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 (81–90)

RedboneChildish Gambino

Childish Gambino – Redbone (Lyrics)

RedboneChildish Gambino

This track also has a strong funk vibe.

While Uptown Funk has a light, bouncy feel, this song is characterized by a sticky groove and an addictive vocal.

By the way, Childish Gambino—aka Donald Glover—who sings this track is also active as an actor, and apparently he’s set to appear in the next Star Wars film.

He’s a singer/actor to watch.

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I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor

I Will Survive

I Will SurviveGloria Gaynor

Gloria Gaynor’s classic song “I Will Survive.” Many of you may know it because it’s covered in Universal Studios Japan’s Universal Monsters Rock and Roll Show.

Pay attention to its passionate lyrics and melody.

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Funky Drummer (Pt. 1 & 2)James Brown

Funky Drummer (Pt. 1 & 2)

Funky Drummer (Pt. 1 & 2)James Brown

“Funky Drummer,” with its striking, improvised beat by Clyde Stubblefield.

As the title suggests, the track puts drummer Clyde Stubblefield front and center, while James Brown fully commits to using his voice as an instrument.

It’s a classic that’s frequently sampled in hip-hop.

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MajicJoe

Majic

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.

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On Bended KneeBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men – On Bended Knee

On Bended KneeBoyz II Men

This is a classic song released in 1994 by Boyz II Men, who were also very popular in Japan.

Back then they were a four-member group, and the harmony between the low and high parts in the chorus is incredible—truly goosebump-inducing.

It’s a track where you’ll want to listen closely to the tear-jerking melody and the lyrics that plead for forgiveness.

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A-tisket, A-tasket (feat. Chick Webb and His Orchestra)Ella Fitzgerald

A-Tisket, A-Tasket

A-tisket, A-tasket (feat. Chick Webb and His Orchestra)Ella Fitzgerald

This song, originally created in the United States in 1879 as music for a game of “drop the handkerchief,” was arranged into a jazz number by Ella Fitzgerald—considered one of the “Big Three” of American jazz vocalists—and released in 1938, becoming a huge hit.

Additional lyrics were written that expanded the simple nursery-rhyme text into a more developed, entertaining story.

Ella recorded and popularized songs across many genres, not just jazz.

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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (91–100)

You Are The Sunshine Of My LifeStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder You Are The Sunshine Of My Life

You Are The Sunshine Of My LifeStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder is an artist who supported neo-soul music and continues to be active at the forefront to this day.

He has achieved both artistic and commercial success, and among solo singers, he has won the most Grammy Awards.

One of his signature songs, You Are The Sunshine Of My Life, was released in 1972 and won the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance.

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