In some circles, there has been a running conversation about the disappearance of tween culture in music. The kids seem to be jumping from preschool programming straight into adult territory, leaving youngsters between those stages without much created specifically for them.
The tween magazines, kid-friendly singing groups like Mindless Behavior, and television shows that once gave young people their own cultural playground have largely faded into a sea of TikTok dances, grown-up beauty tutorials and YouTube scrolling where it is easy for a child to come across content that’s too mature for them.
But a new generation of young Black performers is ready to bring tween culture back in the music industry.
Young Roddo, Nova Starr, and Tatum Galberth, also known as Tatum Takeover, are among the artists producing songs that allow kids to see themselves without pretending to be adults.
@roddochillinbruh
Just want to take a moment and give all the glory to God because this can all be snatched away if taken for granted. “My mama prayed and Jesus made a way.”
Stream “Mama (Perfect Timing) on Apple Music and Spotify now! Spotify now!
Their songs are energetic, polished and social media-ready, but still rooted in the joy, confidence and playfulness of being young.
@lavenayvette Go Nova
Dropping this Friday
#fyp #viral #GoNova #NovaStarr #Nova
@dadsdoittoo I really do this
humbly !! @Meek Mill thank you for the approval! #fyp #meekmill #takeover
Nova and Tatum landed on KID RUSHMORE, an all-kids album from Zaytoven and Lil Bankhead that arrived in January. The 12-track project offers young listeners something increasingly rare — music that sounds current without requiring them to consume adult themes.
It also features other child acts, including Royal Rose and Kanary Yellow. Established stars are paying attention, too. Ari Lennox and Busta Rhymes have embraced Young Roddo, providing the kind of co-signs that can introduce these performers to wider audiences.
Social media is doing the rest, allowing them to reach kids and parents directly.
Their careers are often family enterprises, with parents managing their accounts, overseeing opportunities and helping turn viral moments into sustainable platforms.
VanVan is one child star who has helped show what is possible. After going viral with “Playing Outside Every Day,” the pint-sized rapper caught MC Lyte’s attention and is now managed through the hip hop legend’s company.
Her rise eventually carried her to Abbott Elementary, where she played Margaret, a student who dressed as Sheryl Lee Ralph’s character, Barbara Howard, before hilariously declaring that she looked “100 years old.”
The scene keeps resurfacing.
Now, Nova Starr, Tatum Galberth, Young Roddo, and other rising child acts are continunig to expand that lane.
With their talent already commanding attention, these rising young stars have audiences tuned in and ready to see just how far they’ll go.
