The African American influence on the music today in genres like Folk, Jazz, Pop, R&B, and others, is transcending as it remains strong and innovative.

Over the past few years, the black music industry has made some tweaks and revolutionized itself making a statement; the artists of African descent have made an impact not only in young generations but in the music industry itself. 

Artists, such as Drake have had several setbacks throughout their careers due to their skin color. 

Drake has been shamed for being, looking, and acting to white for the industry; “He is not black enough,” an account on Twitter tweeted.  

The development of R&B Soul started being performed predominantly during mid the 1950’s and the term was first used by artists who combined Jazz and Blues within their music. 

Loretta Quintana, junior attending Loretto, mentioned some of her favorite African American artists and expressed her thoughts on the difficulties these musicians go through.  

Quintana said, “I used to listen to only music in Spanish, however when I was introduced to all these African American musicians and got to know the way they’ve impacted society I became deeply obsessed.

I was really naive so I learned and got to know all the setbacks and racial injustices they experience due to the lack of equality and unfairness.”  

Here are 17 influential African American artists to add to your playlist: 

1. Frank Ocean 
2. Tyler, The Creator 
3. Daniel Caesar
4. SZA
5. Drake 
6. Brent Faiyaz 
7. Giveon 
8. Kendrick Lamar
9. Summer Walker 
10. H.E.R
11. Jazmine Sullivan
12. John Legend 
13. Janelle Monáe
14. Childish Gambino 
15. Kehlani 
16. Travis Scott
17. The Weekend 

The celebration of Black History Month doesn’t end in February, but it lives on and represents all the racial injustices African American people have experienced.