image via Lizzo
….Continued from original BIPOC post….
To say that black music, and of that POC, has revolutionized the world of music and art, movies and entertainment is an understatement. Their culture and history and influenced so much of what we listen to and watch, and yet they don’t have the opportunities or starting positions as white people. But BIPOC are creating so much amazing and innovative and heartfelt music, movies and television and the world needs more of it! Some of my favorite artists are BIPOC and below are a few of my favorites .
Like I mentioned in the original BIPOC post, this list not only consists of black individuals but several others within in the BIPOC community….
Music
1. Lizzo
If you don’t know who Lizzo is you may be living under a rock and really not broadening yourself to black artists. I first heard her song “Juice” in Portugal, a few months before ever hearing it on repeat here in the US. The second I heard that song, I came, and still come, alive. Electricity ran through my body, it’s a good thing I was alone because I was living life and feeling every part of myself, in the best possible way! And that’s how my love affair with Lizzo began, I told whoever I could to start listening to her, couldn’t understand why she wasn’t all over the radio, and then the entire world caught onto the amazing woman I’ve come to admire. She plays the damn flute people {r.i.p Sasha flute}!! But please dive into all her music, follow her Instagram, she is raw and real and vulnerable, everything it takes to be inspiring. Even on her bad days she will still do her best to lift others up. She is an absolute amazing, much needed light and talent in this world!! Ughh I can’t wait until we can experience live music again because she will be one of the 1st concerts I will try to get tickets for!
2. H.E.R
H.E.R quickly became one of my favorite artists. What an immense talent and killer babe on the guitar! The first time I heard “Hard Place” I had shivers all over my body, even now after listening and singing to it hundreds of times, it still gives me the same feels just like I had the first time 2 years ago. There are days when I will have this song on a loop, it fuels my soul and heart, and sometimes I’ll mix it up with my favorite trifecta of her’s “The Best Part” and “Slow Down w. Skip Marley”. Her music blends genres and it’s beautiful and fun and chill. Yes, you’ve guessed it, I’m dying to seeing her perform live as well! She recently released the song “I Can’t Breathe” following George Floyd’s death and the rise in the Black Lives Matter movement and it’s heartbreakingly needed.
3. Skip Marley
Ahh Skip Marley, his song “Slow Down” with H.E.R is one of my faves, a total summer, chill and dance song. It’s everything I love about reggae and its sexy smoothness. As a big big fan of Bob Marley, I too become a quick and loyal fan of his grandson Skip, who honors and stays true to the effortless beauty of reggae music! I also love Ziggy Marley music and Cedella Marley’s work.
4. Koffee
I’ve got a hard soft spot in my heart for reggae music. Bob Marley is one of my all-time favorites, Jamaica is one of my favorite countries, and reggae is always the kind of music I listen to whenever I want to let loose, feel carefree but also alive and move my body. I’ve been obsessed with Koffee’s song “Toast” ever since she released it and I still don’t understand why everyone doesn’t know who she and this song is. If you’re ever in my presence when this song comes out, I’m warning you, I don’t hold back. She’s amazing and strong and a crazy talent for a 19 year old!! Oh, and she also happens to have been the 1st Female and the youngest recipient ever of the Grammy for Best Reggae Album this year!!
5. Michael Kiwanuka
When Michael Kiwanuka’s “Cold Little Heart” became the theme song of Big Little Lies everyone finally knew who Michael was, but he’s been rocking long before that! His music brings me back to another era of rock and folk, his voice jagged, rough and yet sultry smooth. His songs instantly captivate you, like “Love & Hate” and “Home Again” is a beautiful track. His music is easy listening to any kind of mood, which is why Michael is one of my go-to listening choices! “Final Day – Bonobo Remix” is a great summer track!
6. Kishi Bashi
I love his music so much, and have had it on repeat these last few months, it’s been soothing during the craziness. To be honest his musical stylings are a mix of Johnny Flynn’s heartfelt folk voice and Jose Gonzalez beautiful instrumental melodies, Kishi is making music that isn’t the unfortunate stereotype Asian-American music is. His music is indie folk, it’s upbeat, chill and his melodies just hit you, it’s actually a bit hard to pinpoint his music, but you’ll know when you listen!
