Spice Up Your Summer Playlist With These 10 Black LGBTQ+ Artists

Pride never ends! Pride Month and Black Music Month might only last a month, but black LGBTQIA+ artists will always exist and celebrate who they are. With summer in full swing, we’re giving you a list of ten LGBTQ+ black artists to spice your summer playlist. While we could give you so many, known and unknown, the focus will be mostly on those who have not gained much popularity.

Asiahn

The first artist on our list is R&B singer and songwriter, Asiahn. You might’ve heard of her before. You might recognize her voice, though you may not know her name. If you watch Karma’s World, we have news for you! Asiahn voices the main character, Karma, but we can’t forget her work outside of the role. Asiahn began her music journey as a songwriter for names like Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Lopez. She has toured with major artists, written songs for TV shows, and lent her voice as a featured artist.

Asiahn released her debut EP, Love Train, on January 7, 2017. Asiahn creates music that is laid-back, dreamy, and sophisticated. Her songs explore themes of relationships, LGBTQ+ issues, and self-love. Asiahn is authentic and has smooth vocals backing her up. In January 2024, she released her latest single, ‘IJS,’ which you should definitely check out. If you’re a fan of artists like H.E.R., Bryson Tiller, Kiana Ledé, or Tone Smith, there’s a chance you’ll find Asiahn’s music appealing.

Our top 3 for your summer playlist: ‘NOLA,’ ‘Feel Good,’ and ‘Do Bad’

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Destin Conrad

Destin Conrad is an alt-R&B singer and songwriter. If you’ve had the opportunity to witness Kehlani‘s Blue Water Road Tour or Syd’s Broken Hearts Club Tour, you’d recognize him as their opening act. He’s even co-written several Kehlani songs! Destin has also had a hand in writing songs for Kiana Ledé, Ambré, and Bryson Tiller, to name a few. As a solo artist, Destin Conrad released his debut album, COLORWAY, on March 5th, 2021, which featured one of his most popular songs, ‘IN THE AIR.’ 

Destin’s music has a relaxed, passionate, sensual, and dreamy vibe. He explores themes ranging from the club scene to empowerment and relationships. At the beginning of 2024, he embarked on his first headlining tour entitled the Submissive Tour to promote his latest album and fourth album, SUBMISSIVE2. If you’re a fan of artists like Kehlani, Arin Ray, Lucky Daye, and Victoria Monet, there’s a chance you’ll find Destin Conrad’s music appealing.

Our top 3 for your summer playlist: ‘IN THE AIR,’ ‘DAY PARTY,’ and ‘COLORWAY’

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King Sis

R&B singer and songwriter King Sis is ready to take the music industry by storm. Unlike the first two mentioned, she doesn’t have an extensive background working with numerous music artists, and that’s okay with us! She started in music by singing as a background vocalist for a few artists. Her debut single was ‘Tweet and Delete, released on January 3rd, 2020. A year later, King Sis released her debut album, Ascension, on April 30th, 2021. 

King Sis’s music has a summertime feel to it. Her music conveys a relaxed, radiant, and intimate mood. The themes of her songs and lyrics include reflection and relationships. Her most recent release, Ascension D’Luxe, came out on April 30th, 2024. It’s the deluxe version of her debut album and includes seven bonus songs. If you’re a fan of artists like Jhene, Mary J. Blige, Ella Mai, or Jorja Smith, there’s a chance you’ll find King Sis’s music appealing.

Our top 3 for your summer playlist: ‘Outside,’ ‘Ocean Breeze (Westside),’ and ‘Luxe’

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Isaac Dunbar

Alt-pop music artist Isaac Dunbar might be the youngest on our list, but he’s been in the music world for several years. He hasn’t released an album, but he has put out a few EPs and singles. We’re not counting him out because he hasn’t released a full album! In 2018, Isaac released his debut single, ‘Freshman Year,’ and released his debut EP, Balloons Don’t Float Here, the following year.

The tone of his music is dreamy, romantic, and quirky. The common themes you’ll hear when listening to Isaac Dunbar’s songs are love, club, and loneliness. His single ‘Take It Slow,’ released in July 2024, is his most recent release. Before that, he released an EP, Beep Beep Repeat, on April 26, 2024. If you’re a fan of artists like Troye Sivan, Charli XCX, Chappell Roan, or Conan Gray, there’s a chance you’ll find Isaac Dunbar’s music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist: ‘Backseat Girl,’ ‘Sunburn,’ and ‘pink party’

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MK xyz

MK xyz is a singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. If you don’t know her music, you might’ve seen her face in the Netflix TV show, First Kill. She played one of the main characters, Calliope, aka Cal’s, best friend, Tess. Musically, she stepped onto the scene with her first single ‘Lost’ on May 29th, 2020. Nearly a year later, MK xyz released her first EP, Sweet Spot, on May 14th, 2021.

