Celebrating Black History Month through Past Movin’ On Artists

Black History Month is a time to celebrate legacy, progress, and the future. Every February, we honor the contributions of Black Americans to society, culture, and history, recognizing their lasting impact and influence.

Movin’ On strives to bring a diverse variety of music artists to its stage every year, highlighting talent from various backgrounds and genres that cater to different tastes and cultures. Some of the most memorable artists who have performed at Movin’ On have been Sexyy Red, Big Sean and Freddie Gibbs. 

Sexyy Red was a fan favorite this past spring on the IM fields. Performing her top hits, showing off her dance moves and keeping the crowd engaged – she thrives on stage. Sexyy Red is an up-and-coming rapper from St. Louis and has quickly made a name for herself with her bold style and catchy tracks. Her breakout track “Pound Town” immediately went viral after its release in 2023 earning millions of streams on Spotify. She has built a large following on social media since then which has led her to have multiple collabs with famous artists including Nicki Minaj and Lil Durk. 

It is safe to say that Sexyy Red is recognized as one of the most exciting new artists in the rap scene and is expected to make bigger waves within the industry in years to come. 

Big Sean, a rapper from Detroit, took the Movin’ On stage in 2015. What Big Sean lacks in height, he makes up for in his talent and energy. He captivated the crowd when performing “Mercy,” a Kanye West song Big Sean featured on. His debut album “Finally Famous” released in 2011, establishing him as one of the top rappers in the game. He has multiple platinum albums, chart topping singles and Grammys. 

Beyond his music, Big Sean is known for his entrepreneurial ventures, including the Sean Anderson Foundation, which supports youth education, and his work with mental health advocacy. He has used his largely followed platforms to promote positivity and empowerment within his community. 

Another highly respected rapper took the stage at Movin’ On this past spring—Freddie Gibbs. Hailing from Indiana, he’s known for his sharp lyricism, versatile flow, and compelling storytelling. With a career that began in the early 2000s, his continued relevance in the industry is a testament to his talent and longevity.

One of his most acclaimed works is his collaboration with producer Madlib on the album Piñata, widely regarded as one of the best rap albums of the 2010s. Not only did he have stellar collaborations, but his Grammy nominations and awardsta speak for themselves. 

Freddie Gibbs has maintained his independence in the music industry by establishing his own label, ESGN. His ability to remain independent while releasing high quality albums and demos is a testament to his business and artistic integrity.   

As we celebrate Black History Month, it is important to recognize the ongoing impact that Black American artists have on both the music industry and music culture at large. From up-and-coming artists, to global superstars, musicians like Sexyy Red, Big Sean, and Freddie Gibbs are shaping the future of music and have left their artistic mark on Movin’ On.