15 Black Female Artists Who Are Dominating The Music Industry

By: Lauryn Jiles

The music industry owes a lot to Black women. Artists like Beyoncé, Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and more have paved the way for Black women in an industry that is inherently racist and sexist. Many Black women took over the industry, with their powerful vocals, incredible performances, talent, and hard work.

With the racism and sexism embedded in the industry, Black women have to work twice as hard and put in much more effort to get the props and respect that their white counterparts are given. Without Black artists, genres like Hip-Hop, Rock, Country, and R&B would cease to exist.

Today, Black women are still dominating the music industry and coming out on top. From Pop to Rap and R&B, here are 15 of our favorite Black female artists that should be on your playlist!

Chloe x Halle

Chloe and Halle are a talented sister duo that has been making waves in the music industry. Their latest album, “Ungodly Hour,” was released with critical acclaim. They rose to fame after a viral cover of Beyoncé’s “Pretty Hurts,” which caught the attention of Queen Bey herself. The duo also recently performed at MTV’s Video Music Awards and released a remix of their hit song “Do It” featuring City Girls, Doja Cat, and Mulatto.

Beyond their musical talents, Chloe and Halle are also accomplished actors. They are best known for their roles as Jazlyn and Skylar, the twin daughters of the lead character on Freeform’s hit show “Grown-ish,” for which they also sing the theme song. Halle has also been cast as Ariel in Disney’s highly anticipated live-action adaptation of “The Little Mermaid.”

Normani

Normani, the former Fifth Harmony member, has made a name for herself as a pop singer and dancer. Her solo hit “Motivation” went platinum, with over 100 million views for its music video. Collaborating with artists like Meg Thee Stallion, Khalid, and Sam Smith, Normani has opened for Ariana Grande and appeared in Cardi B and Meg’s “WAP” video.

In addition to covers of Cosmopolitan, Rolling Stone, and Fader, Normani is also a brand ambassador for Savage x Fenty lingerie. With her exceptional vocal range and dancing abilities, Normani is poised for continued success in the industry.

Ryan Destiny

Ryan Destiny is a talented R&B singer who is currently making a name for herself in the music industry. Hailing from Detroit, she first gained recognition for her role in the Fox musical drama show, ‘Star.” After the show’s cancellation in 2019, Destiny has focused on her music career and has released three solo projects.

In addition to her music career, she has also appeared on the Freeform show, Grown-ish, alongside Chloe and Halle. Her latest R&B singles “Lie Like That” and “How Many” are just a preview of Destiny’s long-awaited debut EP. The artist is known for keeping it real on TikTok, sharing a look at industry struggles as well as the day-to-day of normal life.

Flo Milli

Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Flo Milli is a 23-year-old rapper who has taken the music world by storm. With hit singles like “In The Party,” “Not Friendly,” and “Beef FloMix,” her debut album has propelled her to new heights in the industry.

Her music has become wildly popular on TikTok, with users creating viral dances to her catchy beats. Known for her fun and confident lyrics, Flo Milli has received praise from big-name artists such as Missy Elliott, Kehlani, and the City Girls. With upcoming potential collaborations with DaBaby, Rico Nasty, and others, Flo Milli is just getting started.

Megan Thee Stallion

Megan Thee Stallion, the 28-year-old rapper from Texas, has taken the music industry by storm. With impressive collaborations with Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, and Cardi B, Meg has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. Her XXL Freshman Freestyle performance propelled her to stardom, followed by the success of her third album, Fever.

Since then, Meg has continued to dominate with her album Suga, a feature on Cardi B’s “WAP,” and a remix of her hit single “Savage” featuring Beyoncé. She’s graced the covers of publications like Marie Claire, Fader, and Paper Magazine, and is also an ambassador for Rihanna’s lingerie line. With no signs of slowing down, Meg is a true powerhouse in the industry.

City Girls

The City Girls, a hip-hop duo from Miami, Florida, have made their mark on the rap industry by delivering confident and unapologetic lyrics in their music. Yung Miami and JT, the two members of the group, gained popularity with their hit single “Act Up” in 2018, which became a viral sensation and peaked at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Their music video for “Twerk” featuring Cardi B amassed over 236 million views on Youtube and further skyrocketed the duo into fame. With the release of their sophomore album, “City On Lock,” the duo has secured their position at the forefront of the female rap movement and are continuing to dominate the industry with their music.

Lizzo

Lizzo is currently dominating the music industry due to her unique blend of pop, R&B, and hip-hop music. The Detroit native gained mainstream attention with her 2019 album, “Cuz I Love You,” which features hits like “Truth Hurts” and “Good as Hell.” Lizzo’s powerful voice and catchy lyrics have resonated with fans across the globe, leading to sold-out concerts and collaborations with artists like Ariana Grande and Cardi B.

Lizzo has won numerous awards throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards in 2020 for Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, and Best Urban Contemporary Album. However, it’s not just her music making waves. Lizzo is an advocate for body positivity and self-love, using her platform and shapewear brand, Yitty, to inspire others to feel confident in their own skin.

