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CULTURE

Black artists that you need to add to your Spotify playlist

To celebrate Black History Month, culture writer Ayla Peden shares some of her favorite Black artists.
To celebrate Black History Month, culture writer Ayla Peden shares some of her favorite Black artists.

As February and Black History Month come to a close, one can look back on this month and see the amazing accomplishments that Black artists have made, especially in the music industry. From Kendrick Lamar’s iconic performance at the Super Bowl to Beyoncé winning her first Album of the Year award for “COWBOY CARTER,” this month has been stacked with excellent performances and historic wins.

That being said, I have spent most of this month listening to my favorite artists as well as discovering the music of those I cannot believe I’d never heard of – many of these including those from the Black community.

Although these Black artists come from different genres, they hold a special place in my heart, where only my best-loved artists reside. I have compiled a list of my favorite Black artists who have made an impact on me and the music industry.

Note: I love all of these artists dearly, and the order of this list does not mean that any of them are better than the others. They all have their own voice and sound that is so unique to them that it is hard even to compare.

Rihanna

What can I say about Rihanna that hasn’t already been said? She’s incredible. From being a pop icon to a businesswoman and a mother, I do not know how she finds the time to do it all. Rihanna has been a staple in my musical rotation for years, going back to 2008, when her album “Good Girl Gone Bad” was released. The album included classics like “Umbrella,” “Don’t Stop The Music” and “Shut Up And Drive,” which I listened to on repeat while I rode in the car with my mom.

Now, was I far too young to be listening to these songs? Absolutely! But Rihanna has a way of making her music sound so fun and upbeat; how could you not love it?

Bill Withers

Compared to Rihanna, my love for Bill Withers started fairly recently. With his music dating back to the ’70s, Withers has proven to be a legend in the soul and R&B genres. Even in his first two albums, “Just As I Am" and “Still Bill,” you can hear the emotions that the singer carries through his voice, and that emotion is what made me fall for his songs. Hits like “Lean on Me” and “Ain’t No Sunshine” must be listened to.

Prince

Now, how could I possibly make this list without including Prince himself? If anyone reading this grew up with parents from the ’80s, or if you grew up in the ’80s yourself, you know Prince is legendary and, albeit, slightly weird. But that’s what’s so cool about him!

He’s flamboyant and risque while also making catchy music. Prince wouldn’t be Prince without his look and sound, which is exactly why I love him.

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Jon Batiste

Jon Batiste is another artist I was recently introduced to, and let’s just say I am a fan. Batiste blends different genres of music to create an entirely new sound. In his 2021 album “WE ARE,” the artist uses rap to convey his lyrics while providing a bluesy instrumental.

Sampa the Great

While Sampa the Great is technically considered underground, she definitely should not be. Like Batiste, Sampa does an incredible job of combining different genres to create something unique. In her songs, she blends hip-hop with classic African sounds, and after listening to her music, I can assert that we need to hear more of it.

I hope that Sampa will soon get the recognition she deserves because she is nothing short of incredible.

Doechii

Doechii has had a pivotal year in her career. With the release of her Grammy-winning album, “ALLIGATOR BITES NEVER HEAL,” the rising star has snuck into the hearts of thousands of new fans (including myself).

Doechii is so witty with every line she writes, especially in the song “NISSAN ALTIMA,” where, in the first verse, she goes back and forth referencing cultural moments in history, including “Wicked,” “Sex and the City” and Madonna. The award-winning singer has swiftly made it into my list of favorite artists, and I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Etta James

I just have one thing to say: I love Etta James. Ever since I first listened to her sing, I have been enraptured. The “Queen of Blues” is just as the name suggests. From songs such as “At Last,” “Something’s Got A Hold On Me” and “Trust In Me,” James’s powerful voice shines through as she sings about love in such a way that I am able to feel just as she does.

Kendrick Lamar

While Kendrick is not my favorite artist, there is no denying that he knows how to write a diss track, especially when directed at Drake. Lamar’s song “Not Like Us” has left everyone either hating Drake for his alleged actions or obsessively rewatching the rapper’s halftime performance simply because it is iconic (I can’t say I haven’t done the latter once or twice).

Beyoncé

And to end the list, we have Queen Bey herself.

Since her time in the girl group Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé has solidified herself as a cultural icon and role model for many women worldwide. I have always been a fan of the artist, but what really solidified me in the “Beyhive” was her newest album, “COWBOY CARTER”, which just won Beyoncé her first Album of the Year Grammy award.

This is such an amazing moment for pop culture, as this was the first album by a Black woman to win “Album of the Year” since 1999. Getting another Black woman in the spotlight for this award should never have taken that long.

I hope this is not the last one we see, and I also hope Beyoncé continues to receive the recognition she deserves for her albums.

pedenae@miamioh.edu 

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