List of African-American singers

This is a list of notable African-American singers that gives their year of birth and music genres with which they are associated.

List of singers, rappers, and musicians










0–9

 * Anderson .Paak: Hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, pop
 * 2 Chainz: Hip hop, dirty South/Southern hip hop
 * 4Batz: R&B, hip-hop
 * 50 Cent: Hip Hop, professionally known as 50 Cent

A

 * Aaliyah (1979–2001): R&B, pop
 * Johnny Ace: R&B
 * Alicia Keys (born 1981): pop
 * Gregory Abbott (born 1954): soul, R&B, his father was born in Venezuela
 * Armenta Adams: Classical pianist
 * Arthur Adams: Blues, R&B
 * Johnny Adams: Gospel, R&B, soul, jazz
 * Yolanda Adams (born 1961): gospel
 * Nat Adderley: Jazz
 * Cannonball Adderley: Jazz
 * Afroman: Hip hop
 * Akon: R&B, pop, hip hop, dancehall
 * Sasha Allen: R&B, rock, soul
 * Luther Allison: Blues
 * Amil: Hip hop
 * Cat Anderson: Jazz
 * Ivie Anderson (1904–1949): jazz
 * Marian Anderson (1897–1993): opera
 * Louis Armstrong (1901–1971): blues, jazz
 * Billy Boy Arnold: R&B
 * Martina Arroyo (born 1936): opera
 * Dorothy Ashby: Jazz
 * Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar (born 1992): hip-hop
 * Jhené Aiko (born 1988): R&B, neo soul
 * Ashanti (born 1980): R&B, hip-hop, soul
 * Amerie (born 1980): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, funk, go-go
 * Patti Austin: R&B, pop, jazz
 * Roy Ayers: Jazz, funk, disco, R&B, hip hop
 * Ayo & Teo: (African American father) Hip hop, dance, trap

B

 * Babyface: R&B
 * Anthony Brown: Gospel
 * Erykah Badu (born 1971): neo soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop
 * Kim Burrell: Gospel
 * Lil Baby: Hip hop
 * Chloe Bailey (born 1998): R&B
 * Halle Bailey (born 2000): R&B
 * Mildred Bailey: Jazz
 * Pearl Bailey (1918–1990): vaudeville
 * Anita Baker, R&B, soul
 * Josephine Baker: Pop, jazz
 * LaVern Baker (1929–1997): R&B
 * Florence Ballard (1943–1976): R&B, pop, soul
 * Lloyd Banks: Hip hop
 * Azealia Banks (born 1991): hip-hop, pop, hip house
 * Dave Bartholomew: R&B, R&R
 * Florence Ballard: R&B, pop, soul
 * Fantasia Barrino (born 1984): R&B, soul, gospel
 * Count Basie: Jazz
 * Fontella Bass (1940–2012): R&B, soul
 * Kathleen Battle (born 1948): opera
 * Swizz Beatz: Hip hop (African-American and Eritrean descent)
 * Sidney Bechet: Jazz
 * Madeline Bell (born 1942): soul
 * Carey Bell: Blues
 * Eric Benet: R&B, neo soul
 * George Benson: Jazz, R&B, soul, funk
 * Gladys Bentley: Blues
 * Denée Benton (born 1992): Broadway, pop
 * Brook Benton (born 1931–1988): pop, R&B, soul
 * Chuck Berry (1926–2017): rock
 * Frankie Beverly: R&B, soul, funk
 * Andy Bey (born 1939): jazz
 * Beyoncé (born 1981): R&B, pop
 * Cindy Birdsong: R&B, soul, pop
 * Birdman: rapper
 * Mykki Blanco: Hip hop
 * Blind Blake (1896–1934): ragtime, blues
 * Bobby Bland (1930–2013): blues
 * Terry Blade: singer-songwriter
 * Art Blakey: Jazz
 * Jules Bledsoe (1897–1943): opera, Broadway
 * Mary J. Blige (born 1971): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul
 * Lucille Bogan (1887–1948): blues
 * Buddy Bolden: Jazz, blues
 * Brandy (born 1979): R&B
 * Breland (born 1995): country trap
 * Dee Dee Bridgewater (born 1950): jazz
 * Bobby Bradford: Jazz
 * Charles Bradley: Funk, soul, R&B
 * Tamar Braxton: R&B, soul, pop, gospel
 * Toni Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
 * Traci Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
 * Trina Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
 * Bobby Brown: R&B, soul, pop
 * Charles Brown: Blues, R&B, rock, soul, jazz
 * Chuck Brown: Funk, hip hop, blues
 * Clifford Brown: Jazz
 * James Brown (1933–2006): soul, funk
 * Oscar Brown Jr (1926–2005): jazz
 * Ruth Brown: R&B
 * Shirley Brown (born 1947): R&B, soul
 * Peabo Bryson (born 1951): soul, R&B
 * Grace Bumbry (born 1937): opera
 * Solomon Burke (1940–2010): blues, gospel, R&B, soul, rock and roll
 * Chris Brown (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop
 * Elbridge "Al" Bryant: R&B, pop, soul
 * Kandi Burruss (born 1976): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul
 * Toni Braxton (born 1967): R&B, soul, pop, dance-pop, hip-hop
 * Joe Budden: Hip hop
 * Jerry Butler: Soul, funk, R&B
 * Metro Boomin: Hip hop
 * Rich Boy: Hip hop
 * Soulja Boy: Hip hop
 * Donald Byrd: Jazz, funk, soul, R&B
 * B.o.B: Hip hop
 * Bow Wow: Hip hop
 * Boosie Badazz: Southern hip hop
 * Rich Boy: Hip hop
 * Young Buck: Hip hop
 * Joyce Bryant, singer who was known as the black Marilyn Monroe

