The Origin: A Tribute to Modern Music’s Mothers

Spring is finally here and what better season to be reminded of fresh energy,  blooming flowers, and honoring the amazing women who gave life to more than just music on Mother’s Day.

There’s a special kind of woman who doesn’t just know how to light up and take command of the stage, these women also have so graciously opened doors for others to be inspired to make just as much of an impact artistically. These are our mentors. The women who uplift. The women who make space–nurturing not only their careers but influencing the growth of entirely new movements and helping them build their own legacies. 

This Mother’s Day, we’re giving well-earned flowers to 4 pioneering women who literally and figuratively mother the music industry with their innovation, creativity, and ability to redefine the landscape. 

Here’s the list:

Erykah Badu 

When it comes to Erykah Badu, the R&B vocalist is the epitome of the word “Mother” in every form and fashion. The Dallas born Analogue Girl in a Digital World is largely credited for ushering in the neo-soul movement in the late 90s, with a Billie Holiday-esque style that is a protective and intentional blend of Afro-futurism, Black pride, and spirituality. Many popular R&B and soul artists of today, like Summer Walker or Ari Lennox, give their flowers and have sought counsel from Badu, helping continue nurturing the spirit of neo-soul despite the many controversial claims that “R&B is dead.” 

“She’s been a mentor and a safe space for me, and honestly this truly a full circle moment, considering she’s been my favorite artist since I was 12 years old.” said Summer Walker on Erykah Badu at Billboard Women in Music Awards. 

Erykah’s collaborations throughout her career were intentional and really stamped her ability to be adaptable and push boundaries. She partnered with a variety of artists across genres and launched a label, Control Freq, to provide artists with fair contracts and supporting new talent. Her mothering energy goes far beyond music, too, as Badoula is actually a certified doula, and has been assisting with childbirth for the past 20 years. She’s surprisingly known for working with celebrities and mentees, Teyana Taylor and Summer Walker with the birth of their children. 

The green-eyed godmother of neo-soul has forever enchanted us with her vision, impact on the genre, and what she’s done for the culture. We give our flowers to you. 

Missy Elliott

Next up on the list is the masterful innovator herself, Missy Misdemeanor Elliott. Although not an actual mother, this woman took the late 90s and 2000s Hip-Hop world by storm, breaking onto the scene with unconventional elements and a multifaceted, genre-defying sound that was truly game-changing ahead of its time. 

Beyond her solo ventures, and becoming the first female rapper to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Missy has contributed significantly to the music industry, writing for other artists and curating projects alongside her childhood friend, Timbaland, for big name people like Whitney Houston, the Spice Girls, Ciara, and the late Aaliyah. 

Her reintroduction of dancing in viral videos like,  “Work It” and “Get Your Freak On,” inspired artists like Latto and Megan The Stallion to bring choreography back to the rap game. 

Missy has long been a mentor and guide for many, particularly female artists, helping them find their voice and direction. Elliott’s ability to shape the sounds and directions of these artists is why we give our girl her flowers this Mother’s Day. 

Rihanna

When thinking about the landscape of modern music, you can’t not mention the impact of the Bajan icon herself, Robin Rihanna Fenty. Dubbed as the 21st Century’s Most Influential Musician by NPR, Rihanna has been a cultural force, shaking up the music industry across the globe and setting trends that influence the masses. With 14 number-one hits making it to the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and holding the Guiness World Record for the most-watched Super Bowl halftime show ever, the work speaks for itself.

Rihanna’s power goes way beyond the charts though. The singer has also been able to cast out a wider net, enticing  audiences through ventures like philanthropy, fashion, and beauty. Both her companies, Savage Fenty and Fenty Beauty, are praised for their inclusive approach to their industries, offering a plethora of products for all skin tones and body types appealing to the masses. 

Rihanna’s Mother energy inspires other artists to challenge the status quo of the stereotypical music career. Her thoughtfulness and willingness to show up for the culture so authentically is what makes us love her so much. 

Beyonce 

Beyonce isn’t just a global icon, she’s a masterclass in building legacy while lifting others. From girl group prodigy to cultural powerhouse, Bey has turned her spotlight into a platform and made mentorship a pillar of her artistic impact. 

She signed Chloe x Halle, nurtured their artistry, and gave them a platform to really expand. She stood by Megan Thee Stallion for her remix, celebrating sisterhood and Southern Houstonian roots. 

Beyonce’s created space for countless artists, dancers, designers, and creatives, especially other Black women and queer folks, to be seen, paid, and praised. Her legacy continues to bloom.