7. Joy Crookes
The moment I heard Joy Crookes‘ “Don’t Let Me Down” I was hooked, I needed to listen to more of her captivating soulful voice and find out who this Bangladeshi-Irish artist was! If you listen to her lyrics, you’ll quickly realize she’s a storyteller, using the depth of her voice that reminds me of the soulful voices of another time, to completely captivate you. She’s definitely one of my favorites, I could listen to her all day while working or relaxing outside, even if you’re chilling with friends — it’s that kind of versatile music, like “Early” and “Mother May I Sleep with Danger?” Also, there’s something that I can’t quite pinpoint but her songs are like subtle sexy empowerment melodies for my fellow ladies like “Hurt” and her recently released “Anyone But Me” which is all about her struggle with depression.
8. Ella Mai
Ella Mai is another amazing female artist who I quickly fell in love with after hearing just one song “Trip“. She quickly rose to the top of the R&B charts, with infectious beats like “Boo’d Up”, but there is a soulfulness to her that is clearly heard in her voice and melodies of one of my favorite songs of hers “Naked“, it’s soo good! I’m certain you’ve heard her music in shows or movies and didn’t even realizing it, well know give all her music a listen!
9. Lianne la Havas
Lianne la Havas is another gorgeous and talented babe rocking the guitar and making beautiful music! There is something so beautiful about her, just like every female on this list, the ability to make you feel everything within one song — the mood to dance, to relax and be present — to feel empowered. She’s an acoustic beauty, mixing alternative folk and soul very remniscent of Lauren Hill and Nina Simone, some of my favorite artists. I highly recommend you give her latest album a listen, especially that songs “Bittersweet“, “Green & Gold”
10. Moses Sumney
I love Moses Sumeny’s voice and enchanting music, soo much! It is soothing and beautiful in every sense. I actually first heard him sing with Sufjan Stevens on “Make Out in My Car” which is my favorite version of the song . His videos are works of cinematic art, definitely give “Don’t bother Calling, “Doomed”, “Plastic” and “Cut Me” a listen! Moses is a storyteller.
11. Yuno
I’ve been hooked on Yuno since first hearing his song “No Going Back.” I spent all day yesterday listening to his music! He’s upbeat and relaxing, chill and indie…some of my favorite kind of beats to write and work too, especially outside on a hot summer day. But also the kind of music I want to chill with a drink in my hand, vibing with “no worries.” Yuno perfectly blends eclectic and different genres from pop to R&B into his distinctive song. I highly give his songs a listen, especially “Sunlight” “Fall in Love” and “Grapefruit.”
12. Jensen McRae
Remember the name Jensen McRae because she is going places! She is fresh on the scene but she is making hauntingly beautiful music, of real hardships that people are facing like mental illness, being brown, falling in love and fearing adulthood. But she sings about these hard topics in the most mesmerizing way, like her song “Wolves” which you can clearly understand is about assault.
13. Dino D’Santiago
Dino D’Santiago is making music celebrating the influences from across the Portuguese-speaking world focusing on countries in Africa. Mozambique, Cape Verde, Angola, Guinea, São Tomé and Brazil maybe all be speak the Portuguese language, but Dino is celebrating each country’s unique sound, combining them and transforming it into his own. ‘Nova Lisboa‘ has become unofficial anthem for the city of Lisboa. He’s bringing Funaná to the world, the music men in the Cape Verde countryside would play and dance to, the music he grew up listening to and influenced in ‘Roda’ and ‘Kriolu,’ great dance songs! I could listen to ‘Como Seria‘ all night long, honestly all of his ‘Kriola’ album is great!
10. Jhene Aiko
Jhene Aiko has been around from so time making music, creating hits with her collaboration but she shines on her own! She has a subtle way of expressing herself in her music that makes an impact, which I love. Her song “Sativa” is the kind of song I love to kick back and chill to, especially during summertime. Of course I love her collab “B.S.” with my girl crush H.E.R
11. Jorja Smith
Jorja Smith is soulful, a bit jazzy and retro with lyrics that are heartfelt, whether it’s a slow ballad or an upbeat melody to dance to. There is so much beauty in her Lost & Found album, I love her song “Goodbyes”. I’m sure you’ve heard “Slow Down” featuring Jorja, she’s big in the UK and has worked with some of the biggest US names likes Drake and Travis Scott, it’s time her name became a household!
