So far in this series, we’ve listed 10 talented Black artists. Now it’s time to dive into 5 more. Here we go!
CHIKA
If you don’t know who Chika is, we need to change that right now. Her track “Songs About You” from her critically-acclaimed EP, Industry Games, let the world know that Chika does NOT play games and that she is successful wholly because she is herself. Now with the release of her latest EP, Once Upon A Time, the Grammy-nominated rapper further plays on the Chika being Chika theme by becoming the heroine of her own fairy tale and it feels revolutionary. “HICKORY DICKORY” is a song about her come up and how success and fame can be bittersweet. “Fairy Tales” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid is a fantastic song about inclusion. Every child should be able to see themselves in media, music and art. Now, what takes this song over the top is Chika’s quick rapping at the end. Busta Rhymes couldn’t have done it any better.
“Cinderella Pt. 1” is about spotting a potential love interest from across the room and the nervousness that comes with it. The song ends with Chika seeing her alone in the kitchen and smoothly transitions into “Cinderella Pt. 2”. The beat slows down as Chika serenades her love interest: “Cinderella, you sound like me/ I remember you from my dreams/ When I’m with you, you make time freeze.” This EP is as magical as the fairy tales it references.
SERPENTWITHFEET
serpentwithfeet is changing not only the music game but societal norms. Born Josiah Wise, serpentwithfeet is an experimental R&B artist. His recent album DEACON celebrates gay Black love in a beautiful and poignant way. Give a listen to “Same Size Shoe”. The song and music video will brighten your day as he sings about finding his perfect match. Not only are we seeing two Black men in love but we’re also seeing Black joy, which is crucial for young, queer Black boys to see. Again, representation matters.
“Hyacinth” is a simple yet powerful album opener that references the Greek myth Hyacinth or Hyacinthus who was a handsome Spartan prince and also Apollo’s lover. His song “Heart Storm” with NAO expresses that all love is natural. That’s the beauty of it all.
Carve out some time to really dive into his music and videos, especially “bless ur heart” from his debut album, soil. It’s a sincere track that feels hopeful as Wise sings that he’s grateful for his past relationship. He’s learned how to be gentle and to keep a tender heart. We’re grateful for serpentwithfeet and everything he’s doing for the culture.
LOUS AND THE YAKUZA
Lous And The Yakuza is a Congolese-Belgian singer who performs mainly in French. In an interview with Dazed Digital, she explains her stage name Lous is an anagram of soul and Yakuza means loser in Japanese. Lous And The Yakuza literally means spirit of the loser; however, she has the spirit of a champion. Her music is described as hip hop/rap, but it gives a lot more. Think of Grace Jones with softer edges. “Dilemme” reaffirms a universal truth that hurt people, hurt people. Rather than be hurt and hurt others, she would rather be alone. Lous And The Yakuza’s song “Tout est gore” is a song about beauty. But not beauty in its traditional since. She lets us know that even a bloody mess can be beautiful. Living carefree and without fear can end in gore and that is beautiful. Her song “Téléphone sonne” tells us about her fears. She’s afraid to sleep or get distracted because her wishes may evaporate. It is a stunning song that articulates a manic state. These are the songs from her debut album, Gore.
Another album highlight is “Amigo”, which says that life can bring us to our knees but we can and must get up. The song is her truth. Her videos are her truth as well. When it comes to visuals, Lous And The Yakuza not only understood the assignment, she wrote the coursebook. They are like listening to music in an art museum. It’s beautiful to see Black people and Black culture on full display.
M.A.G.S.
M.A.G.S. is a young indie rocker originally out of Buffalo, New York. His song “Choked Out” tells how you can be your own worst enemy. Watch the video and you will hear great sound along with pulsating visuals. M.A.G.S. sound can be described as alt-rock. His most popular song, “Drugs”, gives us 70’s rock. It’s right at home with David Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust”. Now “Sunrise” is simple and sweet and the video matches it perfectly. It sounds like early James Taylor. “Demon” is fantastic. It is 80’s new wave and so is the video. If you haven’t caught on, M.A.G.S. is every rock genre since the 60’s. His self-titled album called M.A.G.S. lets us know that his artistry spans many decades. Now with his 2020 EP Lost Tapes, “Try” takes us back to the 70’s. The song allows you to let yourself off the hook. No matter how hard you try, you are going to be disappointed either way. Next, give a listen to “Couldn’t Care”. All the way through, you feel the untethering of emotion leading as he sings about the deterioration of a relationship.
With a new album on the way, M.A.G.S. has demonstrated that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the DIY scene.
HAIKU
Haiku is a young artist out of Brooklyn, New York. She encompasses a youthful, fun, gritty vibe that is just what a hopefully post pandemic world needs. Her EP Pilot is a melodic dream. Haiku’s “Peace of Mind” is a great song for anyone having a tough time. It lets you know that you can step back, calm yourself, and find a way out. “Paradise” shows a more experimental side to Haiku with trippy visuals to match. The video depicts losing yourself in the pitfalls of life while wishing for betters days.
“Hold On” has that 90’s R&B girl group sound. It has that walking down the street with the one that you love feel. “Everything” is another bop straight out of the 90’s. Haiku is bringing that 90’s R&B genre back. It’s the sound we didn’t know that we needed. She has taken us back and brought us forward with a fresh feel. Her look is even reminiscent of the R&B princesses of the 90’s. Haiku is everything.