Invisible Ink: Ladies Behind the Hits

Written By: Kierstyn Pryor

Behind every song is a master songwriter that has probably penned numerous hits. There are multiple songs that we sing word for word daily without a clue that there are creative individuals who are not performing the song behind it. In a world where performers are consistently given their flowers but songwriters are left behind the limelight, we'd like to highlight two amazing creatives that continue to put forward their time, energy, and talent to make us feel good through the sounds they create.

Nija Charles

Nija Charles, a 26 year old songwriter who began her career at the young age of 21, is still dominating the music scene with over 12 hits touching the Billboard top 100. While she started out  with interests of becoming a groundbreaking producer she quickly came to the realization that she had to attempt new things in order to turn heads. Exploring her skills as a songwriter and producing her own hits is what allowed her to acquire such success at a young age.  She has written for artists such as Kehlani, Cardi B, SZA, Chris Brown, Drake and even the Queen, Beyoncé. She’s behind top records such as Ring by Kehlani and Cardi B, Power by Beyoncé, No Guidance by Drake and Chris Brown. Since then, devoting her time to branching out in her own career as an artist. She first began this journey in 2021 with her first single Ease My Mind. Following the single, she released Finesse and On Call which led up to the release of her first EP in 2022 , “Don't Say I Didn't Warn You”. Now in 2024, she continues to create amazing music and grow in her career as an artist.

Tiara Thomas

While many people choose to separate an artist from a songwriter, Tiara Thomas has proved that she cannot be put in a category. The award winning songwriter not only pens hits for herself but she's also been an amazing contributor on records for top-tier artists. Thomas first began her journey as a songwriter in 2009. She has released over 20 records including her own songs such as Mary Jane, One Night, Don't mention My Name, and OTW. Her vocals can be heard and are best known for her work on Bad by Wale which . The star received a Grammy for Song of the Year with Black Lives Matter protest song that was written over FaceTime with soon to be EGOT performer H.E.R. She currently has 46. 7K listeners on Spotify with her song, "Too Late” being her most listened to song.

These ladies are staying consistent and have become a true representation of what it means to be successful. We wish them the best in their careers and can't wait to see them thrive more in the future.

Lyrical Masterminds

Written By: Elainey Bass

Writing music is a gift that many don’t possess. Coming up with lyrics that touch the soul and challenge the way you think, all while combining it with beats and instruments, is a skill that professionals take pride in. That is why you often have numerous songwriters, or even ghostwriters, in the industry who may pick up where the artist may lack. There are many songwriters in the world that are the mastermind behind some of your favorite songs. Whether it be Hip-Hop, R&B, or even Pop, these songwriters listed below are some of the fiercest and most memorable in the game.

Coming up first, we have a Virginia-bred legend that is no stranger to the music industry. Missy Elliot has been making global waves since the late '90s. She most recently was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, making her the first female hip-hop artist to receive this honor. But before this accolade, Missy was also an artist herself and did not limit herself. Her songs like ‘Get Your Freak On’ and ‘Work It’ easily made her a household name. But what many don’t realize is that Missy has penned over 300 songs throughout her career. By working with artists like Aaliyah on “If Your Girl Only Knew” and “One In A Million,” “Need U Bad” by Jazmine Sullivan, and “Everything To Me” by Monica, she was easily putting many of the R&B girlies on the map just off her strong pen game. Missy Elliot deserves her flowers and much more.

Ester Dean is another talented songwriter who has made multiple contributions to artists in the industry. Some may recognize her from the film ‘Pitch Perfect’ or know her as the woman who wrote the song “Rude Boy” for Rihanna, which would become her first number one hit as a songwriter. But Ester has so much more under her belt. She has written songs across all genres as well as soundtracks for multiple films ('Trolls World Tour' and ‘Rio’). Pop artists like Selena Gomez (“Come & Get It”) and Katy Perry (“Firework”) have had the opportunity to work with the songwriter and saw tremendous results, reaching in the top ten on the Billboard charts. Aside from them, Ester also has worked with Beyoncé on “Countdown,” Nicki Minaj on “Super Bass,” and “Pills N Potions,” and Robin Thicke on “Sex Therapy.” Ester is very multi-faceted, and it is safe to say that she has her hand involved in many things.