12. Sally
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCYI3qfKXgX/
You don’t need to speak French to love and easily get into Sally’s mellow electronic beats, just listen to “JFLA” it’s soo good! Born in Cameroon and raised in Paris, you can clearly hear the French and African influences in her music like “VRILLE” and “Quand Je Veux Je Peux”. Her music just makes me want to move and absolutely puts me in a great and energetic mood. The more you listen to Sally, the more you want!
13. Snoh Aalegra
https://www.instagram.com/p/CCmnIYylAPO/
Snoh Aalegra is another one of those voices that are soulful full of depth that capture and hit right in your heart and soul. “Find Someone Like You” and then “Fool for You”. Then I just went down the rabbit of her raw music captivated by “I Want You Around” and well wngiere her album “Ugh, those feels again” which absolutely worth a listen! I mean when Prince is your mentor how could you not be crazy talented!
14. Emily King
I first heard Emily King’s music a few months back when Spotify suggested her based on music I love, well I love her music too! It’s infectious and makes you want to bop your head, dance and feel empowered. She’s also the daughter of the amazing jazz duo Marion Cowings and Kim Kalesti who I swoon over. It’s no wonder she’s just as musically talented as her parents.
15. Amber Mark + 16. Victoria Monet
Both Amber Mark and Victoria Monet just have the kind of music that makes you want to dance, chill and feel like you’re off traveling — all at the same time. They have very disco-global-soul-african-like beats, music that blends into so many genres and it’s what makes their music so enjoyable and addicting! Note :: I may have grouped these ladies together, but they don’t sing together and have very individualistic music, but their music makes me feel similar things so I condensed the writing. Amber and Victoria deserve to be enjoyed on their own first, then mix it all up for a fun jam session!
Amber’s “Lose My Cool” is such a great dance song, so is the “Franc Melody Remix“! “Love me Right” is wonderful and “Mixer” will make you want to grab your besties and take over the world, or just enjoy any summer night 🙂
Victoria’s is a modern artist mixing genres and using music to celebrate queer and gender roles. She’s worked with some of the biggest names in pop to hip-hop to R&B and you may have not realized it. Her latest track with Khalid “Experience” is EVERYTHING, a great summer jam with disco beats.
In no particular order, these are some other BIPOC artists I enjoy listening to, including a few of my favorite songs of theirs…hope you enjoy them too!
17. SZA … “Drew Barrymore”{<-this song is what hooked me🧡} + “The Weekend” + “Normal Girl”
18. Chloe X Halle …”Do It” {I mean these ladies are killing it at everything they do, especially this whole at home game situation}
19. Tanerelle … “Nothing Without You”🧡 + “Continuum”🧡 + “Love from NGC7318”
20. Arlo Parks … “Cola”+ “Black Dog” + “Eugene”
21. Amadou & Mariam … “Je pense a Toi”🧡 + “Sabali”
22. Gavin Turek … “Frontline” + “Good Look for You” {she’s bringing all the disco feels!}
23. Bakar … “Hell N Back”🧡 + “Small Town Girl”
24. Twin Shadow … “Saturdays ft. HAIM” + “Old Love/New Love” + “Five Seconds”
25. Mega … “Chariot”🧡
26. Benjamin Clementine … “Nemesis”🧡 + “Condolence”
27. Tierra Whack … “Only Child”🧡
Shows + Movies
1. INSECURE!!!
Insecure has been one of my favorite shows ever since it premiered! If you haven’t watched it, then I highly suggest this show be your next binge. Issa Rae takes us through her life of breakups, makeups and the all too relatable moments of just trying to figure life out, while also telling the stories of friendships and relationships through a modern-day black experience. I love how all the characters have developed and grown, especially Issa’s who I think many of us can connect to the desire and need of wanting to figure it out but also feeling clueless as to where and what you want to do with life. I also recommend you keep your Shazam app because the music is just as good and helps tell each episode’s story.
2. Issa Rae
I’ve loved Issa Rae since Insecure, where she writes and produces, amongst her many talents. She is uniquely funny and a gorgeous babe. I love that she’s doing more outside of the show, she was hysterical in Little, loved her in Lovebirds and The Photograph…ohh so good!!.
