List of African-American singers

This is a list of notable African-American singers that gives their year of birth and music genres with which they are associated.

List of singers, rappers, and musicians

0–9

• Anderson .Paak: Hip hop, R&B, soul, funk, pop
• 2 Chainz: Hip hop, dirty South/Southern hip hop
• 4Batz: R&B, hip-hop
• 50 Cent: Hip Hop, professionally known as 50 Cent

A

• Aaliyah (1979–2001): R&B, pop
• Johnny Ace: R&B
• Alicia Keys (born 1981): pop
• Gregory Abbott (born 1954): soul, R&B, his father was born in Venezuela
• Armenta Adams: Classical pianist
• Arthur Adams: Blues, R&B
• Johnny Adams: Gospel, R&B, soul, jazz
• Yolanda Adams (born 1961): gospel
• Nat Adderley: Jazz
• Cannonball Adderley: Jazz
• Afroman: Hip hop
• Akon: R&B, pop, hip hop, dancehall
• Sasha Allen: R&B, rock, soul
• Luther Allison: Blues
• Amil: Hip hop
• Cat Anderson: Jazz
• Ivie Anderson (1904–1949): jazz
• Marian Anderson (1897–1993): opera
• Louis Armstrong (1901–1971): blues, jazz
• Billy Boy Arnold: R&B
• Martina Arroyo (born 1936): opera
• Dorothy Ashby: Jazz
• Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar (born 1992): hip-hop
• Jhené Aiko (born 1988): R&B, neo soul
• Ashanti (born 1980): R&B, hip-hop, soul
• Amerie (born 1980): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, funk, go-go
• Patti Austin: R&B, pop, jazz
• Roy Ayers: Jazz, funk, disco, R&B, hip hop
• Ayo & Teo: (African American father) Hip hop, dance, trap

B

• Cardi B: Hip hop
• Babyface: R&B
• Anthony Brown: Gospel
• Erykah Badu (born 1971): neo soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop
• Kim Burrell: Gospel
• Lil Baby: Hip hop
• Chloe Bailey (born 1998): R&B
• Halle Bailey (born 2000): R&B
• Mildred Bailey: Jazz
• Pearl Bailey (1918–1990): vaudeville
• Anita Baker, R&B, soul
• Josephine Baker: Pop, jazz
• LaVern Baker (1929–1997): R&B
• Florence Ballard (1943–1976): R&B, pop, soul
• Erica Banks: Hip hop, Southern hip hop
• Lloyd Banks: Hip hop
• Azealia Banks (born 1991): hip-hop, pop, hip house
• Dave Bartholomew: R&B, R&R
• Florence Ballard: R&B, pop, soul
• Fantasia Barrino (born 1984): R&B, soul, gospel
• Count Basie: Jazz
• Fontella Bass (1940–2012): R&B, soul
• Kathleen Battle (born 1948): opera
• Swizz Beatz: Hip hop (African-American and Eritrean descent)
• Sidney Bechet: Jazz
• Madeline Bell (born 1942): soul
• Carey Bell: Blues
• Eric Benet: R&B, neo soul
• George Benson: Jazz, R&B, soul, funk
• Denée Benton (born 1992): Broadway, pop
• Brook Benton (born 1931–1988): pop, R&B, soul
• Chuck Berry (1926–2017): rock
• Frankie Beverly: R&B, soul, funk
• Andy Bey (born 1939): jazz
• Beyoncé (born 1981): R&B, pop^[1]
• Cindy Birdsong: R&B, soul, pop
• Birdman: rapper
• Kodak Black: Hip hop
• Mykki Blanco: Hip hop
• Blind Blake (1896–1934): ragtime, blues
• Bobby Bland (1930–2013): blues
• Terry Blade: singer-songwriter
• Art Blakey: Jazz
• Jules Bledsoe (1897–1943): opera, Broadway
• Mary J. Blige (born 1971): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul
• Lucille Bogan (1887–1948): blues
• Buddy Bolden: Jazz, blues
• Brandy (born 1979): R&B
• Breland (born 1995): country trap
• Dee Dee Bridgewater (born 1950): jazz
• Bobby Bradford: Jazz
• Charles Bradley: Funk, soul, R&B
• Tamar Braxton: R&B, soul, pop, gospel^[2]
• Toni Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
• Traci Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
• Trina Braxton: R&B, soul, pop
• Bobby Brown: R&B, soul, pop
• Charles Brown: Blues, R&B, rock, soul, jazz
• Chuck Brown: Funk, hip hop, blues
• Clifford Brown: Jazz
• James Brown (1933–2006): soul, funk
• Oscar Brown Jr (1926–2005): jazz
• Shirley Brown (born 1947): R&B, soul
• Peabo Bryson (born 1951): soul, R&B
• Grace Bumbry (born 1937): opera
• Solomon Burke (1940–2010): blues, gospel, R&B, soul, rock and roll
• Chris Brown (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, soul, pop
• Elbridge "Al" Bryant: R&B, pop, soul
• Kandi Burruss (born 1976): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul
• Toni Braxton (born 1967): R&B, soul, pop, dance-pop, hip-hop
• Joe Budden: Hip hop
• Jerry Butler: Soul, funk, R&B
• Metro Boomin: Hip hop
• Rich Boy: Hip hop
• Soulja Boy: Hip hop
• Donald Byrd: Jazz, funk, soul, R&B
• B.o.B: Hip hop
• Bow Wow: Hip hop
• Boosie Badazz: Southern hip hop
• Rich Boy: Hip hop
• Young Buck: Hip hop

