An Homage to Black Music, 25 Years In
Erykah Badu, photographed by Mika Väisänen in 2002.
In honour of the UK’s Black History Month, here are 20 black artists (in no particular order) from across the diaspora who have left an undeniable mark on the music industry, from breaking barriers to continuing where legends have left off. Not only did they make a substantial musical impact on the world, but many contributed to the advancement of black liberty, and the public recognition that, despite the painful history endured, there is still light, joy, power, spirit, and endless creativity.
Beyonce
Beyoncé’s name alone is synonymous with greatness. Inspired by the greats, influenced by her own upbringing, it seems she was destined for stardom from an early age. Her roots stem from her time in the iconic R&B group Destiny’s Child, where she was already songwriting and producing from the very beginning. However, her breakout can be credited to her debut album, Dangerously in Love, released when she was only 21, showcasing her rich, four-octave versatility and her passionate, sensual lyrics. 22 years later, Beyoncé has proved she’s all that—and more. Her voice remains ever recognisable, yet her art is akin to alchemy: constantly changing her image, releasing clever, detailed concept albums, from undeniably fierce, to sexy and sensual, to a proud and vulnerable ode to her black and creole roots. It goes without saying that she stands today as a musical legend, not only because of her singular talent, but all she stands for: a powerful black woman at the forefront of pop culture.
Michael Jackson
To me, Michael Jackson stands in a class of his own, and his influence not only reaches the present day but will continue to inspire millions for generations. While behind the scenes he suffered as an abusive and impoverished child, on stage he was Boy Wonder: a young child with boyish charm and captivating vocals as part of the Jackson 5. While his debut solo album (as an adult), Off the Wall, helped solidify his image as an electrifying vocalist with unique adlibs, Thriller solidified his status as a musical genius. Aided by the one and only Quincy Jones with lyricism and production, Thriller went on to become the greatest-selling album of all time, and Michael Jackson, as we know him, was born. However, this was more than music: the Billie Jean music video was the first music video by a black artist to be played on rotation by MTV. His utilisation of multimedia (his iconic short films released as music videos, such as the iconic “Thriller”) displayed his innovation in capturing the minds of his audiences as well as creating his very own cinematic universes to accompany his songs (“Speed Demon” and “Smooth Criminal”). The mark he made in the world of dance and choreography is also undeniable; the moonwalk is sufficient to recognise a Michael Jackson-inspired routine. Countless musicians and artists have been inspired by his artistry and brand, with many stating that he was a figure who influenced them to begin their musical journey. A staple in the soundtrack of every black person’s life, no one deserves or encompasses the title of legend more than he. Jackson was a figure larger than life, and truly someone who redefined the boundaries of human expression.
Skepta
A recognisable UK figure, Skepta is often credited with bringing grime to the mainstream, with fast electronic beats and rapid-fire, aggressive raps directly contrasting American hip-hop culture. He also helped influence later rappers such as Stormzy and Headie One, bringing UK rap culture more overall recognition in pop culture. Skepta has also proudly spoken of his Nigerian roots, something a lot of black people in the UK can relate to, being descendants of the African diaspora. His collaboration with A$AP Rocky, “Praise The Lord (Da Shine),” gained recognition internationally and began a wave of US-UK rap collaborations. More recently, he’s been seen front row at fashion shows and solidifying himself as a style icon. Remaining as culturally relevant today as he was in the 2000s, Skepta remains a giant in UK black culture and music.
Rema
Only rising to fame from 2019 onwards, Rema has already made a sizable impact as an African artist. His first hit, “Dumebi,” a mellow afro-beat song about teen love, immediately caught the ears of listeners in his home country, Nigeria, and abroad. His sweet, mellow voice and pidgin-English-infused lyrics are instantly recognisable across many of his songs. He also constantly rebrands, trading his more colourful and boyish look for a darker, more alternative presentation, which is usually frowned upon in African culture. However, this hasn’t stopped his meteoric rise to popularity; several of his songs stay trending on TikTok, and his sound remains proudly African while attaining global appeal.
Solange
Solange is simultaneously an enigma and an open book. Once merely known as Beyonce’s younger sister and a backup dancer for Destiny’s Child, she has forged her own path as an effortlessly cool and masterful musician, songwriter, designer, and composer, while also serving as an important voice in black commentary and evolution. Both a soothing vocalist and a visionary mind, she became the first African American woman to compose a score for the New York City Ballet, showcasing her talent beyond the studio. However, her in-studio projects are just as culturally important: her album, A Seat at the Table, relayed tales of a black woman’s place in American society, repressed ancestral anger, and cultural sensitivity. On the other hand, When I Get Home, an ode to Houston and her southern roots, communicates a vibe rather than an overall message. Her artistry speaks through and for her: black pride, female empowerment, spirituality, transformation, and redirection. Her website, Saint Heron, is also an archival effort, preserving black literature, art, and poetry. She not only has a seat at the table of Black History, but she is also making sure it is preserved.