3. Natasha Rothwell
Natasha Rothwell is a talent in her own right, yes she’s hilarious on Insecure but she’s brilliant in dramatic roles too, and a power in writing and directing!
4. Amanda Seales
Amanda Seales is seriously one the funniest ladies and she’s going to tell it to you straight too, and that’s why I admire her! Her HBO comedy special “I Be Knowin’” is hysterical and she talks a lot about black stereotypes. She just launched The SFB Society an extension of her “Smart Funny & Black” brand as a safe space for black minds to meet, mingle and merge about the things that matter the most to them.
4. Yvonne Orji
Yvonne Orji is another of the amazingly talented and funny leads in Insecure. She’s proudly Nigerian and her recently released HBO comedy special “Momma, I Made It!” celebrates that in a funny and loving way!
6. Dear White People
Dear White People takes place at a progressive ivy college, this show which is part comedy part drama, follows a group of students of color as they navigate the everyday microaggressions on a campus with white students who claim not to be racist. Right from the beginning to talk about the real stuff, even the smallest of topics you wouldn’t instinctually assume as racist but are. What captivated me right away about this series is that it examines these many situations but how they affect black people. I binged right through all 3 seasons, and can’t wait for the 4th, and sadly last season. It’s a great watch for anyone wanting to better understand their own unconscious biases.
7. I May Destroy You
“I May Destroy You’s” creator, writer, director and lead actress Michaela Coel is a immensely talented woman calling all the shots and creating thought provoking work. Nothing about this show, focusing on rape and assault is comfort, in fact it’s been noted it’s difficult to watch and is loosely based on a sexual assault she experienced 2016. It’s one of the most thought provoking things I’ve watching recently, heart-wrenching but in a beautifully artistically simple yet complex way of how it navigates sexuality, diving into the concept of consent and people’s psyche of why we might compartmentalize and hide our response to trauma. BTW Michaela is a total bada** for standing strong alongside her work when she refused a $1million Netflix deal when they wouldn’t to give her the show’s copyright…as if the show literally wouldn’t exist in any form without her!
8. Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever was the lighthearted show we all needed during the height of quarantine. Like so many I blew through the 1st season, it was funny and genuine but that fact the leads are all Indian and the culture is very much a part of the show’s story is the best part. I’ve read so many reviews from Indian women who said they finally felt seen in a show, that they wish it was on when they were growing up. I know so many of us already can’t wait for what antics await, plus Mindy Kaling is behind it, of course it was going to be great!
9. Pose
You CANNOT fight for Black Rights if you don’t also fight for Black Trans Rights. There’s a reason Pose is at the top of so many must watch list, yes, the ballrooms, the style and fierce fabulous personalities will captivate you, but it’s bringing this world to the spotlight and along with it the injustices and fight the LGBTQ community had to endure. Billy Porter’s performance in episode 7 of season 2 is brilliant, heart-wrenching and raw, it made me cry so did the season 2 finale. The whole series is beautiful, it will make you feel all the feels, even if you aren’t part of the LGBTQ community. If you didn’t know what Ballrooms and Vogue were, then this show will absolutely give you an insight into that world and a sliver of the realities of the AIDs crisis in NYC. Mj Rodriguez’s portrayal of Blanca Rodriguez-Evangelista might be one of my favorites, I love this character so much; her heart, her compassion and empathy, her drive and light and fire — beautiful in every sense. And you will absolutely wish you could join in on the liberating freedom that was a ball in the late 80’s/early 90’s. POSE is a MUST WATCH show!
10. Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas
I loved this show!!! When it was on HBO I was obsessed, I loved Wyatt dived in, completely and to every fact and necessary piece of information, surrounding so many topics from climate to the lack of good food in school system to jails to immigration. Each episode is a quick watch and unfortunately there are only 2 seasons, but you will learn a lot!
11. Self Made
I had never learned about the incredible story of Madam C.J. Walker, thee first African American self-made millionaire, until I began seeing the trailers starring Octavia Spencer on Netflix. As soon as it was released I devoured it! I was so intrigued by this story but more so why the name of Madam C.J. Walker is known to everyone, why she’s not in the history books or taught in business and entrepreneur classes in college. Her business story is one everyone should know about!
