Who could have predicted that a TikTok preacher, cautioning Louisiana State University students about the allure of Mexican restaurant-dwelling ladies, would inadvertently inspire the song of the summer in 2023?
Sister Cindy’s proclamation, “If you buy her one margarita, she will spread her legs!” may have elicited ironic cheers from the crowd, but it also sparked Angel Laketa Moore’s creative genius. She envisioned a catchy tune that went a little something like this:
“Give me one margarita, I’ma open my legs Give me two margaritas, I’ma give you some head Give me three margaritas, I’ma put it in my puss Give me four margaritas, I’ma put it in my tush Give me five margaritas, I’ma have some fun Give me five margaritas, I’ma put it in your bum.”
This unlikely source of inspiration birthed a viral sensation.
“I freestyle, especially when I’m drunk, all the time,” Moore shares. “That’s when I’m just like, ‘Oh, there’s no rapper better than me.'”
Moore, known for her multifaceted career, from acting to podcasting, had been honing her talents for years. Despite having an MFA in acting from the University of California, Irvine, and a recurring role on E.R. from 2006 to 2009, it wasn’t until she released “One Margarita” under her alter ego, That Chick Angel, in May 2023, that her star truly began to rise.
Originally planning to debut the rap on her podcast, “Here’s the Thing,” alongside her friend Kevin Fredericks (KevOnStage), fate had other plans. During recording, she felt the creative spark and decided to freestyle the lyrics. The result? A surprisingly solid freestyle that prompted her to post it on social media.
Her expertise in online content creation, which she started in 2009 when pregnant with her first child, led her to understand the power of social media. Expecting limited acting opportunities, she ventured into the world of online content to diversify her career. Little did she know that it would eventually intersect with her burgeoning rap career.
Her social media clip caught the attention of Casa Di (a.k.a. Carl Dixon) and Steve Terrell, who saw the potential and set Moore’s vocals to a New Orleans bounce beat. It quickly gained traction, leading to the birth of “One Margarita.” Moore initially hesitated, fearing that the offer might be a scam. However, after prayer and contemplation, she embraced the opportunity. A successful Zoom call with the producers led to the creation of the song within four days.
Fast forward to the summer of 2023, and “One Margarita” has taken on a life of its own. Multiple remixes have been released, including one featuring Saucy Santana and another showcasing a lineup of talented female emcees, such as Flo Milli, Sexyy Red, and FendiDa Rappa. The music video, a tongue-in-cheek masterpiece starring none other than supermodel Cindy Crawford, has added to the song’s charm.
We joined That Chick Angel on a Friday night in August for a margarita-themed interview in Manhattan’s Union Square, pondering some of life’s most pressing questions—like what really unfolds after five margaritas?
The Margarita Maestro at Rosa Mexicano ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You’ve been creating content since 2009. How does it feel to have a hit with this now?
That Chick Angel: You know what? One, I consider it a blessing. Because at my age, I can make wise decisions. I’m not desperately chasing success. Looking back on all the years I’ve spent building my career in different ways, I realize it was all preparation for this moment. Everything used to feel arbitrary, but now it seems like it all led to this.
May I ask, how old are you?
I’m 43.
Work!
You didn’t know! You had no idea, did you?! Proudly representing the 43-year-olds. [Laughs]
So how did you get Saucy Santana on the remix?
The song was gaining traction organically, but we knew it had the potential to be even bigger with the right record label. We partnered with Giant Music, and when we discussed potential collaborators, Saucy Santana’s name came up. Interestingly, we had already considered him for the remix. His energy is incredible, and the song embodies that same lively spirit. When we talked to him, he instantly connected with the song’s fun and summery vibe. His energy was a perfect fit.
Tell me about your favorite margarita flavors and whether you prefer them on the rocks or frozen.
I’m definitely an “on-the-rocks” margarita person because frozen ones can lead to brain freeze if you’re not careful. I’m not a fan of salt on my margaritas; I believe salt belongs in soups, not in drinks. If I’m going to have something on the rim of my glass, it’s going to be sugar. I enjoy unique fruit combinations like pomegranate, guava, or prickly pear, although I usually prefer them a bit sweeter. I’m not a fan of overly tart margaritas. Mango is another favorite of mine—anything that transports me to an island or vacation vibe.
Two Margaritas – Javelina How did Cindy Crawford become part of the music video?
Securing Cindy Crawford for the music video felt like divine intervention. Initially, the video concept did not involve her, but we knew we wanted to collaborate with a tequila brand. Casamigos, partly owned by Cindy Crawford’s husband, Rande Gerber, expressed interest in the song. Cindy found the song hilarious after watching a few of my videos and decided to participate. She even encouraged me to hip-check her harder during the video shoot. It was a memorable experience, and she handled the comedic moment with grace.
How do your kids feel about the song, given that it’s now a part of their lives?
My oldest son knows that the song is popular among high schoolers because he’s heard it playing at their gatherings. During a summer camp in Kentucky, his camp counselors discovered he was my son and asked to FaceTime me. He’s gradually realizing that my popularity is growing, and I think he’s genuinely happy for me.
Do you plan to return to acting in the future?
I want to do it all. I used to segregate my acting career from my content creation endeavors, fearing that one might diminish the other. But I’ve shed that mindset. I now understand that I can excel in multiple areas. I can create funny, relatable content, write rap lyrics that get people moving, and immerse myself in dramatic acting roles. These facets of my career don’t have to compete; they can complement each other. Once the opportunity arises, I’ll definitely return to acting.
Three Margaritas – Library of Distilled Spirits Has life changed significantly since the song became a hit?
Yes and no. Yes, because I’ve had to learn the ropes of the music industry, something I knew little about, apart from hearing horror stories about unpaid artists and masters’ ownership disputes. It’s been a steep learning curve. Many more people recognize me now, and I’ve encountered fans who enthusiastically request, “Give me one margarita!” While it’s exciting, it also comes with new challenges. However, I consider it a blessing and a growth opportunity.
How are you capitalizing on this newfound success?
I made a commitment to boldly embrace any opportunities that came my way during this journey. I’m not afraid to venture into unfamiliar territory, even though there’s a steep learning curve. I’m saying “yes” to new opportunities and trying not to let fear hold me back. It’s easy to get scared, but I’m determined not to be. I’m taking advantage of every open door, and I plan to make the most of this moment.
What’s next for you?
I’ll be performing at the Atlanta Pride Festival in September, marking my first major live performance of the song. We’re also working on more remixes to ensure “One Margarita” has a lasting presence beyond the summer. Margaritas, despite their age restrictions, have universal appeal.
My big question is: After five margaritas, what happens?
After five margaritas, it’s your personal journey, not mine. [Laughs] I’m providing a potential roadmap, but you’re free to explore on your own. My husband draws the line at three margaritas, so we’re still figuring out what happens after that. The fourth margarita might just lead us back to the second. Who knows? After five, it’s all about your preference. You can remix it yourself.
As That Chick Angel revels in the whirlwind of her viral success, she continues to chart her unique path in the entertainment industry. With a hit song and a growing fan base, she’s poised to make her mark in music while maintaining her diverse creative pursuits. One thing is clear: Angel Laketa Moore, aka That Chick Angel, is a woman of many talents, and she’s ready to seize every opportunity that comes her way.