Brent Faiyaz
From introspective lyrics and angelic vocals to being known as the “toxic R&B king” of the decade, Brent Faiyaz has carved out his own lane in a genre that very often confines its participants to a singular sound. Having started as a beatmaker and aspiring rapper, he began singing after a suggestion from the producer Dpat, and the rest is history. His soft croon masks his blunt, sexual, and at times dark lyrics, which are often paired with minor chords and enchanting melodies. Yet there is more to him than just lustful commentary. His debut album, Sonder Son, follows his journey from a young high schooler to a struggling artist in LA, as well as relationships, insecurities, and dreams, with indie-like production and occasional spoken word. Since then, he’s only continued to push boundaries and reinvent himself, with the same soft croon and uniquely layered harmonies, except this time with fresh themes and innovative production. His rise to the top is extremely well-deserved and shows the ever-changing musical landscape and its relation to the space confident black men occupy within it.
Erykah Badu
The queen of neo-soul herself, Erykah’s spiritual, sensual, and honest delivery brought a fresh perspective to black music. In terms of fashion, her doe eyes and large headwraps give the sense of an otherworldly artist trapped in the confines of the human body. However, her music is anything but earthly. A blend of soul, jazz, electronic music, and R&B, Ms. Badu’s pen game has always been strong, reflecting her present-day experiences, whether mundane or striking. Both a poet and an artist, she paints a landscape of spirituality, blackness, ancestral connection, relationships, her place in the world, and so much more. Visually, artistically, and musically, Erykah remains one of one in every sense of the phrase.
Kendrick Lamar
Few could have predicted Kendrick’s current status as one of the best rappers in history. Starting as a shy, pensive child amidst the violence and instability of ‘90s Compton, he was inspired by his English teacher to start writing poetry, which later evolved into rapping. Uniquely introspective, with a very notable voice and use of imagery, the release of good kid, m.A.A.d city in 2012 made waves in hip-hop; a new Los Angeles legend was born. Popular in both underground and mainstream spaces, Kendrick’s private persona, combined with his distinctive approach to emotion and rap, has given him the rightful title of a hip-hop maestro. His constant support of the black community and black issues has given rise to more personal and political awareness amongst youth.
Janet Jackson
Although not the meteoric superstar her brother Michael was, Janet is nonetheless a triple threat: musician, stellar dancer, and understated actress, as well as a queer icon like her musical contemporary, Madonna. Her lyrics span from sweet and romantic (“When I Think of You”) to politically charged (“Rhythm Nation”) to racy and sensual (“Any Time, Any Place”). Jackson reinvented herself time and time again, growing bigger and bigger as an artist each time. Her discography is full of ‘80s hits, ‘90s dance anthems, hip-hop, and her famous, rage-filled collaboration with her brother (“Scream”). There’s no doubt that her career is one for the history books, or that she is the epitome of a pop star.
Mariah Carey
An unrepentant diva known for her impressive whistle register and five octave vocal range, there aren’t many who can match her in terms of both talent and longevity. Not only does her song, “All I Want For Christmas,” appear unfailingly every Christmas, but she also has an impressive catalogue of pop and R&B, and remains an iconic female figure in the music industry.
Whitney Houston
Also known as “The Voice,” there’s not a soul alive who hasn’t been moved by the raw power and emotion of Whitney’s voice. Raised on gospel and soul, her talent is inspired by an important tenet of African-American culture: the church. While she started with synth-filled pop songs that, over time, became ‘80s anthems (“I Wanna Dance with Somebody”), it was obvious her voice was nothing short of heaven-sent. Her electrifying cover of “I Will Always Love You” makes one forget that it was Dolly Parton’s first, and her contribution to the Bodyguard soundtrack solidified her as an icon in the black community. Technically specialised with an impressive vocal range, she is almost entirely vocally faultless and is known as one of the most powerful voices of her generation. A force of nature and a once-in-a-lifetime voice, Whitney’s influence remains evident in the female vocal powerhouses of our generation and for many more to come.
Alicia Keys
Her stage name itself outlines the inextricable link between Alicia and her keys. Raised by a single mother in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, and gifted a grand piano by chance, Alicia used music as an escape from the things she witnessed on the streets, and a sanctuary where she bridged her classical education with her soulful influences. By blending the classical genre heard in typically ‘white’ spaces and the soulful impact of Stevie Wonder, Prince, Ella Fitzgerald, and Aretha Franklin, her success was unprecedented and even more well-received. A 19-year-old with the pen and mind of a mature woman, Alicia’s debut album, Songs in A Minor, anchored her as a genius musician as well as a skillful producer. There’s no denying Alicia’s sound when you hear the first notes of “Fallin’” or the soothing melody of “If I ain’t got you”. A multi-talented woman, few artists have matched her versatility or innate musical vision.