12. Atlanta
Here’s what I found about black created, written and led shows, especially ones created by the uniquely creative and talented Donald Glover “Childish Gambino”, is that they tell stories in a more abstract artist and raw kind of way. It’s not laugh out loud, it’s not overly dramatic but it’s real, and that’s Atlanta. The story focuses on Donald’s character navigating through life, not having a place to call home, being a father, helping his cousin make it as a rapper — to simply get by in life in Atlanta.
13. Blackish + 14. Grownish
I was a die-hard Blackish/Grownish fan, unfortunately haven’t watched the last season, but this show brought to light so many issues, especially for that of a strong black family living in a predominately white town. It’s funny but also raises and touches on many issues of “Blackness” in a white-dominated America. Their “Juneteenth” episode is how I first learned about this day, not school or history books, Blackish taught me about Juneteenth. Yara Shahidi nails what it’s like to be a college kid handling new responsibilities in Growish. She experiences the growing pains of what so many us, face and have faced, when we ventured off into our independence for the first time — figuring out how to balance college, finding love, friendships, and the ebbs and flows of figuring out who we are.
15. The Love Birds
This was the BIPOC lead romantic comedy we were all in desperate need of! It’s been quite some time since a movie checks off all the boxes and throughly made me laugh and feel those rom-com butterflies. We know I love Issa Rae, seriously everything she touches is gold for me, and I’ve been a longtime fan a Kumal since Silcon Valley especially his recent solo work. I could definitely watch these two lead many more comedies! The Photograph is beautiful romantic movie led by Issa!
16. If Beale Street Could Talk
If you aren’t familiar with James Baldwin’s work I urge to please watch his eloquent truthful and beautiful words. His written works, which includes “If Beale Street Could Talk” feels just as poignant and relevant as when it took place in the 70’s. It’s a love story at heart, not one with a happy ending, a romance tarnished by the harsh reality of black and police injustices.
17. Harriet
I’ve always admired Harriet Tubman, her story, her strength and enduring soul, the mere fact this incredible woman battled for the lives and rights of her fellow black sisters and brothers and lived to 91 years old, especially during those times, is remarkable! I wish in schools we’d spend days learning about her, there is so much to discover and unpack about her story. Of course I was going to love the movie Harriet led by Cynthia Erivo whom I’ve loved for a long time {and still wish she won the Oscar for the movie’s song giving her the title of youngest EGOT status — still get it I know!}. This movie in a way felt short but I loved that it honored the strengths, and sad truths, of Harriet’s story even heavily focusing on her visions which isn’t something thought widely in history books, dreams and visions that propelled and pushed her to do what she did. The movie was just released on HBO so watch it if you haven’t!!
There are so many amazing, truthful and honestly hard to watch but necessary documentaries and movies based on real situations against Black Lives that are a must watch. Do the work yourself and google it, search online, you’ll have endless lists that I would just be reiterating here…..like The Hate U Give {which is also a book}, Just Mercy, 13th, just to name a few….
18. D-nice
D-nice was already a well known DJ, playing all the greatest and hottest dance tracks, but when he started going live on IG with his quarantine dance hours, well he became a literal household name. He made it feel like we could turn our living room and cooking dinner like a night out on the town, a for a moment through the power of music and dance allowed us to simply enjoy life again. But D-nice also ventures into several aspects of the entertainment world with his brands, and with his Quarantine Radio he’s certainly helping change and grow music influences.
19. Cousin Skeether
When the shutdowns began and the realness of the pandemic was setting in, I came across one of Cousin Skeether videos and his infectious upbeat dancing and spirit captivated me. He makes me smile, laugh and just want to get up and bust out dancing, more so than normal. You may have seen his dances being recreated by many, he certainly deserves a follow just to bring some extra good and happy vibes into your life, especially on days when the world seems a bit it too much.
And these lists won’t end here, as I learn about more BIPOC I will continuously be updating these lists with as many inspiring talents as possible, so stay tuned!!
Don’t forget to check out these other inspiring BIPOC too!
Writers || Poets || Speakers || Publications+Books || NonProfits
Interiors || Home Decor + Design
Artists || Photographers || Creators
Wedding/Event Professionals || Floral Designers
Environmentalists || Sustainability || Planters/Gardeners
Lifestyle || Wellness || Travel
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