Beauty certainly has its market, but it truly flourishes when paired with talent. Unfortunately, for many years, the entertainment industry has placed an undue emphasis on physical appearance over vocal ability, promoting the idea that slim figures and lighter skin tones are the most appealing to audiences. Fortunately, a transformative era has emerged for plus-size female music artists, who are courageously challenging and reshaping these outdated standards. These powerful women are not just fighting for recognition—they are changing the narrative around beauty and talent in the music scene.
One of the most iconic figures in this revolution is Martha Wash, known for her incredible vocal prowess that first gained attention through her duo, Two Tons O’ Fun (later known as The Weather Girls). Formed in 1976 with her late partner Izora Armstead, they made history with their chart-topping anthem, “It’s Raining Men,” from the 1982 album Success. Their legacy as bold, voluptuous trailblazers paved the way for future generations of artists.
Despite her significant contributions to the music industry, Wash experienced considerable challenges throughout her career, particularly due to her size, which was deemed “socially unacceptable” at the time. Her remarkable vocals and songwriting talent were often overshadowed by her physical appearance, resulting in her being uncredited on major hits like “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now).” Instead of receiving the recognition she deserved, her work was often replaced by individuals conforming to a more conventional aesthetic, a frustrating reality that many plus-size artists face.
However, Wash’s relentless legal battles to reclaim her work and fight against the industry’s biases have had a profound impact on the representation of plus-size female music artists. Her perseverance opened doors for others, including celebrated artists like Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Kelly Price, and LaTocha Scott of Xscape, who all rose to prominence in the 1990s, marking a significant era for full-figured women in the realms of rap and R&B. These artists not only claimed their space but also inspired countless others to follow in their footsteps.
With their larger-than-life talents and fearless spirits, these women dismantled barriers and built a legacy for future generations. They created opportunities for emerging artists, ensuring that the torch of representation continues to burn brightly. Today, icons like Lizzo proudly carry this torch, advocating for body positivity and self-love in a world that still grapples with acceptance.
While the representation of plus-size women in music has improved significantly, there remains a notable gap for those who have yet to achieve mainstream success yet possess immense talent. Whether it’s through the powerful melodies of their songs or the sharp lyrics of their rap verses, these queens showcase extraordinary skills that transcend the superficial sales-driven agenda of record labels. Their music is a testament to their artistry and authenticity.
Here’s a carefully curated list of trailblazing plus-size female music artists whose work deserves a spot on your playlist!
Discover Inspiring Plus Size Female Music Artists Worth Adding to Your Playlist
1. Chyng Diamond: The Bold Voice of Empowerment
Emerging from Omaha, Nebraska, Chyng Diamond is an independent plus-size female music artist who has captivated audiences with her viral hits, including “Get It Go,” “Lose The Ugly,” “Trippin’ On Meh,” “Luck,” “Guess What,” and the recent “Another B!tch Bites The Dust.” Known for her daring lyrics and vibrant persona, the 27-year-old’s star power extends far beyond stereotypes and conventional expectations. Her music resonates with listeners, inspiring them to embrace their true selves.
Chyng’s infectious energy and quick wit have earned her a loyal following of nearly one million across various social media platforms, as well as a memorable appearance on season six of Love & Hip Hop: Miami. Authentic and unapologetic, this former Rhythm + Flow contestant continues to forge her path in the music industry, delivering confidence-boosting verses that empower women to recognize their worth.
2. Dank DeMoss: A Rising Lyrical Force Challenging Norms
This past January, rap artist Dank DeMoss stirred up a significant online conversation when she publicly challenged a Lyft driver who refused her service due to her size. This incident ignited discussions surrounding fatphobia, showcasing her resilience and prompting dialogues about body image. However, the Detroit native is much more than a viral moment; she’s a formidable lyrical talent making waves in the music scene.
Viewers may recognize her from season one of Deb’s House, a reality show by music mogul Deb Antney, where she competed alongside other aspiring female artists. Before her reality show debut, DeMoss had already begun to establish her reputation online, creating buzz with her remixes and original tracks, including “GUMMO,” “Tough a Bag,” “No Love,” and her recent hit “Let You Go.”
3. Chiyanti: Celebrating Curves Through Catchy Tunes
Among the most exciting new talents is Chiyanti, a plus-size female music artist who celebrated body positivity with her catchy country anthem “Big Ole Wagon” in 2021. This multifaceted creator has captured the attention of many, showcasing her skills as a lyricist, singer-songwriter, producer, and actress. Before her rise to fame, Chiyanti released her debut single, “Space,” on Soundcloud, quickly gaining traction.
Since then, she has performed live on various platforms, singing alongside notable figures such as comedian Shiggy, Reginae Carter, K. Michelle, and Jazze Pha. Her growing popularity has brought her a new wave of followers, particularly after her successful releases like “Thangin” and “BBJWIR,” solidifying her place in the music industry.
4. PHATGIRL: Atlanta’s Fiery Emcee and Viral Sensation
Claiming the title of the hottest artist from Atlanta, PHATGIRL is not just a pretty face; at just 23 years old, she combines youthful exuberance with undeniable talent. Her striking appearance, characterized by candy-apple-red finger waves and a bold style, has certainly caught the public’s eye, but it’s her lyrical prowess that keeps listeners coming back for more. Recently featured in season two of Netflix’s Rhythm + Flow, she has been making waves online for quite some time.
Her infectious track “My Fupa” became a viral sensation on TikTok, alongside other popular songs like “Instructions” and “Her.” Currently, PHATGIRL is promoting tracks like “One of One,” “Cute Face Chubby Waist,” and “Up and Leave” from her project Big Girls Don’t Cry, which are all poised for takeoff on social media platforms as her unique flow garners recognition.
In her own words, she describes herself as a “New Era Missy,” drawing inspiration from the legendary Missy Elliott and aiming to carve out her own distinctive identity in the music industry.
5. Samyra: The Fearless Advocate for Plus-Size Empowerment
Known affectionately as The People’s Champ, Samyra is a 26-year-old artist who is equally celebrated for her fierce critiques of brands that overlook plus-size customers and her incredible singing ability. This New Orleans native gained significant attention with her empowering freestyle titled “Plus Size Freestyle,” where she candidly expressed her frustrations with companies that lack inclusivity. Yet it’s her original songs, like “Tequila in My Room” and “Supermodel,” that truly showcase her vocal versatility and artistic range.
As she continues to navigate the music industry, Samyra is quickly becoming recognized as a triple threat—a singer, rapper, and advocate for body positivity and inclusion in fashion and music.
6. Meme The Goat: The Multifaceted Entertainer Making Waves
Meme The Goat is a true multi-talent, known for her ability to entertain and engage audiences across various platforms. From her hilarious TikTok challenges to her catchy rap verses, she has established herself as a prominent figure in the entertainment landscape. Her breakout track, “Straight to the Money,” skyrocketed in popularity, drawing listeners from all corners of the globe.
Born in Nashville, Meme’s Southern charm combined with her exceptional skills and charisma makes her a force to be reckoned with. With her infectious energy and ability to blend humor with music, she is undoubtedly carving out her niche in the industry, showing that she is here to stay.
As illustrated, plus-size female music artists are making significant strides in the industry, breaking barriers and challenging norms. Whether they are leading in fashion, captivating audiences in films, or dominating the music scene, these talented women are ensuring that their voices are heard and celebrated.
Which of these inspiring plus-size female music artists will you explore next? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