C

 * Ca$h Out: Hip hop
 * C-Murder: Hip hop
 * Cassidy: Hip hop
 * Erica Campbell: Gospel
 * Tina Campbell: Gospel
 * Cab Calloway (1907–1994): jazz
 * Alyson Cambridge (born 1980): operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer
 * Cam'ron: Hip hop
 * Mariah Carey (born 1969): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul
 * Chance the Rapper: Hip hop
 * Jean Carn (born 1947): jazz, pop
 * Benny Carter: Jazz
 * Betty Carter: Jazz
 * Ron Carter: Jazz
 * Betty Carter (1929–1998): jazz
 * Cool Boy F (born 2005): R&B
 * Gene Chandler (born 1931): R&B, soul, disco
 * Paul Chambers: Jazz
 * Tracy Chapman (born 1964): folk
 * Ray Charles (1930–2004): R&B, soul, blues, gospel, country, jazz, pop, rock and roll
 * Ciara (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, pop
 * Tasha Cobbs (born 1981): contemporary Christian music, urban contemporary gospel
 * Freddy Cole (1931–2020): jazz
 * J. Cole (born 1985): hip-hop
 * Nat King Cole (1919–1965): jazz, swing, pop
 * Natalie Cole (1950–2015): R&B, pop
 * Mitty Collier (born 1941): soul, R&B, gospel
 * Sam Cooke (1931–1964): soul, gospel, R&B
 * Ida Cox (1888 or 1896–1967): blues, jazz
 * Randy Crawford (born 1952): jazz, R&B, disco
 * Kid Cudi (born 1984): hip-hop, alternative rock
 * 50 Cent (born 1975): hip-hop
 * Keyshia Cole (born 1981): R&B, hip-hop, hip-hop soul
 * Tameka Cottle (born 1975): R&B, soul
 * Chubby Checker: Rock and roll, R&B
 * Cyrus Chestnut: Jazz
 * Charlie Christian: Jazz
 * Milan Christopher: Rapper
 * Young Chop: Hip hop, drill
 * Ciara: R&B, Hip hop, pop
 * Robert Cray: Blues
 * Otis Clay: R&B, soul, blues, gospel
 * Eddy Clearwater: Blues
 * Clarence Clemons: Rock, R&B
 * James Cleveland: Gospel, soul
 * George Clinton: Funk, rock, soul
 * Ornette Coleman: Jazz, free funk
 * Daryl Coley: Gospel
 * Albert Collins: Blues
 * Bootsy Collins: Funk, soul, rock, R&B
 * Mitty Collier: R&B, soul, gospel
 * Alice Coltrane: Jazz
 * John Coltrane: Jazz
 * Ravi Coltrane: Jazz
 * Sean Combs: Hip hop, R&B
 * James Cotton: Blues, jazz
 * J. Cole: Hip hop (African-American father)
 * Ice Cube: Hip hop
 * Kid Cudi: Rapper who is African American and Mexican
 * King Curtis: Soul, R&B, rock, funk, jazz
 * Evelyn Simpson Curenton: various
 * Chamillionaire: Hip hop
 * Chingy: Hip hop, rap
 * Canon: Christian hip hop
 * Ida Cox: Blues

D

 * Chuck D: Hip Hop
 * DaBaby (born 1991): Hip hop, trap
 * Roscoe Dash: Hip hop
 * Diddy: Hip hop
 * Miles Davis: Jazz
 * Sammy Davis Jr. (1925–1990): pop, jazz, easy listening, swing
 * Jimmy Dawkins: Blues
 * Jason Derulo (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, pop
 * Bo Diddley (1928–2008): R&B, rock and roll
 * Raheem DeVaughn (born 1975): R&B, neo soul
 * Fats Domino (1928–2017): rock and roll, boogie-woogie, New Orleans rhythm and blues
 * Shea Diamond (born 1978): soul, R&B
 * DDG: Hip hop
 * Mos Def: Hip hop
 * Ricky Dillard: Gospel
 * Willie Dixon, Blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel
 * Johnny Dodds: Jazz
 * Warren "Baby" Dodds: Jazz
 * Young Dolph: Hip hop
 * Eric Dolphy: Jazz
 * Donnis: Hip hop
 * Nate Dogg: Hip hop, gangsta rap, R&B
 * Snoop Dogg: Hip hop, funk, gangsta rap
 * Fats Domino: Rock and roll, R&B
 * Dr. Dre: Hip hop
 * Drake: Hip hop, pop
 * 42 Dugg: Hip hop, trap
 * Lil Durk: Hip hop, drill
 * Desiigner: Hip hop, trap
 * Derek Minor: Christian hip hop
 * Dorrough: Hip hop
 * Duke Deuce: Hip hop
 * Doechii: Hip hop

