Black history is American history, and what would the culture be without music to laugh, cry, celebrate, and dance to? Thanks to these musicians, the Black community's history and victories continue to shine its light for the world to see.
In honor of Black History Month, check out these Black musicians who are changing the game in real-time.
Beyonce
The list of things that Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter has done to open doors for not only Black artists but Black people as a community is incomparable. The pop culture icon and mom-of-three has consistently broken barriers throughout her career and still manages to do so 25 years later. After scoring her 28th Grammy win in 2021 for "Black Parade," Bey became the most decorated female artist in Grammy's history. Adding to her list of feats includes becoming the first Black woman to headline Coachella in 2018 and simply being one of the world's highest-paid recording artists.
Most recently, Bey became the first woman to have topped both Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs since the lists began in 1958.
Jimmie Allen
As one of few Black artists making waves in the Country Music world, Jimmie Allen has made a name for himself far beyond the barriers of a genre. After reportedly spending his last $100 to see his hero Charley Pride back in 2016, Allen has gone on to make history as the first Black artist to win the New Male Artist of the Year at the ACM Awards and the first black country singer to launch a career with a number one hit, thanks to his award-nominated track "Best Shot."
Donald Glover
Glover is the true definition of a "jack of all trades". The comedian, actor, and writer made television history in 2017, becoming the first black director to win the Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series. In 2019, he made music history as the first artist to win Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys for "This Is America".
John Legend
With a last name like Legend, it's no surprise that the singer has had a career as fruitful as his. The 12-time Grammy winner will go down in history as the first African American man to join the prestigious EGOT club.
Rihanna
Just Rihanna being Rihanna is historical in itself. The Bajan beauty has opened many doors for young, Black women in music, fashion, and business. In 2021, the songstress reached billionaire status, becoming the wealthiest female musician of our time, thanks to her booming Fenty Beauty business and SavageXFenty lingerie line.
Kendrick Lamar
Since bursting onto the scene in 2011, Kendrick Lamar's name has been synonymous with making history. In 2017, he completely raised the bar, becoming the first hip-hop act to win a Pulitzer Prize in music for his acclaimed fourth album DAMN.
Frank Ocean
Ocean is credited for changing the music industry as a whole after dropping his visual album Endless, followed by his official sophomore project Blonde. After fulfilling his contract with Def Jam, he created his very own record label and decided to release Blonde, independently. By owning the master recordings of his music from Blonde, Frank nearly gained a 100% profit from the earnings of the album, changing the music business forever.
Chance The Rapper
Chance The Rapper is never not busy changing the world in some way. In 2017, he made history as the first artist to win a Grammy (three Grammys to be exact), for his streaming-only album "Coloring Book."
Mickey Guyton
The country crooner is consistently breaking records and opening doors for Black, country artists to follow in her footsteps. In 2021 Guyton, made history at the 63rd Grammy Awards by being the first Black solo female artist to earn a nomination in a country music category. One month later, at the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards, she became the first Black female artist to host a major country music awards show.
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