Black women in music aren’t limited to R&B and hip-hop. For decades, their influence across genres has been resounding. In alternative rock, Black femme icons in the space include Meshell Ndegeocello, Tracy Chapman, Santigold, and Brittany Howard, all of whom have directly influenced newcomers like Alemeda, Fousheé, Orion Sun and more. In the last five years alone, these ladies have solidified themselves as rockers to watch, and below, we explore why they’re necessary to check out for an eclectic musical vibe.

Alemeda

Without so much as a full-length album, rising Top Dawg Entertainment singer Alemeda lashed out on her 2024 EP “FK IT,” and is primed to release her debut album for more angsty girl listens.

Annahstasia

Gentle in sound and approach, power folk musician Annahstasia stirs up intense emotions but lands softly in her work, as heard on her past EPs “Revival” and “Surface Tension.”

chlothegod

Hailing from North Carolina, punk and alt-rock artist chlothegod has been active for nearly ten years, but last month, she released her moody new EP “I Feel Different Every Day.”

Fousheé

While staying true to her indie origins, Fousheé honored her reggae Jamaican roots on 2024 album “Pointy Heights,” the follow-up to her 2022 punk-oriented debut “Softcore.”

Orion Sun

While leaning more towards alt-R&B, New Jersey singer Orion Sun has an indie rock flavor, which can be heard in the calmness of her 2024 LP “Orion.”