Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces
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!
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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (81–90)
Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)Diana Ross
Diana Ross is one of the leading female artists in Black music.
While she isn’t a neo-soul artist, within the Black music of the time—encompassing soul and R&B—she stood out with a relatively gentle vocal style.
Her signature song, “Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To),” was released in 1975 and won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.
Hate That I Love You ft. Ne-YoRihanna
It’s an R&B love song performed by the songstress Rihanna—who has great vocals, looks, and fashion sense—together with Ne-Yo.
In the music video, the scene where Rihanna in a black coat and Ne-Yo in a white suit meet in an elevator feels like a moment from a film, and their voices, gently layered over a wistful, beautiful piano melody, evoke a sense of mature romance.
You Are The Sunshine Of My LifeStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder is an artist who supported neo-soul music and continues to be active at the forefront to this day.
He has achieved both artistic and commercial success, and among solo singers, he has won the most Grammy Awards.
One of his signature songs, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, was released in 1972 and won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.
1, 2 Step ft. Missy ElliottCiara
A hit song by R&B’s princess—whose actual middle name is also Princess—Ciara, in collaboration with female rapper Missy Elliott.
Ciara’s whispery vocals paired with Missy’s powerful rap are cool.
Don’t miss the music video where the beautiful Ciara shows off dance moves that can rival any man’s.
In My FeelingsDrake
It’s the song “In My Feelings” by the Canadian rapper Drake.
It’s included on his 2018 album Scorpion.
The music video is made like a drama.
As you’d expect from a former actor, he delivers a performance full of confidence.
And mysteriously, Will Smith appears in the video, so keep an eye out for that too!
Still Not a Player feat. JoeBig Pun
The allure of this landmark East Coast hip-hop track, which made a major impact in the late ’90s, lies in the sensual world crafted by Big Pun, a trailblazing Latin artist.
His exceptional lyrical skill, commanding flow, and the addition of R&B singer Joe created a sound that captivated countless listeners.
Released in March 1998 as the second single from the album Capital Punishment, the track reached No.
24 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and achieved the historic feat of becoming the first platinum-certified single by a solo Latin hip-hop artist.
It’s a perfect song for late-night drives.
The exquisite groove woven from sultry R&B phrases and deft rap pairs flawlessly with the city at night, and its soothing melody is sure to move you.
Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (91–100)
Soul SistaBilal
Bilal, an artist who has earned a devoted following as a distinctive neo-soul singer, is popular among core music fans.
When people hear “neo-soul,” many imagine a blend of genres like hip-hop, jazz, and funk.
His musical approach, however, is a bit different: he incorporates unique styles such as acid jazz and alternative jazz-soul into neo-soul.
Of course, he also excels at classic neo-soul sounds—on Soul Sista, for example, he delivers a quintessential neo-soul track reminiscent of D’Angelo.