These Are the Trailblazing Black Music Icons Who Walked So Today’s Biggest Stars Could Run!

Before artists like Usher, SZA, and Megan Thee Stallion came on the scene and wowed a new generation of music lovers, there were a litany of entertainers who paved the way before them and set a path for success and creativity.

Whether it was through their dedication to showmanship, fashion and persona or choreography and lyricism, there are more than a handful of past music artists who were bigger than life before today’s current crop.

Keep reading to see who!

Before There Was Beyoncé, There Was Tina Turner

This one should be a no brainer, but before Beyoncé took over and amazed audiences with her fashion, dance skills and all-around entertainment onstage, Tina Turner laid the foundation first and taught us all what it meant to be “simply the best.”

Before There Was Usher, There Was Bobby Brown

If you remember Bobby Brown grinding and dancing onstage while singing to his “Ronis,” then you can clearly see how much of an influence that would have on somebody like Usher (who also has an affinity for making his “ronis” feel special— cherries, anyone?)

Before There Was Megan Thee Stallion, There Was Trina

Megan Thee Stallion may make affirmations for baddies in her lyrics now, but Trina definitely played a big role in hip-hop, making every woman listening to her music feel like even badder b*tches after doing so.

Before There Was Rihanna, There Was Grace Jones

When we talk about avant-garde artists of the past, Grace Jones makes the top of that list. And thankfully so many years later, Rihanna came out in the music scene and shook it up in a fresh new way.

Before There Was Lizzo, There Was Queen Latifah

OK, so while Lizzo may not have the acting credits as Queen Latifah does, there’s no denying the “U.N.I.T.Y.” rapper’s influence and the doors she opened for plus-size Black women chasing mainstream success.

Before There Was Victoria Monét, There Was Janet Jackson

The subtle, smooth, miss-it-if-you-blink sexy lyrics and overall sensuality that Victoria Monét is known and loved for nowadays draws heavy inspiration from Janet Jackson. And VM is certainly doing a fantastic job and continuing to channel the energy.

Before There Was Michael Jackson, There Was Fred Astaire and James Brown

While Michael Jackson was very vocal about James Brown being the Godfather that he looked up to, we can’t sleep on the influence that people like Fred Astaire had on MJ— especially when it comes to he precise footwork and easy glides.

Before There Was Tyler, the Creator, There Was Pharrell

Much like Beyoncé and Tina, the similarities between Tyler, the Creator and Pharrell and how they influence music and culture (specifically fashion) are as accurate as they are ground-breaking.

Before There Was Jazmine Sullivan, There Was Mary J. Blige

When you’re talking about women who sing about love and heartbreak with soul, conviction and raw feeling, you have to bring up Jazmine Sullivan and Mary J. Blige. You also have to acknowledge that Blige put this entire genre on her back for an extended time and served as a compass point for others who wanted to follow in her footsteps.

Before There Was H.E.R., There Was Alicia Keys

Moving vocals, lyrics, and a foray into the TV, film, Broadway space?? Yeah, you can say what you want about Alicia Keys but she was her before H.E.R. But it’s clear the latter singer has picked up the mantle and we’re not mad at it!

Before There Was Drake, There Was LL Cool J

OK, so this may seem like an odd pairing but it’s really not when you think about how LL Cool J gave off this hard exterior just for him to rap about how badly he needs love and how he’s going to love his girl better. If that isn’t Drake-esque, “Certified Lover Boy” coded, we don’t know what else is. Sorry, not sorry.

Before There Was Nicki Minaj, There Was Lil’ Kim

DUH!! We’re not even going to waste our breaths with this one, y’all see the material.

Before There Was SZA, There Was Erykah Badu

This one is fun simply because while Erykah Badu was a bit more spiritual in her work, SZA’s sometimes ethereal songs and vibes are very reminiscent of Badu’s energy.