Through time, women have shared their stories through song, from the undulating and haunting voice of Nina Simone to the emotive Selena Quintanilla. Although there is a distinct gender gap in the music industry, women use music as a tool to empower themselves and the listeners.

Story by Kennedy Williams

Just as it is important to shine a light on women who make music, it is also important to highlight women who are key players in the music industry, from radio personalities to music managers at streaming companies. Here are some women who are making moves in music outside of the booth.

Scottie Beam

Deanii Scott, professionally known as Scottie Beam, started as a part of the street team at New York City’s Hot 97 radio station. Beam worked her way up to being a digital producer for the station and managed their social media accounts. Known for her candid opinions on the current state of hip hop and extensive sneaker collection, Beam is one to watch in the music game. While at Hot 97, she founded #ScottieFeedback, a platform for up-and-coming artists to share their music with Beam and legendary music producers, and Who’s Next Live, a music showcase for promising musicians.

Photo courtesy of Hot 97

Upon leaving Hot 97 last year, Beam transitioned to providing commentary for Essence Magazine, Revolt and Billboard and co-founding Black Girl Podcast. No matter the platform, she remains a force in the realm of hip hop.

Grace Ladoja

UK-based Grace Ladoja has been Grime sensation Skepta’s manager since 2014, helping him navigate his mainstream success. But Ladoja is worthy of the spotlight apart from her work with Skepta. This past November, Ladoja was awarded the Rising Star award by Music Week, a trade paper for the music industry in the UK. Ladoja has exercised her sharp eye for visual storytelling by directing videos for FKA Twigs, Vans, Asos and Puma.

Photo courtesy of Music Week

Karlie Hustle

Karlie Hustle is a music industry veteran who rose to fame during her time as Music Director of Hot 97. Hustle has championed independent musicians over the years. In 2015, she left Hot 97 for Jamla Records, an independent label founded by legendary producer 9th Wonder, where she served as Director of Brand Relations. Hustle is currently the Music Manager for Beats 1 Radio in New York City. She also hosts the podcast Brutally Honest in which she talks music, motherhood and everything in between.

Photo courtesy of Vibe

Amber Grimes

At 19, while most college students were cramming for a final, Amber Grimes secured a full time position as executive assistant to former Vice President of Def Jam Records, Bu Thiam. Grimes’ story highlights the necessity of building a strong network. This Atlanta native cut her teeth working as a manager for musicians in her hometown and made connections with power players in the local hip hop scene. After her time at Def Jam, Grimes worked closely with Nick Cannon as he expanded his entertainment companies. Currently, Grimes is a Senior Manager for Urban and Indie at Spotify.

Photo courtesy of Forbes

Sahar Habibi

Sahar Habibi has a cult following. Part of the LA-based Soulection collective, Habibi is a DJ and beat maker. Habibi cultivated her sound and following as she travelled between Indianapolis, the city she is from originally, and Chicago to get a taste of a more lively music scene than the one she grew up in. Chicago’s diverse music culture proved to be the perfect environment for Habibi, inspiring her to attend Columbia College Chicago. There, she took DJ classes and worked to hone her sound.

Photo courtesy of swgrus

In 2017, her “Force of Nature” mixtape amassed tens of thousands of spins. Habibi’s signature slow jams transform records, giving them a new life. Habibi merges her Persian background with elements of R&B and hip hop that soundtracked her childhood.