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 (31–40)
Hey Ya!OutKast
With total album sales of 20 million, this song is one of hip-hop heavyweight Outkast’s signature tracks.
Despite its light, poppy melody, it actually sings about a breakup between a man and a woman.
Nevertheless, its super catchy vibe is enough to lift your spirits just by listening.
Drop It Like It’s Hot ft. Pharrell WilliamsSnoop Dogg
It’s a classic hip-hop track by Snoop Dogg in collaboration with Pharrell Williams.
It features an addictive sound you’ll want to hear again and again, characterized by a unique rhythm built with drums, keyboards, and more.
The perfectly synced performance by Snoop and Pharrell in the monochrome music video is also stylish and cool.
One More TimeCraig David
British singer Craig David delivers an upbeat track with a refreshing vibe.
He isn’t widely known in Japan, but he has a long career and has collaborated with many other artists.
In this song, he also raps, showcasing Craig’s vocal prowess.
U.N.I.T.Y.Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah, who has excelled both as a rapper and actress and paved the way for women in hip-hop, released a track from Motown in November 1993 that became a landmark in music history.
Set over a sophisticated beat that samples a jazz classic, the song delivers a powerful message calling for dignity and solidarity among women.
Her poised defiance against the careless words and attitudes that pervade everyday life gives listeners tremendous courage.
In 1995, it won a Grammy Award and was featured in the popular TV series Living Single, in which she starred—testament to its immeasurable impact.
It’s a gem from the seminal album Black Reign, a track for anyone who wants to stay strong when faced with unjust realities.
Can’t Let GoAnthony Hamilton
Anthony Hamilton is an American singer-songwriter whose rich vocals and sophisticated musicality have earned him high praise from devoted fans of Black music.
He’s considered part of the so-called neo-soul genre, but unlike D’Angelo—one of its emblematic figures—Hamilton’s appeal lies in a sound that retains strong R&B elements.
His track “Can’t Let Go” is widely regarded as one of his signature songs: a memorable number featuring breakup-themed lyrics, a dusky, twilight-tinged track, and weighty, resonant vocals.
