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 Classic Tracks (101–110)
MajicJoe
Joe, an American R&B singer often hailed as the King of R&B, has been active since the 1990s and continues to enjoy enduring popularity.
Many R&B singers who stay in the game for a long time end up changing their style and shifting toward dance music, but in his case, he has stuck to classic R&B without changing his style since his debut.
A track of his that I highly recommend as one of his signature songs is Majic.
It features an irresistibly sweet melody that only he—known for his sensual R&B—could truly bring to life.
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.
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.