WTH Is Genre? 8 Times Black Artists Bent Sound

For decades Black artists have defined genres, innovated genres, and even created them. From jazz to hip hop, they have blazed paths that new artists continue to follow. While genres have created lanes for artists to create, they have also created barriers for artists. Black acts have historically been forced into R&B and hip hop categories even when their music has shown otherwise.

Beyonce’s Lemonade album famously featured a variation of genres that were departure from her pop/R&B sound. However, it was her Cowboy Carter album that took a direct shot at the limiting framework of genres.

In honor of Black Music Month, here are 8 times Black artists bent the definition of genres in their songs.