black artists

In an article about her new album, Janelle Monae lounges on a lip-shaped pool inflatable.

Janelle Monáe Ushers in ‘The Age of Pleasure’

Avery Heeringa, Columbia College Chicago

Janelle Monáe's new album celebrates queer love in the form of confident, upbeat summer anthems that are sure to get you up and moving.…

July 7, 2023

In an article about award shows snubbing black women, a picture of Beyonce receiving an award at the 2023 Grammys.

Black Women Were Overlooked This Awards Season

Elizabeth Fulton, Emory University

Beyoncé and Angela Bassett’s losses represent the fundamental problem with how awards ceremonies undervalue Black actresses, directors and musicians.…

April 25, 2023

The Weeknd with blood from his nose dripping down his face

The Weeknd’s Transformation From Toxic Lover to Introspective Storyteller

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

The Canadian singer-songwriter and record producer has gone through significant changes since he began his music career.…

May 21, 2022

Picture of Coodie Simmons and Kanye West

‘jeen-yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy’ Seeks To Spark Hope Within Everyone

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

This documentary serves as a reminder that it takes a lot of strength, determination and a sound support system to overcome your obstacles and achieve your dreams.…

March 15, 2022

Kendrick holding a mic in his right hand

10 Years On, ‘good kid, m.A.A.d. city’ Still Reflects the Genius of Kendrick Lamar

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

The talented rapper's 2012 album firmly established his artistic ingenuity.…

February 28, 2022

in an article about album from a birds eye view, cordae sitting on a convertible

‘From a Birds Eye View’ Makes Us Ask, Does Cordae Really Live Up to His Self-Proclaimed Hype?

Jesus Garcia, Boston University

The young rapper's newest album shows he has not yet lived up to the strong claims he makes about himself in his music.…

February 19, 2022

Prince's first posthumous album Welcome 2 America released.

‘Welcome 2 America’ Is a Fascinating Glimpse Into Prince’s Vault of Unreleased Music

Elizabeth Dewit, University of Pittsburgh

Although we mourn the infamous singer's death, we don’t have to mourn the end of his singing and songwriting career.…

August 21, 2021

An illustration from a shot in the Industry Baby music video, in which rapper Lil Nas X is dressed in a pink prison jumpsuit and a confident grin.

With ‘Industry Baby,’ Lil Nas X Continues To Break Ground for Representation

Savannah McCracken, University of Arizona

The rapper's newest single is proof that he's got what we've been waiting for — unapologetic and overt expressions of queerness in music.…

August 12, 2021

Lancey Foux smiling during a personal photo shoot

Lancey Foux Is an Unexpected Rockstar in the Making

Nathan Kolodney, Wesleyan University

The British model-turned-rapper is an artist that constantly seeks perfection, and he's hip-hop's best-kept secret.…

July 30, 2021

Rogers and Target's collaboration speaks to women of color most prominently. (Illustration by Olivia Luo, Ohio State University)

The Christopher John Rogers x Target Collection Deserves More Praise

Jael Davis, DePaul University

The retail giant's most recent fashion collaboration might signal a shift to more high-fashion styles and more diverse designers.…

June 27, 2021

Megan Thee Stallion and the Dismissal of Black Women’s Trauma

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

The reaction to the rapper's recent shooting is just the latest example of how the media and the public are prone to apathy (or mockery) rather than empathy when it comes to Black women’s pain.…

August 19, 2020

Destini Riley’s Legend Series Showcases Black Pride and Family Love

Yasmeen Ludy, University of Michigan

The award-winning filmmaker has turned to the medium of paint to honor her culture and familial roots.…

August 6, 2020

illustration for article about black artists by Amy Young

5 Black Artists Whose Legacies Have Transcended Time

Gabrielle Pascal, Hofstra University

American pop culture has been defined by black excellence for decades. From Gordon Parks to Aaliyah, black artists continue to influence the new generation.…

June 24, 2020