Underrated Black Artists Playlist

Happy Black History Month! Although Black history should be learned and celebrated every month, February is a great time to learn more about Black history. Here’s a list of some underrated Black artists to add to your playlists.

1. “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” – Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson isn’t an unknown artist, but her vocals are definitely underrated. This song from her debut role in “Dreamgirls” is a perfect example of her strong vocals and ability to belt out any note.

2. “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano” – Sampha

Sampha is one of my favorite artists. He sings incredibly powerful ballads, and this one, in particular, is about his relationship with his mother as he grew up an artist.

3. “Unmoved (A Black Woman Truth)” – Ayoni

Hands down, one of my absolute favorite artists, Ayoni is an incredible vocalist and even though she’s still fairly new to the music scene, her song “Unmoved” was featured on Spotify’s “Most Beautiful Songs in the World” playlist.

4. “Cranes in the Sky” – Solange Knowles

The lesser-known and underrated sister of Beyoncé, Solange, is another incredible vocalist. She spent eight years working on her critically acclaimed album “A Seat at the Table.” This song earned her a Grammy for Best R&B Performance.

5. “Why I Love the Moon” – Phony Ppl.

This five-member neo-soul/funk group is based in Brooklyn, NY. They have been featured on a song with Megan Thee Stallion. This particular song sports a jazzy and upbeat melody.

6. “Girl Like Me” – Jazmine Sullivan ft. H.E.R.

Both of these artists are incredible vocalists. She can belt a note, hold a strong melody, and hit some life-changing harmonies. H.E.R., on the other hand, has a more subtle voice but all of her music is incredibly calming and peaceful, balancing the song.

7. “Georgia to Texas” – Leon Bridges

As he moves away from his debut album that was heavily stylized similarly to music from the ‘60s, Bridges enters more into R&B for his second album. This album as a whole is beautiful, thought-provoking, and moving.

8. “Toast” – Koffee

“Toast” is the second track on Koffee’s debut EP “Rapture.” This EP not only secured her a Grammy, but she became the youngest and only female artist to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album. She has released 13 singles and is definitely an artist to watch going forward.