10 Best Black Female Artists Of 2010

The 10 best black female artists of 2010 is a diverse group. The group ranges from rappers, like Nicki Minaj, to pop stars, like Rihanna, to more traditional soul singers, such as Alicia. This was, indeed, a good year for black female singers. But other than Nicki Minaj, it wasn't the best year for female rappers.

1. Erykah Badu -- Erykah Badu's "Window Seat" video, which featured the singer singing well AND stripping, made her -- by far -- the most noteworthy female vocalist of 2010. Who wouldn't want THAT window seat?
2. Sade -- The single "Babyfather" marked the return of Miss Quiet Storm herself, Sade. She just has a great voice, which makes her more than just a singer associated with a particular soul style. Sade is one of 2010's very best black female artists. One just wishes she'd release more music.
3. Nicki Minaj  -- It's sad to note that Nicki Minaj is the only major female black rap breakthrough of 2010. This friend of both Kanye West and Lil Wayne is also a good friend of everyone hot in music in general.
4. Beyoncé -- Beyoncé is more than just Mrs. Jay Z. She's outgrown Destiny's Child by a long shot. She certainly has all the single girls' attention.
5. Alicia Keys -- Much like Beyoncé, Alicia Keys is closer to a traditional soul singer, than the ever-popular pop-rap hybrid. However, she ran the town of New York on a popular Jay Z song, "Empire State of Mind". She's a naturally great singer.
6. Rihanna -- Rihanna may not be a naturally great singer, but she's a very distinctive. And sometimes, that's half the battle to popularity. Hopefully, she's finally put the whole Chris Brown episode behind her so we can all just focus on the music.
7. Corinne Bailey Rae -- Sadly, Corinne Bailey Rae recently lost her husband to a drug overdose. This loss, however, prompted her to make some of the best music of her career, and mafe her one of 2010's best black female artists.
8. Jazmine Sullivan -- With her mixture of reggae, pop and jazz, Jazmine Sullivan was one of 2010's best new black female artists. In a field where there weren't a whole lot of new faces and voices, her arrival was quite welcome.
9. Sharon Jones -- With her slick backing band, the Dap Kings, Sharon Jones brought a vibe of old school soul to her 2010 recordings. She also danced like a mad woman, too.
10. Janelle Monáe -- Janelle Monáe's single, and especially its video, presented this funky singer as a force to be reckoned with. Look for this 2010 breakthrough to reach an even wider audience in 2011.,