This last name may be someone that many are unfamiliar with. Diana Gordon is a songwriter from Queens, New York. When she started out in 2005, she went under the alias name Wynter Gordon. Under this name, she penned "Gonna Breakthrough” by Mary J. Blige (Diana’s first professional writing credit) at only nineteen years old. As years went on she continued writing under that name, but a call from a global superstar would give her the confidence to change it to her real name. Beyoncé gave her the opportunity to write three songs on her ‘Lemonade’ album, with one of them being the mega-hit “Sorry.” Diana has also released music of her own and continues to make her own waves throughout the industry.

Besides these three, there are many other songwriters that have written many of the hits that you love. While it may be a rare occasion that the artist wrote and performed the song, these three women mentioned above do it all. Their passion is their purpose, and it shines through in all of their work.

Behind the Hits: Songwriters Turned Solo Artists

Written By: Elainey Bass

Music is always evolving. As time goes on, the music industry has become more vocal about who has been writing the songs we seem to love so much. Back in the day, we used to see artists keep their songwriters in the shadows, and nobody would know until the writer is thanked at an awards ceremony. But now more than ever, we are seeing songwriters display their talents more openly, and some have even decided to take on a solo career of their own. While there are many songwriters all over the world that have decided to choose this path, there are a few that currently have audiences wanting to hear more of their talent.

Leon Thomas III has been heavily involved in the music industry for quite some time as a songwriter and producer. Some of the newer generation may recognize him from the hit show Victorious that previously aired on Nickelodeon. However, what many don’t know is that Thomas co-wrote various songs for the show. Over the years, Thomas explored the idea of becoming a solo artist by releasing mixtapes in 2013 and 2016. Throughout this time, he was still in his writing bag with artists like Kehlani, Toni Braxton & Babyface, and Ariana Grande. But, it wasn't until 2021 when listeners started to pay more attention and tap into his work. Leon Thomas III gained social media notoriety for his writing credits for three songs on Drake’s Certified Lover Boy album (“Pipe Down”, “Love All”, & “In the Bible”). He also has a production credit for SZA’s hit song “Snooze.” Since then, he released his Electric Dusk album last year and headlined his first tour that kicked off this past November.

Muni Long had the R&B world in a chokehold with her love song “Hrs & Hrs.” But what many don’t know is that she started out as a songwriter and even provided background vocals for many artists that we know and love. With her experience being in a girl group back in 2008, it made sense for Muni to continue to utilize her talents. She hit the ground running in 2010 by co-writing Rihanna’s “California King Bed” on her album, Loud, and Chris Brown’s “Beg For It” from his album, F.A.M.E.. As years followed, Muni Long lent her pen to artists like Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Ariana Grande. However, you simply can’t put Muni in just one genre. She has also worked with the pop girl group Fifth Harmony, country group Florida Georgia Line, and Latin superstar Pitbull. In 2017, the superstar won her first Grammy (Best Solo Pop Performance) for lending her songwriting skills and vocals to Kelly Clarkson’s “Love So Soft.” Simply put, there is nothing that Muni Long can’t do!

A few months ago, Victoria Monét had everyone throwing on early 2000s gear and dancing to her song “On My Mama.” She has also closed out 2023 by receiving seven Grammy nominations this year for her recent album Jaguar II. But the thing is, Miss Monét is no stranger to this industry at all. She started out writing for acclaimed artists as early as 2010. “I Hate That You Love Me” by Diddy Dirty Money has her pen written all over it. Artists like Ne-Yo, Chris Brown, Selena Gomez, and Fifth Harmony all credit her for her songwriting skills. But her most frequent collaboration is with Ariana Grande. Victoria Monét has writing credits on every single album of Grande’s. So, it was only fitting that her first two Grammy nominations as a songwriter would be for Album of the Year (thank u, next) and Record of the Year (“7 rings”) back in 2020. She continues to stay consistent throughout her musical journey and is definitely considered a force to be reckoned with.

These are only three out of millions of songwriters around the world that have decided to take this journey. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, the work these people create has been a key component to the success of many artists that we know and love. Take the time to appreciate everyone involved in the process, not just the ones who sing the words and accept the award on the big stage.