This Black History Month, Music Daily is doing more than just celebrating the artists we know and love. Music Daily is featuring rising stars, as well as the musicians working behind the scenes. Black performers, creators, and artists have been shaping the music industry for generations – sometimes even without fans knowing it! The following are songs you probably didn’t know were written by Black artists and other beloved stars. Additionally, some were produced by Black artists or POC teams. It’s time to celebrate the music written by Black artists and the talents they have showcased to the world.
Our Favorite Hits Written By Black Artists
“Baby” by Justin Bieber was written by Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Terius Nash, and Ludacris. Moreover, even Christina Milan is credited on the hit.
“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani was co-written by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo.
“I’m a Slave 4 U” by Britney Spears was another hit written by Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo. (They are a successful songwriting duo from the early 2000s.)
“Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran was co-written by Kandi Burruss, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, and Kevin “She’kspere” Briggs.
“Party in the U.S.A.” by Miley Cyrus was co-written by Claude Kelly, as well as Jessie J.
Throwback! “Manic Monday” by The Bangles was written by the incomparable Prince.
“Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé was co-written by her friend Ne-Yo. They also worked together on her song “If” the same year.
Writing and Production Done by Black Artists
“Take A Bow” by Madonna was produced by Babyface. Her hit “Like A Virgin” was also produced by Nile Rodgers.
“All I Have to Give” by Backstreet Boys was produced by Full Force. (Also known as the collective of Brian George, Junior Clark, Paul Anthony George, Lucien George Jr., Curt Bedeau, Gerry Charles).
“Swagger Jagger” by Cher Lloyd was co-written by Autumn Rowe in addition to being co-produced by Mayne Zane of The Runners.
