Pop Power

5 Black queer pop stars you should know

By Joshua S. Mackey

January 1, 2024 · Updated on May 15, 2024

In case you missed it, the internet seems to be in a frenzy for Canadian pop sensation Tate McRae. The 20-year-olds hits “Greedy” and “Exes” have made their rounds on TikTok and their subsequent music videos have folks talking – mostly about how she’s similar to certain pop star named Tinashe.

Tinashe fans were quick to point out how this newfound love of Tate’s Think Later era could’ve been geared towards the “Needs” singer, who’s aesthetic and choreography they claim are similar to Tate’s. It’s interesting to note that Tate is an artist on RCA’s label, of which Tinashe was previously a part of.

While the two entertainers definitely studied at the “Britney Spears School of Performing Arts,” both are in leagues of their own.

Still, X users started discussing the need, the want, and the enduring presence of Black pop stars – even if others weren’t aware of them. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of Black pop stars, like Chlöe, Normani, and Bree Runway, and a handful of them are queer. So, like Tinashe, here are five other Black queer pop stars you should know. 

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Doechii

While she may be a rapper and singer, don’t expect to add one label to Doechii’s (she/her) music. Shifting between rock, hip hop, r&b, and, of course, pop, Doechii’s known for her unique flow, whimsical lyrics, and unapologetic confidence that’s unmistakable on songs with labelmate SZA, Janelle Monáe, and Missy Elliot. Did we mention she’s also in her choreo bag? What else can you call her, but a pop star?

Madison Rose

If you’re looking for a fully independent Black queer pop star, look no further than Madison Rose (she/her). With soaring vocals over electro-pop production, Madison’s TECHNICOLOR album put her on the pop radar. With opening for “Barbie Girl” creators Aqua and being named an “Emerging Artist to Watch” by People Magazine, the music industry is taking note of an entertainer who loves to sing about “Girls Girls Girls.”

MNEK

MNEK’s (he/she/they) pen is unmatched. From creating hits for Little Mix, Beyoncé, Selena Gomez, Twice, Dua Lipa, and more, the British singer, songwriter, and record producer’s songwriting discography is massive, to say the least. And while they can pen a hit for others, he can most certainly create and perform them for himself. Using her sky high range and bold aesthetic, MNEK is definitely a pop force to be reckoned with.

Baby Tate

Singer, songwriter, and rapper Baby Tate’s (she/her) debut project was titled ROYGBIV. Honestly, you can’t get any gayer than that. But since the arrival of ROYGBIV, Baby Tate has continuously pushed the gay agenda and we love to see it. The Atlanta-born entertainer recently released her EP Baby Tate Presents – Sexploration: The Musical that delivers stellar bops, but equally fabulous visuals. 

VINCINT

Vincint Cannady (they/them), known mononymously as VINCINT, has an unmistakable voice soaked in gospel goodness. Thankfully the nonbinary singer blesses us with pop bops galore. Having worked with fellow pop stars Kesha, Hayley Kiyoko, MNEK, and Tegan and Sara, VINCINT’s music simply makes you feel alive. And while you’ve probably heard their music in Love, Victor or Down Low, soon enough, you’ll hear VINCINT’s music everywhere.

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