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Aja (entertainer)

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Aja
Aja in February 2018
Born
Jay Rivera

(1994-01-04) January 4, 1994 (age 30)[1]
NationalityAmerican
Occupations
Known for
Websiteajakween.com

Aja is the stage name of Jay Rivera,[2] an American drag performer, reality television personality, and rapper best known for competing on season 9 of RuPaul's Drag Race and season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars.

Career

Aja (left) and Alyssa Edwards (right) at RuPaul's DragCon LA 2018

Rivera began doing drag in Manhattan at age 16, participating in contests at Posh Bar, the Stonewall Inn, Metropolitan Bar and Sugarland.[3] Aja was announced to be competing on the ninth season of RuPaul's Drag Race alongside 13 other contestants on February 2, 2017.[4] Aja placed ninth overall, later returning for the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars on October 20, 2017.[5] Aja was eliminated during the fifth episode, but returned in the following episode with the other eliminated queens for a chance to win re-entry into the competition.[6][7] Morgan McMichaels rejoined the competition, which placed Aja seventh overall.[7] In March 2018, Aja hosted a live streamed Drag Race trivia contest with the cast of season 10.[8]

The drag house Haus of Aja, based in Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, includes members Aja, Kandy Muse, Momo Shade, Dahlia Sin, and Janelle No5.[9][10] The group perform at Hardware Bar.[11] In an interview with them. Magazine, Aja said:

I think that what really separates the Haus of Aja from other drag houses is that, at this moment in time, we're all really different. We're all people of color who come from a really kind of gritty background, where society and life told us we couldn't do it in every aspect and we kind of just rose above it. We all share an aesthetic and a sense of resilience — which are two different things. We just kind of want to show people that you can rise above and you can look cute doing it. You don't have to wear your struggle as baggage. You can wear it as a badge of honor and continue to use that struggle as a means of success.[12]

She appeared in a commercial for H&M's Pride OUT Loud campaign in May 2018.[13]

Music

Aja released the single "Level Ya Pussy Up" with producers WNNR and DJ Accident Report in February 2017.[14] Aja's single with fellow season 9 queens Sasha Velour, Peppermint and Alexis Michelle, titled "C.L.A.T.", was released on April 21, 2017.[15][16] The track was produced by DJ Mitch Ferrino, who was featured on "Purse First" by Bob the Drag Queen.[17] Producer Adam Joseph remixed Aja's rant at competing season 9 queen Valentina in a track called "Linda Evangelista."[18][19][20] In September 2017, Aja appeared in the music video for Velo's song "Big D*ck Daddy" alongside Phi Phi O'Hara.[21]

On March 1, 2018, Aja released a solo music video, "Finish Her!", which was produced in collaboration with WNNR and Accident Report. It features some of Aja's runway looks from All Stars 3.[22] Her debut EP, In My Feelings, was released on May 11, 2018.[23]

Personal life

Rivera was adopted and raised by a single mother in Brooklyn. Rivera used to suffer from PTSD and anxiety, attributing them to a "broken family" situation. Rivera stopped having panic attacks after starting drag.[3]

Rivera identifies as a person of color and uses singular they pronouns when not in drag.[12][24] Rivera currently lives in New York City.[25]

Just before filming season 9 of Drag Race, Rivera was in a situation of domestic violence with a previous boyfriend.[26] In December 2017, Rivera and their current boyfriend were kicked out of their Lyft after kissing.[12][27] The driver was later fired, and the company issued a statement of support for Aja.[27]

Discography

Singles

Year Title Notes
2017 "Level Ya Pussy Up"[14]
2017 "C.L.A.T. (feat. DJ Mitch Ferrino)"[17] With Alexis Michelle, Peppermint and Sasha Velour
2018 "Finish Her! (feat. WNNR & DJ Accident Report)"[22]
2018 "Brujería (feat. Mitch Ferrino)"[28]

Extended plays

Year Title
2018 In My Feelings[23]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Notes
2017 RuPaul's Drag Race (season 9) Contestant (9th place)
2017 RuPaul's Drag Race: Untucked (season 9)
2018 RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars (season 3) Contestant (7th place)

Internet series

Year Title Notes
2018 Hey Qween![29] Guest; accompanied by the Haus of Aja

Music videos

Year Title
2017 "Too Funky" (short)[30]
2017 "C.L.A.T." (short)[17]
2018 "Finish Her!"[31][32]
2018 "Brujería"[33][34]

