10 politically aware female & nonbinary rappers of color you should know
1. Klassy
Klassy is a Filipinx emcee from Los Angeles who raps about colonization, imperialism and the power of community. Her 2019 album “Dirty Cortez” features audio recordings of her young child Enok as a reminder of both the innocence and incredible knowledge children possess as they learn how to navigate this world. Klassy has also recently started exploring tattooing close friends and family as a form of healing art that celebrates Filipino culture. Check out the songs “Power Trip” and “Dirty Cortez (Intro)” by Klassy.
2. Noname
Noname is a Chicago-born creative who does not limit herself to any single category. In recent years, Noname has been using her words and platform to encourage others to engage in political education and discourse. In 2019, Noname began organizing a collaborative book club that connects people both inside and outside of carceral spaces with books written by Black, Indigenous and people of color authors. Recently, the Noname Book Club opened its Book Club Headquarters in LA, which is a free library invested in community building and political mobilizing. Furthermore, Noname raps about abolition, racial capitalism and Black joy alongside catchy beats. Check out the songs “Rainforest” and “Song 33” by Noname.
3. DijahSB
DijahSB is a nonbinary artist who speaks smooth wisdom about relationships, mental health and healing over energizing beats that get you dancing. Based in Toronto, they value radical vulnerability as a method for encouraging continual growth for themselves and in their worldview. Check out the songs “C’est La Vie” and “New Balance” by DijahSB.
4. Ruby Ibarra
Ruby Ibarra is an emcee and songwriter who emigrated from the Philippines and is now based in the East Bay, whose music displays raw lyrics that reflect on and challenge the status quo. Ibarra explains of her intentions as a writer and activist: “Women’s stories are often pushed to the background and I truly want to change that narrative especially when it comes to women of color. I’d like to think I’m someone who defies convention, but on the flip side of that I know I wouldn’t be in the position that I’m in without the people that came before me and [have been] breaking down the barriers to make it easier for the next generation of artists and creators.” Ibarra is one of the co-founders of Pinays Rising, an educational scholarship program for Pinays/x in order to promote continuation of higher education with emphasis in the arts and community activism. Check out the songs “A Thousand Cuts” and “Us” by Ruby Ibarra.
5. Maassai
Maassai is a self-described “hood avant-garde” based in Brooklyn whose music focuses on celebrating Black visual art and music. Influenced by jazz culture, she raps about Afro-Latinx history and diasporic experiences. When asked about the way she approaches writing her music, Maassai shares that she views her music as “able to be confrontational. Something that [people can] really sit with and feel a way about. I make it with the intention that some people get upset. That is the goal. Honestly, if people can get upset, then I’ve done my job.” Check out the songs “accountability” and “The Social Climates” by Maassai.
6. Lizzy Jeff
Lizzy Jeff is a rap priestess and medicine woman whose music advocates for community healing, social awareness and self-determination. Lizzy Jeff’s work also seeks to redefine and educate people on medicinal uses of cannabis and uplift the rights of sex workers. Check out the songs “Money Bags” and “Nipsey Blues” by Lizzy Jeff.
7. Vel the Wonder
Vel the Wonder is a Latine artist whose music documents her journey of learning and unlearning social and political norms in USAmerican society. She draws listeners in through downtempo beats and consciously-revealing lyricism. Check out the songs “Mija” and “Idols” by Vel the Wonder.
8. Semiratruth
Semiratruth creates art that beckons listeners to consider the strong legacy of Black women who use their words to move mountains through time and space. Check out the songs “Cosmos” and “Tell Me Bout the Stars” by Semiratruth off her new album, “I got Bandz for the MoonLandin’.”
9. 7xvethegenius
7xvethegenius (pronounced Love the Genius) explores the vastness and complexity of love in her songs, which she describes as “lyrical street art.” Reflecting on the ways in which all art is political, rapper 7xvethegenius introspectively explores self-love as intimately tied to loving those around us. Check out the songs “The Result” and “Black Soul” by 7xvethegenius.
10. Nappy Nina
Nappy Nina embodies the continuation of the Black radical tradition through her intimately personal and culturally relevant explorations of rhythm and poetry. Growing up in Oakland, CA, Nina spent her youth cultivating her skill as a slam poet, and this is reflected in her current work. Rapping about queerness, emotional vulnerability and what it means to be inspired, weaving political praxis together with soulful beats, Nappy Nina is a rapper and producer who can’t be slept on. Check out the songs “Pig Pen” and “Real Tea” by Nappy Nina.