C

• Ca$h Out: Hip hop
• C-Murder: Hip hop
• Cassidy: Hip hop
• Doja Cat: Hip hop, R&B, pop
• Erica Campbell: Gospel
• Tina Campbell: Gospel
• Cab Calloway (1907–1994): jazz
• Alyson Cambridge (born 1980): operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer
• Cam'ron: Hip hop
• Mariah Carey (born 1969): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul
• Chance the Rapper: Hip hop
• Jean Carn (born 1947): jazz, pop
• Benny Carter: Jazz
• Betty Carter: Jazz
• Ron Carter: Jazz
• Betty Carter (1929–1998): jazz
• Doja Cat (born 1995): hip-hop, R&B, pop, pop rap
• Cool Boy F (born 2005): R&B
• Gene Chandler (born 1931): R&B, soul, disco
• Paul Chambers: Jazz
• Tracy Chapman (born 1964): folk
• Ray Charles (1930–2004): R&B, soul, blues, gospel, country, jazz, pop, rock and roll
• Ciara (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, pop
• Tasha Cobbs (born 1981): contemporary Christian music, urban contemporary gospel
• Freddy Cole (1931–2020): jazz
• J. Cole (born 1985): hip-hop
• Nat King Cole (1919–1965): jazz, swing, pop
• Natalie Cole (1950–2015): R&B, pop
• Mitty Collier (born 1941): soul, R&B, gospel
• Sam Cooke (1931–1964): soul, gospel, R&B
• Ida Cox (1888 or 1896–1967): blues, jazz
• Randy Crawford (born 1952): jazz, R&B, disco
• Kid Cudi (born 1984): hip-hop, alternative rock
• 50 Cent (born 1975): hip-hop
• Keyshia Cole (born 1981): R&B, hip-hop, hip-hop soul
• Tameka Cottle (born 1975): R&B, soul
• Chubby Checker: Rock and roll, R&B
• Cyrus Chestnut: Jazz
• Charlie Christian: Jazz
• Milan Christopher: Rapper
• Blac Chyna: Hip hop
• Young Chop: Hip hop, drill
• Ciara: R&B, Hip hop, pop
• Robert Cray: Blues
• Otis Clay: R&B, soul, blues, gospel
• Eddy Clearwater: Blues
• Clarence Clemons: Rock, R&B
• James Cleveland: Gospel, soul
• George Clinton: Funk, rock, soul
• Ornette Coleman: Jazz, free funk
• Daryl Coley: Gospel
• Albert Collins: Blues
• Bootsy Collins: Funk, soul, rock, R&B
• Mitty Collier: R&B, soul, gospel
• Alice Coltrane: Jazz
• John Coltrane: Jazz
• Ravi Coltrane: Jazz
• Sean Combs: Hip hop, R&B
• James Cotton: Blues, jazz
• J. Cole: Hip hop (African-American father)
• Ice Cube: Hip hop
• Kid Cudi: Rapper who is African American and Mexican
• King Curtis: Soul, R&B, rock, funk, jazz
• Evelyn Simpson Curenton: various
• Chamillionaire: Hip hop
• Chingy: Hip hop, rap
• Canon: Christian hip hop
• Cuban Doll: Hip hop, Southern hip hop

D

• Chuck D: Hip Hop
• DaBaby (born 1991): Hip hop, trap
• Roscoe Dash: Hip hop
• Miles Davis: Jazz
• Sammy Davis Jr. (1925–1990): pop, jazz, easy listening, swing
• Jimmy Dawkins: Blues
• Jason Derulo (born 1989): R&B, hip-hop, pop
• Bo Diddley (1928–2008): R&B, rock and roll
• Raheem DeVaughn (born 1975): R&B, neo soul
• Fats Domino (1928–2017): rock and roll, boogie-woogie, New Orleans rhythm and blues
• Shea Diamond (born 1978): soul, R&B
• Drake (born 1986): hip-hop
• DDG: Hip hop
• Mos Def: Hip hop
• Famous Dex, Chicago hip hop
• Ricky Dillard: Gospel
• Willie Dixon, Blues, R&B, rock and roll, gospel
• Johnny Dodds: Jazz
• Warren "Baby" Dodds: Jazz
• Young Dolph: Hip hop
• Eric Dolphy: Jazz
• Donnis: Hip hop
• Nate Dogg: Hip hop, gangsta rap, R&B
• Snoop Dogg: Hip hop, funk, gangsta rap
• Fats Domino: Rock and roll, R&B
• Dr. Dre: Hip hop
• 42 Dugg: Hip hop, trap
• Lil Durk: Hip hop, drill
• Desiigner: Hip hop, trap
• Derek Minor: Christian hip hop
• DreamDoll: Hip hop
• Dorrough: Hip hop
• Duke Deuce: Hip hop
• Doechii: Hip hop

