It’s only right that we show our Black creatives, artists and musicians some love, especially the ones that are rising within their respective industries. Supporting Black culture means we support all of the leaders that are seamlessly making a difference, and no matter what field of artistry moves and drives their passions, the Black community is full of innovators that deserve recognition for their efforts. Here are a few up-and-coming Black movers and shakers to look out for that can hopefully change your perception of art, music and self-expression.
1. Hindz
Listening to Hindz is like getting a hug you never thought you needed. Powered by Jah energy, which can be best described as good vibes, Hindz is an up-and-coming YouTuber, podcaster and content creator that’s pushing barriers by discussing difficult topics that range from ancestral trauma to spirituality. With over 500K subscribers on YouTube and five-star ratings on Apple and Spotify podcasts, Hindz is the guy you need within your everyday spiritual routine.
2. Flo Milli
Born and raised in Mobile, Ala., Flo Milli is on the charts for rising stardom. After originally releasing music in 2015, two of her singles went viral on Tik Tok in 2019, resulting in the Alabama native signing a record deal with RCA Records. And though the 22-year-old artist received an overwhelming amount of attention in 2020, she’s still on the rise toward reserving a seat next to other notable Black female rappers.
3. Marrisa Wilson
With a romantic viewpoint on renaissance-era fashion, Marrisa Wilson is the hot new girl on the block that’s dominating the fashion industry. After debuting her fall 2021 collection at New York Fashion Week last year, Wilson fully put herself on the map with her timeless collection, To Be Black and Female. Inspired by the renaissance era and drawing inspiration from the social movement of the 1920s, the Guyanese Jersey native is pushing barriers by changing the way we wear luxury ready-to-wear silhouettes.
4. Malachi Smythe
Malachi Smythe is a 22-year-old photographer that recently had his work featured in Vogue Italia for a few of his latest photography installments entitled, Grandma’s Porch, DLV Lounge and Mind Racing, to name a few. Smythe’s work ranges from fashion photography, editorial work and portraiture, which has a romantic viewpoint on his perspective of life. The Jersey native is transcending the bar of what he once envisioned by seamlessly going after his dream of landing in one of the world’s most-noteworthy publications.
5. Andrew McFarland
Andrew McFarland is the executive assistant to R&B singer Giveon and has worked as a wardrobe stylist for photo shoots that have featured Beyoncé, Klay Thompson, Paris Hilton and Tracee Ellis Ross, to name a few. Andrew is on top of the creative radar when it comes to a savvy point of view within wardrobe styling and is proving time and time again that he is one to watch.
6. Larry June
The San Fran native is rising to the top of hip-hop charts this year. Best known for his EPs Larry and Orange Season, the 30-year-old smooth beat rapper gives a taste of laid-back Cali streets with an infusion of contemporary instrumentals that are easy to vibe with. June’s passion to influence the rap industry has withstood the test of time with a few new projects that take us through some of life’s simplest pleasures.
7. Jamilla Okubo
Interdisciplinary artist Jamilla Okubo is a Kenyan and Trinidadian woman with a focus on celebrating the Black body. Her stance on portraying Black culture in its rawest form pays homage to the African diaspora through movement and connection. Jamilla uses colorful fabrics, textiles and patterns to convey significant messages that stem from Swahili proverbs and African roots.
8. Sean Brown
Sean Brown is the new creative force within contemporary interior design and architecture. His brand, Curves, is inspired by African American pop culture that celebrates Blackness in its purest form. The Toronto-based creative wanted to mix his love of fashion and hip-hop to create stylish home decor that transcends normal pieces of home decor through a unique point of view.
9. Morgan Thomas
Best known for her timeless designs in the hit show Euphoria, Morgan Thomas is withstanding the test of time with her jewelry empire, Yam. Handmade in Queens, New York, Thomas is paying homage to her mother's legacy by ingraining vintage silhouettes and all-natural materials within her pieces.
10. WizTheMC
African native WizTheMC wanted to be the star of his own story as a rising indie artist. After moving to Lüneburg, Germany back in 1999 with his mother and brother, the 21-year-old artist later formed a band called NOHOMES in the summer of 2015. Since then, the rising star has seen a lifelong career within music by implementing a deep love of crafting freestyle within the world of African pop culture.
Black culture simply would not be without the likes of those behind the scenes, and though their names may not be plastered on Billboards yet, their legacies will continue to inspire those wishing to follow in their footsteps.
