Musical Muses of Note

Yes, I know...it's been a while. I've decided to re-emerge because I've recently been inspired by a few musical muses that I think you need to know about, if you don't already know them. Today I'm introducing you to four artists that are making waves in the new age r&b scene. They've been around for a while, but I don't think enough people are truly aware of their music and raw talent. So since it's my birthday in two days, all I ask is that you give these ladies a listen! Also, in the past month, I've been told that I sort of look like both H.E.R. and Ella Mai so I'm gonna milk that.

H.E.R.

Having Everything Revealed, H.E.R. was born Gabriella Wilson. This 21-year-old African-American/Filipino singer, songwriter from California started her career on Radio Disney. Her debut album was released in 2016 and she won two Grammy Awards in 2019 for Best R&B Performance and Best R&B Album (her Grammy look might just be my Halloween costume this year). Addressing the secrecy of her identity, H.E.R. has said: "I really just wanted it to be about the music, and get away from, 'Who is she with? What is she wearing?'"

Give H.E.R. a Listen

As I Am
Hard Place
Losing
Focus

Ella Mai

This 24-year-old English singer, songwriter made 2018 her year with her hit single "Boo'd Up" which won her a 2019 Grammy for Best R&B Song. Being named after Ella Fitzgerald, this artist of Jamaican and Irish descent has music in her veins and says that some of her biggest influences are Lauryn Hill and Alicia Keys. I have a similar pink coat so I'm thinking about recreating this photo.

Give Ella Mai a Listen
Boo'd Up
Trip
Gut Feeling (feat. H.E.R.)

Eryn Allen Kane

Being raised on classic soul music and the cultural music of Macedonia - where her mother is from - Eryn Allen Kane has had a wide range of musical knowledge. Her songs have appeared on both TV and movie soundtracks. You'll definitely hear a variety in her tunes, from folksy alternative sounds to choir-like melodies. Someone go make this woman a Wikipedia page!

Give Eryn Allen Kane a Listen

Have Mercy

Slipping

Feel the Need

SZA

Solana Imani Rowe, better known as SZA, has been a musical force since her debut studio album CTRL was released in 2017, which was ranked as the best album of that year according to Time magazine. Her music has been described as neo soul/alternative r&b with elements of cloud rap, witch house and chillwave. Raised as an orthodox Muslim, SZA takes her stage name from the Supreme Alphabet and hopes to one day be comfortable enough to rock her hijab in her music videos. I listen to at least one SZA song a million times a day.

Give SZA a Listen
Broken Clocks
Drew Barrymore
Love Galore

Adding these two as honorable mentions, not because their music isn't great, but because you should definitely know who they are already!

Tessa Thompson

You know Tessa Thompson as an actor in movies and shows like Creed, Thor: Ragnarok, Dear White People, Westworld, Sorry to Bother You, Annihilation, Selma and the upcoming Men in Black: International! So yeah, she's quite known. But did you know that she sings, too?

Give Tessa a Listen

Time Tick

Grip

I Will Go to War

Willow

Obviously, we have all heard of Willow Smith. She comes from a vert famous family. But what you might not know is that there's more to Willow than just a silly song about whipping her hair from almost a decade ago. When I first heard these songs I didn't even know it was her. She's come a long way and you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Give Willow a Listen
Marceline
9 (feat. SZA)
Wait a Minute

Celebrating Black History Month with these beautiful black women