Black Excellence: 9 Black Female R&B Artist That Need To Be Heard

Tanerelle 

Atmospheric, futuristic and full of warmth are three ways to describe Tanerélle. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia the songstress is an artist that creates organic and relatable music. Her songs touch on topics of relationships and personal growth– while her sound is a combination of an array of genres including R&B, neo-soul and dream pop. If you’re looking for an artist to take you on a chill space ride then Tanerélle is for you. 

Key Tracks: ‘Nothing Without You’, ‘A Trip Space to Clear My Mind’ and ‘Dreamgirl’.

Chloe x Halle 

If you haven’t listened to Chloe x Halle than what are you doing in life? The two time Grammy nominees made their official debut in 2016 after signing to Beyonce’s Parkwood entertainment. Since then they have released three fantastic and diverse projects while touring the world with Beyoncé. On top of taking over the music sphere, the two have been killing it on the ‘Black-ish’ spin-off ‘Grown-ish as series regulars. With their new critically acclaimed album ‘Ungodly Hour’ making the rounds Chloe x Halle are on the path to become music legends. 

Key Tracks: ‘Down’, ‘Do It’, ‘Fall’, and ‘Overwhelmed’  

Orion Sun

If you’re in need a soulful artist that is singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer then Orion Sun is definitely for you! The Philadelphia based artist first made her debut in 2017 with her fantastic single ‘Sweetest Thing’. She has continued to release intricate material that is full of substance and soul. Orion creates a story with each of her tracks and crafts a hybrid R&B sound that will have you floating through the clouds. 2020 has been a year of releases for the songstress, dropping not one but TWO projects. If you haven’t immersed yourself in Orion Sun yet, now is the time to do it. 

Key Tracks: ‘Lighting’, ‘Antidote’, and ‘Mango (freestyle/process)’

Baby Rose 

With a killer voice and undeniable talent Baby Rose is an artist that NEEDS to be on your radar. Her debut album ‘To Myself’ is a testament to Rose’s talent with the songstress tackling love and all of its complexities. With every track, you are taken through a journey of love lost and with each lyric Baby Rose wow’s with the passion and conviction in her vocals. If you’re going through a breakup or rough patch with a partner then Baby Rose is the artist to listen to. 

Key Tracks: ‘Over’, ‘Sold Out’, ‘Pressure’ 

Ravyn Lenae 

Miss Lenae is a talent that has a similar a sound to Erykah Badu and FKA Twigs. The songstress made her official debut in 2015 with her ‘Moon Shoes’ EP at 16-years-old. Wowing music listeners with her impressive vocals the singer/songwriter has continued her rise with the R&B world, working with Noname, Steve Lacy and Smino. Her music has also been featured on the HBO hit show Insecure. Ravyn Lenae is part of the new wave of R&B artist that’s changing the music scene.

Key Tracks: ‘Sticky’, ‘Rewind’ and ‘4 Leaf Clover’. 

Amber Mark 

The Multi-talented Amber Mark is perfect for anyone that loves the likes of Sade and Jazmine Sullivan. With a sound that has been influenced by her international childhood, Amber blends an array of genres into one to create engaging and soulful music. The songstress also prides herself on not only writing her own tracks but also being the sole producer of her music. Amber Mark is an incredible talent that is destined for great things.

Key Tracks: ‘Lose My Cool’, ‘Love Me Right’ and ‘Generous’ 

Ama Lou

London native Ama Lou is an authentic talent that has been making music since she was 11-years-old. After her 2016 debut with ‘TBC’, Ama Lou has swiftly become an artist to watch. With a voice full of soul and immersive lyrics, the 20-year-old songstress is a DIY artist that is creating quality R&B for the masses. 

Key Tracks: ‘Tried Up’, ‘Better’ and ‘Said It Already’ 

Arlo Parks 

London based musician and poet Arlo Parks is emerging talent that is steadily being considered as the voice of Generation Z. With a sound and style like the legendary Tracy Chapman, Parks has earned critical acclaim for her raw storytelling and majestic sound. If you’re in need of an artist that creates rhythmic and delicate music then Arlo Parks is for you. 

Key Tracks: ‘Black Dog’, ‘Eugene’, ‘Paperbacks’ 

Kirby 

Southern gal KIRBY is an R&B songstress that’s unapologetic, fierce, and ready to change the world. The self-proclaimed “granddaughter of soul” uses her talents to “heal” people calling herself a song therapist rather than a singer or songwriter. Each track within her catalogue oozes authenticity that will have you feeling cool, calm and collected. Making her debut in 2016, KIRBY has collaborated with fellow R&B talent Lucky Daye and has also been featured in HBO’s hit series Insecure. 

Key Tracks: ‘Kool-Aid’, Loved by You’ and ‘Velvet’