February: The 2nd month of the year, and the shortest overall, comes an abundance of holidays we at BHS and Bellingham celebrate. In particular comes Black History Month (Often shorted to BHM) – an annual commemoration to honor the heritage, efforts, and contributions of African American people. Last year and the year before, I wrote with a great emphasis on the more general aspects of the holiday, honoring the historical upbringing and just a small margin of the uncommon, but still equally as impactful, Black figures throughout history.

However, this year, I decided to be less vague, and focus on what BHS seems to love most: music. From rigorous classes such as AP Music Theory challenging eager students to hone in their skills of ear training, sheet music, and utilization of rhythmic devices, even down to the melodic and upbeat playlist used every Friday before and after school, it is quite clear that our school is fond of the musical arts.

As Bellingham High School and our city as a whole has evidently demonstrated our love for music, I believe it is fair to therefore highlight black voices in these conversations, as not only have black artists created and revolutionized genres, like jazz, R&B, and soul, but have also paved the way for other musical genres advancements, being the dominant trendsetters by embedding modern-day characteristics to form popularized sub-genres utilized by the most popular songs to date.

I would also like to point out that, evidently, February isn’t the only month we can celebrate these accomplishments done by the black community. June, in particular, is highlighted as African American Music Appreciation Month, so this article is applicable to both month-long celebrations to honor black culture and musical passions.

With that being said, I’d like to highlight a few Black artists that— in my opinion —aren’t getting the love they deserve, while commemorating and honoring the music that has paved the way.

Alex Isley

Born on April 16th, 1987, Alex Isley is an American Singer and Songwriter who grew up surrounded by musical talent; Ernie Isley, her father, was the guitarist for the Isley Brothers, a famous soul-funk oriented group known for songs like “Shout”, “Summer Breeze”, and “Hello It’s Me” – all songs with a wide range of tunes and genres implemented into a smooth blend.

Thanks to her musical upbringing, she has amassed herself 2 Grammy Nominations in 2024, particularly for her collaboration song Back To Love, including Robert Glasper and SiR – two other influential black artists who currently dominate the R&B Scene. She was also featured on Tiny Desk twice – a live performance hosted by NPR Music at their office in Washington, D.C. Currently, her in-person performance has amassed over 800 thousand views on Youtube.

Alex Isley highlights the paths that black artists have paved. R&B in particular has become popularized globally, and modern singers such as Isley are keeping the roots of the path. Isley, however, utilizes a soulful, rich voice, while implementing jazz elements into the R&B genre for a harmonious blend of soul.

If you are interested in her work, her major debut album When the City Sleeps, is set to be released on March 20th, 2026. Her single, “Sweetest Lullabye”, has already been released as of February 13th.

Best Songs by Alex Isley (In my opinion): Wait, Think of Me, Under the Moon, Ms. Goody Two Shoes

hemlocke springs

Isimeme “Naomi” Udu’s story is one of humble beginnings. From uploading her music to SoundCloud, then quietly deleting them after getting embarrassed, she is a representation of the upcoming rise in the indie, whimsical genre via social media apps like Tiktok, where her single “girlfriend” had landed her a #22 spot on the New Zealand charts.

She has amassed herself a win from Pigeons & Planes as the Best New Artist with one single out, continuing to skyrocket her into a well-deserved spotlight. Her most recent album, the apple tree under the sea, has garnered a similar positive reaction from the public, primarily for her upbeat groove to the alternative scene and unique vocal tone.

If you wish to become a locket today (her ADORABLE name for her fans), go out and support her new album apple tree under the sea, which came out on February 13th, and tune into her new music ASAP!

Best Songs by hemlocke springs (In my Opinion): girlfriend, moses, be the girl!, the train to nowhere

Oceans of Slumber

The only band on compiled on this list, Oceans of Slumber diversifies the scene with meloncholy vocals integrated with staple metal riffs – thanks to Cammie Beverly’s impeccable vocals, along with the rest of the band (who are all non-black).

Their music illustrates deep, unexplainable feelings – though often focuses on the somber aspects to break out of the shell that is applying genres on metal. Cammie’s impact and mere presence on the band highlights a need for representation in black voices with a musical area lacking true diversity, with her vital voice through lyricism assisting in paving the way for other black artists to indulge in any genre, and excel.

If you find yourself interested in their work, I highly recommend listening to any album of theirs, if possible. Their 5 albums are a good place to start, though singles such as Hearts to Stone and The Adorned Fathomless Creation are also great places to start in supporting this band.

Best songs by Oceans of Slumber (In my Opinion): A Path to Broken Stars, Star Altar, A Return to Earth Below, Nights in White Satin

Joseph David-Jones

The last artist on this list is also the most out there. While I don’t usually find myself listening to country, Joseph David-Jones has done an excellent job at introducing myself to the genre. Amassing over 60k followers on Tiktok alone, he has made a steady presence in the country scene, earning well-deserved praise for highlighting the true history of the Underground Railroad in his music video for The Castles in the Sky.

However, he was not quite done at music. He will also be playing Young Jackie Jackson, a member of the Jackson 5, in the new Michael Jackson Biopic. He also had a role in the film “Detroit” in 2017, along with the 2012 series “Nashville”. David-Jones is a star in many aspects, exemplifying what it means to be an all-rounder.

If you want to get into an artist while they are still underground, I highly reccommend Joseph David-Jones, as I predict he will be much popular in the next few years from now. While he only has two songs out right now, both are rich with storytelling, integrating contemporary rhythms with his own personal flair.