Black Women Are Bringing The World Into Their Dance Music Universe

black women in dance music beyonce pinkpantheress kelela
Getty Image/Merle Cooper

Modern Black femme artists are reveling in the spoils of dance music reentering the mainstream, not that it hasn’t been here all along. Staking claim to 1990s house music were vocalists Caron Wheeler, Robin S., Cece Peniston, and Crystal Waters, who often melded gospel tones with club-oriented production. Janet Jackson ruled the dancefloor with energetic choreography, disruptive sounds bespoke to her album-to-album evolution, and lyrics that prioritized her largely queer fanbase. Over time, Black women have seen the futurities of a genre that they shaped and, rightfully, continue to shift.

Breaking new ground for underrepresented dance communities was Beyoncé’s seventh album, Renaissance, which made the music icon the first Black woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Dance/Electronic Album. The masterpiece was Beyoncé’s first dalliance with an album concept of escapism, heard throughout its pulsating, 16-track rush. Post-Renaissance, the dance phenomenon has been ongoing, with Black women bringing the underground to the mainstream field on a grand scale.

The movement will only go further as artificial intelligence, techy aesthetics, counterculture parties and the return of true remix albums take the forefront. Renaissance was just the reintroduction, and perhaps a reawakening, for audiences to sit up and take notice of the contemporary Black female artists who’ve been on the dance music moodboard for years.

Perhaps matriarchal of the progressive Black dance culture resurgence, Kelela envisions an underground nirvana that underrepresented and queer communities can thrive in. Introduced to some as an alt-R&B vocalist who had not one but two guest features on Solange’s 2013 Saint Heron compilation, the D.C. native took shape on her cutting-edge debut mixtape, Cut 4 Me, released just one month before.

Kelela kept pushing creativity within her Warp Records collection, whether brief but potent (Hallucinogen), sexily haunting (Take Me Apart), or a masterclass in nightclub liveliness and comedowns (Raven). On the first anniversary of Raven, the LP got a remix edition, Rave:n, the Remixes, a pastiche to Take Me a_Part, the Remixes, because it isn’t a Kelela album rollout without her highlighting top-notch producers. Leading the new dance frontier with seductive vocals and sounds that bend subgenres, Kelela adventurously forms new worlds.

The music of pop and alt-R&B heroine Tinashe became enshrouded in dance-forward grooves after her 2019 split from RCA Records. Although the singer released three albums with the label, including her 2014 debut Aquarius, which featured the smash “2 On,” Tinashe had creative differences with RCA, along with inadequate promotion. Freed from depending on major label support, 2019 marked the year of reinvention for Tinashe, who channeled her early 2010s mixtape run on her first independent album, Songs for You.

The release was a salve from the choppy rollouts of Tinashe’s prior three albums, as she directly reintroduced the vibes to her fanbase, whom she affectionately calls ‘SweeTees.’ Songs like “Stormy Weather,” “Save Room for Us,” “Die a Little Bit” and “Perfect Crime” leaned on candied dance-pop and electronic, making it a hint towards the preternatural and psychedelic 2021 album 333 and the experimental LP BB/Ang3l, which dropped last year.

Embracing the latest technology – Tinashe used VR headsets in her 333 launch – and maintaining a highly-choreographed aesthetic, she recently brought viewers into her visual album and virtual performance, The BB/Angel Experience. Featured on the rapid new single “Zoom” with electronic/IDM producer Machinedrum, Tinashe’s just getting restarted, and we’re all bearing witness to her infallible ride through the dance space.

Dallas-born and raised artist Liv.e expands her radical take on R&B into hints of electronic and drum and bass on her sophomore album, Girl in the Half Pearl. From neo-soul roots (some liken her style to Erykah Badu, pioneer of the subgenre), Liv.e went from SoundCloud beginnings into groundbreaking status, with GITHP teetering between twitchy ballads and unconventional post-breakup cure-alls.

The LP was an aperture to its own electronic remixed version, GITHPREMIXEDITION, entirely produced by fellow Dallas native Ben Hixon, with Liv.e being tapped as a feature on Kelela’s Rave:n, the Remixes. Putting her own spin on dance, Liv.e makes listeners agog to hear what world she’ll bring us into next.

Overseas, noteworthy Black female artists in the UK are making a statement in dance music, essentially, due to the genre connecting to British audiences at the turn of the ‘90s. Nearly three decades later, we’ve met international sensation PinkPantheress, who found her footing on TikTok, where she hybridized garage, drum and bass, and syrupy hyperpop. Racking up fandom for her loosies on the social media platform offered PinkPantheress worldwide recognition. While she topped the charts with Ice Spice (“Boy’s a Liar Pt. 2”), she hasn’t compromised her energetic and quirky appeal.

Deconstructed club, alt-pop, and grime darling Shygirl opened the doors to Club Shy, her latest EP, where the South Londoner brought the masses into her saucily warped universe. Months before Shygirl unveiled the project, she caught the attention of Beyoncé, who gave her a spot as an opener on a London stop of the Renaissance World Tour. Apart from her Tinashe-assisted single “Heaven,” Shygirl was also on Rave:n, the Remixes, laying claim to the JD. Reid remix of “Holier,” where she traded rhapsodic notes with Kelela.