E

• E-40: Hip hop, rap
• Eazy-E: Hip-hop, rap
• Dennis Edwards: R&B, soul
• Billy Eckstine (1914–1993): jazz, pop
• Betty Everett (1939–2001): soul
• Cassandra Extavour: classical singer
• Faith Evans (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul
• Roy Eldridge: Jazz
• Duke Ellington: Jazz

F

• Art Farmer: Jazz
• Mickey Fields: Jazz
• Fantasia (born 1984): R&B
• Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996): jazz
• Roberta Flack (born 1937): jazz, pop
• Eddie Floyd: R&B, soul
• Aretha Franklin (1942–2018): soul, gospel
• Erma Franklin (1938–2002): gospel, soul
• Kam Franklin: Soul
• Melvin Franklin: R&B, soul
• Kirk Franklin (born 1970): soul, gospel
• Future (born 1983): hip-hop
• Jamie Foxx (born 1967): R&B, pop, hip-hop
• Bankroll Freddie: Hip hop
• Lowell Fulson: Blues
• Future: Hip hop, trap, R&B
• Fabolous: Hip hop
• Flo Rida: Hip hop
• Sonny Fortune: Jazz
• Jamie Foxx: R&B
• Flavor Flav: Hip hop
• Fivio Foreign: Hip hop
• Big Freedia: Bounce
• Flame: Christian hip hop
• Finesse2tymes: Hip hop
• Foogiano: Hip hop
• Fredo Bang: Hip hop

G

• Marvin Gaye (1939–1984): R&B, soul, funk, jazz, pop
• Gloria Gaynor (born 1943): disco, R&B
• Jamie Grace (born 1991): Christian pop, gospel
• Al Green (born 1946): R&B, soul
• Ginuwine (born 1970): R&B
• Diana Gordon (born 1985): R&B, dance-pop, house
• Kevin Gates (born 1986): hip-hop
• Gabrielle Goodman (born 1969): jazz, soul, gospel
• Polo G: Hip hop, drill
• Slim Gaillard: Jazz
• The Game: Rapper
• EST Gee: Hip hop
• Tyrese Gibson: Hip hop, R&B
• Dizzy Gillespie: Jazz
• Ginuwine: R&B
• City Girls: Hip hop
• GloRilla: Hip hop
• GlokkNine: Hip hop
• Ugly God: Hip hop, SoundCloud hip hop
• Benny Golson: Jazz
• Dexter Gordon: Jazz
• Berry Gordy: R&B, soul, pop, R&R
• Al Green: R&B, soul
• CeeLo Green: R&B, Hip hop, soul, funk
• Thomasina Talley Greene: Classical pianist
• Johnny Griffin: Jazz
• Lil Gotit, Hip hop
• Tee Grizzley, Rapper
• Childish Gambino: Hip hop, R&B
• Gucci Mane: Hip hop
• Gunna: Hip hop
• Buddy Guy: Blues
• Phil Guy: Blues

H

• Halsey (born 1994): Pop
• H.E.R
• Adelaide Hall (1901–1993): jazz
• Edmond Hall: Jazz
• Willie Hall: R&B, soul, funk
• Charles Hamilton: Hip hop
• Damon Harris: R&B, soul, pop
• Chico Hamilton: Jazz
• Jimmy Hamilton: Jazz
• Lionel Hampton: Jazz
• Ciara Harris (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop, crunk&B, pop, dance
• Donny Hathaway (1945–1979): soul, jazz, gospel, R&B, blues
• Koryn Hawthorne: Gospel
• Deitrick Haddon: Gospel
• Herbie Hancock: Jazz, funk, electro
• Edward W. Hardy: Classical, pop, theatre music
• Roy Hargrove: Jazz, soul
• Richie Havens: Funk, soul
• Coleman Hawkins: Jazz
• Isaac Hayes: Blues, jazz, soul
• MC Hammer: R&B
• Fred Hammond: Gospel
• Richie Havens (1941–2013): folk rock, funk, blues, soul
• Isaac Hayes (1942–2008): blues, jazz, soul, funk, disco
• Nicole Heaston: opera
• Fletcher Henderson: Jazz
• Michael Henderson: R&B, jazz, funk, soul, pop
• Jon Hendricks (1921–2017): jazz
• Jimi Hendrix (1942–1970): rock guitarist, singer-songwriter
• Nona Hendryx (born 1944): funk, soul, pop, R&B, rock
• Andrew Hill: Jazz
• Lauryn Hill (born 1975): R&B, neo soul, hip-hop, folk, reggae
• Z. Z. Hill (1935–1984): blues
• Billie Holiday (1915–1959): soul, blues
• Jennifer Holliday (born 1960): R&B, soul, pop, house, dance, gospel
• Johnny Hodges: Jazz
• John Lee Hooker: Blues
• Shirley Horn (1934–2005): jazz
• Lena Horne (1917–2010): jazz, pop
• Cissy Houston (born 1933): soul, gospel, disco
• Thelma Houston (born 1946): R&B, soul, disco, Motown, gospel
• Whitney Houston (1963–2012): R&B, pop, soul, gospel
• Freddie Hubbard: Jazz
• Jennifer Hudson (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop
• Phyllis Hyman (1949–1995): soul, R&B quiet, jazz, disco
• Keri Hilson (born 1982): R&B
• Adina Howard (born 1973): R&B, hip-hop, soul
• G Herbo: Hip hop, drill
• Skinny Hightower: Jazz^[3]
• Earl Hines: Jazz
• Hopsin: Hip hop
• Nipsey Hussle: Hip hop, rap
• H.E.R.: R&B
• Hitmaka: Hip hop
• Huey: Hip hop
• Hurricane Chris: Hip hop

