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 have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!
Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
Under the theme of “vocal skills that stand up on the world stage,” I have experience teaching as an online vocal coach specializing in Western music, and I usually listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. In my teens, I questioned the idea that “foreign music equals English,” and started exploring songs from around the world. My commentary is characterized by a unique perspective shaped by listening to music of every genre, in every language, from every country. I mainly cover world music, so be sure to check it out!

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 (71–80)

Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]Kehlani

Kehlani – Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Music Video]

Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign) [Official Video]Kehlani

Kehlani’s “Nights Like This” features Ty Dolla $ign, who’s also known for collaborations with artists like Post Malone.

It’s a catchy pop song that incorporates the trendy trap style and is perfect for when you want to relax.

Be sure to check out the music video too—it has a futuristic vibe that evokes AI and cyborg imagery.

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So WhatMiles Davis

Miles Davis – So What (Official Audio)

So WhatMiles Davis

A jazz trumpeter who continually pursued new sounds without being bound by existing concepts, Miles Davis included on his album Kind of Blue a piece composed on the basis of the modal concept, which was different from jazz up to that point.

The theme is cool, with the band responding “So what” to the bass’s questioning melody.

Pianist Bill Evans also took part in this album, playing a key role in creating its new sound.

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Rollin’ StoneMuddy Waters

Muddy Waters – Rollin’ Stone

Rollin' StoneMuddy Waters

Muddy Waters, whose unusual name literally means “muddy water,” was born in Mississippi and moved to Chicago in 1943.

He was one of the artists who brought the Southern music known as the blues to the North.

In 1950, he released a version of the frequently sung Southern song “Catfish Blues,” retitled “Rollin’ Stone.” The famous rock band The Rolling Stones also took their name from this song.

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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (81–90)

Bitch PleaseSnoop Dogg ft Nate dogg,Xzibit

Snoop Dogg – B*tch Please (feat. Nate Dogg, Xzibit)

Bitch PleaseSnoop Dogg ft Nate dogg,Xzibit

Featuring Nate Dogg and Xzibit, this track is one of Snoop Dogg’s signature songs.

It’s a classic where Snoop’s rap shines over a light, rhythmic melody.

Eminem later released a follow-up on his album titled “Bitch Please II.”

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DynamiteTaio Cruz

Taio Cruz – Dynamite (Official Video)

DynamiteTaio Cruz

A hot, danceable track by British singer Taio Cruz.

It’s great for the club, perfect for a drive, and ideal for a house party with friends.

It’s a song that will hype up any scene, so why not add it to your playlist?

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Waves (feat. 6LACK)Normani

Normani – Waves (feat. 6LACK) (Official Music Video)

Waves (feat. 6LACK)Normani

Normani, who’s been making waves mainly in the U.

S.

as an R&B-style female singer, delivers “Waves,” a collaboration with Atlanta-born rapper 6LACK, that captivates with its chilled-out vibe.

Though the arrangement is sparse, her vocal prowess carries the song effortlessly to the end—impressive as ever.

Be sure to watch it together with the music video, which evokes a cosmic feel!

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I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You LIVE 1999 Best Quality

I Will Always Love YouWhitney Houston

It’s no exaggeration to say that “I Will Always Love You” is one of the most famous pieces of Black music in the world.

It’s Whitney Houston’s signature song.

Each time she performs it, she changes her delivery so listeners never get bored.

You can really sense her dedication to her audience.

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