Skilled junglist, music producer, DJ, and vocalist Nia Archives touches upon drum and bass, and dancehall in her fearless works. She deejayed and freely danced alongside Jorja Smith last year when she dropped her since-viral take on Smith’s “Little Things,” and she’s kept us partying for the last five years. Since giving us a masterclass on breakbeats and global flair on EPs Headz Gone West, Forbidden Feelingz, and Sunrise Bang Ur Head Against Tha Wall, she’ll explore deeper dance terrain on her debut album Silence Is Loud, due next month.

Black women in all scopes of dance music — we’d be remiss not to mention amapiano, industrial, and Jersey club — are elevating it past its outdated boundaries. Motion in the wide-ranging genre will persist as long as we welcome diverse perspectives because the rise in Black femme-forward dance isn’t a reclamation; the space has always been ours.

Tinashe Shows Off Her Seamless Moves And Stamina In Her New Immersive Visual, ‘The BB/ANG3L Experience’

Tinashe unveiled her new twenty-minute immersive video project, The BB/ANG3L Experience. Following her recent tour of the East Coast for her album, BB/ANG3L, the visual opens with the definition of “stamina.”

Tinashe then shows off seamless choreography across several different songs, including “Treason” and “Talk To Me Nice.” She served as a creative director on the visual, and Mike Ho was the director. Finally, choreographer Shay Latukolan helped the team pull the pieces and moves together.

“This was a piece of art that I’ve been wanting to create for a very long time,” Tinashe shared in a statement. “The BB/ANG3L Experience is an immersive visual, a live experience, a piece of art that documents the athleticism and creative depths I am constantly striving to deliver in my art whether it’s live or on film. Working alongside Shay Latukolan was amazing, we were really able to tell the story of my project BB/ANG3L through movement.”

“Filming it all with the mindset of delivering the energy of a one-shot one-take visual experience was both challenging and rewarding,” she added. “From curating the lighting, the specific camera movements with the choreography, to the energy it took for us to dance through each song as a whole over and over again perfectly and all in one day, it is an achievement I am very proud of. I hope you all enjoy watching it as much I loved creating it for you.”

Check out Tinashe’s The BB/ANG3L Experience above.

Tinashe is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tinashe’s Tiny Desk Concert Is A Seamless Display Of The Singer’s Creative Range

Tinashe NPR Tiny Desk 2024
Zayrha Rodriguez/NPR

Before hitting the road for her BB/Ang3l Tour, Tinashe was sure to make a quick pit spot at NPR Music’s headquarters. After initially being teased two weeks ago, the “Needs” singer’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert performance is available for your viewing pleasure.

In no stretch is this a typical Tinashe set, as the cramped space does allow much room for movement. But that actually worked in Tinashe’s favor. As she opened her set with “Treason” off her latest album, viewers at home are forced to give in to Tinashe’s vocal abilities. The transition between “Unconditional” (which appeared on her 2021 project 333) and her 2019 6lack collaboration “Touch & Go” (off Songs For You) paints the many facets of Tinashe.

Of course, the performance couldn’t end without Tinashe’s first big hit, 2014’s “2 On,” which featured Schoolboy Q. The stripped approach made it an interesting experience. During the performance, Tinashe was accompanied by a band of extremely talented musicians, including drummer Darion Ja’Von, electric guitarist Zach Fenske, bassist Edwin Carranza, keyboardist Phil Lewis, acoustic guitarist Sean Rosati, cellist Caleb Vaughn-Jones, and violinist Crystal Alforque. Even Tinashe chimed in to play the vibraphone for a moment or two.

Tinashe’s NPR Tiny Desk Concert set is available for viewing on NPR Music’s website. Find more information here.

Tinashe is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tinashe Files Restraining Order After Disturbing Intruder Incident at Her Los Angeles Home 

R&B star Tinashe is seeking legal protection from a man who has allegedly been stalking her for over two years.  Tinashe Says Stalker Invaded Her Home Tinashe, best known for her hit single, “2 On,” and her “333” musical project,  reveals that she has been dealing with alleged stalker Ramon Oppikofer for an extended period.  […]

The post Tinashe Files Restraining Order After Disturbing Intruder Incident at Her Los Angeles Home  appeared first on SOHH.com.

Tinashe & Shygirl Were Forced To Cancel Their Joint Co-Headlining Tour Due To An Undisclosed Medical Condition

Needs” singer Tinashe recently admitted she embarrassed over some of her past musical collaborations. Her partnership with Shygirl wasn’t one of them. In fact, the pair were slated to hit the road for their North American co-headlining tour with special guest UNIIQU3 beginning on Friday, October 28. Unfortunately, a recent post on X revealed that that ain’t happening.

“Unfortunately, due to a medical condition, Shygirl will be unable to perform on our tour, and we’ve been forced to make the difficult decision to cancel,” Tinashe revealed on Friday, October 20.

