The independent music world is a treasure trove for radical artists and revolutionary tastemakers. While the mainstream picks up some gems and over rates mediocrity, the Internet has provided ample support for dope artists on the rise. Independent Hip-Hop, in the Internet age, has brought collectives of amazing rappers, writers and producers together. However, and unfortunately, too few queer artists get the right shine they need.

Here are a few Black queer artists you should be looking out for right now.

 


Jay Boogie: This Afro-Dominican cutie combines the best of 90’s R&B nastiness with fire lyricism and seductive tone. The only thing more unapologetic than his words is his pretty spittah aesthetic.

 

The Internet: However you might feel about Odd Future’s other homeboys, Syd the Kid (frontman for The Internet) offers sweet croons to more than just their horrorcore romps. Matched with floating, funky production, you won’t be able to not get down.

 


Kele Okereke: For mid-2000’s alt rock fans, many will remember Okereke as frontman for Bloc Party. The openly bisexual singer has now branched out as a solo artist. His vibe is vibey and cinematic. Think driving on a summer night with someone you love kind of feels.

 


Angel Haze: From Detroit, Haze has been on the scene for a cool minute. After gaining acclaim for her underground hits Werkin’ Girls and her evocative Same Love cover, Haze is long over due for stardom.

 


Chae Buttah: Spitting bars from North Carolina, Chae Buttah serves femmecee realness with seductive taunts and trap beats. Trust, you’ll be twerking and feeling yourself in no time.

 

LE1F: Though criminally overlooked finalist from XXL’s Freshman List 2015, Le1f been on the rise both as underground legend and hip hop dark horse. You may have seen him on The Late Show with David Letterman, but he’s more than talk show fodder.

 


Juliana Huxtable: She’s the one your bougie art friends have been geeking over. This performance artist and DJ has cultivated dope dance spaces in NYC for years and is currently taking over the (art) world. Her sessions are perfect for your summer internship when you trying to low key turn up and still get that report in by 5pm.

 


Mykki Blanco: With a punk like approach to Hip Hop, the butch femme rap goddess spits with more vitriol and wit than most out here. After recently coming out as HIV positive, Blanco’s political work has additional power in terms of health and celebration. Prepare to drop it low, though.

 


Cakes Da Killa: Now if you’re remotely familiar with the Black Queer Hip Hop scene, you know Cakes has been getting these coins for a minute. While every lyric sounds like a read, his aesthetic is artsy Black boy realness and you just gotta get into it.

Big Freedia: Queen of New Orleans Bounce, it’s been a pleasure seeing Freedia get international coin. She keeps it real whether on her reality show or on tour and her signature sound will put your whole body to work.

 

Photo credit: Youtube