15 Most Influential Black Music Artist From Philly

We know Detroit is home to legendary music, but we have to give Philadelphia its flowers for being home to some of the most iconic artists of our time. Following the excitement of Jill Scott’s highly anticipated album, we are reminded of the musical talent that hails from the City of Brotherly Love. From Boyz II Men and The Roots developing their sound at Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) to Will Smith becoming The Fresh Prince, let’s take a look at the artists who put Philadelphia on the map.

Teddy Pendergrass

Known as one of the most iconic singers of all time, Teddy Pendergrass was an influential artist from Philadelphia whose recognizable baritone vocals helped shape the sound of 1970s R&B.

Boyz II Men

Wanyé, Shawn, Michael, and Nathan are the four men who formed the legendary group Boyz II Men. The famed group helped define 90s R&B with their smooth harmonies, heartfelt ballads, and timeless hit records, including their breakout single “MotownPhilly,” which proudly put their hometown on the map.

Jill Scott

Jill Scott, also known as “Jilly from Philly,” brought light to the city of Philadelphia with her poetic storytelling, helping define the neo-soul movement through song. Rising from the city’s spoken-word scene, she became a staple with her timeless albums that celebrate Black love and femininity. She will always be that girl.

Jazmine Sullivan

Jazmine Sullivan won over fans with her powerful vocals and raw emotional honesty, which made her the voice of modern R&B. Rising from Philadelphia’s musical legacy, she has delivered soul-baring records like “I Need You Bad,” “Lions, Tigers, and Bears,” and “Mona Lisa.” The beautiful Philly songstress remains one of the most influential voices of her generation.

The Roots

The Roots’ influence on their beloved city of Philadelphia runs deep. Their innovative sound, blending live instrumentation and hip-hop, defined the neo-soul genre. Best known for their thought-provoking lyrics and groundbreaking albums, they became the cornerstone of Philly’s musical history.

Patti LaBelle

Legendary singer Patti Labelle is best known for her powerful, soulful voice and her ability to deliver emotional, high-energy performances. She rose to fame as the lead singer of LaBelle, the group behind the hit single “Lady Marmalade,” and later became a solo superstar. The celebrated “Godmother of Soul” remains a shining gem of Philadelphia.

Will Smith

Will Smith is an iconic actor and musical artist from Philadelphia who rose to fame as part of the hip-hop duo, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince. His Philly-bred talents helped him become a global entertainer, successfully bridging his Philly hip-hop roots with mainstream success.

Meek Mill

If you have ever found yourself standing on couches rapping the lyrics to “Dreams & Nightmares,” you have Meek Mill to thank. The Philadelphia rapper’s gritty storytelling and signature sound amplified his city’s musical presence. By delivering hit records while advocating for criminal justice reform, he has positioned himself as an influential figure in both music and culture.

Eve

As the First Lady of the Ruff Ryders, Eve hails from Philadelphia, breaking barriers with a bold style and impeccable rap skills that dominated the early 2000s. From her Philly roots to global recognition, Eve became a trailblazer for women in hip-hop, leaving a lasting cultural footprint.

Musiq Soulchild

In the early 2000s, Musiq Soulchild captured the attention of neo-soul lovers with his storytelling and melodic arrangements. Timeless love songs such as “Half Crazy,” “Love,” and “Girl Next Door” have cemented his legacy as one of the city’s most beloved musical voices.

DJ Jazzy Jeff

As the other half of the music duo with former member, Fresh Prince (Will Smith), DJ Jazzy Jeff built his reputation through his turntable talents and musical ear, which helped shape the sound of the ’90s hip-hop era. He remains a Grammy-winning pioneer whose influence continues to resonate throughout hip-hop and DJ culture.

Beanie Siegel

Former Roc Nation artist Beanie Sigel was one of Philly’s rap pioneers, known for his iconic lyricism and his commitment to his city’s musical roots. Since surfacing in 2000, his raw delivery and street-certified storytelling helped define the Philly sound for an entire generation.”

Freeway

Alongside Beanie Sigel, rapper Freeway brought the Philly streets to the forefront. His aggressively raw lyrics and vivid storytelling showed another side of Philly that the world may never witness without his presence. The State Property artist was a true influence on rap’s next generation.

Lil’ Uzi Vert

Known as a hip-hop rockstar, Lil Uzi Vert brought a new sound to Philly with a punk-inspired style that reshaped new-age rap. Rising from the underground scene, they became one of the city’s most influential artists with their fearless approach to self-expression.

Tierra Whack

Philly’s own, Tierra Whack, made a big splash in the music industry for her fearless originality and sharp lyricism. She earned her acclaim for moving the cultural needle through innovative visuals and standout projects, making her one of Philly’s brightest stars.