I

• James Ingram (1952–2019): R&B, pop, soul
• Luther Ingram (1937–2007): R&B, soul
• Ronald Isley (born 1941): R&B, soul
• Ali Peracha
• Ice Spice (born 2000): Hip-Hop, Rap
• Ice-T: Hip hop

J

• Ray J (born 1981): R&B
• Stevie J: Hip hop, R&B
• Jackson family: pop, R&B, soul, dance
  • Rebbie Jackson (born 1950)
  • Jackie Jackson (born 1951)
  • Tito Jackson (born 1953)
  • Jermaine Jackson (born 1954)
  • La Toya Jackson (born 1956)
  • Marlon Jackson (born 1957)
  • Michael Jackson (1958–2009)
  • Randy Jackson (born 1961)
  • Janet Jackson (born 1966)
• Bernard Jackson: R&B
• Chuck Jackson (born 1937): R&B
• Freddie Jackson (born 1956): soul
• Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972): gospel
• Millie Jackson (born 1944): soul, disco, R&B
• Milt Jackson: Jazz
• Randy Jackson (born 1956)
• Etta James (1938–2012): blues, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel
• Rick James: R&B, soul, funk, rock
• Al Jarreau (1940–2017): jazz, R&B, soul
• Little Willie John: R&B, soul
• Robert Johnson (1911–1938): blues
• J. J. Johnson: Jazz
• Syl Johnson: R&B, blues
• Coco Jones: R&B
• Booker T. Jones: R&B, soul, blues
• Etta Jones (1928–2001): jazz
• Howard Jones (born 1970): rock
• Elvin Jones: Jazz
• Hank Jones: Jazz
• Quincy Jones: R&B, funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, rock and roll, pop
• Mike Jones: Hip hop
• Valerie June (born 1982): folk, blues, soul, bluegrass, pop
• Jeremih (born 1987): R&B, hip-hop
• Louis Jordan: Jazz, blues, R&B
• Steve Jordan: Pop, rock, R&B
• Montell Jordan (born 1968): R&B, hip-hop, soul
• Lyfe Jennings (born 1978): R&B, soul
• Charles Jenkins: Gospel
• Leroy Jenkins: Jazz
• Scott Joplin: Ragtime
• Joe (born 1973): R&B
• Jacquees (born 1994): R&B
• BlocBoy JB: Hip hop
• Young Joc: Hip hop
• Valerie June: Folk, blues, soul, pop
• Jeremih: Hip hop, R&B
• LL Cool J: Hip hop
• Lil Jon: Hip hop
• Jadakiss: Hip hop
• J-Kwon: Hip hop
• Jibbs: Hip hop

K

• Lil Keed: Hip hop
• Alicia Keys (born 1981): R&B, soul, pop, hip-hop^[4]
• Eddie Kendricks: R&B, soul, disco
• Chaka Khan (born 1953): R&B, pop, soul, disco, jazz, gospel
• Eartha Kitt (1927–2008): cabaret, torch, jazz
• Gladys Knight (born 1944): soul, R&B, pop
• Albert King: Blues
• B.B. King: Blues, R&B
• Ben E King (1938–2015): R&B
• Freddie King: Blues
• Solange Knowles (born 1986): R&B, pop, soul, hip-hop, funk^[5]
• R. Kelly (born 1967): R&B
• Kelis (born 1979): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, electronic
• Chief Keef (born 1995): hip-hop, drill
• Lenny Kravitz (born 1964): rock, pop rock, progressive soul
• Kelis: Hip hop (African American, Chinese and Puerto Rican)
• R Kelly: R&B, soul, gospel, hip hop
• Wynton Kelly: Jazz
• Khalid: R&B, pop
• Wiz Khalifa: Hip hop
• Kid Cudi: Hip hop
• Kehlani (African American father): R&B, soul, jazz, hip hop^[6]
• Rich the Kid: Hip hop, trap
• Maxo Kream: Hip hop (Nigerian and African-American)
• KB: Christian hip hop

