Rhythms of Resistance
Written by Aaliyah Fafanto
Revolutionaries in the Industry: How These Black, Queer & Womxn Artists Are Shaping Our Culture
We all know Nina Simone and Billie Holiday were queens of revolutionizing music, but today’s badasses are doing the same. These artists aren’t just making music—they’re breaking barriers, challenging beauty standards, and demanding that society listens. They’ve got us questioning everything from gender norms to beauty standards, all while dropping beats that slap!
Revolution isn’t just about social justice anymore; it’s about self-expression, fighting for space, and embracing who we are. Music is a universal language, and women—especially Black and queer women—have used it for centuries to speak up about inequality. For us, the fight is even louder, as we are pushing for visibility, intersectionality, and representation in spaces that weren’t made for us.
Here’s a list of badass womxn who have been revolutionizing the game. They’ve been advocating for Black empowerment, queerness, self-love, and self-expression, one song at a time. They’re spitting revolution in our eardrums, and it’s about time we listen!
1. Alicia Keys – The Queen of Black Beauty and Empowerment
Alicia Keys needs no introduction. From her early hits like "Fallin'" to her more recent bangers like "Girl on Fire", Alicia’s power has always been rooted in authenticity, Black empowerment, and social justice. Her "no makeup" movement shattered societal expectations of beauty and success, challenging Eurocentric standards and celebrating Black womanhood as it is. She told the world that Black women are beautiful just as we are, no filters necessary. Alicia has always used her platform to speak out about issues like police brutality and racial inequality, from "New Day" to "Underdog." And let’s be real—she's made“ real” look sexy. We see you, Alicia!
2. Megan Thee Stallion – The Confidence Queen
Megan Thee Stallion—yes, thee Stallion—is breaking all the rules. She’s confident, powerful, and sexual in a way that’s unapologetically Black and female. With songs like "Savage" and "Hot Girl Summer", she created a wave that normalized confidence in one’s body, sexuality, and unapologetic self-expression. What I love about her is how she owns her sexuality and body in a way that not only pushes boundaries but celebrates Black womens’ power. Megan calls out the double standards women face every day. When she bravely spoke out about the incident with Tory Lanez, she wasn’t just talking about violence; she was speaking out about the protection Black women need, but too often don’t get. If that’s not revolutionary, what is?
3. Rico Nasty – The Punk Queen With a Message
“ Aggressive” is the label slapped on any woman who speaks their truth when others are too scared to whisper it. Is she loud, or is she just real? The answer: both!
Rico Nasty is a fusion of punk rock, hip hop, and alternative music. She’s got a sound that challenges the boundaries of what it means to be a woman in rap. Songs like "Smack a Bitch" and "Poppin'" speak to boldness, rebelliousness, and sheer guts—perfect for anyone who’s ever felt like they didn't fit into a box. By blending genres that were once dominated by men, Rico is exactly what the music industry needs to shake things up. Her energy is a reminder that women can be loud, bold, and even aggressive if they want to be!
4. Big Freedia – The Queen of Queer Bounce & Boldness
Big Freedia isn’t just an artist—she’s an institution. As a pioneer of New Orleans bounce music, Big Freedia brought queer Black culture into mainstream visibility. Her tracks like "Explode" and "Just Be Free" make you want to get up and twerk and they also encourage freedom of gender expression and sexual fluidity.
Big Freedia is an advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and sexual freedom. She’s normalizing queerness and gender nonconformity in music, letting the world know that everyone has a right to claim their space. Big Freedia’s impact isn’t just about her music; it’s about the space she carved out for Black queerness in a music industry that didn’t always make room for it.
5. India.Arie – The Queen of Self Love
India.Arie is one of those artists who just gets it. She was always in the background of my life growing up—my mom had her playing loud in the house, and those songs became the soundtrack of my childhood.“ Video” and “ I Am Not My Hair” are more than just songs—they’re anthems of self-love, Black womanhood, and spirituality. I think about her song“ I Am Not My Hair” every time I think of my mother’s battle with cancer and realize that India helped her embrace her natural beauty, flaws and all. For Black women, her music is a reminder that we’re more than what society tells us we should be. India’s work encourages us to love ourselves just as we are, despite the world telling us otherwise.
6. Young M.A – The Unapologetic Butch Queen
As a Black and Butch lesbian, Young M.A has been an absolute inspiration to me. Growing up, I never thought I would see someone like me dominate in the hip-hop game, but Young M.A is doing it, and doing it well. Young M.A has been one of the most revolutionary figures in hip hop, challenging the norms of masculinity and femininity in the genre. With tracks like“ OOOUUU” and“ Big”, she’s proven that queer Black women can exist in hip hop, and not just as side characters or props. She’s a force—her masculinity is on full display, and she doesn’t hide it for anyone. She’s shown me that being a non-traditional woman in this space doesn’t mean you’re any less of an artist.
7. Kehlani – The Intersectional Icon
Kehlani is not only an incredible artist, but they’re also one of the most visible nonbinary icons in the music industry today. As a nonbinary artist, Kehlani has shattered the heteronormative structure of R&B. Songs like“ Can I” and“ Honey” explore love, fluidity, and personal growth, and through their visibility, Kehlani has created space for more queer Black womxn in mainstream music. Kehlani isn’t just out here wooing hearts with their sweet voice— their activism, especially their work around the Palestinian cause, shows just how much Kehlani stands on business. They remind us all to speak out, take action, and fight for what's right. They’re not just doing the work—they’re living it. And if you don’t respect Kehlani’s pronouns, you’re doing it wrong :)
8. Ravyn Lenae – The Queen of Genre-Bending
Ravyn Lenae is one of the most exciting artists in R&B right now. Her genre-blending style and introspective lyrics in songs like“ Inside Out” and“ Love is Blind” make her stand out as one of the future faces of R&B. It’s her commitment to pushing the envelope in terms of what it means to be a Black woman in music that really hits home for me. Her music is a space where communal healing and cultural commentary collide, showing that the revolution isn’t just in the streets—it’s in the music we listen to and how we view ourselves. Ravyn’s sound is a reminder that we don’t have to follow the rules, and when we embrace who we truly are, we’re unstoppable.
9. Muni Long – The Queen of Taking Control
Muni Long’s journey to stardom has been far from smooth including being underappreciated and overlooked in an industry, but her unwavering determination is nothing short of groundbreaking. She spent years as a ghostwriter before finally stepping into the spotlight, and now she’s letting the world know that she is the star. As a songwriter, Muni has penned hits for artists like Rihanna and Ariana Grande, but it’s her solo work, such as "Hrs and Hrs" and "Made For Me", that shows her true gift. Her music is a statement about independence, vulnerability, and autonomy, especially when it comes to love and relationships. Muni is an example of how resilience and owning your own narrative are rebellious acts in an industry built on exploitation. No one else defines our worth—we do.
10. Ariel J: The Queen of “I’m Rooting For Everybody Black”
Ariel J is an artist whose music, especially the track“ Fa Ma N****”, speaks directly to the revolution. As a Black queer woman, Ariel uses her platform to reclaim space, identity, and love in a world that has too often tried to silence her. In this song, Ariel affirms that, even in the face of adversity, we belong—we matter, we are worthy of love, and we are shamelessly Black. The track is a testament to the power of Black solidarity, queer joy, and the fight for visibility. Ariel’s voice is one of empowerment and love.