References

  1. ^ @ajaqueen (January 4, 2018). "God its my birthday yall. 24 years old never seemed more anti climatic lol. But i guess ill combine my farewell 2017 post with my birthday post.
    This past year has definitely been one for the books"     (Tweet). Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018 – via Twitter.
  2. ^ Patricio, Edana (March 9, 2017). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' season 9 episode 1: Lady Gaga, the Queens and spoilers". International Business Times. Newsweek Media Group. Archived from the original on October 27, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ a b Giannotta, Meghan (February 13, 2018). "Bushwick's 'Drag Race' contestant Aja explains the therapeutic power of drag". AM New York. Rich Tomko. Archived from the original on February 24, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ "RuPaul's Drag Race Cast | logotv.com". Logo TV. Archived from the original on November 14, 2017. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  5. ^ Nolfi, Joey (October 20, 2017). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' reveals first 'All Stars 3' cast member". Entertainment Weekly. Entertainment Weekly Inc. Archived from the original on February 21, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Yang, Bowen; Rogers, Matt (February 22, 2018). "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Recap: Survival Art". Vulture. New York Media, LLC. Archived from the original on February 23, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ a b Yang, Bowen; Rogers, Matt (March 1, 2018). "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Recap: Messy Girls". Vulture. New York Media, LLC. Archived from the original on March 2, 2018. Retrieved March 7, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ VH1 (March 22, 2018). ✨ Aja Tests the Cast of RuPaul's Drag Race Season 10 w/ the #DragRace Herstory Quiz | VH1 (YouTube video). Retrieved May 3, 2018.{{cite AV media}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "The Haus of Aja". Grizzly Kiki. November 18, 2016. Retrieved February 22, 2018.
  10. ^ @ajaqueen (April 16, 2018). "The #Hausofaja would like to present to you our newest member @janelle.no.5 !!! We love this hoe and can't wait to see what this woman adds to our collective ✨💕 @dahlia_sin @thekandymuse @momoshade photo by @orograph" (Tweet). Archived from the original on April 17, 2018. Retrieved April 17, 2018 – via Twitter.
  11. ^ Shorey, Eric (June 13, 2017). "5 Brooklyn drag supergroups ripe for your adoration". Brokelyn. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 22, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  12. ^ a b c Cuby, Michael (February 1, 2018). "Aja Told Us the Backstory Behind Her Epic Death Drop on RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars Season 3". them. Condé Nast. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  13. ^ "Aja Is The Face Of H&M's New Pride OUT Loud Campaign". NYLON. 2018-05-24. Retrieved 2018-06-05.
  14. ^ a b "Level Ya Pussy Up (feat. WNNR & DJ Accident Report) - Single". iTunes Store. February 2, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  15. ^ Lynch, Joe (April 21, 2017). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season 9 Queens From NYC Team Up for 'C.L.A.T.' Video: Exclusive". Billboard. Lynne Segall. ISSN 0006-2510. Archived from the original on August 20, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  16. ^ Lynch, Joe (September 19, 2017). "17 Best Songs From 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Queens". Billboard. Lynne Segall. Archived from the original on November 2, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ a b c "C.L.A.T. (feat. DJ Mitch Ferrino) - Single". iTunes Store. April 21, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  18. ^ Rudolph, Christopher (April 17, 2017). "Aja's 'Untucked' Valentina Read Has Been Turned Into A Killer Club Track". NewNowNext. Logo TV. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ Katz, Evan (April 20, 2017). "Model Linda Evangelista shows love to 'RPDR' by posting iconic Aja/Valentina meme on IG". Mic. Mic Network Inc. Retrieved February 24, 2018.
  20. ^ "Linda Evangelista - Single". iTunes Store. May 3, 2017. Retrieved February 21, 2018.
  21. ^ Rudolph, Christopher (September 4, 2017). "Aja And Phi Phi O'Hara Want a "Big D*ck Daddy" in New Velo Music Video". NewNowNext. Logo TV. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  22. ^ a b "Finish Her! (feat. WNNR & DJ Accident Report) - Single". iTunes Store. March 1, 2018. Retrieved March 1, 2018.
  23. ^ a b Lynch, Joe (May 11, 2018). "'Drag Race' All Star Aja on Her Debut EP, 'Classism' In the New York Drag Scene & Rejecting the Gender Binary". Billboard. Lynne Segall. Archived from the original on May 12, 2018. Retrieved May 11, 2018. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  24. ^ MissPepper Mint (May 5, 2017). Rupaul's Drag Race Recap EP 7 with Peppermint (SPOILER ALERT) (YouTube video). 6:40 minutes in. I identify by they, them, and their.
  25. ^ Aja (February 15, 2018). "What Aja of 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars' Can't Live Without". New York. New York Media, LLC. Archived from the original on February 19, 2018. Retrieved February 24, 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  26. ^ Dresden, Hilton (February 8, 2018). "Aja Spills on That Death Drop, Milk, & Why All Stars 3 is the Most 'Shocking' Season Yet". Out. Joe Landry. ISSN 1062-7928. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite journal}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ a b Cooper, Mariah (December 14, 2017). "'RuPaul's Drag Race' alum Aja kicked out of Lyft for kissing boyfriend". Washington Blade. Lynne Brown. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  28. ^ "Brujería (feat. Mitch Ferrino) - Single". iTunes Store. May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  29. ^ Out.com Editors (January 29, 2018). "Watch Aja Sashay Her Way Onto the Season Premiere of Hey Qween". Out. Joe Landry. Archived from the original on February 22, 2018. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite news}}: |last= has generic name (help); Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  30. ^ Lynch, Joe (April 4, 2017). "Peppermint Leads 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Queens In Recreation of George Michael's 'Too Funky' Video: Exclusive". Billboard. Lynne Segall. Archived from the original on August 19, 2018. Retrieved February 21, 2018. {{cite news}}: |archive-date= / |archive-url= timestamp mismatch; August 19, 2017 suggested (help); Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  31. ^ QWEERIST Editor (March 4, 2018). "AJA Levels Up In 'Finish Her' Music Video". QWEERIST. Retrieved March 4, 2018. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  32. ^ Jackson, Gita (March 5, 2018). "Drag Race Contestant's Music Video Is Like A Rad New Fighting Game". Kotaku. Archived from the original on March 6, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  33. ^ Aja The Kween (May 7, 2018). AJA - BRUJERIA (FEAT. DJ MITCH FERRINO) (YouTube video). Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  34. ^ Moran, Justin (May 7, 2018). "Aja Channels Her Witchy Spirit In 'Brujería'". Paper. Paper Communications. Archived from the original on May 7, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |dead-url= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
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