This week, I’ve been thinking a lot about music. I mean, technically I always am — music has been a huge part of my life since I was a child, and there’s no escaping its influence on me. But I’ve been especially interested in music as a part of culture — which explains my recent article about music for black students in need — and more specifically, music as a celebration of culture. So while my last music-related article was a little more general, this one is specifically aimed toward black women and the incredible music that we produce.
Just like last time, the list isn’t in any specific order — listen to them all!
1. Kelela
Kelela is honestly just....really, really cool, okay? She’s friends with (and has collaborated with) Solange Knowles, she was featured on the Gorillaz’ last album, she was featured on Insecure, and she even used to sing in a metal band. She also happens to make some damn good (non-metal, for all those concerned) music, and it’s music that doesn’t necessarily fall into mainstream boundaries. I fell in love with her vocals/overall sound when I heard her first EP, Cut For Me, which is full of space-agey, dreamy sort of bops. She (finally!) dropped her debut album, Take Me Apart, early last month, and it’s amazing. Listen to it, ok?
2. Kilo Kish
I’ll admit, Kilo Kish definitely had to grow on me. I first heard her on a Chet Faker song, "On All Places", and her airy, solemn vocals didn’t do it for me on the first play through. But the more I listened, the more I liked her. Kilo Kish occupies a different sort of space than most artists do — like Kelela, she doesn’t necessarily make “mainstream” music — and her vocals are light, almost speech-like. But there’s something about the that music she produces — and the stories she tells while doing so — that makes her music infinitely appealing to listen to. She’s a funny, charming artist, and her debut album, Reflections In Real Time definitely deserves a listen (or 10).
3. Syd (formerly known as Syd Tha Kyd)
Syd is a long-time Odd Future collaborator/member, and the lead singer for The Internet (who are incredible in their own right). She’s got a smooth, pleasant voice, and she has been very open about her love for and attraction to women in her music. She doesn’t necessarily make the type of music that you can get hype to — Syd’s music is for relaxation, thought (and maybe even seduction) — but she does make music that you can vibe to. As part of The Internet, she’s made some excellent music, but she shines even more in her first solo album, Fin.
4. SZA
“My man is my man is your ma-” Ok, so I feel like most people know about and listen to SZA (and if you don’t, you should). SZA is another artist that had to grow on me a little bit before I could fully appreciate her — she’s got a really nice voice, one that’s definitely improved with time — but her earlier tracks were honestly a little...meh. But just like Kilo, the more I listened, the more I liked — she’s a clever, intuitive songstress who’s definitely changed a lot in the time between her EP, Z, and her first album, Ctrl. Her features are great too, especially her song with D.R.A.M, titled "Caretaker". But Ctrl is more than just a good album — it’s a valid and necessary discussion of life in your early-to-mid twenties, of relationships and of trying desperately to fit in. None of these themes are new, per say, but they’re coming from an (I feel) previously disregarded voice — young black women.
5. NAO
NAO is an amazing singer, with a range that you wouldn’t expect. Her songs also possess a lot of emotional depth and range in sound, making her an artist that’s both interesting and pleasing to listen to. I first heard one of her love songs, “Adore You” and thought it was nice but nothing overly special. But the next song of hers, “Bad Blood” is what really drew me to her — not only does it sound great, but it tells a relatable story (growing apart from a friend) in a refreshing and passionate format. That seems to be the pattern with NAO, too — taking standard song topics like insecurities or relationship troubles and making them new (and intriguing to listen to). Also, like I said.....she’s got vocals.
So that’s my list. I hope this inspires y’all to check out some/any/all of the women on this list — their voices are important and more than worthy of support.
