The start to the new year means the start to a whole new world of music discovery. You know my Spotify Wrapped can’t be the same every year! During Black History Month, I try to dig around for some particularly underground and cool new Black musicians to add to my playlists and I’ve found some pretty good ones this month.
If you want some awesome Black musicians to add to your playlist, whether it be a chill night reading, a coffee shop study hall or a train ride to work, these artists are smooth as butter and irresistible.
Dreamer Isioma
Splitting their childhood between Lagos, Nigeria and Chicago, Dreamer Isioma is a young, multi-genre artist who rose to fame for their single, “Sensitive”, which went viral on TikTok in 2020.
What makes their life story particularly interesting is their coming out story. At age 16, Isioma apparently had a “psychedelic” awakening where they realized they were nonbinary and queer, coming out soon after. Since then, they’ve experimented with different queer themes in their music; my favorite song of theirs that encapsulates this fluidity is, “Valentina,” which dabbles between falling in love with oneself and another woman.
From Afrobeats to rock, Dreamer Isioma mixes all genres and plays around with a diverse range of instruments and sounds. In my opinion, their work is reminiscent of Willow Smith and Kali Uchis.
Elah Hale
Born and raised in New York, this Los-Angeles based 23 year-old offers upbeat and fun pop songs with a range of velvety R&B tracks. “My House,” is the song that made me fall in love with her and is my go-to summer song for walking around the park.
Aside from writing her own songs, Hale enjoys a humble life reading in her garden, working on art projects, and cooking at home.
Blue Iverson
Next on this list is one of my favorite hidden gems. Blue Iverson, the quiet side project of British singer-songwriter Dean Blunt, samples classic 70s funk while adding a modern twist. I recommend listening to, “Jennah’s Interlude,” a short, dreamy piece that should be longer. It samples the Isley Brothers.
Blunt, though quite mysterious, has worked with some high profile artists, with credits on A$AP Rocky’s album Testing. He was also formerly part of the elusive experimental art duo Hype Williams, whose members are fleeting. He is always changing and avoidant of the spotlight, with hardly any interviews ever given.
Thee Sacred Souls
Josh Lane is one of three geniuses behind the soul, R&B and funk band Thee Sacred Souls. Lane, the lead singer, is accompanied by drummer Sal Samano and guitarist Alejandro Garcia. Inspired by Mexican Chicano soul, gospel and doo-wop music, Thee Sacred Souls is a contemporary band that takes listeners back in time to the 60s and 70s with their smooth, deep vocals.
Start your journey with this band by listening to, “It’s Our Love,” which features beautiful vocals from former bandmate Jensine Benitez. Their most famous song is, “Can I Call You Rose?,” and they have many queer anthems as well, including, “Love is the Way.”
Ravyn Lenae
More mainstream is Chicago singer Ravyn Lenae, whose 2024 album Bird’s Eye earned critical acclaim on Metacritic and other well-known music critics. The 26-year-old released her first album when she was just 15. She did it independently, too. Now, she’s signed to Atlantic Records and has an impressive resume including collaborations with Childish Gambino and Ty Dolla Sign, along with tours with SZA and Noname.
I suggest starting with her hit single, “Love Me Not,” if you’re going to check her out.
Cleo Sol
This English singer-songwriter comes from a Serbian, Spanish amd Jamaican background, producing chill songs reminiscent of 90s R&B-pop. She draws inspiration from iconic singers like Erykah Badu, Stevie Wonder and Jill Scott, incorporating Latin, reggae and motown genres as well. Start with her most popular song, “Life Will Be,” if you want to do some self-reflection while basking in the sun with a good book.
Orion Sun
Tiffany Majette, better known by her celestial stage name Orion Sun, is a queer, Black R&B artist who takes inspiration from classic Black musicians like Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, and Billie Holiday.
Majette’s music transcends into your soul and this is because of how much resilience she incorporates into it. Not only was Majette disowned from her family for being queer, but she was injured in a protest in 2020 fighting for racial justice. Her song, “Mama’s Baby,” was released in response to this experience.
Some of my favorite songs of hers are, “Mango,” “Antidote,” and “Lightning,” though it’s hard not to like them all.
Black History Month is a great time to reflect on the musical contributions Black musicians have made, trailblazing the way artists blend different genres and beats. Obviously we should celebrate Black musicians always, but in case you’re specifically looking for some new Black musicians to add to your playlist right now, hopefully my recs have helped out!
Do you have any favorite Black musicians to recommend to our N’ Crew? Let us know in the comments below!
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