E

 * E-40: Hip hop, rap
 * Eazy-E: Hip-hop, rap
 * Dennis Edwards: R&B, soul
 * Billy Eckstine (1914–1993): jazz, pop
 * Betty Everett (1939–2001): soul
 * Cassandra Extavour: classical singer
 * Faith Evans (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul
 * Roy Eldridge: Jazz
 * Duke Ellington: Jazz

F

 * Art Farmer: Jazz
 * Mickey Fields: Jazz
 * Fantasia (born 1984): R&B
 * Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996): jazz
 * Roberta Flack (born 1937): jazz, pop
 * Eddie Floyd: R&B, soul
 * Aretha Franklin (1942–2018): soul, gospel
 * Erma Franklin (1938–2002): gospel, soul
 * Kam Franklin: Soul
 * Melvin Franklin: R&B, soul
 * Kirk Franklin (born 1970): soul, gospel
 * Future (born 1983): hip-hop
 * Jamie Foxx (born 1967): R&B, pop, hip-hop
 * Bankroll Freddie: Hip hop
 * Lowell Fulson: Blues
 * Future: Hip hop, trap, R&B
 * Fabolous: Hip hop
 * Flo Rida: Hip hop
 * Sonny Fortune: Jazz
 * Jamie Foxx: R&B
 * Flavor Flav: Hip hop
 * Fivio Foreign: Hip hop
 * Big Freedia: Bounce
 * Flame: Christian hip hop
 * Finesse2tymes: Hip hop
 * Foogiano: Hip hop
 * Fredo Bang: Hip hop

G

 * Marvin Gaye (1939–1984): R&B, soul, funk, jazz, pop
 * Gloria Gaynor (born 1943): disco, R&B
 * Jamie Grace (born 1991): Christian pop, gospel
 * Al Green (born 1946): R&B, soul
 * Ginuwine (born 1970): R&B
 * Diana Gordon (born 1985): R&B, dance-pop, house
 * Kevin Gates (born 1986): hip-hop
 * Gabrielle Goodman (born 1969): jazz, soul, gospel
 * Polo G: Hip hop, drill
 * Slim Gaillard: Jazz
 * The Game: Rapper
 * EST Gee: Hip hop
 * Tyrese Gibson: Hip hop, R&B
 * Dizzy Gillespie: Jazz
 * Ginuwine: R&B
 * GlokkNine: Hip hop
 * Ugly God: Hip hop, SoundCloud hip hop
 * Benny Golson: Jazz
 * Dexter Gordon: Jazz
 * Berry Gordy: R&B, soul, pop, R&R
 * Al Green: R&B, soul
 * CeeLo Green: R&B, Hip hop, soul, funk
 * Thomasina Talley Greene: Classical pianist
 * Johnny Griffin: Jazz
 * Lil Gotit, Hip hop
 * Tee Grizzley, Rapper
 * Childish Gambino: Hip hop, R&B
 * Gucci Mane: Hip hop
 * Gunna: Hip hop
 * Buddy Guy: Blues
 * Phil Guy: Blues
 * Sheila Guyse

