Yardbarker

Mya Singleton

Music Writer

Mya Singleton is a freelance music journalist and social strategist based in the Bay Area, with experience covering R&B and hip-hop. Her reporting has appeared in several publications including Yardbarker, The Sports Fan Journal, AXS, and Hollywood Unlocked. With a career spanning over ten years, she’s covered concerts across the West Coast and interviewed some of the entertainment industry’s leading figures including Anderson .Paak, Nonstop Da Hitman, Laurieann Gibson, and Floyd Mayweather. You can find her talking about all things music and sports on Twitter at @MyaMelody7.  

EXPERTISE:

R&B, Hip-Hop

The ultimate playlist for saying goodbye to 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, it's hard not to look back on a year filled with highs and lows, and the soundtrack that carried us through it all.

20 songs that sample classical music

Artists across hip-hop, pop, and rock have all tapped into the grandeur and emotion of classical compositions, ultimately turning concertos into chart-topping hits.

Girl power: 20 essential female hip-hop collaborations

It's no secret that women in hip-hop haven't always received the respect and praise that they deserve. However, when they join forces and support one another, the results are nothing short of powerful.

20 songs from the 2000s you forgot you loved

Regardless of how people consumed their music as 2000s technology gave us the iPod and artist pages on MySpace, there were plenty of songs that were fan favorites, but over time might have slipped out of their daily rotation. Let's take a look back at some forgotten gems that were released from 2000-2009. 

The 20 silliest songs from the ‘90s you can’t help but love

If you grew up in the '90s, you probably remember a time when turning on your radio or watching channels like MTV meant that you came across songs that were instant hits, and other times you would hear songs that were a bit confusing.

20 iconic '90s songs you forgot how much you loved

From listening to music on a Walkman, to burning mix CDs, to running home to catch MTV's Total Request Live countdown — the '90s were a decade that people still talk about to this day. Let's take a look back at some of the '90s songs you forgot you loved, but should totally add back to your playlists.

20 famous musicians who started as songwriters before hitting it big

Breaking into the music industry has never been easy—and for many artists, the path to stardom isn’t always a straight shot. Before they became household names, some started behind the scenes, writing hits for other people or lending their voices as background vocalists.

25 perfect songs for the ultimate girls night out

There’s something magical about a girls’ night out — the energy, the laughter, the freedom to let loose with your best friends. And let's face it, no unforgettable night out is complete without the perfect soundtrack.

20 songs named after other artists

From heartfelt homages to playful references, let's take a look at some songs that put a fellow artist's name front and center in the title.  

20 superstar musicians who famously adopted alter egos

In the music world, artists often utilize their identity as a creative outlet for exploring new sounds, tackling diverse themes, and expressing themselves through various personas.

20 iconic pop songs that defined the '70s

One of the remarkable aspects of music is witnessing how it evolves and elevates with each passing decade. The 1970s were no different, as the era showcased how musicians could easily blend the sounds of pop, rock, soul, funk, and disco.  From The Eagles to Donna Summer, check out our list of some of the best pop records that defined the '70s. 

20 iconic pop songs that defined the '80s

The 1980s were a transformative era in pop music. Musicians were moving away from the disco genre of the '70s and decided to innovate with bolder sounds.

20 rap songs from the 1990s that we still love today

Hip-hop might have been born in the '70s, but it was in the '90s when the genre truly started to see commercial success. It was an era in which artistic

20 famous rappers who found success outside of hip hop

From brand deals to investments to entrepreneurship, here is a list of MCs who've broadened their career beyond the stage.

25 prolific Bay Area musicians

The San Francisco Bay Area is home to a music scene that’s diverse as it is legendary, yet still flies under the radar for some fans. From R&B to rock to hip-hop, this region has given birth to some of the most iconic artists across genres.

20 of the best sophomore rap albums

In the music industry, the sophomore slump is an artist’s nightmare, and fans definitely fear it, too. In hip-hop, maintaining momentum while dropping hit songs is a key factor in how rappers can solidify their place in the industry. From The Notorious B.I.G. to Drake, here are some of the best sophomore albums in hip-hop history. 

20 hit songs that featured Michael Jackson samples

Michael Jackson wasn’t just an artist. He was the greatest entertainer of all time. But it’s not just fans who have been inspired; countless artists have sampled his music, making him a constant presence across genres and generations. Let's look back at some songs that pay homage to the King of Pop by sampling his music. 

20 iconic music moments that defined the 2010s

Every decade brings memorable music moments that fans either love or hate. The 2010s were no different, as they marked an era in which artists established novel promotion strategies, streaming services rivaled against competitors, and unlikely records became huge hit songs.

20 surprising songs to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100

Rapper Nelly once famously said, “What does it take to be number one? / Two is not a winner and three nobody remembers.” For artists, having a song on the Billboard Hot 100 is an achievement; however, hitting that coveted top spot is a whole different level of sweet success. 

20 celebrities who appeared in Broadway shows

While some performers have used Broadway as a launchpad for their careers, others have used it as another chapter in their entertainment endeavors. From rising talents to household names, here's a look back at some of the biggest acts who've made their way to the Broadway stage. 

20 hit song titles that feature well-known brand names

Throughout music history, artists have always mentioned certain brands in their songs. Whether it was to highlight their lavish lifestyle or a metaphor that drives the song's message home, name-dropping has always held a special place in music. From luxury high fashion to fast cars, here is a list of tracks titled after brand names. 

How many original names of these 20 legendary bands do you know?

From iconic rock bands to R&B groups, let's take a look back at some notable acts that changed their names on the road to success.  

Beyond the hits: 25 of Drake’s essential deep cuts

There's more to his legacy besides the radio hits; he has plenty of deep album cuts that fans also love. Let's revisit some of the more underrated B-sides in Drake's discography. 

The 25 best songs of 2025 (so far)

Summer is officially here, and many music fans are seeking that perfect song to soundtrack these warmer days. While many fans are still debating over which song deserves the coveted title of "song of the summer," there’s been no shortage of fire tracks that have stayed on our playlists since January.

The ultimate 4th of July playlist

Here's a roundup of the best tracks to help make your 4th of July celebration memorable.