Pictured: Theodora, Jae Stephens, YSEULT, Natanya
Black women in pop music is not anything new, but recently, we've noticed a host of new voices shaping and leaving their mark on the current landscape. We're using that term, "pop," loosely — ahead, in this list, these musicians span capital-P pop, yes, but also R&B, hyperpop, grunge, and rock, though they all share one uniting ethos: a swaggering and stylish sensibility about the way they present their vision.
These 20 artists — Cannelle, YSEULT, Natanya, Chxrry, and many more — move like they own the mainstream. Soon, they probably will. Before that happens, though, tap in to our list below.
Alemeda
Credit - Brianna Alysse
Who: The Sudanese-Ethiopian singer-songwriter makes stinging guitar anthems and is going on tour with Isaiah Rashad. Read our interview with Alemeda for The Opener.
For fans of: Paramore
Where to start: Her song "Broken Record" is a fiery anthem about knowing your value.
YSEULT
Ben Draghi/Richie Shazam
Who: French singer YSEULT exudes high-octane glamour with the New Jack Swing-inspired sound of her latest single "Freak" featuring JT.
For fans of: SWV
Where to start: "Freak" will transport you back to the '90s.
Natanya
Alex Radota for The FADER
Who: SZA, Doechii, PinkPantheress, and many more have already pledged allegiance to Natanya Hive. The London-based crooner, whose R&B-inspired sound is eclectic and timeless, is gearing up for a fall album, ATTITUDE ERA!, and tour. Read our GEN F profile on Natanya.
For fans of: SZA
Where to start: "PLAY WITH A KISS!" is a jolt to the senses.
Cannelle
Jonah Love
Who: French electro-pop singer Cannelle has been going viral since the release of her June mixtape CINNA. Read our interview with Cannelle.
For fans of: Coco & Clair Clair
Where to start: Her strobe-lit banger "BB Blue" is a maximalist introduction to her world.
Theodora
Liesel Fritsch for The FADER
Who: With her horny, shameless songs pulling from rap, R&B, and Caribbean subgenres like bouyon, Theodora is France's biggest new star. Read our GEN F profile on Theodora.
For fans of: Amaarae
Where to start: We haven't stopped bumping "BE MY VALENTINE" from her upcoming project, SM4L, Sexy Music 4 Life.
Jae Stephens
Gianni Gallant
Who: After coming up on Tumblr, Jae Stephens has successfully parlayed her micro-internet fame to a promising music career. The salacious "Attaboy!" is a great appetizer to the upcoming main course, Audacity, out September 25.
Listen if you like: Beyoncé
Where to start:
iKeda
Erika Kamano
Who: iKeda has been popping off after opening for PinkPantheress and releasing her new summer single "Go!" Read our interview with iKeda.
For fans of: M.I.A.
Where to start:
Portraits of Tracy
Mae Kaeil @cowboymae
Who: Genre-bending producer and artist Portraits Of Tracy has a new 60s-inspired EP (and many new fans). Read our interview with Portraits of Tracy.
For fans of: Stereolab
Where to start:
Rachel Chinouriri
Courtesy of Atlantic Records
Who: English singer-songwriter Rachel Chinouriri's soulful songs and airy vocals have garnered her attention from Gracie Abrams and Wolf Alice.
For fans of: Ravyn Lenae
Where to start:
girlsweetvoiced
Daniel Dukane
Who: After breaking out with her Joni Mitchell-sampling song "Tonight," girlsweetvoiced made her buzzy introduction with her debut album Lovesweet.
For fans of: Clairo
Where to start:
Chxrry
Ethan Holland for The FADER
Who: The first lady of The Weeknd's record label, XO Records, Chxrry has been on a roll since releasing U, Me & My Ego and selling out her The Ego Tour. Read our interview with Chxrry.
For fans of: Rihanna
Where to start:
FLO
Courtesy of FLO
Who: Renée, Jorja, and Stella have polished their R&B sound for their upcoming album Therapy At The Club, out August 7.
For fans of: Destiny's Child
Where to start:
RYL0
Photo by @kaiocsr
Who: RYL0 has a discography packed to the brim with windows-down, effortlessly fun club classics. This past July, she released her inspired EP, Odyssey, which combines themes of the ancient world with... hyperpop?
For fans of: Tiffany Day
Where to start:
Hemlocke Springs
Mia André
Who: Dreamy and raw, Hemlocke Springs will catch you in bouncy melodies or sweep you off your feet with dramatic swells.
For fans of: Magdalena Bay
Where to start:
nomi.
Courtesy of nomi.
Who: nomi.'s single "what you want" this past July played with our hearts, giving the melodic ethos of a breakup song while being a sweet, gentle song.
For fans of: Baby Rose
Where to start:
dexter in the newsagent
Courtesy of dexter in the newsagent
Who: dexter appeared on Jim Legxacy's black british music (2025) and carries her own torch of delicate, British dream pop. Read our interview with dexter in the newsagent for The Opener.
For fans of: Jim Legxacy
Where to start:
Moliy
Who: The Ghanaian-American singer just put out a steaming album, BADDIES <3 MOLIY, leaning into poppy, upbeat West African rhythms. Read our interview with Moliy.
For fans of: Rema
Where to start:
flowerovlove
courtesy of flowerovlove
Who: This singer-songwriter who's played Coachella has put out five lovey-dovey singles from her upcoming album, Mini Skirt Warrior.
Listen if you like: Olivia Rodrigo
Where to start:
Chenayder
Kaden Griffin
Who: If Chenayder doesn't enchant you with her twinkling funk, she's sure to find you in her bluesy melodies over old-school beats, like on her July release Outdated.
For fans of: Liim
Where to start:
BINA.
Cover art by Niya Taylor
Who: BINA. builds uniquely elegant harmonies over the tightest jazzy drum pockets for some deliciously creative ear candy.
For fans of: Erykah Badu
Where to start:
