April is Black Women’s History Month! While Black History Month (February) and Women’s History. Month (March) are widely recognized, the fourth month of the year has increasingly become a space to intentionally highlight the intersectional experiences of Black women, who are often overlooked and undervalued in broader historical narratives. This time is dedicated to recognizing and honoring achievements, contributions and experiences of Black women throughout history and in modern society.
As we celebrate Black Women’s History Month, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the voices, stories, and sounds that continue to shape music culture. Black women have always been at the forefront of sonic innovation—from soul-stirring ballads to boundary-breaking hip-hop and genre-defying experimental sounds. Year after year, Black women continue to set new standards of excellence with timeless musical releases. In 2025, their creative momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
This spring brings a powerful wave of new music from some of the most influential and exciting Black female artists in the game. Whether it’s a long-awaited return from legends like Rihanna and Erykah Badu, or a bold new project from a rising star like Rico Nasty, each release provides something fresh, deeply personal, and culturally resonant. These upcoming albums don’t just promise chart-topping hits—they represent an evolution of artistry, identity, and storytelling. As fans eagerly press play this season, we’re also witnessing history in the making. Here are some of the most anticipated albums by Black women set to define the sound of spring 2025.
1. Cold Specks – Light for the Midnight
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After a hiatus, Cold Specks returned this past week (April 9th) with Light for the Midnight, a haunting piano-driven album co-produced with Ali Chant and Portishead’s Adrian Utley. This album features guest artists like Owen Pallett.
2. Ledisi – The Crown
R&B powerhouse Ledisi is set to release her twelfth studio album, The Crown on April 25th. The album features singles “Love You Too” and “BLKWMN,” which highlight her soulful vocals and poignant themes.
3. Rico Nasty – LETHAL
Rico Nasty’s upcoming album, LETHAL, is generating buzz for its high-energy tracks and genre-blending style. The single, “TEETHSUCKER (YEA3x)” offers a glimpse into the album’s dynamic soundscape. The Washington, DC native shows off her star power in the music video for “ON THE LOW.” Rico’s third album is set to release on May 16th.
4. Little Simz – Lotus
On June 6th, Little Simz will release her sixth studio album Lotus. The album will explore themes of transformation and renewal, drawing from the lotus flower’s ability to bloom in muddy waters. Simz describes the project as reflecting her evolving artistry, with introspective lyrics and experimentation with new sounds. In support of the album, she has released the two singles “Flood” and “Free.”
5. Lizzo – Love in Real Life (LIRL)
On February 15th, Lizzo started teasing a new project titled “LIRL” by sharing a video clip on social media, slated with a release date of February 28th. On the 28th, she released the album’s title track and lead single off of her upcoming fifth studio album: Love in Real Life. The track showcases her signature blend of empowerment and catchypop-funk vibes. Lizzo returned to Saturday Night Live this past weekend (April 12th) and performed her second single from the album “Still Bad.” Love in Real Life will be Lizzo’s fifth studio album and first since 2022’s Special. While the album’s official release date hasn’t been announced, it is expected to be released sometime this year. HOPEFULLY BEFORE SPRING ENDS.
Neo-soul icon Erykah Badu is making a much anticipated return with her first project in 10 years and her first album in 15. The internet was set ablaze a couple months back when super producer The Alchemist posted a clip/snippet of Badu (with Earl Sweatshirt in attendance) in the studio with an undeniably smooth track playing in the background. Last month, the Dallas diva confirmed that the two had been locked in the studio and will be dropping a collaboration album, that is currently in production. Although this is another album we don’t have an exact release date for yet, the project promises a fusion of jazz, hip-hop and soul elements…and we hope we get it much sooner than later.
7. Rihanna – R9
Source: Getty
This is definitely the longest of shots for a Spring release….but is there ANY album more anticipated than this one? Nine-time Grammy winner Rihanna has confirmed that her ninth studio album, referred to as “R9” by fans, is in the works and will be released when she is ready. She has stated that the album will not be a typical reggae record, and it won’t be “commercial or radio digestible”. While there’s no specific release date, Rihanna has been actively working on new music and is excited to share it with fans. How great would spring be if we got a surprise drop from Riri?
