Ever since summer 2024, pop music has gone through a resurgence. A lot of white pop stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli xcx have broken into the mainstream, but black pop stars have been left out of the conversation. Oftentimes, black pop stars are not as promoted as their white counterparts, which is why we don’t see them in popular media outlets. Their fanbases tend to be niche but loyal, and the general public is usually unaware of their flawless vocals, stunning choreography, and impeccable branding.
White pop stars tend to achieve mainstream success because they have the promotion, fanbase, and freedom to develop their sound. Despite systemic racism, black pop stars continue to prevail, and they have been here the whole time. Artists like Precious, Genia, and PinkPantheress have been honing their craft, releasing incredible music, delivering strong vocals, and providing fans with solid choreography and branding. Fans and the general public need to make room for more black pop stars by streaming and buying their music, buying tickets to their shows, and posting about their projects in order to get these girls more into the mainstream. Below are three black pop stars who deserve to be more mainstream.
1. Precious
If you like bubble gum pop, Precious is the artist for you. She is known for wearing a lot of pink (perfect for her bubble pop music) and her signature red hair. Hailing from Atlanta, Precious got her start making acoustic song covers on YouTube. Precious produces and puts out her own songs as an independent artist. Her single “Don’t Hate the Girls,” an empowering anthem, went viral on X and TikTok from her debut album Flop Queen. The album is very 2000s-inspired, pulling references from Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears.
Fav tracks: “Block Me” & “Candy Dreams”
2. Genia
Born in Victorville, California, Genia is a multi-genre singer often sitting between pop and R&B. Her voice has soul, and it will give you chills. Her career started when she posted covers on TikTok before she got signed to Def Jam. Genia is often known for her song “Toastyyy” featuring Timberland. The song interpolates Aaliyah’s “Try Again.” In the music video, she shows off her impressive dance skills, and it’s clear she knows how to command a camera.
Fav tracks: “Crush” & “Toastyyy”
3. PinkPantheress
Sailing from across the pond, PinkPantheress is arguably the closest to mainstream success out of everyone I have listed. She used to make beats in her bedroom but gained prominence for her self-produced songs on TikTok. Her inspirations include UK garage, hyperpop, and other electronic music genres. PinkPantheress is known for her bedroom/dance-pop music, typically under 3 minutes. She became synonymous with holding a purse on stage, but has broken out of her shell more by starting to command the stage, as the singer has reported being very shy. PinkPantheress has made a real effort over the past year to take her electronic music and translate it into real life. Her branding is also on point: from her signature brown Hannah Montana wig and plaid aesthetic, it’s easy to spot her out in a crowd. She is known for her song Boy’s a liar pt 2 but has gained more attention recently for her Stateside remix featuring Zara Larsson.
Fav tracks: Stateside & Tonight
Honorable Mentions: Ayra Starr, flowerovlove, Jae Stephens
Have you ever listened to any of these artists? Let us know in the comments below!
