Black women producers have been at the forefront of shaping the music industry, crafting beats for some of the greatest artists of our time. From the innovative sounds of Missy Elliott, hailing from Virginia to the trailblazing Sylvia Robinson, the first female producer in Hip-Hop and founder of Sugar Hill Records, their contributions have been monumental. Missy Elliott’s groundbreaking work spans decades, producing classic records for herself and collaborating with a multitude of artists while Sylvia Robinson’s pioneering efforts paved the way for generations of female producers to come.
Despite their undeniable talent and influence, black women producers remain significantly underrepresented in the music industry. According to the L.A. Times, women accounted for nearly 20% of the music industry in 2020, with only 2% of those women working as music producers. Black women producers comprise an even smaller fraction of this already marginalized group. As we continue to celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s only right here at EBONY we give flowers to these extraordinary producers, amplifying their voices and recognizing their contributions to music history.
Missy Elliott’s impact as a producer transcends genres, leaving a mark on the music landscape. While her discography consists of iconic hits like “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It,” her production credits extend far beyond her solo career. She has collaborated with a plethora of artists, infusing her signature sound into their music. Notably, Missy worked closely with Aaliyah, producing tracks like “One in a Million” and “Hot Like Fire,” which became cornerstones of the late singer’s legacy. Additionally, her work with Destiny’s Child resulted in hits like “Confessions” and “Nothing Out There for Me.” Furthermore, her production on Beyoncé’s “Signs” and Ciara’s “1, 2 Step” further demonstrates her versatility and enduring influence in the industry. Missy Elliott is a true legend not only as an artist but as a producer as well.
Sylvia Robinson made history as the first female hip-hop producer, leaving an indelible mark on the music industry. As the founder of Sugar Hill Records, she played a major role in shaping the early days of hip-hop, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents. Her legacy as a producer extends far beyond her pioneering role, as she was instrumental in the creation of one of hip-hop’s seminal tracks, “The Message.” Despite initial skepticism from some members of the Sugar Hill Gang, Robinson recognized the importance of the song’s socially conscious lyrics and urged the group to record it. Sylvia Robinson’s foresight and determination not only solidified her status as a trailblazer but also cemented her enduring influence on the evolution of hip-hop music and culture.
WondaGurl, born Ebony Oshunrinde, emerged as a prodigious talent in the music industry from a young age. At just 16, she gained recognition after producing the beat for Jay-Z’s “Crown” on his Magna Carta Holy Grail album. This marked the beginning of the rise of the Canadian producer. Since then, WondaGurl has continued to make waves with her innovative production style, blending elements of trap, hip-hop, and electronic music. Her collaborations with artists like Travis Scott have hits such as “Antidote” and “Uptown,” solidifying her reputation as a go-to producer in the rap scene. Additionally, she has worked with heavyweights like Drake, producing tracks like “Used To” from his If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late mixtape.
Ester Dean’s talent as a producer has left an indelible mark on the music industry, with her fingerprints on hits for a multitude of artists. Notably, she co-wrote and produced Rihanna’s chart-topping anthem “Rude Boy”. Her collaboration with Katy Perry resulted in the creation of the uplifting hit “Firework,” which became an anthem of empowerment for millions worldwide. Ester’s work with Beyoncé produced standout tracks like “Countdown” and “Start Over,” showcasing her versatility in crafting diverse sounds that resonate with audiences.
Nettie Woods, a seasoned producer who is part of the production team Triangle Park, has 20 years of experience in the music industry. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with an array of artists spanning diverse genres, showcasing her versatility and adaptability in the studio. From iconic groups like Boyz II Men to pop sensations like Britney Spears, Nettie has left her mark on countless chart-topping hits. Her recent work with rising stars like Baby Tate further underscores her relevance and influence in shaping contemporary music.
PinkPantheress, also known as Victoria Walker, began her journey as a producer while still in high school, uploading her music to SoundCloud. Through her DIY approach and raw talent, she quickly gained recognition for her unique blend of lo-fi beats and catchy melodies. Some of her early productions, including her tracks like “Just for Me” and “Break it Off,” showcased her distinctive sound. PinkPantheress recently won Producer of the Year at the Billboard Women in Music Awards, solidifying her status as one of the most promising producers in the industry. Her meteoric rise from a SoundCloud sensation to an award-winning producer underscores her undeniable talent and the power of determination in the digital age.
Nova Wav, the dynamic producer duo formed in Atlanta, is no other than Brittany “Chi” Coney and Denisia “Blu June” Andrews, whose journey began with an impressive co-writing credit on Rihanna’s “Loveeeeeee Song.” Their ascent to the top of the music industry was marked by milestones like producing Kehlani’s lead single “CRZY” in 2016. However, their crowning achievement came in 2018 when they won their first Grammy Award for their contributions to The Carters’ Everything is Love album, co-writing and producing standout tracks like “Nice” and “Friends.” Nova Wav’s commitment to excellence continued as they produced Jazmine Sullivan’s soul-stirring anthem “Pick Up Your Feelings,” which earned a Grammy in 2022. Their partnership with Beyoncé on her Renaissance album further solidified their reputation, co-writing eight of the album’s sixteen tracks. Nova Wav’s unwavering dedication to their craft and their ability to consistently deliver chart-topping hits have firmly established there are no signs of them slowing down.
Lil CC Let It Slap with the Bass also known as Cydney Christine, is a multifaceted talent who has made waves in both the modeling and music industries. While she initially gained recognition as a model, CC’s transition into music production marked a significant turning point in her career. Her breakthrough came when she produced “Money in the Grave‘” for Drake. This collaboration catapulted CC into the spotlight, showcasing her talent as a producer. In addition to her work with Drake, CC has also lent her production skills to other notable artists, including Kid Cudi, Lil Yachty, Roddy Rich, and more.
