In the early ages, artists like Tina Bell, Skin, Death, Bad Brains and more were scarce in the heavily white-dominated rock scene. However, as the genre has started to resurrect itself back into the mainstream, it has been represented by new faces. Coming from far and wide, here are some of the best of the new age black alternative artists.
Rico Nasty
It would be impossible to not start this list off without mentioning Rico. Taking inspiration from all over, her voice is a staple in rap and the alternative scene all at once. Her recent album “Las Ruinas” takes inspiration from not only punk but breakbeat as well. At the mainstream level, there have not been many as influential and paramount an alternative artist as her.
Kenny Hoopla
After the release of “Survivors Guilt: The Mixtape” with Travis Barker, many are confident that Kenny is here to stay. Though he does take inspiration from goth at times, it would be absurd if you could not hear the early 21st-century pop punk in his sound. From fans of Blink-182 or The Killers, this man is everything you need.
Nova Twins
Probably the biggest in the punk scene next to Rico is Love and South of the Nova Twins. Blowing up during the pandemic thanks to their debut “Who Are the Girls?” they bring an energy that has been missing in music in general. Their massive breakthrough has brought women of color to the center for all to enjoy.
Pleasure Venom
Based in Austin, Texas, Pleasure Venom is a vibrant five-member band. Though they have no album out, they have three EPs that show their true potential. If you need any convincing of how good they are, listen to their 2021 track “We Get What You Deserve” to understand the energy they possess.
Upchuck
Though for the past decade Atlanta has been home to the current rap scene, an alternative scene has been brewing in its underbelly. Part of this revolution is the band Upchuck fronted by their singer KT. Their garage sound is infatuating, and with each release, they draw more eyes.
Poorstacy
If you haven’t heard Poorstacy by now, you have sadly been living under a rock. The Florida native has the aggressive energy that every ear needs. Though he came up first with a sound similar to Iann Dior, his music becomes more metal by the day. His album “Party At The Cemetery” is the violent fun every household needs.
LustSickPuppy
If Machine Girl went punk is the simplest way to explain the talent that is known as LustSickPuppy. An avid user of jungle beats, her cutthroat tone will have you bouncing off the walls. Astonishingly, she has less than 50k listeners, but at the pace she is going, that will change shortly.
Ho99o9
This sinister duo may encompass the gruesome energy of metal better than anyone on this list. Their style intersects punk and rap and takes it in a direction I have never heard before. Their sound is genuine and raw and is the definition of a mosh pit.
While this is just the start of the movement, I and many others cannot wait to see who else emerges into the scene.