H

 * Halsey (born 1994): Pop
 * H.E.R
 * Adelaide Hall (1901–1993): jazz
 * Edmond Hall: Jazz
 * Willie Hall: R&B, soul, funk
 * Charles Hamilton: Hip hop
 * Damon Harris: R&B, soul, pop
 * Chico Hamilton: Jazz
 * Jimmy Hamilton: Jazz
 * Lionel Hampton: Jazz
 * Ciara Harris (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, crunk&B, pop, dance
 * Erline Harris: Blues
 * Donny Hathaway (1945–1979): soul, jazz, gospel, R&B, blues
 * Koryn Hawthorne: Gospel
 * Deitrick Haddon: Gospel
 * Herbie Hancock: Jazz, funk, electro
 * Edward W. Hardy: Classical, pop, theatre music
 * Roy Hargrove: Jazz, soul
 * Richie Havens: Funk, soul
 * Coleman Hawkins: Jazz
 * Isaac Hayes: Blues, jazz, soul
 * MC Hammer: R&B
 * Fred Hammond: Gospel
 * Richie Havens (1941–2013): folk rock, funk, blues, soul
 * Isaac Hayes (1942–2008): blues, jazz, soul, funk, disco
 * Nicole Heaston: opera
 * Fletcher Henderson: Jazz
 * Michael Henderson: R&B, jazz, funk, soul, pop
 * Jon Hendricks (1921–2017): jazz
 * Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970): rock guitarist, singer-songwriter
 * Nona Hendryx (born 1944): funk, soul, pop, R&B, rock
 * Andrew Hill: Jazz
 * Lauryn Hill (born 1975): R&B, neo soul, hip-hop, folk, reggae
 * Z. Z. Hill (1935–1984): blues
 * Billie Holiday (1915–1959): soul, blues
 * Jennifer Holliday (born 1960): R&B, soul, pop, house, dance, gospel
 * Johnny Hodges: Jazz
 * John Lee Hooker: Blues
 * Shirley Horn (1934–2005): jazz
 * Lena Horne (1917–2010): jazz, pop
 * Cissy Houston (born 1933): soul, gospel, disco
 * Thelma Houston (born 1946): R&B, soul, disco, Motown, gospel
 * Whitney Houston (1963–2012): R&B, pop, soul, gospel
 * Freddie Hubbard: Jazz
 * Jennifer Hudson (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop
 * Phyllis Hyman (1949–1995): soul, R&B quiet, jazz, disco
 * Keri Hilson (born 1982): R&B
 * Adina Howard (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul
 * G Herbo: Hip hop, drill
 * Skinny Hightower: Jazz
 * Earl Hines: Jazz
 * Hopsin: Hip hop
 * Nipsey Hussle: Hip hop, rap
 * H.E.R.: R&B
 * Hitmaka: Hip hop
 * Huey: Hip hop
 * Hurricane Chris: Hip hop
 * Alberta Hunter: Jazz and blues

I

 * James Ingram (1952–2019): R&B, pop, soul
 * Luther Ingram (1937–2007): R&B, soul
 * Ronald Isley (born 1941): R&B, soul
 * Ali Peracha
 * Ice-T: Hip hop

J

 * Ray J (born 1981): R&B
 * Stevie J: Hip hop, R&B
 * Jackson family: pop, R&B, soul, dance
 * Rebbie Jackson (born 1950)
 * Jackie Jackson (born 1951)
 * Tito Jackson (born 1953)
 * Jermaine Jackson (born 1954)
 * La Toya Jackson (born 1956)
 * Marlon Jackson (born 1957)
 * Michael Jackson (1958–2009)
 * Randy Jackson (born 1961)
 * Janet Jackson (born 1966)
 * Bernard Jackson: R&B
 * Chuck Jackson (born 1937): R&B
 * Freddie Jackson (born 1956): soul
 * Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972): gospel
 * Millie Jackson (born 1944): soul, disco, R&B
 * Milt Jackson: Jazz
 * Randy Jackson (born 1956)
 * Etta James (1938–2012): blues, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel
 * Rick James: R&B, soul, funk, rock
 * Al Jarreau (1940–2017): jazz, R&B, soul
 * Little Willie John: R&B, soul
 * Robert Johnson (1911–1938): blues
 * J. J. Johnson: Jazz
 * Syl Johnson: R&B, blues
 * Coco Jones: R&B
 * Booker T. Jones: R&B, soul, blues
 * Etta Jones (1928–2001): jazz
 * Howard Jones (born 1970): rock
 * Elvin Jones: Jazz
 * Hank Jones: Jazz
 * Quincy Jones: R&B, funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, rock and roll, pop
 * Mike Jones: Hip hop
 * Valerie June (born 1982): folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, pop
 * Jeremih (born 1987): R&B, hip-hop
 * Louis Jordan: Jazz, blues, R&B
 * Steve Jordan: Pop, rock, R&B
 * Montell Jordan (born 1968): R&B, hip-hop, soul
 * Lyfe Jennings (born 1978): R&B, soul
 * Charles Jenkins: Gospel
 * Leroy Jenkins: Jazz
 * Scott Joplin: Ragtime
 * Joe (born 1973): R&B
 * Jacquees (born 1994): R&B
 * BlocBoy JB: Hip hop
 * Young Joc: Hip hop
 * Valerie June: Folk, blues, soul, pop
 * Jeremih: Hip hop, R&B
 * LL Cool J: Hip hop
 * Lil Jon: Hip hop
 * Jadakiss: Hip hop
 * J-Kwon: Hip hop
 * Jibbs: Hip hop

K

 * Lil Keed: Hip hop
 * Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop
 * Eddie Kendricks: R&B, soul, disco
 * Chaka Khan (born 1953): R&B, pop, soul, disco, jazz, gospel
 * Kilo Kish: Hip Hop, art pop
 * Eartha Kitt (1927–2008): cabaret, torch, jazz
 * Gladys Knight (born 1944): soul, R&B, pop
 * Albert King: Blues
 * B.B. King: Blues, R&B
 * Ben E King (1938–2015): R&B
 * Freddie King: Blues
 * Solange Knowles (born 1986): R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, funk
 * R. Kelly (born 1967): R&B
 * Kelis (born 1979): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, electronic
 * Chief Keef (born 1995): hip-hop, drill
 * Lenny Kravitz (born 1964): rock, pop rock, progressive soul
 * Kelis: Hip hop (African American, Chinese and Puerto Rican)
 * R Kelly: R&B, soul, gospel, hip hop
 * Wynton Kelly: Jazz
 * Khalid: R&B, pop
 * Wiz Khalifa: Hip hop
 * Kid Cudi: Hip hop
 * Kehlani (African American father): R&B, soul, jazz, hip hop
 * Maxo Kream: Hip hop (Nigerian and African-American)
 * KB: Christian hip hop

