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 (91–100)

Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones

Soul Bossa Nova

Soul Bossa NovaQuincy Jones

This is a promotional commercial for the PayPay Scratch Lottery, which every SoftBank user is guaranteed to win.

Playing on the scratch theme, Masahiro Nakai appears as “Paytoku” in the role of a DJ, and the Dad humorously chimes in with, “Not that kind of scratch!!” In the latter half of the commercial, the familiar BGM, Quincy Jones’s ‘Soul Bossa Nova,’ plays.

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Bodak YellowCardi B

Cardi B – Bodak Yellow [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Bodak YellowCardi B

Cardi B originally drew attention by appearing on a TV reality show, but one of her own songs became a huge hit.

It’s said to be the first major hit by a female rapper as a lead artist—not as a featured guest—since 2014.

She’s definitely one to watch going forward.

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Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry

Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode (Live 1958)

Johnny B. GoodeChuck Berry

Chuck Berry is an artist known for his distinctive guitar riffs.

A titan of rock and roll, he is recognized by listeners around the world as a “legend of rock.” While not necessarily the founder of the rock and roll genre, he is often considered the closest figure to one and had an enormous influence on later music.

One of his signature songs, “Johnny B.

Goode,” was released in 1958 and reached No.

2 on the R&B singles chart.

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You Can’t Catch MeChuck Berry

You Can’t Catch Me

You Can’t Catch MeChuck Berry

This song, “You Can’t Catch Me,” features strikingly fantastical lyrics themed around flying cars.

It’s also famous because music publisher Morris Levy accused The Beatles of plagiarizing it.

With its upbeat melody, it’s an easy listen even for those who haven’t experienced Black music before.

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Be My GuestFats Domino

Be My Guest

Be My GuestFats Domino

Be My Guest, composed by Fats Domino, John Marascalco, and Tommy Boyce.

This is another great song said to have laid the foundations of rock ’n’ roll.

It remains especially popular in Central America.

Its cheerful melody and upbeat tempo are particularly striking.

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Move on up a Little HigherMahalia Jackson

Move On Up A Little Higher | Mahalia Jackson

Move on up a Little HigherMahalia Jackson

Mahalia Jackson, known as a legend among gospel singers.

As an artist, she was once invited by Louis Armstrong to become a jazz singer, but she remained devoted to gospel to the very end—a true, pure gospel singer.

She was also actively involved in the civil rights movement and, together with Dr.

Martin Luther King Jr.

, made major contributions to ending racial discrimination.

Her masterpiece “Move On Up a Little Higher” is known as her signature song and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

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Give Up The FunkParliament

Give Up The Funk (Tear The Roof Off The Sucker)

Give Up The FunkParliament

Give Up The Funk has been crafted with a quintessential Black music vibe.

Many of you have probably heard the chorus, as it’s often used on variety shows and the like.

Highly recommended for those who enjoy up-tempo doo-wop.

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