R&B With Roots: The Women to Watch Who Are Rewriting Houston’s Soundtrack

Jun 9

Houston’s soul had something to say. And on June 8th at Zilkha Hall, it spoke in harmonies, raw truths, and unfiltered narratives courtesy of Women to Watch – Houston R&B Storytellers. Curated by Grammy-nominated artist and cultural force Dria Thornton, this showcase wasn’t just a concert—it was a consecration of the next class of R&B architects reshaping Houston’s sonic blueprint.

Hosted by 93.7 The Beat’s own Kiotti, the night featured intimate one-on-one convos between the radio kingpin and each performer—Jastin Martin, Skyrah Bliss, Raycheal Winters, and Dria herself. Kiotti asked the kind of questions only someone steeped in culture and community could ask, and the women answered with soul-baring clarity.

Jastin’s voice carried edge and elegance, while Skyrah’s spiritual grit stirred the room. Raycheal unwrapped her story with softness and steel. And Dria? She was the glue—the griot who knew this was bigger than vibes. This was legacy.

And just like Hip-Hop, this night was equal parts homage and prophecy. A celebration of roots, rhythm, and the resilience of Black women redefining what it means to tell stories through song in H-Town.