Black women in the American music industry
In genres such as rap, jazz, blues, and R&B, Black women have had to work twice as hard as their male counterparts to achieve similar recognition, yet many still do not receive the acknowledgment they deserve.
The piano helped female artists with their jazz performances and abilities which granted women a degree of acceptance in the music industry.
Some of the most successful names include Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, MC Lyte, Missy Elliot, and Lauryn Hill.
[9] Jill Scott, an accomplished African-American artist, is renowned not only for her remarkable vocal talent but also for her unique ability to blend various genres, including jazz and hip-hop.
Despite facing significant challenges and criticism as a Black woman in the music industry, Scott has secured her place as a Grammy Award-winning artist.
[13] Also known by the alias “Lady Day” which was given to her by close friend and colleague Lester Young, she collaborated with many people including Duke Ellington.
Most Known for her song Strange Fruit which spoke to the tribulations of the African American experience, which has taken on a name of its own being sampled by multiple artists to this day.
[24] Both Aretha Franklin and Mahalia Jackson had major songs during the civil rights movement: Franklin's version of Otis Redding's "Respect" and Jackson's "I've Been 'Buked and I've Been Scorned", which she performed at the march on Washington after being asked by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.[23][25] Despite their role in popularizing black music and culture, few black women are recognized in the emergence of rap and hip-hop culture in the 1970s-1980s.
[29] Popular Female artists in this genre include Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj, Cardi-B, and Salt-N-Pepa.
Modern Female artists such as Saweetie, Megan Thee Stallion, and the City Girls use their sex appeal as the focal point of their music.
[32] Nicki Minaj's concerns and frustrations regarding the Grammy Awards and the broader music industry reflect a long-standing issue of systemic biases and challenges faced by artists, particularly those who are women and people of color.
Nicki Minaj's comments on the industry's conservative efforts and the elevation of newer artists over longer standing ones resonate with broader discussions about representation and recognition in the entertainment business.
The issue of diversity and inclusivity, both in terms of race and gender, has been a recurring theme in the music industry, with many artists advocating for more equitable treatment and opportunities.
Nicki Minaj has called for artists to speak out against unfair practices and biases in the music industry which is a reflection of a growing trend where musicians are utilizing their platforms to address systemic issues.
Advocacy for change, transparency, and fairness in the music industry is crucial for creating an environment where all artists, regardless of their background, can thrive and receive recognition.
Discussions around these issues are ongoing, and the music industry continues to grapple with the need for systemic change to ensure a more equitable and inclusive space for all artists.
Ndegeocello is one of the rising queer feminists of color who brings a nuanced viewpoint to problems like abortion and unjust beauty standards.
In her lyrics, Ndegeocello brings awareness to the realities that the black community faces, such as abortion, low-income housing, and unfair US beauty standards.
[39] Through hip-hop soul women created an aesthetic that represented and engaged in politics of sexuality and gender in working-class black communities.
Examples include Queen Latifah, Salt 'N' Pepa, MC Lyte and Eve, who criticize men who abuse and manipulate women.
[49][50][51] Rhone has gone on to discover and mentor several renowned current artists including DJ Khaled, 21 Savage, Camila Cabello, Travis Scott, Future, Meghan Trainor, French Montana, and many more.
She forged her path, collaborating with artists like Aaliyah and Janet Jackson and was crafting hits like Get Ur Freak On and Work It that reshaped the sound of the late '90s and early 2000s.
Her boundary-pushing visuals, alongside her confident and diverse artistry, not only challenged stereotypes but also became a catalyst for inclusivity and creativity for women in Black American music.
[61] In 2004, women at Spelman College protested a bone-marrow drive sponsored by Nelly over the visuals in his latest music video Tip Drill.
"[64][65] Although black women are usually over sexualized in music videos created by male artist, there are some musicians, such as Missy Elliott, Erykah Badu, Mary J. Blige, and more that try to change that narrative.
1 and Lauryn Hill's Doo-Wop (That Thing) gave a new perspective on black women, showing them in a more independent, strong, and sophisticated light.
[66] In recent years, Black women have continued to shape the American music industry, breaking barriers and redefining genres.
The rise of social media has provided Black women artists with new platforms to connect with audiences, allowing them to share their personal stories and experiences.
The rise of Lil Nas X also exemplifies how social media has played a crucial role in promoting new talent and creating new avenues for expression.
[69] Overall, the contributions of Black women to the American music landscape remain vital, showcasing their resilience, creativity, and influence in shaping contemporary culture.
