Let’s face it: By and large, Geminis are incredibly creative individuals. It follows that there’s an abundance of Gemini musicians who dominate the music industry.
It’s Black Music Month—or, per President Barack Obama’s recent proclamation, African-American Music Appreciation Month. Here we recognize the mastery and pure genius of these Gemini music-making folk.
The Notorious B.I.G.: May 21, 1972
Yes, Biggie was a Gemini. The zodiac sign begins on May 21. Don’t hate.
Maxwell: May 23, 1973
Maxwell recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of his epic album, Maxwell’s Urban Hang Suite. The artist resurfaced in January with the release of his new album, Artificial. Welcome back; we’ve missed you!
Patti LaBelle: May 24, 1944
The living legend, Ms. Patti LaBelle, sometimes lets her “Gemini” out. We see you, Ms. Patti!
Miles Davis: May 26, 1926
Let us not forget the incomparable Miles Davis. Naturally, the composer of an album titled Birth of the Cool would be a Gemini.
Lenny Kravitz: May 26, 1964
Lenny is everything. Tight leather pants and all.
Andre 3000: May 27, 1975
We love Three Stacks. The end.
Azealia Banks: May 31, 1991
So you may not celebrate Azealia Banks (and her tirades), but she is, indeed, a Gemini. Maybe this explains things? Maybe not.
Josephine Baker: June 3, 1906
Add this beauty to the list. Josephine Baker, jazz singer and dancer—what a vivacious spirit.
Prince: June 7, 1958
“Let’s Go Crazy.” “1999.” “Kiss.” The list goes on. We celebrate the artistry and musical genius of Prince, in life and in death.
Kanye West: June 8, 1977
Ye is almost over the hill. Any bets on whether or not Kanye West will act a fool in his 40s?
Tupac: June 16, 1971
The Fader pulled 10 quotes from one of Tupac’s last interviews. Among his quotes: On being a Gemini he said, “That I’m one-sided—all of us as human beings have a dominant and a quiet side. I happen to be a Gemini … and I am young and I’m black and I’m from the hood, so it’s just, you got all these different facets. But I’m an artist, you know what I mean? And I’m hungry for knowledge. There’s no pigeonhole to put me in, so they’d rather just make it look like I’m crazy."
Kendrick Lamar: June 17, 1987
King Kendrick is all-the-way Gemini. And in “Untitled 6 6.30.2014.,” Lamar even gives a shoutout to his Gemini brethren: “A Gemini, do I let these personalities always conflict in me.”
Lionel Richie: June 20, 1949
In a Time Out London interview, Lionel Richie spoke to the complexity of being a Gemini: “There’s a great toast someone made about me: ‘Here’s to Lionel Richie, a great group of guys!’ I’m a Gemini, so who I am depends on what day it is.” You said it best, Lionel. Kudos to you for keeping it real!
Felice León is multimedia editor at The Root.