Lauryn Hill
It is rare for someone to maintain continued success over one studio album. Yet, over 25 years later, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill is a staple record in black music, and has influenced an entire wave of contemporary R&B artists (Kehlani has a Lauryn Hill tattoo on her arm, Brent Faiyaz admitted that it inspired him to start making music). A mix of neo-soul, doo-wop, and hip-hop, Lauryn raps and sings about a range of topics: God, spirituality, sexuality, toxic relationships, motherhood, and so much more. She has become emblematic of an undefinable black artist—someone who provided so much to the culture through an album that is still as relevant as if it were released yesterday. Socially, she unapologetically rocked her natural locs, painting the image of a woman comfortable in her blackness both inside and out.
Stevie Wonder
To define Stevie Wonder as only a musician would be to discredit and downplay his endless capabilities. A true visionary, mastermind, and empathetic healer, Stevie began his career as little more than a younger version of Ray Charles. However, as the years went by, he took more creative control and direction of his music, an initiative that changed the entire trajectory of his music and brand. With unique chord progressions, an instantly recognisable voice, and lyrics that cover topics like infatuation, longing, black liberation, spirituality, and capitalistic exploitation, few do not admire and attempt to replicate his sound (Paul Simon thanked him for not releasing an album in 1975 when he won a Grammy). He is also an important figure in the disabled community, having been blind for almost his whole life, and reminds us that disability by no means limits the creativity and genius of individuals. The emotion and feeling that Stevie brings is indescribable, and that is exactly what makes him a musical treasure.
Bob Marley
A name synonymous with his native Jamaica and the reggae genre, Bob Marley's social, political, and musical influence is evident in the present day. A defiant defender of community, peace, love, and his fellow Jamaicans, he used his music as a platform for political commentary and even managed to subdue conflict with a concert. From his energetic performances to his trademark dreadlocks, Bob’s legacy is that of protest, freedom, love, spirituality, and proud Caribbean identity.
Missy Elliott
Missy Elliot’s influence as a producer is, frankly, understated. Having worked with an eclectic range of artists over her career, her roots lie in innovative hip-hop as well as her work with long-time collaborator Timbaland. Her creative music videos have led to her being compared to Busta Rhymes as both wacky, creative artists who use surreal expressionism in a space where hip-hop seemed very monotonous. Her sampling, while unusual, remains iconic, with dance anthems such as “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It” still popular today on every dance floor. There’s no doubt that Missy was a pioneer in the early 2000s futuristic R&B and hip-hop sound, while carving out a niche for more visually creative endeavours in black music.
Thundercat
Thundercat’s stage name, an ode to the animated series The Thundercats, is indicative of his personality; an anime-loving creative who just happens to be one of the most celebrated bassists of his era. Once part of the thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, he played in live bands for artists such as Snoop Dogg before converting himself into a jazz, funk, and R&B fusion artist. His honest and at times absurd lyrics and recognisable bass style make Thundercat such a wonderfully talented bassist. Although he doesn’t really fit the stereotypical image of a black artist, let alone a black man, it’s clear his love of music and creativity is what drives his passion.
Steve Lacy
A self-taught guitarist and genius producer, Steve Lacy’s impact on the music industry has been nothing short of extraordinary for his 27 years. Starting his musical career at fifteen using GarageBand to produce songs, he has an impressive production resume: Kendrick Lamar, J-Cole, Mac Miller, Solange, Tyler, the Creator, and Kali Uchis. He’s created his own sound too, with his trusty Fender Stratocaster and Southern California sound being recognisable on his songs and those of others. Starting as the guitarist for the California alternative R&B band the Internet, his solo releases have slowly made him a name in the R&B-alternative-indie space. His sound doesn’t neatly fit into one box, but rather every sonic landscape he enters seems perfectly suited to him. Given his recent TikTok fame, as well as his first Grammy, he’s occupying more space as a young black musician, ushering in a new generation of instrumentalists straddling digital and authentic musical creation.
Tupac Shakur
Though a '90s icon, Tupac’s career had a lasting impact on the hip hop scene for decades. Publicly a slick-mouthed gangster, his first loves were poetry and acting, and he appeared in a few films before his untimely demise. However, what differentiated him from his musical peers was his blend of social and political consciousness with flirty hedonism and hard-hitting diss tracks. He was many things, but most notably a true artist who did not allow his thuggish persona to stop his creative pursuits. A deep thinker, rap philosopher, and Los Angeles icon, he was truly a rose that grew from the concrete.
Aaliyah
In the seven short years of her career, Aaliyah’s smooth, airy vocals are still recognisable today. Starting in the late ‘90s with classic R&B records, her youthful voice (she was only around 15 when she began her career) nevertheless showed hints of maturity, with her lyrics revolving around her various relationships. However, her blossoming relationship with producers Timbaland and Missy Elliot helped revolutionise her sound from a somewhat love-struck teenage girl to a grown woman. Her futuristic R&B sound, aided by Timbaland’s signature heavy-hitting drums (“More Than a Woman” is my favourite example of this sound) and hypnotising samples, served to place her as a Y2K icon. In her short lifespan, Aaliyah remains an icon of early 2000s R&B and is still a favourite with DJs and samplers alike.