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 (31–40)

Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi VertMigos

Migos – Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi Vert [Official Video]

Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi VertMigos

Migos is a three-man hip-hop group that has rapidly gained attention over the past year or two.

This song was their breakthrough, and a trend reportedly spread across American social media where people would come up with the next lines of the lyrics.

Their music and rapping skills have been well received, so they’re a group to watch going forward.

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You can do itIce Cube

Ice Cube, Mack 10, Ms. Toi – You Can Do It (Official Music Video)

You can do itIce Cube

Ice Cube, who is now highly active as both an actor and a film director, is in fact considered a legendary figure in the hip-hop world.

The song he contributed to the film “Fridays” became one of his signature works.

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I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

I Want You Back

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

This is the song that The Jackson 5—formed by the Jackson brothers, including a young Michael Jackson—released in 1969 as their debut.

In Japan, The Jackson 5 influenced groups like Finger 5, and this song has been covered by many artists over the years, becoming a standard number.

It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and can be considered one of the most well-known songs worldwide.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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Shot ClockElla Mai

Ella Mai – Shot Clock (Official Music Video)

Shot ClockElla Mai

Shot Clock is a track released in 2019 by Ella Mai, who stirred up the R&B scene in 2018.

While retaining the ’90s vibe that’s her trademark, the sound is more refined.

The fact that such a space-conscious arrangement still captivates listeners speaks to the strength of her vocal ability.

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Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Purple Haze (Official Audio)

Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

“Purple Haze,” the signature song by the ultra-famous band The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Its melody has been used in numerous forms of media, so I imagine many people find it familiar.

The phrases Jimi Hendrix comes up with all tend to stick in your ears.

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