Hip-hop icon Da Brat and beauty mogul Jessica “Judy” Harris-Dupart have built a partnership rooted in honesty, growth and unshakeable commitment. Their love story—once a casual industry friendship—has evolved into a powerful example of what accountability, vulnerability and intentional communication can look like in real time. Now, through their new book The Way Love Goes, they’re inviting readers into the lessons, missteps and breakthroughs that shaped their bond. In this candid conversation, the couple opens up about the moment friendship turned to love, the communication habits they had to unlearn, and the rules that keep their relationship grounded even under a public spotlight.
Revelence’s The Well Being sat down with Da Brat and Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart to explore their newest projects, creative journey, and the impact of their growing media presence.
When did you both realize this was more than a friendship?
Da Brat: Probably when she came to the studio and I had no idea that she was interested in me. I think that was the night that it became… yeah.
Judy: I was somewhere and she stopped by. We had never met before. She stopped by to say hey since we had done business. She said, “Let’s link later.” I thought she wanted to link later, so when I went, I thought she wanted to link with me. We were talking about different things that we were interested in and I said, “Well, I’m interested in you.” From there, I was messed up. It affected me in a weird, different, nervous way. I lost all my swag. She was friendly, and not in a bad way. That’s just who she is. So when we met, I was like, okay, she friendly—let’s see how friendly. Shoot the shot.
What does “beautiful” represent in your relationship?
Judy: She told me this story when she was in prison. There was this lady who always said, “Beautiful,” like, “Oh my God, Da Brat, I can’t believe what you did, you’re so beautiful.” When she told me that story, we started calling each other that. Now it’s our thing. “Hey beautiful.” “Hey beautiful.”
What was the hardest communication habit each of you had to unlearn?
Da Brat: I had to learn how to be patient. I was speaking to respond. I’ve been on the defense all my life, trying to defend myself whether it was fighting or just in conversation. So patience, listening, and listening to hear what she has to say instead of responding to defend myself.
Judy: I had to unlearn being conditioned a certain way. Sometimes we have conversations and something I say or how I say it, she takes differently from how I’m used to saying it. Where I’m from, the word “bitches” is a term of endearment. I had to learn that in public you can’t call everybody that and in our relationship, sometimes when I say something, she’s like, “Why you say that?” I had to step back and understand that things normal to me might be different for her.
What are your non-negotiable rules when it comes to fighting fair?
Judy: Listening to understand. If we argue, I need my space first to calm down and digest it. When I come back ready to talk and I’m not being listened to, it makes me not want to talk. I just need you to hear what I’m saying first. You don’t have to take my side, but hear me and then express your thing.
Da Brat: I don’t like when she walks away. I like to figure it out right on the spot. She needs a minute so she doesn’t say something she doesn’t mean. I get that, but I don’t like going to sleep angry or with an unresolved situation. She’ll be knocked out, and I’ll be sitting there like, oh my God. Tomorrow’s not promised. I don’t want anything to happen while we’re not good.
How do you balance ambition with intimacy so neither of you feels neglected?
Da Brat: My wife is the timid and reserved type. She didn’t start out that way. She was like, “Put your phone down.” She’s very adamant about making sure we are OK.
Judy: As a CEO, I carry a lot. I’ve learned how to compartmentalize. If I take on everything at once, it would be hard to operate as a human. I respond in the moment, and I’m the type who will intentionally think of the worst thing to say if I’m upset. I never want to be that way with her, so I take my space. There’s no coming back from going that low, and I never want to do that to her.
For fans who want to stay connected, where can people follow you both online?
Da Brat:
You can follow me on Instagram at @sosobrat. I love showing fans what I’m working on and sharing moments from my journey.
Judy:
People can find me on Instagram at @darealbbjudy. I post updates about my businesses, my family, and everything I’m working on. We appreciate everyone who supports us.
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