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!
- Legends of soul music: its history and allure revisited through classic songs
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- Western R&B Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Classic and Contemporary Hits in Western R&B: From the Newest Popular Tracks to All-Time Big Hits [2026]
- A masterpiece of Japanese black music. A noteworthy work embodying the soul of black music.
- [Western Music] A landmark masterpiece in hip-hop history! A fundamental album you should know
- [2026] Best Western R&B Love Songs and Romance Songs Compilation
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces of 70s Disco Music
- The Latest: A Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music (2026)
- Gospel singers of the world. Masterpieces of gospel music, recommended popular songs.
- [Hip-Hop Classics] Timeless HIPHOP / Golden Oldies
- Nothing but famous and hit songs! K-pop tracks recommended for Gen Z
- Today's R&B: A curated playlist packed with classic hits!
Great Black Music: Recommended Classic Tracks (101–110)
After The Storm ft. Tyler, The Creator, Bootsy CollinsKali Uchis
It’s the song After The Storm by Kali Uchis, released in 2018.
She collaborates with artists like Tyler, The Creator and Bootsy Collins.
The dreamy, languid vibe and the video that evokes 1970s America feel really great! It’s a track you’ll want to listen to in the summer!
Turn Me OnKevin Little
It’s a hit song by Kevin Lyttle from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean.
With a tempo that’s easy for anyone to dance to and rhythms that evoke the Caribbean’s blue seas, it’s an outstanding track.
It’s the kind of song you want to listen to in summer under the sun and blue skies.
Do Like ThatKorede Bello
Hailing from Nigeria and still quite young at 21, this singer boasts outstanding vocal ability and, as you can see in the music video, a commanding presence.
The nostalgic melodies and intriguingly electronic sounds draw you in as you listen.
Kolede’s pleasantly soothing voice also matches the songs very well.
Let Me Love YouMario
This is a song released in 2004 by the American R&B singer Mario.
Produced by Ne-Yo, it’s soothing with Mario’s gentle vocals and flowing melody.
The music video also features a must-see scene where Mario delivers an impressive dance performance in front of a wall painted with samurai.
MoveMiles Davis
Move, created by Miles Davis, a towering figure in the modern jazz world.
While it offers an exceptionally pleasant melody for listeners, it’s famously difficult for performers, demanding a high level of technical skill.
Because of this difficulty, many artists have covered it.
Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (111–120)
Just a dreamNelly
It’s a heartbreak song about Nelly’s ex-girlfriend appearing even in his dreams, making her impossible to forget.
Nelly, who originally raps in a sing-song style, blends rapping and singing in this track.
It’s one of his hidden gems, showcasing that Nelly also has a wonderful singing voice.
Four WomenNina Simone
This song, written by pianist and jazz singer Nina Simone and released in 1966, features four African American women in its lyrics, just as the title suggests.
By singing about these four women, she powerfully speaks to the circumstances they face in this world.
When discussing Black music, isn’t it both important and essential to understand the history and social position of African Americans in the United States?