Saweetie

Saweetie is a rapper and singer who has been making waves in the music industry with her unique sound and style. She gained attention when her debut single “Icy Grl,” went viral on Instagram and TikTok. Her subsequent releases, such as “My Type” and “Tap In,” have also been hugely successful, with the former reaching the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Saweetie’s music is known for its catchy beats, clever wordplay, and confident lyrics.

She has collaborated with other big names in the industry, including Doja Cat and Cardi B, and has also been featured on various television shows and commercials. Saweetie’s fashion sense has also gained her a large following, with fans eagerly anticipating her next red carpet-appearance. With her undeniable talent and growing fanbase, Saweetie is proving to be a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Cardi B

Cardi B is dominating the industry due to her unique sound and unapologetic personality. The Bronx native rose to fame in 2017 with her hit single “Bodak Yellow,” which topped the charts and became one of the most-streamed songs of the year, with one billion views on YouTube. Since then, Cardi has continued to dominate the industry with her catchy hooks and infectious personality.

Her sophomore album, “Invasion of Privacy,” features hit songs like “WAP” and “Up.” Cardi has also been featured on several collaborations, including “Finesse” with Bruno Mars and “I Like It” with Bad Bunny and J Balvin. Her raw and unfiltered personality has also made her a fan favorite, with over 150 million followers on social media. Despite controversy and criticism, Cardi continues to rise to the top, solidifying her position as an industry powerhouse.

Rico Nasty

Rico Nasty is an up-and-coming rapper who has been making waves in the industry with her unique style and sound. Hailing from Maryland, Rico has been creating music since 2016 and has gained a loyal following. Her music is a fusion of rap, punk, and rock, and she is known for her energetic and aggressive delivery.

Rico gained significant attention with her mixtape “Nasty” in 2018 and has since released other notable projects like “Anger Management” with producer Kenny Beats. She has also collaborated with well-known artists like Doja Cat, Gucci Mane, and Trippie Redd. Rico’s music and personality are refreshing and authentic, and she is not afraid to express herself creatively through her music and style.

Tierra Whack

Tierra Whack is an artist on the rise that has collaborated with Beyoncé and Lil Yachty. The Philadelphia native made her breakthrough with her debut album, “Whack World,” which features 15 one-minute tracks that showcase her versatility as an artist. The album received critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Music Video at the 2019 Grammy Awards.

Whack also made a cameo in Beyoncé’s Black is King film on Disney+ and was one of the three women of the 2019 Freshman XXL class. Whack’s music videos are known for their eccentricity and originality Her recent single, “Dora,” has been well-received, and she has hinted at a new project in the works.

SZA

SZA, whose real name is Solána Imani Rowe, is a singer-songwriter from St. Louis, Missouri. SZA gained mainstream recognition with her debut album, “Ctrl,” which earned her four Grammy nominations, including Best Urban Contemporary Album. She has become known for her soulful sound and introspective lyrics about love, self-discovery, and mental health.

SZA’s highly anticipated follow-up album, “SOS,” was released in September 2021, and has been met with critical acclaim. The album features collaborations with a range of artists, including Pharrell Williams, Tyler, The Creator, and Jack Antonoff. “SOS” showcases SZA’s evolution as an artist, exploring themes of self-discovery, love, and growth. With the release of “SOS,” SZA has solidified her status as a dominant force in the music industry.

Kash Doll

Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Kash Doll is a rising rapper currently signed to Republic Records. Her breakout single and music video, “For Everybody,” caught the attention of fans in 2017, leading to the release of two full-length albums.

Her latest album, ‘Stacked,’ dropped in 2019 and features collaborations with artists like Lil Wayne and Big Sean. Kash Doll’s singles, including “Ice Me Out” and “Doin Too Much,” have further cemented her place in the rap scene.

Chika

Chika, a Nigerian-American rapper, has become a breakout star by leveraging her social media platforms. In 2018, she first went viral after posting a freestyle on Twitter where she called out Kayne West for his support of Donald Trump. The rapper has since used her social media to connect with her fans and showcase her music, which caught the attention of celebrities like Cardi B and Wale.

Chika has gained significant success since her viral freestyle, including being the cover star for Teen Vogue in 2020, where she was interviewed by designer Kerby Jean-Raymond on topics such as her music, sexuality, and fame. Chika was also selected as an XXL Freshman in 2020, cementing her position as an artist on the rise.

Dreezy

Finally, there’s Dreezy, a rising rapper hailing from Chicago who has been making waves in the industry by collaborating with artists like Kash Doll, Gucci Mane, and J. Cole.

The rapper’s second album, “Big Dreez,” was released in 2019 and showcased her versatility as an artist, while her latest album, “HITGIRL,” features collaborations with heavy hitters like Jeremih and Future. With her impressive lyrical ability and growing discography, Dreezy is definitely an artist to keep an eye on in the coming years.

The music industry is being transformed by Black female artists who are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. From the hard-hitting rhymes of Megan Thee Stallion and the unapologetic confidence of Lizzo, and the unique artistry of Tierra Whack, these women are taking the industry by storm.

Their talent, creativity, and drive have allowed them to not only achieve success but to also use their platform to speak out on important social issues and empower others. It is important to continue to uplift and support Black female artists in the industry, as they continue to make history and inspire us all with their music.