Underground Black Musicians to Back in 2025
By Parker “Park” Hawley
Many were…disappointed with 2024’s Spotify Wrapped, to say the least. So, while everyone hopes for a better Wrapped in 2025, why shouldn’t people begin to craft a Spotify Wrapped but with lesser-known African-American musicians?
Why should one listen to black musicians? Well, African Americans are extremely underrepresented in the music industry. Despite popular black figures such as Kendrick Lamar; SZA; Tyler, the Creator; Doechii; Frank Ocean; BigXthaPlug; and Shaboozey dominating the Billboard 200, only 13% of artists in the music industry are black. Listening to black artists not only helps to increase the number of them in the music industry but it also exposes one to some of the best music out today! So, with all that in mind, The Pioneer has put together a list of lesser-known African-American musical artists from some of the most popular genres in music to indulge in for 2025!
Rap – PARTYOF2 (formerly grouptherapy.)
Monthly Listeners (Spotify) – 295.3k
Founded – 2019
Location – Los Angeles, CA
Members – Active: SWIM (Koi/Tyson Coy Stewart) and Jadagrace (Jadagrace Michiko Gordy-Nash). Former: TJOnline (TJW/Tyrel Jackson Williams) and Rhea (Elijah Johnson)
PARTYOF2 is one of the most interesting rap groups out there. First of all, one of their former members TJOnline was a star on the Disney show Lab Rats. Second of all, and possibly more importantly, PARTYOF2 is incredibly interesting as they don’t just rap but they pioneer it.
PARTYOF2 injects almost any other genre into their music. Rock, R&B, pop, or even jazz, PARTYOF2 has found a way to experiment with rap even going back to their days as grouptherapy. They let each artist in the group have their own voice and style in the music. Overall, PARTYOF2 is a group pioneering not only what it means to be a rap group but to be a music group, or duo.
Suggested Song – “FUNKFEST”
R&B – Dreamer Isioma
Monthly Listeners (Spotify) – 780.5k
Debuted – 2018
Born – Chicago, IL
The best way to describe Dreamer Isioma’s music is…dreamy. Isioma uses a smooth rhythm combined with lyrics that could work as poetry to enchant the listener. His music can be listened to during any occasion; crying, laughing, laughing, and crying, it truly doesn’t matter! Dreamer Isioma R&B is good enough to be the soundtrack to anyone’s life.
Suggested Song – “Sunset Drive”
Pop – Hannah Jadagu
Monthly Listeners (Spotify) – 126.8k
Debuted – 2020
Born – Mesquite, TX
Hannah Jadagu presents one of the most interesting stories in music, a young woman fresh out of high school sitting in her room and recording her first EP on an iPhone 7. Well, that’s what Jadagu did and her style of “bedroom pop” works extremely well. It is enough of a departure from typical pop to entice those who aren’t interested in the genre but keeps pop fundamental elements to excite pop fans. So, long story short, Jadagu’s unique music works well for just about anyone who likes music.
Suggested Song – “Warning Sign”
Rock – Radkey
Monthly Listeners (Spotify) – 43.6k
Founded – 2010
Location – St. Joseph, MO
Members – Dee Radke, Isaiah Radke, Solomon Radke
Having siblings is hard, forming a band with them is harder, and playing in that band together for 15 years is the hardest. Nonetheless, Radkey has done it as the three Radke brothers have been performing together since 2010.
Radkey’s long-term success is no surprise, he combines all eras of rock from the 1990s to the 2020s together to form a heavy rock style that is truly special. Powerful chords, impressive riffs, deep vocals, and impressive drumming make Radkey the definition of perfect underground rock.
Suggested Song – “Love Spills”
Country – Renya Roberts
Monthly Listeners (Spotify) – 993.7k
Debuted – 2020
Born – Anchorage, AK
The last stop on this tour of underground black artists is in the south where a woman from Alaska has begun to make her mark. Renya Roberts was featured on Beyoncé’s 2024 country album, Cowboy Carter, and for good reason. Roberts uses impressive vocals, fun production, and foot-stomping beats to make fun beats that even those who dislike country can find joy in.
Suggested Song – “Louisiana”
