What’s better than one Black woman musician? The more the merrier is the correct answer. So, as we officially head into the last few days of Black Music Month, it’s time we pay homage to some of our favorite girl groups.
From Xscape to the City Girls, the Black community has been blessed with these culture-shifting women who’ve shifted music. As a result, we’ve not only gotten to hear some of the fiercest bops of our generation, but we got firsthand lessons on collaboration and sisterhood from these groups. Check out our list of eight Black women groups who mean so much to us.
1. The Supremes
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These beautiful women have inspired so many of our favorite artists of today. When one thinks of class and elegance, the faces of this trio unquestionably come to mind. Founded in Detroit, as one of Motown’s signature acts, these women have undoubtedly left their mark on music and the world. While Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson have since passed, their legacy lives on through Diana Ross.
2. Xscape
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We’ve all pondered the question, “who can I run to,” and that’s primarily thanks to the women of Xscape. Signed to the So So Def label by Jermaine Dupri, the group consists of Kandi Burruss, Tameka ‘Tiny” Cottle-Harris, Latocha Scott and Tamika Scott. With hits such as “Who Can I Run To?” and “Feels So Good,” these women have been known to scorch the Billboard charts with their undeniable talent.
3. City Girls
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Coming straight out of Miami, the City Girls have changed the rap game for the better, and we’re so grateful for it. Signed to Quality Control Music, these ladies have released great anthems such as “Act Up” and “Jobs” that speak to women’s empowerment and sexual exploration. We can’t wait to see more of their work in the future.
4. Destiny's Child
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Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams had the music industry in a chokehold as members of Destiny’s Child. While they’ve each gone on to establish successful solo careers, it must be noted that they set a blueprint with the chart-topping triumphs of Destiny’s Child. With hits like “Survivor” and “Say My Name,” these women have curated endless playlists of some of our happiest moments. We hope there’s a reunion in the works!
5. SWV
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Sisters With Voices, more commonly referred to as SWV, was one of the most successful groups of the ’90s. Cheryl Gamble, Tamara Johnson and Leanne Lyons formed this powerful trio, giving us hits like “Weak” and “I’m So Into You.”
6. TLC
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Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes and Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas created the legendary group known as TLC. Sadly, Lopes is no longer among the living, but her bandmates have kept her legacy alive. With singles like “Creep” and “No Scrubs,” these ladies defined an entire generation through their talent, hard work and authenticity.
7. Salt-N-Pepa
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There can be no conversation about girl groups without mentioning Salt-N-Pepa. That’s law. These women are living legends, formed by Cheryl “Salt” James, Sandra “Pepa” Denton and Deidra Roper, also known as DJ Spinderella. So it’s no surprise considering that their debut album Hot, Cool and Vicious sold more than one million copies, solidifying them as the first female rap group to reach gold and platinum status.
8. The Dandridge Sisters
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Let’s take it way back with this one. First, of course, you’re familiar with the icon Dorothy Dandridge and her contributions to music, but did you know she got her start in a group, too? The Dandridge Sisters comprised Dorothy, her sister Vivian Dandridge and their friend Etta Jones (not that Etta Jones) and was quite the ensemble. Unfortunately, the group dissolved in the 1940s, but these women were regular performers at The Cotton Club, which was no small feat.
It’s beautiful witnessing Black women support each other while showcasing effortless talent. We hope to see the return of girl groups in the future. After all, what would music be without them?