L

 * Big L: Hip hop
 * Patti LaBelle (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, dance, gospel, funk
 * Denise LaSalle: Blues, R&B, soul
 * Bettye LaVette: Soul, blues, R&B, funk, rock, country, gospel
 * Kendrick Lamar (born 1987): hip-hop, rap
 * John Larkin (1877–1936): minstrel, vaudeville
 * Kenny Lattimore (born 1970): R&B
 * Bettye LaVette (born 1946): soul, blues, rock and roll, funk, gospel, country
 * Huddie Ledbetter (1888–1949): folk, blues
 * Tasha Cobbs Leonard: Gospel
 * Swae Lee (born 1993): hip-hop, R&B
 * John Legend (born 1978): pop, R&B, soul
 * Coi Leray (born 1997): hip-hop
 * Abbey Lincoln (1930–2010): jazz
 * Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, pop, country, trap
 * Lizzo (born 1988): R&B, pop
 * Frankie Lymon (1942–1968): R&B, doo-wop, pop, swing
 * Queen Latifah (born 1970): hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, danc
 * Lynda Laurence: R&B, pop, jazz
 * Lecrae: Christian hip hop
 * Eddie Levert: R&B, soul, blues, gospel
 * Gerald Levert: Soul, R&B
 * Ari Lennox (born 1991): R&B, soul, neo soul
 * Coi Leray: Hip hop
 * Booker Little: Jazz
 * Barbara Lynn: R&B
 * Cheryl Lynn: Disco, R&B, soul, pop
 * Lisa Lopes: R&B, rap, pop
 * Lecrae: Christian hip hop
 * Ledisi: R&B, soul, jazz
 * Logic: Hip hop
 * Dej Loaf: Hip hop, R&B
 * Ludacris: Hip hop
 * Lil Uzi Vert: Hip hop
 * Lil Nas X: Hip hop, country
 * Lizzo: R&B
 * Lloyd: R&B
 * Trip Lee: Christian hip hop, Southern hip hop
 * Lil Scrappy: Hip hop

M

 * Young M.A: Hip hop
 * Mandisa: Gospel, Christian
 * Barbara Mason: R&B, soul
 * Johnny Mathis (born 1935): pop, jazz
 * Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999): soul, funk, R&B
 * China Anne McClain (born 1998): R&B, pop
 * Lauryn McClain (born 1997): R&B, pop
 * Christian McBride: Jazz
 * Gene McDaniels: Jazz, pop
 * Donnie McClurkin: Gospel
 * Betty McGlown: R&B, pop
 * Joe McPhee: Jazz
 * Sierra McClain (born 1994): R&B, pop
 * Brian McKnight (born 1969): R&B
 * Carmen McRae (1920–1994): jazz
 * Lee Michelle: (African-American Father) K Pop singer
 * Buddy Miles: R&B, funk, soul
 * Meek Mill: Hip hop
 * Stephanie Mills: R&B, soul, gospel
 * Blue Mitchell: Jazz
 * Wanya Morris (born 1973): R&B, soul
 * Janelle Monáe (born 1985): funk, R&B, psychedelic soul, hip-hop
 * YNW Melly (born 1999): hip-hop, trap, R&B
 * Mýa (born 1979): R&B (African American father, Italian mother)
 * Miguel (born 1985): R&B
 * K. Michelle (born 1982): R&B, soul
 * Teairra Marí (born 1987): R&B
 * Mario (born 1986): R&B
 * Monica (born 1980): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul
 * Victoria Monét (born 1989): pop, R&B
 * Chrisette Michele (born 1982): R&B, hip-hop, soul, jazz
 * Remy Ma: Hip hop
 * Barbara Martin: R&B, pop
 * Johnny Mathis: Pop, jazz
 * Curtis Mayfield: Soul, funk, R&B
 * Taj Mahal: Blues, R&B, jazz
 * Hank Mobley: Jazz
 * Thelonious Monk: Jazz
 * Wes Montgomery: Jazz
 * Melba Moore: Soul, disco, gospel
 * Lee Morgan: Jazz
 * Migos: Hip hop, trap
 * Gucci Mane: Hip hop, trap
 * Miguel (African-American Mother): Hip hop, R&B
 * Tamela Mann: Gospel
 * Mulatto: Hip hop
 * Matt "Guitar" Murphy: Blues
 * Lil' Mo: R&B, hip hop
 * Method Man: Hip hop
 * Maliibu Miitch: Hip hop (African American, Vietnamese and Filipino)
 * Mims: Hip hop
 * Maino: Hip hop
 * Money Man: Hip hop

