11 Black LGBTQ+ Artists That Need To Be On Your Radar

With PRIDE and African-American Music Appreciation month in full swing we wanted to highlight some fantastic black LGBTQ+ artist that have been making massive waves in the music sphere. Featuring talents like KAYTRANADA, Frank Ocean, Tangina Stone, and more. Check out the rest of our list below..

Syd

One of LA’s finest, Syd is an artist that has been changing the game since the 2010s. Starting out as the front person for the Grammy-nominated alt-R&B group the Internet, she soon stepped out into her own lane and released her debut solo album ‘Fin’ in 2017. Taking inspirations from R&B legends like Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, Syd creates atmospheric music that’s perfect for a chill night in with a big glass of wine.

Key Tracks: ‘Getting Late’ ‘Got Her Own’ and ‘Body’

Frank Ocean

One of the most praised artists in the music world, Frank Ocean is a dynamic force that has been breaking down barriers and challenging the social norms of what it means to be a black man in the LGBTQ+ community. Bursting onto the scene in 2011 with his mixtape ‘Nostalgia Ultra’, Frank opened his heart and mind by taking listeners through the ups and downs of his life. This trend would continue with his debut LP channel ORANGE which cemented his status as a legend in the making and helped the artist come to terms with his sexuality. Frank has continued to make beautiful music with the release of two more albums including his game-changing record ‘Blonde’. If you haven’t been put on to Franks music yet then please find a seat and brace yourself for one of the most therapeutic listening sessions of your life.

Key Tracks: ‘Thinkin Bout You’ ‘Pink + White’, ‘Pyramids ‘, ‘Self Control’, and ‘Provider’ (also make sure to check out Strawberry Swing from his Nostalgia Ultra mixtape)

Big Freedia

Known as the bounce queen of New Orleans, Big Freedia is an iconic voice that has worked with the likes of Beyoncé, Lizzo and more. Delivering high-energy LGBTQ+ anthems, Big Freedia is unapologetically herself and opens her arms in supporting other members of the community. Freedia’s journey to icon status started after dropping her first track in 1999 at the start of the bounce movement. Over the years she has faced her fair share of obstacles including Hurricane Katrina – which forced her to relocate to Texas – but has continuously come out on top. Big Freedia’s star continues to shine, with her a string of hit singles, working with Drake and recently being announced as the headliner for SF virtual Pride. Clear the room and get ready for some of the best dance music tracks of your life.

Key Tracks: ‘Jump On It’ , ‘Karaoke’ and ‘N.O. Bounce’

4: Dai Burger

Unapologetic, light-hearted and fierce are three ways you could describe rapper/singer Dai Burger. Getting her start as a dancer for Lil Mama, the Queens, NY based artist stepped into her own artistry and released her 2010 project ‘MyMisxxxtape’. Over the years Dai has continued to release unique and original music that showcases the evolution of her artistry and style. 2019 saw the release of her sophomore album ‘Bite The Burger’ which features her fire single ‘Salty’ and ‘Flame Emoji’ which features fellow NYC artist Cakes da Killa. Dai Burger is the perfect artist for anyone looking for an empowering queer woman of colour, period!

Key Tracks: ‘Where My Girls’, ‘Flames Emoji’, and ‘Salty’

KAYTRANADA

Working with some of R&B and Hip Hops hottest talents, KAYTRANADA is an artist and producer that is A MUST in your music rotation. Making his debut in the music world with his unique remixes, the Haitian-Canadian artist has been having a sensational rise in the music sphere. Between releasing his 2016 debut album ‘99.9%’ – which earned him the Juno award for Electronic Album of the Year and Polaris Music Prize – his 2019 follow up Bubba and teaming up with music acts like The Internet, Anderson .Paak and Kali Uchis, KAYTRANADA has proven to be an LGBTQ+ act that is killing the music game in every way.

