Black Women Shaping the Future of Pop Music
In the ever-evolving landscape of pop music, a dynamic new wave of Black female artists is redefining the genre and setting the stage for future generations. Leading this charge is Chlöe Bailey, whose powerful voice and bold solo projects have made a significant impact since her early days with Chloe x Halle. Jae Stephens brings a fresh, innovative sound that blends pop with soulful elements, capturing listeners with her distinctive style. Meanwhile, Ruth B., with her emotive lyrics and impressive streaming numbers, continues to captivate audiences globally. Below is a list of artists shaping pop music's future and highlighting Black women's profound influence in the industry.
Chlöe
As one-half of the acclaimed duo Chloe x Halle, Chlöe first gained recognition by posting music covers on YouTube. Their talent caught the attention of Beyoncé, who not only became their mentor but also signed them to her label, Parkwood Entertainment.
Now established as a solo artist, Chlöe has captivated audiences with her powerful voice and bold pop sound. Her latest release, TROUBLE IN PARADISE, marks her second solo studio album and continues to showcase her evolving artistry.
Nomani
Normani, a former member of one of the best-selling girl groups of all time, Fifth Harmony, has successfully carved out a solo career that highlights her versatility in both pop and R&B. She made her solo debut in 2018 with the single "Love Lies," featuring Khalid. It peaked in the top ten of the Billboard Hot 100 and earned quintuple platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This year, Normani took her artistry to new heights with the release of her highly anticipated debut solo album, Dopamine.
Ruth B.
Ruth B., a Canadian singer and songwriter from Edmonton, Alberta, began her career by sharing her music on Vine in early 2013. She debuted with the The Intro EP in 2015, followed by her first album, Safe Haven, released in 2017. As of June 2024, Safe Haven has gained over 2.5 billion streams globally.
Artists such as Rod Wave, Lil Poppa, and Rylo Rodriguez have sampled her songs in some of their biggest hits.
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Aliyah's Interlude
Aliyah’s Interlude, a rising influencer and rapper, first made waves on TikTok in 2022 with her distinct fashion style, AliyahCore. Her debut single, "It Girl," released in 2023, quickly went viral on the platform, cementing her place in the music scene.
Jae Stephens
Jae Stephens is a Los Angeles-based singer and songwriter from Dallas, Texas. She just unveiled the music video for her energetic house track, "Body Favors." This track is set to be a highlight of her upcoming EP, SELLOUT, which will be released on Friday, Sept. 20. The project promises to be a dynamic showcase of Stephens' range, blending pop and R&B influences to highlight her versatility across a spectrum of styles.
