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Yeastie Grlz

Yeastie Girlz

Feminist Punk Acapella Rap Group

Yeastie Girlz are a feminist punk acapella rap group that emerged from the punk scene of 924 Gilman in Berkeley, California in the late 1980s and is known for in-your-face lyrics about sex, bodily functions, free speech and sexism. Yeastie Girlz is now known to a new generation for being sampled by TV Girl on the viral song Not Allowed.

Check out our full story here. 

Highlights

  • Breakthrough Performance – "Yeast Power" (1987): Debuted their feminist a cappella anthem at Berkeley’s Gilman Street Project, challenging the male-dominated punk scene and launching their musical journey. 
  • First Release – Turn It Around Compilation (1987): Featured as the sole female act on this influential MAXIMUMROCKNROLL EP, amplifying their message within the punk community. 
  • Debut EP – Ovary Action (1988): Released on Lookout! Records, this EP showcased their provocative lyrics and introduced the "Tampbone," a unique instrument crafted from a tampon applicator.
  • Dance Hit Collaboration – "You Suck" with Consolidated (1992): Teamed up with industrial dance band Consolidated and spoken word artist Wendy-O Matik to produce this track, which gained popularity in alternative dance clubs worldwide. 
  • Mainstream Recognition – Aerosmith Tour (1994): Aerosmith played "You Suck" before their shows during the Get a Grip Tour, introducing the Yeastie Girlz's message to a wider rock audience. 
  • Cultural Impact – Sampled in TV Girl's "Not Allowed" (2016): Their work was sampled in this track, leading to a resurgence in popularity and a subsequent agreement granting them 50% of the song's revenue. 
  • Archival Recognition – Schlesinger Library (2013): Donated a collection of memorabilia, including fan letters and original recordings, to Harvard's Schlesinger Library, preserving their legacy in feminist music history. 

Yeastie Girlz

Feminist Punk Acapella Rap Group

Yeastie Girlz are a feminist punk acapella rap group that emerged from the punk scene of 924 Gilman in Berkeley, California in the late 1980s and is known for in-your-face lyrics about sex, bodily functions, free speech and sexism. Yeastie Girlz is now known to a new generation for being sampled by TV Girl on the viral song Not Allowed.

Check out our full story here.