High Vibes and Hip-Hop Healing: A conversation with Neptune XXI

By Jos Duncan-Asé

I have followed Neptune XXI for a few years and love her music and style. Earlier this year, Love Now Media posted an inquiry seeking someone to help us with our digital presence and social media management. Surprisingly, Neptune expressed interest. Turns out she has a degree in communications and has sharpened her social savviness through her work as a full-time artist! As her name implies, 21 is her lucky number – how serendipitous that she officially started working with us on October 21st..

Here’s my conversation with her about the healing power of her art.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
Alanna, well Neptune… Thank you for being part of this interview and the magazine. You recently joined our team as a digital storyteller, and your work aligns perfectly with our theme of healing. I couldn’t wait six months or a year to feature you! This issue is a great way to introduce you and your incredible work to our audience, as well as your new role on our team. Let’s dive in. Can you tell us about your work as an artist?

Neptune XXI:
Sure. I’d describe myself as a high-vibrational artist. Everything I create—whether it’s music, curation, workshops, or teaching—is centered on healing and holistic wellness. I believe everything carries its own vibration. When it comes to music, I aim to create sounds and cultivate frequencies that help people process their experiences.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
That’s beautiful. You mentioned wanting to raise people’s vibrations through sound. Can you talk more about that?

Neptune XXI:
Yes. I want to contribute to hip-hop culture in a healing way. Hip-hop started from a conscious place, aiming to uplift people. It brought communities together, reducing violence through events like dance battles. My role is to carry that torch intentionally. I want my content to be meaningful and timeless so that twenty years from now, I can still be proud of my work and its impact on my community and the world.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
I resonate with that mission because it mirrors my approach to media. Toxicity in media is pervasive, but we have an opportunity to uplift through love. I see a divine connection in you joining this team. Tell me about your background—where are you from, and when did you first realize you were an artist?

Neptune XXI:
I usually say I’m from D.C., but I like to tell people I’m from my mother’s womb—that’s where I truly come from. My mother’s influence is significant. She was a vocalist and athlete, both of which shaped me. Growing up in a musical family and singing in our church choir ingrained music in me. It wasn’t until I graduated college in 2015, moved to Baltimore, and got involved in open mics that I realized I was an artist. Performing my poem “Black Boy Blues,” which reflected on personal and societal losses, was transformative. It opened doors, and I started getting paid for shows. That’s when I recognized my gift.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
Who are some of the artists who inspire you?

Neptune XXI:
Amiri Baraka is one of my favorite poets for his boldness. I also admire Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, Nikki Giovanni, James Baldwin, Tupac, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Kendrick Lamar. They all inspire my artistry in different ways.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
How did you choose your artist name, Neptune XXI?

Neptune XXI:
It started in high school when a friend into astrology nicknamed me Neptune, based on my February 21st birthday. The name stuck, even though I initially disliked it. Over time, it became part of me. The “XXI” came later. I started noticing the number 21 everywhere—it felt like a message from the universe or my ancestors. It became a symbol of alignment, and I included it in my name, using Roman numerals to make it unique.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
What kind of impact do you want to make through your art?

Neptune XXI:
Through my art, I want to be one of the most influential artists of my generation. I want people to know it’s okay to embrace and embody love, to be authentic and vulnerable despite life’s challenges.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
What kind of impact do you hope to make as a digital storyteller for Love Now Media?

Neptune XXI:
At Love Now Media, I want to make sure all our goals, especially in social media and digital storytelling, are executed successfully. I also want to contribute to Love Now Media becoming the go-to organization for capturing and sharing the essence of Philadelphia. My focus is on amplifying the stories that inspire love and connection while reflecting the beauty and resilience of our communities.

Jos Duncan-Asé:
I love that. Thank you for sharing your story.