L

• Big L: Hip hop
• Patti LaBelle (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, dance, gospel, funk
• Denise LaSalle: Blues, R&B, soul
• Bettye LaVette: Soul, blues, R&B, funk, rock, country, gospel
• Kendrick Lamar (born 1987): hip-hop, rap
• John Larkin (1877–1936): minstrel, vaudeville
• Kenny Lattimore (born 1970): R&B
• Bettye LaVette (born 1946): soul, blues, rock and roll, funk, gospel, country
• Huddie Ledbetter (1888–1949): folk, blues
• Tasha Cobbs Leonard: Gospel
• Swae Lee (born 1993): hip-hop, R&B
• John Legend (born 1978): pop, R&B, soul
• Coi Leray (born 1997): hip-hop
• Abbey Lincoln (1930–2010): jazz
• Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, pop, country, trap
• Lizzo (born 1988): R&B, pop
• Frankie Lymon (1942–1968): R&B, doo-wop, pop, swing
• Queen Latifah (born 1970): hip-hop, R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, danc
• Lakeyah: Hip hop
• Lynda Laurence: R&B, pop, jazz
• Lecrae: Christian hip hop
• Eddie Levert: R&B, soul, blues, gospel
• Gerald Levert: Soul, R&B
• Ari Lennox (born 1991): R&B, soul, neo soul
• Coi Leray: Hip hop
• Booker Little: Jazz
• Barbara Lynn: R&B
• Cheryl Lynn: Disco, R&B, soul, pop
• Lisa Lopes: R&B, rap, pop
• Lecrae: Christian hip hop
• Ledisi: R&B, soul, jazz
• Logic: Hip hop
• Dej Loaf: Hip hop, R&B
• Ludacris: Hip hop
• Lil Uzi Vert: Hip hop
• Lil Nas X: Hip hop, country
• Lizzo: R&B
• Lloyd: R&B
• Trip Lee: Christian hip hop, Southern hip hop
• Lil Scrappy: Hip hop

M

• Young M.A: Hip hop
• Mandisa: Gospel, Christian
• Barbara Mason: R&B, soul
• Johnny Mathis (born 1935): pop, jazz
• Curtis Mayfield (1942–1999): soul, funk, R&B
• China Anne McClain (born 1998): R&B, pop
• Lauryn McClain (born 1997): R&B, pop
• Christian McBride: Jazz
• Gene McDaniels: Jazz, pop
• Donnie McClurkin: Gospel
• Betty McGlown: R&B, pop
• Joe McPhee: Jazz
• Sierra McClain (born 1994): R&B, pop
• Brian McKnight (born 1969): R&B
• Carmen McRae (1920–1994): jazz
• Nicki Minaj (born 1982): hip-hop, pop
• Lee Michelle: (African-American Father) K Pop singer
• Buddy Miles: R&B, funk, soul
• Meek Mill: Hip hop
• Stephanie Mills: R&B, soul, gospel
• Nicki Minaj: Hip hop, pop, R&B
• Blue Mitchell: Jazz
• Wanya Morris (born 1973): R&B, soul
• Janelle Monáe (born 1985): funk, R&B, psychedelic soul, hip-hop
• YNW Melly (born 1999): hip-hop, trap, R&B
• Mýa (born 1979): R&B (African American father, Italian mother)
• Miguel (born 1985): R&B
• K. Michelle (born 1982): R&B, soul
• Teairra Marí (born 1987): R&B
• Mario (born 1986): R&B
• Monica (born 1980): R&B, soul, hip-hop soul
• Victoria Monét (born 1989): pop, R&B
• Chrisette Michele (born 1982): R&B, hip-hop, soul, jazz
• Remy Ma: Hip hop
• Barbara Martin: R&B, pop
• Johnny Mathis: Pop, jazz
• Curtis Mayfield: Soul, funk, R&B
• Taj Mahal: Blues, R&B, jazz
• Hank Mobley: Jazz
• Thelonious Monk: Jazz
• Wes Montgomery: Jazz
• Melba Moore: Soul, disco, gospel
• Lee Morgan: Jazz
• Migos: Hip hop, trap
• Gucci Mane: Hip hop, trap
• Miguel (African-American Mother): Hip hop, R&B
• Tamela Mann: Gospel
• Mulatto: Hip hop
• Matt "Guitar" Murphy: Blues
• Lil' Mo: R&B, hip hop
• Method Man: Hip hop
• Maliibu Miitch: Hip hop (African American, Vietnamese and Filipino)
• Mims: Hip hop
• Maino: Hip hop
• Money Man: Hip hop