Key Tracks: ‘10%’, ‘GLOWED UP’, ‘BULLETS’ and ‘Chances’

Janelle Monáe

Multi-talented artist/actress Janelle Monáe is a talent that releases poetic, thoughtful and high energy music for the masses to consume. Backed by a sound that mixes, the soul, funk, hip hop and electronic genres, Janelle has dropped an array of projects that touch on topics like woman liberation, LGBTQ+ pride, and black empowerment – her fantastic album ‘Dirty Computer’ is a perfect example of this. Along with being a talented singer/songwriter, Monáe has also found massive success in the acting realm, having starred in hit films and TV series like Hidden Figures, Moonlight, and Homecoming. If you’re in need of so music that will make you feel good, loved, and inspired to dance then Janelle Monáe and her catalogue is for you (if you haven’t already dived into her music).

Key Tracks: ‘I Like That’, ‘Pynk’, ‘Make Me Feel’, and ‘Q.U.E.E.N’

Cakes da Killa

Cakes da Killa is a rapper that has been turning the hip hop world on its head since 2011. His flow is absolutely sickening and unapologetic, which will have you feeling confident as you explore each one of his electrifying records. But on top of having a fantastic flow, his sound and style mix elements of 90’s hip hop and dance electronica that’s the perfect music to liven up chill social distance hangout or gas yourself up if you’re feeling a bit down.

Key tracks: ‘I Run This Club’, ‘New Phone (Who Dis)’, ‘Up out My Face’ and ‘Gon Blow’

Kehlani

Kehlani is a songstress that pours every ounce of her heart and soul in her music which creates an intimate listening experience. The Bay Area artist first bust onto the scene in 2015 with her ‘no-skip’ project ‘You Should Be Here’ which spawned a Grammy nod. Since then she has continued to wow R&B lovers everywhere with her relatable tracks about love, heartbreak and mental health. Her recent releases ‘It Was Good Until It Wasn’t’ and mixtape ‘While We Wait’ are must-listens for anyone in need of some grade-A vocals and lyricism.

Key Tracks: ‘The Way’, ‘Advice’ ‘, ‘Nunya’, and ‘Water’

Steve Lacey

If you haven’t heard of multi-talented Steve Lacey then buckle up and get ready for a beautiful listening experience. Making his official debut in 2014 by joining The Internet, Lacy has grown to become one of music’s most sought after talents. Just a few things the young musician has accomplished include co-producing a grammy nominated album – while still attending high school – working with artists like Kendrick Lamar, Tyler The Creator and Solange, and dropping a sensational solo album which was also nominated for a Grammy. With a rock n roll sound, impeccable producing, and songwriting talents Steve Lacy is an artist that MUST be heard.

Key Tracks: ‘Only If’, ‘C U Girl’, ‘Ryd’, and ‘Playground’.

Shea Diamond

Baby has got soul, charisma, is a proud activist for the LGBTQ+ community and we have to stan. Her music is electric and gives off pure joy and happiness that will get you up and moving. Along with having such a positive image and persona, Shea has incredible vocals, which are filled with passion. Since starting her music career, the singer/songwriter has been nominated for Outstanding Music Artist received the Blacktie Dinner Visibility award and has created empowering anthems for the LGBTQ+ community. If you haven’t already it’s time for you to explore Shea Diamond music.

Key Tracks: ‘I Am America’, ‘Don’t Shoot’, ‘I Am Her’ and ‘Seen It All’

Tangina Stone

Rounding up our list is Tangina Stone, singer/songwriter that blends an array of genres to create emotive and relatable tracks. On top of releasing innovative music, the songstress is also an incredible activist, supporting the Black Lives Matter movement, Women’s March, and the LGBTQ+ community – of course. With her last album – ‘Elevate’ – released in 2017, we can’t wait to hear more from Tangina Stone!

Key Tracks: ‘7 A.M.’, ‘Anxious’, ‘and ‘ By the Sea’