Hidden Figures Behind The Hits: Female Songwriters in Hip Hop and R&B

Author llevine

June 22nd, 2017 9:54 AM

We’re well aware of the biggest names in hip-hop and R&B today.

You see them on TV, read interviews with them in magazines, and hear them singing on the radio. But behind these stars are a team of songwriters who constantly fire off hit after hit for us to play on repeat in our cars, in the shower, and by the pool.

In honor of Black Music Month, here are just a few of the female songwriters who make hip hop and R&B what it is today.

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  Ester Dean - Dean has received five Grammy nominations for her work, and was dubbed the BMI Pop Songwriter of the year in 2012. She's pumped out hits for artists like Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry, and Usher.

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  Priscilla Renea is a songwriter/performer who has worked with some of the biggest names including Mariah Carey, Madonna, Rihanna, Pitbull, Kesha, Chris Brown, Mary J. Blige, B.o.B., Kelly Rowland and Big Sean just to name a few.

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  Solange Knowles - While her sister Beyonce is an icon, Solange is a powerful musical force on her own. She's contributed to a number of her sister's most popular songs, including tracks on the "B-Day" album. Her efforts have earned her three Billboard Number One dance hits.
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  Emeli Sandé - She was originally going to head off to study neuroscience, but it's a good thing she didn't, because Emeli Sandé has become a true force in the songwriting world. She's written for Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and others, plus she performs, too.

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  Diane Warren - A songwriting legend, Warren is the first person to have seven hits from seven different artists on the singles chart at one time. Her work has earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She's written for the likes of Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Beyonce, Monica, Toni Braxton, Aerosmith, and more.

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  Missy Elliot - You probably love her own repertoire of catchy club songs, but did you know Missy Elliot has also created a slew of hits for other people, including the late Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and Ciara?
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  Valerie Simpson, seen here at her induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2012, along with her husband Nick Ashford have written hits for Ben E. King, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Diana Ross and countless other stars. (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for Songwriters Hall Of Fame)

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  Kara DioGuardi - You may remember her for her time as an American Idol judge, but Kara DioGuardi is also one of the forces behind some of the catchiest pop tracks out there. She's penned songs for The Pussycat Dolls, Gwen Stefani, Kelly Clarkson, Hilary Duff, and Enrique Iglesias.

Lauren Levine is a freelance writer who has contributed to publications and websites including The Charlotte Observer, U.S. News & World Report, American Way magazine, The Huffington Post, Hello Giggles, Bustle, Thrillist, Thought Catalog, The Charlotte Observer, U.S. News & World Report, and others.

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Author llevine

Category:

• Black Music Month

Tags:

Diane Warren,Emeli Sande,Ester Dean,hip hop,Kara DioGuardi,Missy Elliot,Priscilla Renea,R&B,Solange Knowles,songwriters,Valerie Simpson