N

• Nonpoint (born 1975): rock
• Rico Nasty (born 1997): hip-hop, rock, rap rock
• Meshell Ndegeocello (born 1968): funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, reggae, rock
• Anthony Nelson (born 1975): gospel
• Aaron Neville (born 1941): R&B, soul, country, gospel, jazz, pop
• Art Neville: Funk, R&B, soul
• Cyril Neville: R&B, funk, blues
• Charles Neville: R&B, jazz, funk, pop
• Oliver Nelson: Jazz
• David "Fathead" Newman: Jazz
• Jessye Norman (born 1945): opera
• Brandy Norwood (born 1979): R&B, pop, hip-hop
• Lil Nas X (born 1999): hip-hop, LGBT hip-hop, pop rap, country rap
• Ne-Yo (born 1979): R&B
• Nivea (born 1982): R&B, hip-hop
• Noname Gypsy (born 1991): hip-hop
• Normani (born 1996): pop, R&B
• Tech N9ne: Hip hop
• Nas: Hip hop
• Nathan Morris: Vocal, singer
• Nelly: Hip hop
• Meshell Ndegeocello: Funk, soul, jazz
• Queen Naija (African-American mother):

O

• Alexander O'Neal (born 1953): R&B, soul
• Jeffrey Osborne (born 1948): R&B, soul
• Frank Ocean (born 1987): R&B
• Omarion (born 1984): R&B
• Offset (born 1991): hip-hop
• Odetta: Blues, jazz
• Omarion: R&B
• OJ da Juiceman: Hip hop
• OMB Peezy: Hip hop

P

• Anderson .Paak (born 1986): Hip hop, R&B, soul, pop, funk
• Keke Palmer: R&B, hip hop, pop
• Charlie Parker: Jazz
• Ray Parker Jr.: R&B, pop
• Billy Porter: (born 1969): R&B, soul
• Pleasure P (born 1984): R&B
• Pharrell: Hip hop, R&B, funk
• Paul Pena (1950–2005): Delta blues, jazz, morna, flamenco, folk, rock, Tuvan throat singing
• Teddy Pendergrass (1950–2010): R&B, soul, disco, funk
• Richard Wayne Penniman (Little Richard) (1932–2020): rock & roll, R&B, gospel, soul
• Wilson Pickett (1941–2006): R&B, soul
• Gregory Porter (born 1971): jazz
• Billy Preston (1946–2006): R&B, rock, soul, funk, gospel
• Prince (1958–2016): pop, rock
• Leontyne Price (born 1927): opera
• Charley Pride (1934–2020): country
• Arthur Prysock (1924 or 1929–1997): jazz, R&B, easy listening
• Kelly Price (born 1973): gospel
• Billy Paul: Soul, R&B, jazz
• Scherrie Payne: R&B, pop, disco
• Playboi Carti: Hip hop
• Plies: Hip hop
• Petey Pablo: Hip hop

Q

• Rich Homie Quan: Hip hop
• Quavo: Hip hop
• DJ Quik: Hip hop
• Quando Rondo: Hip hop

R

• Raheem Jarbo: Hip Hop
• Rakim: Hip Hop
• Raz-B: R&B
• Sun Ra: Jazz
• Lou Rawls: Gospel, R&B, soul, jazz, blues
• Ma Rainey (1882 or 1886–1939): blues
• Jimmy Reed: Blues
• Louisiana Red: Blues
• Sexyy Red: Hip hop, trap, Midwest hip hop
• Otis Redding (1941–1967): soul, R&B, blues
• Della Reese (1931–2017): jazz, gospel, pop
• Lil Reese: Hip hop, drill
• Dianne Reeves (born 1956): jazz
• Martha Reeves (born 1941): R&B, pop
• Roddy Ricch: Hip hop
• Lionel Richie (born 1949): soul, R&B, pop, country, gospel
• Little Richard: Rock and roll, R&B, gospel, soul
• Pretty Ricky: R&B
• Teddy Riley: R&B, hip hop
• Flo Rida (born 1979): hip-hop, hip house, pop rap
• Minnie Riperton (1947–1979): soul, R&B, jazz, disco
• Max Roach: Jazz
• Black Rob: Hip hop
• Paul Robeson (1898–1976): Americana, pop, spirituals, classical, folk
• Bill "Bojangles" Robinson (1878–1949): minstrel, vaudeville, jazz, pop
• Smokey Robinson (born 1940): R&B, soul, pop
• Sylvia Robinson: R&B, soul, Hip hop
• ASAP Rocky: Hip hop (half-African American, half-Barbadian)
• Nile Rodgers: Disco, soul, R&B, rock, funk
• Diana Ross (born 1944): R&B, soul, disco, jazz, pop, dance
• Rick Ross: Hip hop
• Sonny Rollins: Jazz
• Kelly Rowland (born 1981): R&B, pop, hip-hop, soul, dance
• Otis Rush: Blues, R&B
• Patrice Rushen (born 1954): R&B
• Trippie Redd (born 1999): hip-hop
• RuPaul (born 1960): dance, pop
• David Ruffin: R&B, pop, soul, disco, gospel
• Jimmy Ruffin: R&B, soul, pop
• Chance the Rapper: Hip hop, R&B
• Rapsody: Hip hop
• Rocko: Hip hop, rap
• Ja Rule: Hip hop
• Rubi Rose: Hip hop
• Raekwon: Hip hop
• Renni Rucci: Hip hop

