A Cleveland, Ohio, waitress is getting wide acclaim from tons of celebrities after crooning Jazmine Sullivan as she works.
Erika Kayne was ringing up customers at her job recently, and as she did, she belted out “Need U Bad” from behind the bar at KeVante’s Restaurant & Lounge, according to an Instagram user in the area.
The moment was captured on video by comedian Justin Whitehead and quickly spread like wildfire online April 17. In doing so, it captured the attention of a host of high-profile celebrities, including Snoop Dogg and singer Kandi Burruss, to name just a few.
The post was uploaded to Whitehead’s Instagram page Wednesday, and, based on his caption, he was amazed by what he heard.
“This sister worked the register and the mic! I’m f—in blown! 🙌🏾🔥🔥🔥👸🏾 @only1erikakayne DAMN GIRL!!!” he remarked.
“Wow where she at she is amazing 💙💙” Snoop commented.
The rapper later shared the video on his own Instagram page remarking, “No she didn’t work the register and the mic. 🔥🔥 yes she did. That’s black girl power she needs a deal. Pronto 🎤🎤💯💯💯🔥🔥🔥wow.”
After that, the clip caught on across Instagram with celebs marveling at Kayne’s vocal acrobatics in various comments sections.
The attention has overwhelmed Kayne, who has eagerly shared video and screenshots of celebrity reactions from the likes of Missy Elliot, Ginuwine, SZA, Monica, and Tiny Harris.
Comedians D.L. Hughley and Cedric the Entertainer and actor Jesse Williams are among those who have shared her video on their respective Instagram pages. Kayne has also retweeted journalist Jemele Hill’s response.
“Visual proof that black women are amazing,” the former ESPN host-turned-The Atlantic writer said.
“BlackGirlMagic this morning to start your day!! She’s DOPE and she’s back there handling business!!” read the caption of Hughley’s Instagram post.
“won’t she do it… 🎤” “Grey’s Anatomy” star Williams remarked.
“Omgggg I’m really lost for words right now it’s love coming from everywhere and I’m trying to reply back to everybody but omggggg its so many dm ☺️I’m truly grateful and I sooooo appreciate all the kind words you guys are giving me !!!!!!” Kayne said on Instagram Wednesday.
But while Kayne is generating buzz for being able to ring up bills and croon at the same time, she’s been working to perform for years. Her Twitter page is filled with flyers and promotions for her shows, and she’s got tons of YouTube videos showing off her vocal prowess.