N

 * Nonpoint (born 1975): rock
 * Rico Nasty (born 1997): hip-hop, rock, rap rock
 * Meshell Ndegeocello (born 1968): funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, rock
 * Anthony Nelson (born 1975): gospel
 * Aaron Neville (born 1941): R&B, soul, country, gospel, jazz, pop
 * Art Neville: Funk, R&B, soul
 * Cyril Neville: R&B, funk, blues
 * Charles Neville: R&B, jazz, funk, pop
 * Oliver Nelson: Jazz
 * David "Fathead" Newman: Jazz
 * Jessye Norman (born 1945): opera
 * Brandy Norwood (born 1979): R&B, pop, hip-hop
 * Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, LGBT hip-hop, pop rap, country rap
 * Ne-Yo (born 1979): R&B
 * Nivea (born 1982): R&B, hip-hop
 * Noname Gypsy (born 1991): hip-hop
 * Normani (born 1996): pop, R&B
 * Tech N9ne: Hip hop
 * Nas: Hip hop
 * Nathan Morris: Vocal, singer
 * Nelly: Hip hop
 * Meshell Ndegeocello: Funk, soul, jazz
 * Queen Naija (African-American mother):
 * NBA YoungBoy(born 1999):Rapper

O

 * Alexander O'Neal (born 1953): R&B, soul
 * Jeffrey Osborne (born 1948): R&B, soul
 * Frank Ocean (born 1987): R&B
 * Omarion (born 1984): R&B
 * Offset (born 1991): hip-hop
 * Odetta: Blues, jazz
 * Omarion: R&B
 * OJ da Juiceman: Hip hop
 * OMB Peezy: Hip hop

P

 * Anderson .Paak (born 1986): Hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, funk
 * Keke Palmer: R&B, hip hop, pop
 * Charlie Parker: Jazz
 * Ray Parker Jr.: R&B, pop
 * Billy Porter: (born 1969): R&B, soul
 * Pleasure P (born 1984): R&B
 * Pharrell: Hip hop, R&B, funk
 * Paul Pena (1950–2005): Delta blues, jazz, morna, flamenco, folk, rock, Tuvan throat singing
 * Teddy Pendergrass (1950–2010): R&B, soul, disco, funk
 * Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) (1932–2020): rock & roll, R&B, gospel, soul
 * Wilson Pickett (1941–2006): R&B, soul
 * Gregory Porter (born 1971): jazz
 * Billy Preston (1946–2006): R&B, rock, soul, funk, gospel
 * Prince (1958–2016): pop, rock
 * Leontyne Price (born 1927): opera
 * Charley Pride (1934–2020): country
 * Arthur Prysock (1924 or 1929–1997): jazz, R&B, easy listening
 * Kelly Price (born 1973): gospel
 * Billy Paul: Soul, R&B, jazz
 * Scherrie Payne: R&B, pop, disco
 * Plies: Hip hop
 * Petey Pablo: Hip hop

Q

 * Rich Homie Quan: Hip hop
 * Quavo: Hip hop
 * DJ Quik: Hip hop
 * Quando Rondo: Hip hop

R

 * Raheem Jarbo: Hip Hop
 * Rakim: Hip Hop
 * Raz-B: R&B
 * Sun Ra: Jazz
 * Lou Rawls: Gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, blues
 * Ma Rainey (1882 or 1886–1939): blues
 * Jimmy Reed: Blues
 * Louisiana Red: Blues
 * Otis Redding (1941–1967): soul, R&B, blues
 * Della Reese (1931–2017): jazz, gospel, pop
 * Lil Reese: Hip hop, drill
 * Dianne Reeves (born 1956): jazz
 * Martha Reeves (born 1941): R&B, pop
 * Roddy Ricch: Hip hop
 * Lionel Richie (born 1949): soul, R&B, pop, country, gospel
 * Little Richard: Rock and roll, R&B, gospel, soul
 * Pretty Ricky: R&B
 * Teddy Riley: R&B, hip hop
 * Flo Rida (born 1979): hip-hop, hip house, pop rap
 * Minnie Riperton (1947–1979): soul, R&B, jazz, disco
 * Max Roach: Jazz
 * Black Rob: Hip hop
 * Paul Robeson (1898–1976): Americana, pop, spirituals, classical, folk
 * Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878–1949): minstrel, vaudeville, jazz, pop
 * Smokey Robinson (born 1940): R&B, soul, pop
 * Sylvia Robinson: R&B, soul, Hip hop
 * ASAP Rocky: Hip hop (half-African American, half-Barbadian)
 * Nile Rodgers: Disco, soul, R&B, rock, funk
 * Diana Ross (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, jazz, pop, dance
 * Rick Ross: Hip hop
 * Sonny Rollins: Jazz
 * Kelly Rowland (born 1981): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, dance
 * Otis Rush: Blues, R&B
 * Patrice Rushen (born 1954): R&B
 * Trippie Redd (born 1999): hip-hop
 * RuPaul (born 1960): dance, pop
 * David Ruffin: R&B, pop, soul, disco, gospel
 * Jimmy Ruffin: R&B, soul, pop
 * Chance the Rapper: Hip hop, R&B
 * Rapsody: Hip hop
 * Rocko: Hip hop, rap
 * Ja Rule: Hip hop
 * Raekwon: Hip hop
 * Renni Rucci: Hip hop

