User:Chizzy1310/Women in Music

Black Women
African female musicians have made historical contributions to jazz, blues, rock, gospel, and other genres over the years. Several women have led the way for young Black girls hoping to become singers or rappers one day, from trailblazers like Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin, and Diana Ross to modern idols Missy Elliott, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. Female musicians, especially Black women, nevertheless experience their jobs differently than their male counterparts, as do women in many other industries.

A persistent issue is the underrepresentation of Black female artists in both recognition and representation. One of the top musicians in the business even decided to leave the music business early due to the long-ignored problem. When Teyana Taylor, who was once contracted to G.O.O.D Music/Def Jam, released The Album in June 2020, it immediately shot to the top of the Top R&B Albums chart on Billboard. Despite its popularity, Taylor's album was overlooked for a Grammy nomination in the Best R&B Album category, where all of the nominees are men. This is surprising given the Recording Academy's commitment to increasing its diversity initiatives. "Y'all was better off just stating best MALE R&B ALBUM coz all I see is d*ck in this category," the multi-hyphenate aired her feelings on Twitter out of annoyance. Taylor made her official retirement from music in December after feeling "very undervalued."

Will music ever address its appalling lack of female representation at a time when diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of discussions? In recognition of Black Histor y Month, we talked to four musicians about what it's like to be a Black woman in the music business: Abby Jasmine, Kiana Ledé, Mahalia, and Muni Long. Continue reading to hear our interview with them about anything from how they believe the Grammys can affect change to the difficulties they have had in obtaining opportunities and recognition.