S

• Saweetie: Hip hop (African American father, Chinese and Filipino mother)^[7]
• Pharoah Sanders: Jazz
• Juelz Santana: Hip hop
• Saucy Santana: Hip hop
• Marvin Sapp: Gospel
• Jill Scott (born 1972): R&B, soul, neo soul, hip-hop, spoken word, jazz
• Jimmy Scott (1925–2014): jazz
• Peggy Scott-Adams (born 1948): blues, R&B
• Travis Scott (born 1991): hip-hop
• Young Scooter: Hip hop
• Gil Scott-Heron: Soul, funk, R&B
• Dee Dee Sharp (born 1945): R&B, blues, soul
• Marlena Shaw (born 1942): jazz, blues and soul
• Tupac Shakur: Hip hop, revolutionary, poet, freedom fighter
• Kierra Sheard: Gospel
• Pooh Shiesty: Hip hop, Southern hip hop, Memphis rap
• Bobby Shmurda: Hip hop, Brooklyn drill
• Kierra Sheard: Urban gospel, R&B
• Karen Clark Sheard: Gospel, urban gospel
• Wayne Shorter: Jazz
• Bobby Short: Jazz
• Nina Simone (1933–2003): jazz, blues, folk, R&B, gospel, pop
• Magic Sam: Blues
• Magic Slim: Blues
• Memphis Slim: Blues
• Horace Silver: Jazz
• Percy Sledge: R&B, soul, gospel
• Jordin Sparks (born 1989): R&B, pop
• Ronnie Spector aka Veronica Yvette Bennett (1943–2022): R&B, pop, soul, doo-wop
• Bessie Smith (1894–1937): blues
• O. C. Smith (1932–2001): R&B, jazz, soul
• Jimmy Smith: Jazz
• Rae Sremmurd: Hip hop, trap, R&B
• Mavis Staples (born 1939): soul, gospel, R&B
• Edwin Starr (1942–2003): soul, R&B, funk, disco
• Candi Staton (born 1940): soul, R&B, gospel, dance, disco
• Dakota Staton (1930–2007): jazz
• Angie Stone (born 1961): R&B, soul
• Sly Stone: Funk, R&B
• Ruben Studdard: Singer
• Shawn Stockman : R&B
• Billy Strayhorn: Jazz
• Sly Stone (born 1943): funk, R&B
• Jazmine Sullivan (born 1987): R&B
• Maxine Sullivan (1911–1987): jazz
• Donna Summer (1948–2012): disco, rock, dance, R&B
• Sisqó (born 1978): R&B, hip-hop soul, pop
• Raven-Symoné (born 1985): R&B, hip-hop
• SZA (born 1989): R&B
• Keith Sweat (born 1961): R&B, new jack swing, hip-hop, soul, urban
• Sylvester (1947–1988): disco
• Big Sean: Hip hop, Midwest hip hop
• Pop Smoke: Hip hop, East Coast hip hop, Brooklyn Drill
• Ice Spice: Hip hop, Bronx drill
• Megan Thee Stallion: Rap, Hip hop, R&B, Southern hip hop
• Pink Sweats: Pop
• Musiq Soulchild: R&B, soul, neo soul
• Raphael Saadiq: R&B, soul
• Trey Songz: R&B, hip hop
• Keith Sweat: R&B, soul, hip hop, urban
• Southside: Hip hop
• Musiq Soulchild: R&B
• SZA: Pop, R&B, Soul
• Day Sulan: Hip hop
• Beanie Sigel: Hip hop
• Swoope: Christian hip hop, Urban contemporary gospel
• Shawty Lo: Hip hop
• Shy Glizzy: Hip hop
• Silentó: Hip hop
• SPOTEMGOTTEM: Hip hop
• Mariah the Scientist: R&B

T

• T.I.: Hip hop
• T-Pain: Hip hop, R&B
• Takeoff (1994–2022): Hip hop, trap
• Tank: Hip hop
• Art Tatum: Jazz
• Billy Taylor: Jazz
• Cecil Taylor: Jazz
• Koko Taylor: Blues, soul
• Teyana Taylor (born 1990): R&B, hip-hop, pop
• T-Pain (born 1984): R&B, hip-hop, pop rap
• Tammi Terrell (1945–1970): R&B, soul, pop
• Clark Terry: Jazz
• Jean Terrell: R&B, soul, jazz
• Bryson Tiller: R&B, hip hop
• Joe Tex (1935–1982): R&B, soul, funk, disco
• Rufus Thomas (1917–2001): R&B, funk, soul, blues
• Rozonda Thomas: R&B^[8]
• Big Joe Turner: Blues, R&B
• Ike Turner (1931–2007): R&B, blues, rock and roll, funk
• Tina Turner (1939–2023): R&B, pop, soul, dance, rock and roll
• The-Dream (born 1977): R&B
• Tinashe (born 1993): R&B, pop
• Young Thug (born 1991): hip-hop^[9][10]
• Stanley Turrentine: Jazz
• McCoy Tyner: Jazz
• Tye Tribbett: Gospel
• Tyrese Gibson (born 1978): R&B
• Tweet (born 1971): R&B
• Tyga (born 1989): hip-hop
• TLC: R&B, Pop
• Pusha T: Hip hop
• Tyler, the Creator: Hip-hop
• Twista: Hip hop
• Timbaland: Hip hop, R&B, dance
• Tedashii: Christian hip hop
• Thi'sl: Christian hip hop