She creates a relaxed, spicy, and energetic tone in her music. The most common themes of her songs include partying, confidence, and yearning. MK xyz’s recent release is ‘No Boys Allowed,’ which she dropped on June 2nd, 2023. If you’re a fan of artists like Tinashe, Justine Skye, Kali Uchis, or Muni Long, there’s a chance you’ll find her music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist are ‘No Boys Allowed,’ ‘Pass It’ featuring G-Eazy, and ‘Baddie’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MK XYZ:
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Baby Tate

Many artists listed have less than 1 million monthly listeners on streaming platforms. However, that’s not the case for Baby Tate! Baby Tate does it all when it comes to music. She’s a rapper, producer, singer, and songwriter. She stepped onto the scene with her self-released debut EP, ROYGBIV. The most popular song she has to date, featuring Flo Milli, is called ‘I Am,’ and it’s all about self-love and being confident. It has affirmations one can’t help but want to rap along with. Baby Tate knew what she was doing when she released it, if you ask us!

Baby Tate’s music has a sexy, fiery, and confident tone. The most common themes of her songs include empowerment, late nights, and society. Baby Tate’s recent music release is Baby Tate Presents: S*xploration: The Musical, an EP released on October 27th, 2023. If you’re a fan of artists like Megan Thee Stallion or Trina, there’s a chance you’ll find her music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist: ‘Summer Lover,’ ‘Pedi,’ ‘Luv Everybody’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BABY TATE:
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Shamir

Shamir is a non-binary alt-rock artist who isn’t afraid to sing what’s on his mind and express who he is through his music and style. One thing that makes him unique is his countertenor voice. His first music release was his debut EP, Northtown, which came out in 2014 and included his debut single, ‘On The Regular!’ Remember how we said that he’s not afraid to speak his mind and express who he is? He has used his music to do that throughout the years. One of our favorites, which you can find below, is ‘Cisgender,’ where he explores his gender identity.

Shamir’s music expresses a philosophical, confident, and dreamy tone. The most common themes of his songs are hanging out, empowerment, and heartache. His most recent album, Homo Anxietatem, came out on August 18th, 2023. If you’re a fan of artists like Mykki Blanco, Empress Of, Jessie Ware, or Jamila Woods, there’s a chance you’ll find Shamir’s music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist: ‘Ocean Eyes,’ ‘Easier,’ and ‘Running’

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Tayla Parx

Tayla Parx is not only a singer and songwriter, but an actress, too! Her biggest acting role is Little Inez in the 2007 film Hairspray. Before we get to Tayla’s music, we want to talk about her contributions as a songwriter. She has a strong pen game, writing songs for various singers and producers we guarantee you already have on your playlist. Some of her songwriting credits include Ariana Grande, Red Velvet, Demi Lovato, Kiana Lede, Danity Kane, John Legend, and Christina Aguilera. As a solo artist, she released her debut single, ‘Do Not Answer,’ in 2016. It wasn’t until April 5th, 2019, that she released her debut album, We Need to Talk, featuring one of her most popular songs, ‘I Want You!’ 

Over the past few years, Tayla Parx has made it known that she’s more than a songwriter. The mood of her music ranges from whimsical to ambitious and bittersweet. There are several themes you will find in her music, including romance, healing, motivation, partying, and mischief. Tayla’s most recent release is her album Many Moons, Many Suns, which she released on July 12th, 2024. If you’re a fan of artists like Khalid, Victoria Monet, Charlie Puth, or Jess Glynne, there’s a chance you’ll find Tayla’s music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist: ‘Homiesexual,’ ‘Flowers,’ and ‘I Smile’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAYLA PARX:
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VINCINT

VINCINT is another amazing artist on the list that identifies as non-binary! The pop singer got their start with music when they appeared on The Four during its first season. While they didn’t win, they didn’t let that stop them from trying to pursue a music career. In 2018, VINCINT released ‘Marrow’ as their debut single. It wasn’t until July 11th, 2021 when they released their debut album, There Will Be Tears.

The mood for their music ranges from majestic to joyous and melodic. VINCINT’s music explores themes of celebration, romance, and nights out. Their most recent release is the song ‘Love Me Tonight’ featuring Betty Who. If you’re a fan of artists like Alex Newell, Kylie Minogue, SG Lewis, or JORDY, there’s a chance you’ll find VINCINT’s music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist: ‘Good To Me,’ ‘Getaway’ featuring Teagan and Sara, and ‘The Feeling’

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La Rhonza

Last but certainly not least, we have La Rhonza, whom most might know as Lee Rodriguez. If you’ve ever watched or are a dedicated fan of the TV show Never Have I Ever, then you may instantly recognize La Rhonza. She played Fabiola, one of the main characters, Devi’s, best friend. She only has a few songs to her name but that’s fine with us – she only began her music career in 2023, and she’s been enchanting us ever s ince.

She released her debut single, ‘Afterthought,’ in June 2023, and has since released four singles and a collaboration. Her feature is titled ‘Dear Conformity’ and the song is by Lorelei Marcell. An album isn’t being discussed yet, but we could be surprised if one is announced for release within the next year. If you’re a fan of artists like SZA or Sabrina Carpenter, there’s a chance you’ll find La Rhonza’s music appealing.

Our top 3 songs for your summer playlist: ‘Afterthought,’ ‘All Inclusive,’ and ‘Friends That Kiss’

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT LA RHONZA:
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There you go! That’s all for our list of ten black LGBTQ+ music artists to spice up your summer playlist. There are so many amazing and talented black music artists who are members of the LGBTQ+ community. We wish we could’ve named everyone we’re listening to but don’t worry, we will give more recommendations in the future.

Is there anyone on the list that you listen to? What about any that you would want to recommend? Let us know in the comments below or by contacting us on our socials via Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.