7 LGBTQ + Artists to Obsess Over from Nexus Radio’s Top 100 of 2021

7 LGBTQ + Artists to Obsess Over from Nexus Radio’s Top 100 of 2021

It’s impossible to deny the influence of LGBTQ artists on today’s music. For over a century, they have expressed their life and romantic experiences through their work. However, LGBTQ artists’ success hasn’t been without controversy. 2021 is on track to have one of the highest volumes of anti-LGBTQ+ national and state legislation. As their music began to gain momentum in the mainstream market, the discrimination grew alarmingly high.
The good thing is that, even as LGBTQ+ issues have risen, so has their music representation. They bring the presence that gay music fans so desperately desire into the mainstream. And it has driven acceptance, which inspires fans to find a place they belong and artists to continue creating music. In addition, for many LGBTQ+ people, music is a form of self-expression and emotional support. So let us give you a list of gay artists to obsess over.
The Nexus Radio Top 100 Countdown is an annual list of Nexus Radio’s top played songs, which will air next year on New Year’s Day at noon central, hosted by James Bowers. Catch the LGBTQ+ artists who made it onto the list, namely Wrabel, Angelica Ross, Mila Jam, Billie Porter, Felix Jaehn, MNEK, and Troye Sivan! While waiting for the countdown, let’s get to know them better and their winning track.

Wrabel

Top 100 of 2021

Stephen Wrabel, better known as Wrabel, is a singer, songwriter, and musician. Some of his tracks chronicled the day-to-day challenges of trans youth. He now collaborates with Klingande on the single “Big Love.” It’s a catchy dance-pop track with a balance of dance floor intensity and acoustic sorrow. The song’s musical texture comes from the soothing piano chords and Wrabel’s emotion-drenched vocals. It sure will alleviate the anxieties of the pandemic.

Angelica Ross

Angelica Ross

Let’s move on to Angelica Ross. She is an actress, a businesswoman, and a transgender-rights advocate. She is best known for her starring roles in American Horror Story and Pose, but now she’s showing off her incredible singing voice for a good cause. With her new song, “Fierce,” in collaboration with Ultra Naté and Mila Jam, Ross is lifting the transgender community with a track that is as catchy as it is empowering.

Mila Jam

Mila Jam

Mila Jam is a transgender singer, songwriter, dancer, actress, and LGBTQ activist. Her song “Faces” emphasizes self-acceptance, inner beauty, and a sense of belonging. ‘Just Sayin’ is the first collaboration between MAKJ, MADDS, and Mila Jam, and it oozes summer vibes and global dance floor appeal. This track is a hymn to days spent at the beach, with long-tailed bass steps that wonderfully accompany the breezy vocals and sun-kissed beat drops.

Billy Porter

Billy Porter
Coming right up is Billy Porter, an actor, singer, and author. Porter came out as gay at the age of 16, in the middle of the AIDS crisis, but that didn’t stop him from pursuing his passion for music. His new song with The Shapeshifter, “Finally Ready,” echoes the message that the dance floor is always welcoming and hopeful, no matter where you are

Felix Jaehn

Felix Jaehn

Felix Kurt Jähn, professionally known as Felix Jaehn, is a DJ and record producer specializing in tropical house. He has achieved international success with a remix of Omi’s song “Cheerleader.” He came out as bisexual in 2018, claiming to be both interested in men and women. He presents “One More Time” in collaboration with Robin Schulz. This song conveys a deeply personal message, marking the beginning of a new musical chapter in his life centered on true artistic expression and musical integrity.

MNEK

MNEK

Next on our list is MNEK, real name Uzoechi Osisioma “Uzo” Emenike. He is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. His new song with Joel Corry, “Head & Heart,” has been unstoppable in the charts. For MNEK, it was a change from the usual double duty of making and singing tracks. This time he sang the vocals that were already in Joel’s demo and added a pre-chorus. He considers this song to be a blessing in dark and uncertain times.

Troye Sivan

Troye Sivan

Last but not least, Troye Sivan. He is a singer-songwriter, actor, and YouTuber. In 2013, three years after coming out to his family, he publicly revealed in a YouTube video that he was gay. For the “You” music video, DJ Regard, Troye Sivan, and Tate McRae go underground. The summer bop has weird visuals, swapping Troye, Tate, and die-hard stan’s faces. Nonetheless, it topped the charts for weeks.

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