S

 * Saweetie: Hip hop (African American father, Chinese and Filipino mother)
 * Pharoah Sanders: Jazz
 * Juelz Santana: Hip hop
 * Saucy Santana: Hip hop
 * Marvin Sapp: Gospel
 * Jill Scott (born 1972): R&B, soul, neo soul, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz
 * Jimmy Scott (1925–2014): jazz
 * Peggy Scott-Adams (born 1948): blues, R&B
 * Travis Scott (born 1991): hip-hop
 * Young Scooter: Hip hop
 * Gil Scott-Heron: Soul, funk, R&B
 * Dee Dee Sharp (born 1945): R&B, blues, soul
 * Marlena Shaw (born 1942): jazz, blues and soul
 * Tupac Shakur: Hip hop, revolutionary, poet, freedom fighter
 * Kierra Sheard: Gospel
 * Pooh Shiesty: Hip hop, Southern hip hop, Memphis rap
 * Bobby Shmurda: Hip hop, Brooklyn drill
 * Kierra Sheard: Urban gospel, R&B
 * Karen Clark Sheard: Gospel, urban gospel
 * Wayne Shorter: Jazz
 * Bobby Short: Jazz
 * Nina Simone (1933–2003): jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, pop
 * Sister Rosetta Tharpe: Blues
 * Magic Sam: Blues
 * Magic Slim: Blues
 * Memphis Slim: Blues
 * Horace Silver: Jazz
 * Percy Sledge: R&B, soul, gospel
 * Jordin Sparks (born 1989): R&B, pop
 * Ronnie Spector aka Veronica Yvette Bennett (1943–2022): R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop
 * Bessie Smith (1894–1937): blues
 * O. C. Smith (1932–2001): R&B, jazz, soul
 * Jimmy Smith: Jazz
 * Rae Sremmurd: Hip hop, trap, R&B
 * Mavis Staples (born 1939): soul, gospel, R&B
 * Edwin Starr (1942–2003): soul, R&B, funk, disco
 * Candi Staton (born 1940): soul, R&B, gospel, dance, disco
 * Dakota Staton (1930–2007): jazz
 * Angie Stone (born 1961): R&B, soul
 * Sly Stone: Funk, R&B
 * Ruben Studdard: Singer
 * Shawn Stockman : R&B
 * Billy Strayhorn: Jazz
 * Sly Stone (born 1943): funk, R&B
 * Jazmine Sullivan (born 1987): R&B
 * Maxine Sullivan (1911–1987): jazz
 * Donna Summer (1948–2012): disco, rock, dance, R&B
 * Sisqó (born 1978): R&B, hip-hop soul, pop
 * Raven-Symoné (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop
 * SZA (born 1989): R&B
 * Keith Sweat (born 1961): R&B, new jack swing, hip-hop, soul, urban
 * Sylvester (1947–1988): disco
 * Big Sean: Hip hop, Midwest hip hop
 * Pink Sweats: Pop
 * Musiq Soulchild: R&B, soul, neo soul
 * Raphael Saadiq: R&B, soul
 * Trey Songz: R&B, hip hop
 * Keith Sweat: R&B, soul, hip hop, urban
 * Southside: Hip hop
 * Musiq Soulchild: R&B
 * SZA: Pop, R&B, Soul
 * Beanie Sigel: Hip hop
 * Swoope: Christian hip hop, Urban contemporary gospel
 * Shawty Lo: Hip hop
 * Shy Glizzy: Hip hop
 * Silentó: Hip hop
 * Jermaine Stewart: R&B
 * Mamie Smith: Jazz, blues
 * Victoria Spivey: Blues

T

 * T.I.: Hip hop
 * T-Pain: Hip hop, R&B
 * Takeoff (1994–2022): Hip hop, trap
 * Tank: Hip hop
 * Art Tatum: Jazz
 * Billy Taylor: Jazz
 * Cecil Taylor: Jazz
 * Koko Taylor: Blues, soul
 * Teyana Taylor (born 1990): R&B, hip-hop, pop
 * T-Pain (born 1984): R&B, hip-hop, pop rap
 * Tammi Terrell (1945–1970): R&B, soul, pop
 * Clark Terry: Jazz
 * Jean Terrell: R&B, soul, jazz
 * Bryson Tiller: R&B, hip hop
 * Joe Tex (1935–1982): R&B, soul, funk, disco
 * Rufus Thomas (1917–2001): R&B, funk, soul, blues
 * Rozonda Thomas: R&B
 * Big Joe Turner: Blues, R&B
 * Ike Turner (1931–2007): R&B, blues, rock and roll, funk
 * Tina Turner (1939–2023): R&B, pop, soul, dance, rock and roll
 * The-Dream (born 1977): R&B
 * Young Thug (born 1991): hip-hop
 * Stanley Turrentine: Jazz
 * McCoy Tyner: Jazz
 * Tye Tribbett: Gospel
 * Tyrese Gibson (born 1978): R&B
 * Tweet (born 1971): R&B
 * TLC: R&B, Pop
 * Pusha T: Hip hop
 * Tyler, the Creator: Hip-hop
 * Twista: Hip hop
 * Timbaland: Hip hop, R&B, dance
 * Tedashii: Christian hip hop
 * Thi'sl: Christian hip hop

