OUR PHILADELPHIA MUSES

Curated by Nuri Piera Webb

While the Philadelphia music scene is not as grand as its counterparts in Nashville or NYC, that doesn’t mean Philly is lacking in up-and-coming artists. We’ve created a playlist meant to enrich the readers’ minds with music from the Philly… and maybe get them to add a few songs to their own playlist!

Heatloaf (@heatloaf)

Formed out of the desire to have a ‘no boys’ band, surrounded by those they care about. Heatloaf has been making waves in the local music scene and more specifically in Temple’s surrounding community.

Zinadelphia (@zinadelphia)

Another fellow Temple University student, Zinadelphia is a pop vocalist and guitarist based here in Philadelphia. Zinadelphia has been making an impactful entrance into the music scene, starting with her latest release “Love Language.” Her predecessor could be considered Japanese Breakfast, an indie pop band based here in Philadelphia lead by Korean-American musician Michelle Zauner.

Saleka (@saleka)

Saleka Shyamalan, an Indian-American R&B singer is thriving in the music industry. She has opened for acts like Boyz II Men and Summer Walker.

Sunnie (@iiamsunnie)

New Jersey born R&B artist Sunnie is multi-dimensional artist with a soulful voice that will captivate you. Sunnie has evolved from listening and taking note of what it sounded like to be a woman without boundaries.

(Much like Sunnie and Saleka, Jill Scott was an R&B powerhouse based in the city of love, which is why we are adding her to the playlist. You can never go wrong with some of Scott’s tunes!)

Chioke (@5dacat)

Chioke’s low-toned vocals pull you into a sweet embrace about lust and chemistry over electrica instrumentals. Her music will captivate you.

2Rare (@2raree)

Naseem Rafeeq Young, known professionally as 2Rare, is a rapper from Philadelphia. In October 2022, he appeared on American rapper NLE Choppa’s single “Do It Again” and in its accompanying music video, making him most certainly an up and coming artist in the area.

While I wouldn’t consider the next group to be any of these artists’ direct predecessors, I am certain that they have inspired many and will inspire many more to come. The Roots, formed in 1987, were revolutionary as they combined hip-hop with jazz, funk, and soul. There was a uniqueness that many of these artists featured in the playlist showcase today.

Despite not being “the” city for music, Philadelphia has no lack of talented acts. Philadelphia will continue to leave its mark on the music industry for years to come.