She continued, “I am beyond devastated that I am no longer able to bring my brand new show to my fans next weekend… but THE SHOW MUST GO ON! I’ve been working tirelessly with my team to put together my own tour, which will be announced in the coming weeks. This new show is absolutely incredible, and I can’t wait to show you what we have been working so hard on. I love you all & promise to see you soon. ♥

Tinashe didn’t provide information regarding refunds for previously purchased tickets. Ticketholders are strongly advised to check their email for updates on the matter.

BB/ANG3L is out now via Tinashe Music Inc./ Nice Life Recording Company. Find more information here.

Tinashe is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Chris Brown Claps Back at Tinashe: ‘Name 5 Tinashe Songs…’

Did Chris Brown Welcome a Baby Boy?

Tinashe stated she was unhappy about working with R. Kelly, calling the moment embarrassing. In an interview, Tinashe stated working with Chris Brown was also a label decision that she was not happy about. The statement caught Chris Brown’s attention, who offered a response.

During a visit to the Zach Sang show, Tinashe revealed that she treats her single with R. Kelly like it never happened, claiming she never wanted to do it.

“I literally block out that R. Kelly song from my mind,” Tinashe said. “I forget that it even exists. That is so embarrassing. That is so unreal that I even have a song with R. Kelly. That’s so embarrassing.”

Tinashe revealed that the moment was while she was young and signed a label, before she expressed regret in working with Chris Brown too. “That was a song that we all wanted to be this big moment, this big single.”

@zachsangshow “I block out that song from my mind” @Tinashe on working with R. Kelly #tinashe #rkelly #embarrassing #zachsangshow #zachsang #fyp #foryou @Amp ♬ original sound – Zach Sang Show

In response, Chris Brown hit Instagram with a swift clapback: NAME 5 TINASHE songs or die … EVERYBODY DEAD.”

Tinashe is keeping it cute, directing attention back to her new EP.

via

The post Chris Brown Claps Back at Tinashe: ‘Name 5 Tinashe Songs…’ first appeared on The Source.

The post Chris Brown Claps Back at Tinashe: ‘Name 5 Tinashe Songs…’ appeared first on The Source.

Tinashe Says She is ‘Embarrassed’ That She Has a Song with R. Kelly

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Tinashe is back with a new EP, BB/ANG3L. During a visit to the Zach Sang show, Tinashe revealed that she treats her single with R. Kelly like it never happened, claiming she never wanted to do it.

“I literally block out that R. Kelly song from my mind,” Tinashe said. “I forget that it even exists. That is so embarrassing. That is so unreal that I even have a song with R. Kelly. That’s so embarrassing.”

Tinashe revealed that the moment was while she was young and signed a label, before she expressed regret in working with CHris Brown too. “That was a song that we all wanted to be this big moment, this big single.”

You can hear it from Tinashe below.

@zachsangshow “I block out that song from my mind” @Tinashe on working with R. Kelly #tinashe #rkelly #embarrassing #zachsangshow #zachsang #fyp #foryou @Amp ♬ original sound – Zach Sang Show

via

The post Tinashe Says She is ‘Embarrassed’ That She Has a Song with R. Kelly first appeared on The Source.

The post Tinashe Says She is ‘Embarrassed’ That She Has a Song with R. Kelly appeared first on The Source.

Tinashe Calls It ‘So Embarrassing’ That She’s Collaborated With Chris Brown And R. Kelly, And She Explained Why She Did

Tinashe just released her new album, BB/Ang3l, but if you dig back further into the archives, there’s some work that she’s not proud of. Specifically, she recently spoke about her “embarrassing” collaborations with Chris Brown and R. Kelly (“Player” and “Let’s Be Real Now,” respectively, both from when she was signed with RCA Records in 2015).

In an interview on the Zach Sang Show yesterday (September 13), Tinashe was asked if her collaborations with Brown and Kelly were among “things that felt label-y,” meaning things she was essentially forced to do. She laughed and responded, “You think I wanted to? [laughs] I literally… I block out that R. Kelly song from my mind. I forget that it even exists. That is so embarrassing. That is so unreal that I even have a song with R. Kelly. That’s so embarrassing. Yes, that was label-y! […] And I was so young, too, which is crazy because I feel like I did that song when I just signed to that label. I was probably, like, 20. That was crazy.”

@zachsangshow

“I block out that song from my mind” @Tinashe on working with R. Kelly #tinashe #rkelly #embarrassing #zachsangshow #zachsang #fyp #foryou @Amp

♬ original sound – Zach Sang Show

Sang then commented that despite public perceptions of those collaborations being something that Tinashe was totally on board with, she probably lacked a lot of control over the situation. Tinashe responded, “You do, a thousand percent. Especially when it comes to singles, for example — that song with Chris [Brown]: that was a song that I put a lot of… we all wanted it to be this big moment, this big single. So I feel like, in their mind, they were like, ‘You need the support.’ He was their biggest artist that they had on rhythmic radio at the time. To me, I was like, ‘Well, this is a pop song. So, I really don’t feel like we should put Chris on it.’ That doesn’t compute to me, but… I don’t know.”