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 (111–120)

MoveMiles Davis

Move (Remastered 1998)

MoveMiles Davis

Move, created by Miles Davis, a towering figure in the modern jazz world.

While it offers an exceptionally pleasant melody for listeners, it’s famously difficult for performers, demanding a high level of technical skill.

Because of this difficulty, many artists have covered it.

Raise the rankinglower

Just a dreamNelly

Nelly – Just A Dream (Official Music Video)

Just a dreamNelly

It’s a heartbreak song about Nelly’s ex-girlfriend appearing even in his dreams, making her impossible to forget.

Nelly, who originally raps in a sing-song style, blends rapping and singing in this track.

It’s one of his hidden gems, showcasing that Nelly also has a wonderful singing voice.

Raise the rankinglower

Four WomenNina Simone

Four Women

Four WomenNina Simone

This song, written by pianist and jazz singer Nina Simone and released in 1966, features four African American women in its lyrics, just as the title suggests.

By singing about these four women, she powerfully speaks to the circumstances they face in this world.

When discussing Black music, isn’t it both important and essential to understand the history and social position of African Americans in the United States?

Raise the rankinglower

Hate That I Love You ft. Ne-YoRihanna

Rihanna – Hate That I Love You ft. Ne-Yo

Hate That I Love You ft. Ne-YoRihanna

It’s an R&B love song performed by the songstress Rihanna—who has great vocals, looks, and fashion sense—together with Ne-Yo.

In the music video, the scene where Rihanna in a black coat and Ne-Yo in a white suit meet in an elevator feels like a moment from a film, and their voices, gently layered over a wistful, beautiful piano melody, evoke a sense of mature romance.

Raise the rankinglower

Broken ClocksSZA

SZA – Broken Clocks (Official Audio)

Broken ClocksSZA

This is the song “Broken Clocks” by neo-soul singer SZA, included on her 2017 album Ctrl.

The album was nominated for Record of the Year at the Soul Train Music Awards.

The dreamy arrangement—like the use of a voice changer—is stylish and really nice! SZA’s cute vocals sound especially heartrending on this track, and it’s just perfect!

Raise the rankinglower

Girls Need LoveSummer Walker, Drake

Summer Walker – Girls Need Love (Official Music Video)

Girls Need LoveSummer Walker, Drake

This is the song Girls Need Love by Summer Walker.

It’s included on her debut album, Last Day of Summer, released in 2018.

Summer Walker is an R&B singer from the United States and a rising artist to watch.

Influenced by Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse, she’s an artist we can be very excited about!

Raise the rankinglower

I Feel It Coming ft. Daft PunkThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – I Feel It Coming ft. Daft Punk (Official Video)

I Feel It Coming ft. Daft PunkThe Weeknd

This is a song by the Canadian singer The Weeknd in collaboration with the French electronic duo Daft Punk.

The Weeknd’s soulful vocals and nostalgic-sounding keyboards are deeply moving.

The music video, featuring The Weeknd and Kiko Mizuhara dancing on a planet, is also a must-see.

Raise the rankinglower