From early 20th century icons such as Memphis Minnie to contemporary global superstars like Glorilla, women have always been essential to creating and defining the music of the Bluff City. In the year 2025, this remains as true as ever, with an unbelievable amount of female talent emerging from every conceivable corner of the musical landscape. While this list could have easily expanded exponentially (and believe us, we wish we could have included everyone!), here are ten of the women who are currently pushing the Memphis music scene into exciting new directions.
Brezay
Although Brezay isnât necessarily a new face on the Memphis music sceneâwe published a profile of the rising rapper back in 2022âthis year is shaping up to be a truly break-out moment for the multi-faceted performer. This month alone, she dropped the ground-shaking anthem âPinky on My Grillzâ and performed during halftime at a Grizzlies halftime show, proving that her time has finally arrived.
Suroor
Since moving to Memphis in 2022, Pakistan-born pop star Suroor has hit the ground running when it comes to taking her music career to the next level. A self-described âindustrial hyperpopâ artist, Suroor first began winning over fans with her high-energy live performances and has since helped to start a DIY music label called Purgatory Pressings and release her debut album LAVENDER SHOWERS.
Raneem Imam
Arab-American singer-songwriter Raneem Imam has been gaining attention from the local music industry since she was still a student at Rhodes College, earning several prestigious fellowships. Since graduation, she has continued to hone her craft and expand her fanbase with her soft brand of R&B and electropop.
Haley Ivey
Probably best known as a member of the delightfully unhinged duo Little Baby Tendencies, Haley Ivey has been playing her part in keeping the cityâs punk scene thriving for years. In todayâs fraught political climate, she has also been a fearless voice in speaking out against injustices of every stripe with righteous anger in recent songs such as âFlight of the Fascistsâ and âWalking While Womanâ from the 2025 album Burn Down the State.
Nubia Yasin
At this point, Unapologeticâs track record of discovering some of the cityâs brightest and boldest young talent is unimpeachable, and rising pop priestess Nubia Yasin is proof that the label is still at the top of their game when it comes to scouting talent. With a wide-range of eclectic influences and a sound that is both fresh yet steeped in tradition, Nubia Yasin is certainly an artist to keep a close eye on.
Victoria Dowdy
In case you havenât noticed, Americana music has been having a true renaissance over the past couple of years, and singer-songwriter Victoria Dowdy has been at the forefront of Memphisâ vibrant scene the whole time. As both a solo artists and as a member of the duo Oakwalker, Dowdyâs modern take on classic folk and country has made her a key figure in the local singer-songwriter community, a position she isnât likely to give up any time soon.
Alice Hasen
If youâve yet to see violinist/fiddler Alice Hasen perform live yet, believe us when we say that it is truly a sight to behold. The Vermont-born musician has a virtuosic control over her instrument that is absolutely spellbinding, earning her praise from across the country.
Isabella deFir
Despite still not being of legal drinking age, Isabella deFir already has over a decade of musical experience to her name. As both a solo artist and a member of the up-and-coming synth-pop duo Isabealla&Sebastian, deFirâs uniquely beautiful tone and gift for lyrics places her in a league of her own.
Glockianna
Two years ago, we here at WAMM told you that rapper Glockianna was a homegrown talent worthy of your attention, and that sentiment has only grown stronger since. Much like labelmate Duke Deuce, Glock is keeping the classic Memphis crunk sound alive with a seemingly endless stream of elbow-throwing bangers. The most exciting part? Sheâs still in her teens and only getting better.
Rachel Maxann
Much like Valerie June before her, Rachel Maxannâs gorgeous blend of soul and folk is bolstered by her rare and unparalleled vocal talent, making her a true star within the cityâs Americana scene. For anyone who still holds the wrongheaded notion that folk is somehow a so-called âwhiteâ genre, Maxann is a living testament to Black artists’ many contributions to the genre.
