Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” era singlehandedly ignited the fire of acknowledging the Black community’s contributions to the gentrified genre. In fact, lead single “Texas Hold ‘Em” made her the first Black woman artist ever to top Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. That song was eventually replaced by Nigerian-American musician Shaboozey, making them the first two Black artists to consecutively occupy the number one slot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. Though history has been made, the most significant outcome has been highlighting the smaller Black names in country.
With that, rumors have begun swirling that the third act of Beyoncé’s roll out may be a rock album. This isn’t far fetched. With alternative songs like “Don’t Hurt Yourself” already in her catalog, it’s clear that she can and has mastered the sound. As it’s sure to be yet another cultural shift, why not get ahead of the curve by learning about the Black artists in the genre already making a name for themselves?
King Isis
With bone-chilling vocals and lyrics that bare full skin, Oakland’s King Isis claimed her space in the indie rock community with her 2023 debut EP, “scales.” Bold and vulnerable, she sings songs of self destruction with raunch and grit, one of the most promising rising names in the genre.
WILLOW
A superstar since she was born, it’s unfair to confine WILLOW to one genre, though she’s certainly provided the rock and alt indie realm with so much. She’s a loud exclamation of authenticity, with a sound that mirrors no one else and a bold sense of self. When it comes to the revival of angsty pop-punk, WILLOW is vehemently leading the pack with songs like “<maybe> it’s my fault” and “symptom of life.”
Paris Texas
Rambunctious and adept at drawing outside the lines, duo, Paris Texas, pay no respect to the bland nor unimaginative. Characteristically known to marry rap with rock, neither are at the expense of the other. Their 2023 project MID AIR has virtually no skips. Their live performances are electrifying, complete with mosh pits and palpable stage presence. Hidden behind blaring guitar riffs are lyrics drenched incomparable wit, raw flesh, and honesty, surely next up in the punk legacy.
Dominic Fike
A celebrity beyond his artistry, Dominic Fike has become a name bigger than his music. He’s an actor and multidisciplinary artist, with much of his work teetering the lines of pop punk. Encapsulating feelings of lost love and intoxicating nostalgia, he’s even collaborated with rock legends like Weezer, proving he’s earned the respect of his predecessors.
d4vd
A TikTok viral sensation turned superstar, d4vd has toured the world with his melancholic ballads. He’s known for electrifying rock hits like “Notes From a Wrist” and “Romantic Homicide.” His songwriting ability captures even the most nuanced intricacies of heartbreak and despair, making him one of the most coveted storytellers in moody pop.
grouptherapy.
Like a modern-day N.E.R.D, LA-based duo grouptherapy., consisting of Jadagrace and Coy Stewart, vacillate between rock, rap, and R&B. The duo excels in every avenue as both individual artists and a group. Beyond talent, the secret sauce to their magic is the authentic and homegrown friendship they’ve poured years into. That colors the joy felt in their work.
Teezo Touchdown
Texas-based superstar Teezo Touchdown is the industry’s latest obsession. The experimental rapper has a sound that belongs to no one else. Teezo Touchdown uses a ‘90s pop-rock backdrop to exercise his boundless lyrical versatility. He’s not afraid to introduce punk to hip-hop, mixing potions that are both lethal and perfectly paired.