U

 * Usher (born 1978): R&B, pop
 * Unk: Hip hop

V

 * V.I.C.: Hip hop
 * Bobby V (born 1980): R&B
 * Brooke Valentine (born 1984): R&B, pop, hip-hop, crunk
 * Luther Vandross (1951–2005): soul
 * Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990): jazz
 * Vedo: R&B
 * Cassie Ventura: R&B
 * Tommy Vext (born 1982): rock
 * King Von: Hip hop, drill, gangsta rap

W

 * Sippie Wallace: Blues
 * Wale: Hip hop
 * Fats Waller (1904–1943): jazz, pop
 * Hezekiah Walker, Gospel
 * Little Walter: Blues, R&B
 * William Warfield (1920–2002): opera, pop
 * Dionne Warwick (born 1940): gospel, R&B, soul, pop
 * Dinah Washington (1924–1963): jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, traditional pop
 * Gino Washington (born 1946?): R&B, rock
 * Grover Washington Jr.: Jazz, soul, R&B
 * Ethel Waters (1896–1977): blues, jazz, Broadway, big band, pop
 * Muddy Waters: Blues
 * Tionne Watkins: R&B
 * Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Blues, soul, funk
 * Lil Wayne (born 1982): hip-hop
 * Carl Weathersby: Blues
 * Junior Wells: Blues
 * Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B, pop, soul, rock
 * Kanye West (born 1977): hip-hop, pop, R&B, Christian hip-hop, gospel
 * Keenan Webb, also known as DJ Suede the Remix God: Trap, Hip hop
 * Glodean White: R&B, soul, funk, disco
 * Maurice White: Soul, funk, R&B, jazz
 * Barry White (1944–2003): soul, R&B, pop
 * Eddie Willis: Soul, R&B
 * Wesley Willis: Punk rock
 * will.i.am (born 1975): hip-hop, pop, R&B
 * Andre Williams: R&B, blues
 * Bert Williams (1874–1922): Broadway, vaudeville, minstrel
 * Hayley Williams (born 1988): Rock
 * Joe Williams (1918–1999): jazz
 * Lenny Williams (born 1945): soul, R&B, jazz
 * Otis Williams: R&B, soul, disco
 * Marion Williams (1927–1994): gospel
 * Michelle Williams: R&B, gospel, pop, soul
 * Paul Williams: R&B, soul
 * Pharrell Williams (born 1973): hip-hop, R&B, funk, pop
 * Tony Williams: Jazz
 * Sonny Boy Williamson I: Blues
 * Sonny Boy Williamson II: Blues
 * Charlie Wilson: R&B, hip hop, soul, funk
 * Gerald Wilson: Jazz, pop
 * Jackie Wilson (1934–1984): R&B, soul
 * Nancy Wilson (1937–2018): jazz
 * Mary Wilson: R&B, soul, pop, funk
 * CeCe Winans (born 1964): gospel
 * Mario Winans (born 1974): R&B
 * Lawrence Winters(né Lawrence Lafayette Whisonant) (1915–1965): opera, concert
 * Bill Withers (1938–2020): soul, R&B, smooth soul, blues, funk
 * Lajon Witherspoon (born 1972): rock
 * Juice Wrld (1998–2019): SoundCloud rap, emo rap, alternative rock, pop
 * Howlin' Wolf (1910–1976): blues
 * Stevie Wonder (born 1950): soul, pop
 * Bobby Womack (1944–2014): soul, R&B
 * Brenton Wood (born 1941): soul, R&B, pop
 * Ali-Ollie Woodson: R&B, pop, soul
 * Betty Wright (1953–2020): soul, R&B
 * Lizz Wright (born 1980): jazz, gospel
 * O. V. Wright (1939–1980): blues
 * Bow Wow: Hip hop
 * Juice WRLD: Hip hop, R&B, trap
 * Webbie: Hip hop
 * Fetty Wap: Hip hop

X

 * XXXTentacion : Hip hop, SoundCloud rap, lo-fi
 * Xzibit: Hip hop

Y

 * Ne-Yo: R&B
 * Yo Gotti: Hip hop
 * Lester Young: Jazz
 * Yung Joc: Hip hop
 * Young Dro: Hip hop
 * Young Buck: Hip hop

Z

 * Jay-Z: Hip hop