U

• Usher (born 1978): R&B, pop
• Unk: Hip hop

V

• V.I.C.: Hip hop
• Bobby V (born 1980): R&B
• Brooke Valentine (born 1984): R&B, pop, hip-hop, crunk
• Luther Vandross (1951–2005): soul
• Sarah Vaughan (1924–1990): jazz
• Vedo: R&B
• Cassie Ventura: R&B
• Tommy Vext (born 1982): rock
• King Von: Hip hop, drill, gangsta rap

W

• Wale: Hip hop
• Fats Waller (1904–1943): jazz, pop
• Hezekiah Walker, Gospel
• Little Walter: Blues, R&B
• William Warfield (1920–2002): opera, pop
• Dionne Warwick (born 1940): gospel, R&B, soul, pop
• Dinah Washington (1924–1963): jazz, blues, R&B, gospel, traditional pop
• Gino Washington (born 1946?): R&B, rock
• Grover Washington Jr.: Jazz, soul, R&B
• Ethel Waters (1896–1977): blues, jazz, Broadway, big band, pop
• Muddy Waters: Blues
• Tionne Watkins: R&B
• Johnny "Guitar" Watson: Blues, soul, funk
• Lil Wayne (born 1982): hip-hop^[11]
• Carl Weathersby: Blues
• Junior Wells: Blues
• Mary Wells (1943–1992) R&B,^[12] pop, soul, rock
• Kanye West (born 1977): hip-hop, pop, R&B, Christian hip-hop, gospel
• Keenan Webb, also known as DJ Suede the Remix God: Trap, Hip hop
• Glodean White: R&B, soul, funk, disco
• Maurice White: Soul, funk, R&B, jazz
• Barry White (1944–2003): soul, R&B, pop
• Eddie Willis: Soul, R&B
• Wesley Willis: Punk rock
• will.i.am (born 1975): hip-hop, pop, R&B
• Andre Williams: R&B, blues
• Bert Williams (1874–1922): Broadway, vaudeville, minstrel
• Joe Williams (1918–1999): jazz
• Lenny Williams (born 1945): soul, R&B, jazz
• Otis Williams: R&B, soul, disco
• Marion Williams (1927–1994): gospel
• Michelle Williams: R&B, gospel, pop, soul
• Paul Williams: R&B, soul
• Pharrell Williams (born 1973): hip-hop, R&B, funk, pop
• Tony Williams: Jazz
• Sonny Boy Williamson I: Blues
• Sonny Boy Williamson II: Blues
• Charlie Wilson: R&B, hip hop, soul, funk
• Gerald Wilson: Jazz, pop
• Jackie Wilson (1934–1984): R&B, soul
• Nancy Wilson (1937–2018): jazz
• Mary Wilson: R&B, soul, pop, funk
• CeCe Winans (born 1964): gospel
• Mario Winans (born 1974): R&B
• Lawrence Winters(né Lawrence Lafayette Whisonant) (1915–1965): opera, concert
• Bill Withers (1938–2020): soul, R&B, smooth soul, blues, funk
• Lajon Witherspoon (born 1972): rock
• Juice Wrld (1998–2019): SoundCloud rap, emo rap, alternative rock, pop
• Howlin' Wolf (1910–1976): blues
• Stevie Wonder (born 1950): soul, pop
• Bobby Womack (1944–2014): soul, R&B
• Brenton Wood (born 1941): soul, R&B, pop
• Ali-Ollie Woodson: R&B, pop, soul
• Betty Wright (1953–2020): soul, R&B
• Lizz Wright (born 1980): jazz, gospel
• O. V. Wright (1939–1980): blues
• Bow Wow: Hip hop
• Juice WRLD: Hip hop, R&B, trap
• Webbie: Hip hop
• Fetty Wap: Hip hop

X

• XXXTentacion : Hip hop, SoundCloud rap, lo-fi
• Xzibit: Hip hop

Y

• Ne-Yo: R&B
• Yo Gotti: Hip hop
• Lester Young: Jazz
• Yung Joc: Hip hop
• Young Dro: Hip hop
• Young Buck: Hip hop

Z

• Jay-Z: Hip hop

References