Coco Gauff and Other Black Breakout Stars Who Made Their Mark in 2023

Some may argue that Halle Bailey was already a big star prior to 2023, and I wouldn’t disagree. But that was mostly due to her affiliation with Beyoncé and her work as one-half of the duo, Chloe X Halle. But in 2023, she stood on her own, starring as the central character in the Disney remake of, “The Little Mermaid.” Disney princess status always takes you to another level.

Dominique has always been a talented actress, who excelled in her roles. But she came into her own in 2023, starring in two of the biggest projects of her career, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts,” and “Swarm.” In the latter, she was excellent, playing a young woman who is (dangerously) obsessed with the biggest pop star in the world.

Yes, I know what you’re going to say. Blue Ivy was already a star. True, but she truly came into her own during the Renaissance Tour, when she would often take the stage and perform with her mother, Beyoncé. The “Ivy League” came in full force to support both of them.

One could argue that Ice Spice already broke out in 2022, but I think 2023 was the year we saw her fame and talent realized. She released her first body of work, “Like..?” at the top of the year and dropped some of the most viral songs of the year, most notably “Deli,” and “Princess Diana” (with Nicki Minajr).

Angel Reese took over the college basketball world in 2023. While she was always a great player, the general public took notice of her game in personality this year due to leading LSU to the National Championship.

Angel’s teammate, Flaujae, also had a big year, showcasing her talents as a basketball player and an MC.

Coco Guaff was always a talented tennis player who got extremely close to winning a major a few times. But this year she broke through, taking the US Open in an exhilarating fashion.

Some already knew that Victora Monét was a star in waiting, thanks to her 2020 EP, “JAGAUR.” In 2023, she built off that project by dropping its successor, “JAGUAR II,” which became an instant hit with R&B lovers.

Keith Lee was the social media influencer of the year, becoming well known in the real world, and not just on social media. His explorations across the country, trying out the best and most underrated food spots in cities were the talk of social media throughout 2023.

Another LSU sports star. While his team didn’t live up to expectations, Jayden Daniels was electric throughout the 2023 College Football season, accounting for 50 TDs as he won the sport’s most prestigious award, the Heisman Trophy.

The most hyped athlete since LeBron James. Victor Wembenyama is a spectacle that everyone has to lay their eyes on. His unique blend, of size, skill, athleticism, and touch is something we have never seen before. He gave us a glimpse of what he could become in 2023.

This might be a controversial pick, but Fani Willis was one of the most notable figures throughout 2023, due to charging Donald Trump and 19 other co-defendants in a racketeering case.

SkeeYee! Nobody had more fun in 2023 than Sexyy Red, who became one of the hottest names in rap due to the energy and personality she brought to tracks.

I know everyone is going to remember Noah Lyles’ comment on “World Champions” (especially NBA players). But he had a hell of a year when it came to running faster than everyone.

Coco Jones can do it all. She can act, she can sing and she can perform. She displayed all of her talents in 2023, and it was awarded earlier this year she won the 2023 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding New Artist.

I know the Colorado Buffaloes football season didn’t quite play out like some thought it would, but some players still performed despite the team’s record. Deion Sanders’ son, Shadeur, had a great year, showcasing his incredible poise as the QB for his father’s team.

While Shadeur Sanders might’ve been the biggest star on the Colorado Buffaloes football team, he wasn’t the best. Travis Hunter dazzled as he played at a high level on both offense and defense. It doesn’t get much better than scoring touchdowns and catching picks.

This talented and sweet South African singer had everyone dancing this year thanks to her hit single, “Water.”

Bianca Belair has been putting on a show for WWE fans since being drafted to Raw. Known as the “EST of the WWE,” she’s dominated the sport and recently became the longest-reigning Raw women’s champion in history.