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 (41–50)
Planet RockAfrika Bambaataa & Soul Sonic Force
This is a quintessential old-school classic—one could say this track helped massively open up the world of hip-hop! It’s a great song that I want not only hip-hop fans but all Black music fans to hear.
Afrika Bambaataa, a father-like figure who named the creative culture of Black people “hip-hop.” Released in 1982, it’s a historically important track said to have influenced all dance music.
The unique groove unleashed by the drum machine feels so good.
Great Black Music: Recommended Classics (51–60)
Best Thing I Never HadBeyoncé
It’s one of Beyoncé’s classic songs, showcasing her timeless beauty and vocal prowess then and now.
Her powerful voice soars over the grand ballad.
In the music video, Beyoncé fondly looks back on memories of a past lover, while her radiant smile stands out as she happily prepares for marriage with her current partner.
Thrill Is GoneB.B. King
When talking about the blues, there’s no way you can leave out B.B.
King.
Possessing exceptionally advanced guitar technique, he influenced not only the blues but the broader realm of Black music in a major way.
One of his signature songs is The Thrill Is Gone.
Although he had an extraordinary sense for the guitar, he was, frankly, hopeless when it came to singing while playing.
Because of that, his songs clearly separate the vocal and guitar parts—but that separation allows each to shine to the fullest, creating a distinctive flavor you can really enjoy.
Sexual HealingMarvin Gaye
Marvin Gaye, one of the leading artists of neo soul, is an artist who has had a major influence on contemporary R&B.
Alongside his contemporaries Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, he helped lay the foundations of modern Black music.
A song of his I highly recommend is “Sexual Healing.” It’s a work that directly expresses the sexual feelings one has toward a lover.
Expressions like this likely had a significant impact on today’s R&B.
Black & YellowWiz Khalifa
This catchy pop-hip-hop track by Wiz Khalifa became a massive hit across the United States.
Just like the yellow-and-black title suggests, the car he rides is yellow and black, and the necklace he never takes off is said to feature yellow diamonds.
Dear Mama2Pac
Tupac stood at the forefront of the hip-hop scene.
While his bold personality often gets emphasized, he also had a delicate side.
That delicate side is fully showcased in Dear Mama.
Although it doesn’t depict an ideal family environment, it’s a wonderful song that reveals his own kind of family love.
What’s Luv?Fat Joe feat. Ashanti
As his name suggests, Fat Joe has an imposing build.
He’s not only a rapper but also a music producer and an MC—a multi-talented figure.
This track, which features R&B songstress Ashanti, is one of his signature songs.