In honor of Women’s History Month I wanted to share some women who are killing the game musically that you may or may not know. These women were not chosen solely because of their gender, but because they are making some really dope art and are some of the most talented artist in their respected genres. So without further ado…
Rapsody
Being one of two rap features on Kendrick Lamar’s To Pimp a Butterfly, Rapsody made a name for herself in 2015. With a philosophy of “Culture over Everything”, Rapsody makes hip-hop music that questions and challenges the world around her. Whether that be about the music industry, daddy deprivation, or racial tensions, she is not what one typically thinks of when they think of a female rapper. But this is her point, while she embraces her gender she does not want to solely be defined by it, she is a rapper just like everyone else. Along with Kendrick Lamar she has worked with artist such as Anderson Paak, Lecrae and Talib Kweli. She is a beast lyrically and I expect bigger things from her in 2016.
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Syd of The Internet
Thanks to hipsters we have seen a resurgence of a lot of old things, such as the return of classic funk and R&B. Syd is the lead singer of The Internet, whose 2015 album Ego Death was nominated for a Grammy. Do not let Syd’s tomboyish posture fool you, she has the voice of an angel. Being Odd Future members with artist like Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator and Frank Ocean they are only destined for greater success.
Jackie Hill-Perry
Jackie Hill-Perry is a female Christian rapper. Do not let either of those titles fool you because Jackie might be the most talented artist on this list. She grew up doing poetry and spoken word, but was convinced to try rapping in 2012. Her 2014 album, The Art of Joy, was critically acclaimed and dealt with depression, inner city poverty, and deceit in the church. Jackie was recently featured on Lecrae’s Church Clothes Vol. 3. Aside from music and poetry, Jackie has become one of the leading voices for evangelical Christian’s on gender roles and sexuality in the Church.
NAO
I recently discovered NAO on Spotify and there was no turning back. The British artist is helping to revive the 90s neo-soul genre by combining soulful R&B singing and adding an electric jazz and hip-hop beat. If you want to be hipster and listen to an artist before everyone else finds out, NAO is the one. She performed at Glastonbury Festival in 2015 and is currently working on her first full album set to release later this year.