LGBTQ+ BIPOC Hip Hop & R&B Artists to Watch
Black queer artists are reshaping hip hop and R&B, blending genres and pushing boundaries. Trailblazers like Cakes Da Killa paved the way, and now the likes of Doechii are transforming the sound of contemporary music.This article spotlights a dynamic wave of LGBTQ+ BIPOC talents who are making waves. Discover artists such as serpentwithfeet, merging classical training with gospel, and Saucy Santana, redefining Southern rap with bold lyricism. We also feature Dope Saint Jude, Shawnee Kish, Taylor Bennett, ms.Boogie, and more. these artists are exploring themes of identity, self-love, and cultural pride. News Directory 3 is proud to celebrate these artists driving the evolution of hip hop and R&B. Experience a new perspective as these figures create space for queer expression. Discover what’s next for these artists and the future of the genres.
Black Queer Artists Reshaping Hip Hop and R&B
Black queer artistry has long been integral to hip hop and R&B, though often unseen. Trailblazers like Cakes Da Killa and Big Freedia paved the way for today’s openly queer artists. Now, talents such as Doechii are bringing unapologetic queerness to the forefront, marking a significant shift in the music industry.
These BIPOC LGBTQIA+ artists are not just “next up”; they are actively transforming the sound, stage presence, and standards of contemporary music. Here are some of the key figures making waves:
serpentwithfeet – Baltimore, MD
serpentwithfeet blends classical training with gospel and experimental R&B, creating emotionally resonant music. His work explores queer Black love with vulnerability. Albums like soil and DEACON inspire artists to embrace softness in Black masculinity. Collaborations include Ty Dolla $ign and Björk.
Saucy Santana – Perry, FL
Saucy Santana redefines Southern rap with bounce-infused beats and bold lyricism.Santana uses his platform to promote visibility for Black LGBTQIA+ communities while creating club anthems. Collaborations include Madonna and Latto.
Dope Saint jude – cape Town, South Africa
Dope Saint Jude fuses trap, punk, and electronic styles into anthems of resistance. As a queer feminist voice, her art is both political and catchy. Her music has appeared in Netflix series and global ad campaigns.
Shawnee Kish – Ontario, Canada
Shawnee Kish, a Two-Spirit Indigenous singer-songwriter, blends pop, R&B, and soul. Kish uses her music to amplify Indigenous voices and explore themes of love and cultural pride.
Taylor Bennett – Chicago, IL
Taylor Bennett brings introspection and bisexual visibility to hip hop. Bennett addresses identity,fatherhood,and mental health with vulnerability.He advocates for LGBTQIA+ representation in rap.
Ms. Boogie – Brooklyn, NY
Ms. Boogie blends reggaeton, trap, and ballroom influences to craft femme-forward anthems. Her work celebrates trans identity with power and humor.
Tropical Marca – Goa, India
Tropical Marca merges queer identity with cultural celebration. Their track,“Tropical Queen,” was featured on the rainbow Riots India compilation. Tropical Marca uses hip hop to claim space for South Asian queer expression.
Ivy Sole – Philadelphia, PA
Ivy Sole is a non-binary rapper and producer blending hip hop, jazz, and neo-soul.Their lyrics explore identity, mental health, and self-love. Projects like Overgrown have garnered critical acclaim.
Dai Burger – Queens, NY
Dai Burger is a vibrant voice in New York’s queer rap scene. Her music blends club-ready production with empowering bars that celebrate femme identity and queer pleasure.
Stef Aranas – Quezon City, Philippines
Stef Aranas is a Filipino trans artist blending R&B and pop-rap. Her songs explore self-acceptance, community, and joyful femininity.
CHIKA – Montgomery, AL
CHIKA is an eloquent voice speaking on queerness, body positivity, and mental health in rap. Her debut,Industry Games,introduced a lyricist with skill and depth.
Skaiwater – Nottingham, UK
Skaiwater brings a nonbinary edge to trap and club music. their project #gigi features a collaboration with Lil Nas X and speaks to digital intimacy and fluid identity.
SUGXR BVBBLE – Bangkok, Thailand
SUGXR BVBBLE is considered Thailand’s first openly queer hip hop artist. Their music challenges gender norms and uplifts self-love.
What’s next
These artists are paving the way for greater inclusivity and representation in hip hop and R&B, promising a more diverse and vibrant future for the genres.