H.E.R.
Sue Kwon
Welcome to #TBT Mixtape, Billboard‘s series that showcases artists’ very own throwback-themed playlists exclusive to Billboard‘s Spotify account. The curated set features the artists’ favorite tracks from their youth and childhood.
This week’s spin comes from H.E.R. The fast-rising R&B upstart and RCA newcomer took home two Grammy Awards this year (out of a whopping five nominations): R&B performance — for her Daniel Caesar collaboration “Best Part” — and best R&B album for her breakthrough eponymous set. The LP — which is technically a combined EP — expertly launched H.E.R.’s mainstream ascent, bolstered by a showstopping performance of album cut “Hard Place” at the February ceremony. The enigmatic (and ever sunglasses-clad) multi-instrumentalist also rocked the track on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Wednesday night.
The singer has another reason to celebrate: She was just nominated for three Billboard Music Awards on Thursday (April 4): top R&B artist, top R&B female artist and top R&B album.
Ahead of a packed summer touring schedule, which includes stops at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia (June 1), Essence Festival in New Orleans (July 5-7) and Lollapalooza (Aug. 1), H.E.R. put together this week’s #TBT Mixtape — dubbed “Old Youngin'” and featuring cuts by icons like D’Angelo, Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley and more.
“It’s the ‘Old Youngin’ playlist for all the old souls,” she tells Billboard. “I was raised on a lot of different vibes but these were my favorite growing up.”
Give the set a spin and also check out some retro snaps of the star below.
H.E.R. performs at the BET Music Matters Grammy Showcase at W Hollywood on Feb. 13, 2016 in Hollywood, Calif.Earl Gibson III/Getty Images for BET