The southern state of Texas has bred endless Black female talent, from actresses to singers. A state with deep roots in music, food and home-grown love, cities, like Houston and Dallas, are meccas for Black culture. Beyoncé, a Third Ward native, is one of the many superstars to put the state on the map, making sure the mainstream knows Texans are nothing to be slept on.
Here are a few fellow Black female celebrities who represent the Lone Star State, from shouting it out in their art to keeping hot sauce in their bag.
Beyoncé and Solange
Sisters and musical prodigies Beyoncé and Solange Knowles maintain a deep connection to their native city of Houston. Though they’ve both gone on to build families of their own elsewhere, they credit growing up in the Southern culture for much of who they are today. In fact, Beyoncé’s entire album “Cowboy Carter” was a nod to her country roots. Meanwhile, when Interview Magazine asked Solange what the most Texas thing is about her, she responded, “I walk with my shoes off pretty much everywhere. That’s the Texas in me. And I think everything sounds better slowed down.”
Megan Thee Stallion
When it comes to repping Texas, Megan Thee Stallion is certainly not shy about her roots. In her latest single “Bigger in Texas,” the rapper pays homage to her roots, driving around the city and showcasing signature sights alongside Houston legends, Paul Wall and Slim Thug. The rapper was born in San Antonio and immediately relocated to Houston, graduating from Texas Southern University in 2021.
Erykah Badu
Dallas native Erykah Badu got her musical start in the Southern city and only continues to honor her roots. Badu began performing at age four at the Dallas Theater Center. Nowadays, she makes sure to bring her tours back home as often as possible. “I’m from South Dallas. It’s such a big part of my life; my grandmother still lives in the house I grew up in,” she shared with Texas Monthly. “Her house is right in front of Interstate 45.”
Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad
Houston, Texas, proudly produced another set of legendary sisters—Phylicia Rashad and Debbie Allen, both trailblazers in the entertainment industry. Phylicia, best known for her role as Clair Huxtable on “The Cosby Show,” made history as the first Black woman to win a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play. Meanwhile, Debbie Allen became a force in dance and television, starring in “Fame” and later founding the Debbie Allen Dance Academy. Their Texas upbringing instilled in them a passion for the arts and excellence. Together, they have paved the way for Black women in Hollywood, leaving an indelible legacy.
Kelly Rowland
Though singer Kelly Rowland was born in Atlanta, Georgia, she relocated to Houston when she was a young girl. She even moved in with former fellow Destiny’s Child member Beyoncé. Rowland built such a connection with the city that she even spoke at Vice President Kamala Harris’ Houston rally, urging the state to go blue for the 2024 presidential election.
Mickey Guyton
Mickey Guyton, a trailblazing country music artist, proudly hails from Arlington, Texas. Growing up in the Lone Star State, a mix of gospel, R&B, and country music influenced Guyton and shaped her unique sound. She made history as the first Black female artist to be nominated for a Grammy in the country music category. Doing so, broke barriers in a traditionally white male-dominated genre. Her hit song “Black Like Me” resonated deeply, highlighting her experiences as a Black woman in country music. She continues to use her voice to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the industry.