enjoy seeing her grow from wavy spice to princess nokia ✊🏾🔮

[@22221mm]

This is so beautiful.

[@JulianeHitchcock]

That is an amazing portrait of you. You are most authentic and a beautiful soul. I am from 1981 and from East Berlin. Even though our cities are quiet different I got you when you talked about how it feels to grow up in a authentic area in New York because I always feel this when I go back to my Berlin city (live in Spain now) I will always love it no matter of trends and what anybody sais. I was in New York in January 2020 and also went to the Bronx because of the Grafitti and just to eat in a random restaurant to not only brows in the touristic areas.. I like to be with the real life and the real people and you cannot imagine how much I would have love to be at one of your concerts from this documentary. I love your rapping the same as your soft voice tunes. You are an unique artist. Lots of love Jules

[@TaeKwasii]

Seeing this really just inspired me to continue music & be confident thank you 💕

[@biancapaulinoo]

i love her so much. she's so beautiful and inspiring

[@ac67833]

I'm not a fan of rap in general but there's something about her, she's genuine af.

[@hyydrobandshyytscg8917]

A C R crazy how rap brought her to you

[@mastervader218]

def. a diamond in the rough. keep doing your thing girl.

[@roseribcage]

Really well-done doc FADER!

[@henriques3581]

I just love her even more after this video. A true warrior. So optimistic and driven, an example for the youth.

[@lkaes]

Favourite documentary of 2020 so far

[@oweble]

I just love love love her voice!!💜

[@RaiRaiBrown]

Happy to see a more intimate look into her life.

[@YoutubeChannel-nl2pg]

this is really good

[@user-jo6df8ez4w]

Thank you Fader

[@TWEETYBYRDIE24]

LOOOOOOOOOOOOVE this documentary and love Princess Nokia!!!!!

[@saidatoscar]

I love love love how everyone is so supportive of her, I'm just now finding out about her and i'm falling in love

[@fridahernandez141]

One of my biggest role models. Shes out of this world..