Recommended hip-hop/rap

Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!

The great achievement of Black music is not only that it gave birth to genres like jazz, blues, gospel, and soul.

It has also been a wellspring of inspiration for legendary songs in the histories of rock and pop, and it is the most influential force on musical genres since the 20th century—an influence that continues unbroken into the 21st century and beyond.

To explore the roots of this magnificent Black music, this time we’re researching classic tracks mainly from the soul and R&B realm spanning the 1960s to the 1990s.

In the latter half, we also introduce more recent songs, so whether you love the latest hip-hop and R&B or aren’t very familiar with Black music, this is a must-check!

Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (61–70)

Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse – Back To Black

Back To BlackAmy Winehouse

This is the song Back to Black by the late British charismatic singer Amy Winehouse.

With her distinctive voice and emotionally rich performances, Amy was regarded by the music industry as a rare talent in recent years.

However, in her private life she was entangled in a troubled relationship with a man, which left her both physically and emotionally devastated.

After cutting ties and breaking free from that relationship, she married another man and seemed on the verge of finally finding happiness, only to pass away soon after.

She was just 27 years old.

It pains me to think what songs she might be singing now if she were still alive.

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Didn’t Cha KnowErykah Badu

Erykah Badu – Didn’t Cha Know

Didn't Cha KnowErykah Badu

Erykah Badu is a female singer whose unique sound—evoking elements of folk and world music—has been distilled into neo-soul, earning her the love of hardcore Black music aficionados around the globe.

Alongside Lauryn Hill, she is a defining figure of neo-soul, but unlike more conventional neo-soul, her music exudes a distinctly languid, enigmatic vibe.

You could say it’s like a looser, more laid-back take on Al Green’s musical sensibility.

You can fully savor that individuality in her track “Didn’t Cha Know.” If you’re into distinctive, left-of-center neo-soul, she’s an artist you absolutely shouldn’t miss—be sure to check her out.

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Sex MachineJames Brown

james brown – sex machine

Sex MachineJames Brown

Legendary soul singer James Brown.

He is known not only for soul and R&B but also as an artist who had a tremendous influence on funk.

He debuted in the 1950s, but initially found success only on charts in the American South and in R&B.

It was in the 1960s that he achieved nationwide popularity, and with him at the forefront, the musical genre of funk became known around the world.

His song “Sex Machine” is one of his signature tracks, released in 1970.

While it wasn’t an enormous hit at the time, it has remained a classic that continues to be played for many years up to the present.

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Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]Kehlani

Kehlani – Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Music Video]

Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]Kehlani

Kehlani’s “Nights Like This” features Ty Dolla $ign, who’s also known for collaborations with artists like Post Malone.

It’s a catchy pop song that incorporates the trendy trap style and is perfect for when you want to relax.

Be sure to check out the music video too—it has a futuristic vibe that evokes AI and cyborg imagery.

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So WhatMiles Davis

Miles Davis – So What (Audio) (Official Audio)

So WhatMiles Davis

A jazz trumpeter who continually pursued new sounds without being bound by existing concepts, Miles Davis included on his album Kind of Blue a piece composed on the basis of the modal concept, which was different from jazz up to that point.

The theme is cool, with the band responding “So what” to the bass’s questioning melody.

Pianist Bill Evans also took part in this album, playing a key role in creating its new sound.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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