It’s nearly Labor Day, and the jury is still out on what exactly the song of the summer was. But if you ask Angel Laketa Moore, she would argue that “One Margarita (Margarita Song)” fits the bill — even if the track is approaching the title outside of the traditional rise.
The song started as a freestyle response to a video from TikTok evangelist Sister Cindy. In the clip, Sister Cindy is teaching college students about abstinence, yelling, “If you buy her one margarita, she will spread her legs.” Moore saw the video and was reminded of a rap song, so she freestyled, “One margarita, I’mma open my legs / Two margaritas, I’mma give you some head / Three margaritas, I’mma put it in my puss / Four margaritas, I’mma put it in my tush,” knowing that the clip would gain some traction. She was talking about margaritas and sex — two things people generally enjoy — after all. By the time Casa Di Music released a remix on the app in late May, “One Margarita” had garnered plenty of engagement, and since its official release as a song, two remixes, a music video, a Casamigos placement, and a Cindy Crawford cameo riffing on the model’s infamous 1992 Pepsi commercial.
“I knew that it had virality to it early on. Once I heard the freestyle back, I was like, People are going to like this,” says Moore in between sips of a pomegranate margarita and bites of chips and salsa on a hot summer day in New York. “Then when they put the beat underneath it, I was like, People are going to twerk this summer.”
Moore is used to wearing many hats, but she did not expect to be adding rapper to the rotation (she signed with one of many interested record labels after the release of “One Margarita”). Online, she goes by That Chick Angel and has been working as a content creator since 2009. Today, she’s also a comedian, actress, and podcast host. Before heading out to host a live podcast with her husband, Moore tells me that we have Kaia Gerber to thank for her mom’s involvement in the video. (It was Crawford’s daughter who introduced the supermodel and wife of Casamigos tequila co-founder Rande Gerber to jump in.) As for Saucy Santana, Moore always envisioned getting him on the remix.
“We were all fans and we felt like his personality already fit the song. Saucy is not only a really talented rapper, he’s very funny, and I didn’t want to lose the fun of the song,” says Moore. “When I talked to him, he was like, I feel like this is what the summer is about. It’s about having fun. It’s about being outside. It’s about drinking margaritas.” That feels like summer 2023 to me.
This feels like the most appropriate first question: What is your margarita order?
I usually love any fun fruit. Like pomegranate, or maybe even raspberry or guava. Sugar on the rim; I don’t like salt. And I prefer it on the rocks.
Where do you get your best culture recommendations from?
It is a combination of my niece, who’s also my assistant, as well as my supporters and followers. They know me well enough now that they’re like, “You got to watch this.”
You’re hopping in an Uber XL and can bring five celebrities (dead or alive) with you. Who’s coming?
Well, if I don’t bring my husband, I’ll never hear the end of it, so he’s gotta be in there. I only got four more spots and one is definitely being taken up by Beyoncé. Hell, she could have all the spots. If she was like, “I don’t want anybody else in here,” I’d be like, “Oh well, so sorry, nobody else.” However, if she lets me use my other spots, I’ll call up Michelle Obama: “Chelly, get in the Uber XL. I don’t know where we’re going but we’re gonna have a good time.” Who else? Waka Flocka Flame: “Get in here with me, Beyoncé, my husband, and Chelly.” Who’s the last one? I guess Martin Luther King Jr. Listen, that would be a party.
Where would you take them all if you were trying to impress them?
They’re coming to my house. I’m not taking them to these trash places where people don’t know how to behave. We’re gonna go to my backyard, I’m going to make my husband grill for them so they have a home-cooked meal, and maybe we’ll watch an outdoor movie.
What’s the last meal you cooked for dinner?
Oh, the last thing was this frozen bag of food that you throw into a pan. It was penne pasta with Alfredo sauce and chicken, and it had broccoli and carrots in there.
What’s your comfort rewatch?
The Office. I used to watch it on planes and I would be laughing so hard that the stewardess would always come over and be like, “What were you watching? I want to be able to laugh as hard as you’re laughing.”
What’s something you always do before you go onstage for your live podcast shows?
We do our VIP meet and greets before, so getting to meet the people who decided to spend their evening with us, and spend their money on us, really helps me. I like taking pictures with them, asking everybody what their name is so that I can tell that person thank you. And then being in a place of gratitude so I can empty the tank and give everything I have to the show.
Do you drink while you’re performing?
Absolutely. Before and during. We do a crafts and cocktail portion so I drink with the people who participate in that.
Do you get any insider gossip now that you’re in the music industry?
Yes.
What’s the craziest gossip there?
I wouldn’t be an insider if I told you. Listen. I’m good at keeping secrets. Especially if it’s juicy.
What type of music do you listen to when you’re alone?
Well, two of them were already in the car with me. I love Beyoncé and I love Down South trap music. I love Waka Flocka Flame, Megan Thee Stallion, and Three 6 Mafia. Most of the time when I’m listening to music I’m working out, so I need something that makes me want to go to war with those weights.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
That other people’s opinions of me are not my business. Sometimes, especially when we’re younger, we make that our business, then we feel like it’s our responsibility to help them form their opinions on us and get them to think of us the way we want them to think of us.
How does someone get blocked by you?
It’s nuanced, but say anything crazy about my children, I’m done. My children don’t warrant anyone’s bad energy, ever.
What is the worst thing to do at a dinner party?
To critique the food in a negative way. To be like, “This could use more salt.” Well, just stick your finger in it because you’re a salty person.
What would your last meal be?
Something with seafood or shrimp. Probably some sort of Caribbean type of food.
What’s your favorite game to play?
Taboo. That’s my favorite.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.