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 Classics (131–140)

Teenage Fantasy (Official Video)Jorja Smith

Jorja Smith – Teenage Fantasy (Official Video)

Teenage Fantasy (Official Video)Jorja Smith

This is a song called “Teenage Fantasy” by the UK singer Jorja Smith.

It’s included on her 2018 album Lost & Found.

She’s a rising diva blessed with both stunning looks and a beautiful voice, and with this debut album she won the 2018 Brit Critics’ Choice Award.

It’s a very prestigious award in the UK—Adele and Sam Smith have both won it in the past.

With her alluring, sultry voice, she’s someone you won’t want to take your eyes off in the future!

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SuperloveTinashe

Tinashe – Superlove

SuperloveTinashe

A song by Tinashe, who boasts an irresistibly cute look and delivers sexy vocals and dance.

With its catchy tempo, it’s perfect for a summer beach vibe just like in the music video.

While the sound feels pop and girly, the melody carries a touch of melancholy.

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SICKO MODE ft. DrakeTravis Scott

Travis Scott – SICKO MODE ft. Drake

SICKO MODE ft. DrakeTravis Scott

This is a track by the Texas-born rapper Travis Scott in collaboration with Drake.

With this song, Travis reached No.

1 on the Billboard charts, marking the first such achievement of his career.

It was also nominated for Best Rap Song at the 2018 Grammy Awards.

The music video has been a hot topic as well.

It was directed by Dave Meyers, the acclaimed director behind Kendrick Lamar’s “HUMBLE.” video, which swept numerous awards.

It’s a super cool track, so enjoy it together with the video!

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MotownphillyBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men – Motownphilly

MotownphillyBoyz II Men

Boyz II Men is a chorus group known for having world-class talent.

They were a group that produced a string of global hits in the 1990s, with each member possessing exceptionally strong vocal ability, and they had a major influence on a cappella groups like Pentatonix.

Their song Motownphilly is one of their hits, and unlike the R&B of the time, it’s crafted to be very up-tempo and catchy.

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With YouChris Brown

Chris Brown – With You (Official HD Video)

With YouChris Brown

He’s known as the prince of R&B, but he also became famous for stirring up the public with various scandals and incidents.

Chris himself is overflowing with singing and dancing talent, and he shows off his sweet voice in this track as well.

Contrary to his mischievous image, it’s a laid-back song.

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Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

Mark Ronson – Uptown Funk (Official Video) ft. Bruno Mars

Uptown Funk ft. Bruno MarsMark Ronson

It’s a song called Uptown Funk, released in 2014.

Among Bruno Mars’s tracks, it might be one of the most popular.

The producer, Mark Ronson, makes little appearances in the music video, and the way he kind of blends into the background is so deadpan that it’s funny.

Watching the video with an eye out for Mark Ronson is one fun way to enjoy it!

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In conclusion

Listening to the classic tracks introduced here is equivalent to reliving not only the brilliance of Black music as a genre, but also the monumental contributions it has made to music history.

It’s no exaggeration to say that its influence extends to all popular music, and it continues to evolve to this day.

I’d be delighted if this article helps you explore those roots.