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 (21–30)

a lot ft. J. Cole21 Savage

21 Savage – a lot (Official Video) ft. J. Cole

a lot ft. J. Cole21 Savage

This is “A Lot,” a collaboration by 21 Savage, who burst onto the scene in 2017 and quickly became a popular rapper, featuring J.

Cole.

It’s included on his 2018 album I Am > I Was.

The lyrics feel like snapshots of the lives of people he’s seen.

Be sure to read them while watching the music video.

Raise the rankinglower

Can’t Knock The HustleJay Z

Can’t Knock The Hustle

Can't Knock The HustleJay Z

Jay-Z’s classic “Can’t Knock The Hustle,” a masterpiece from a titan of American hip-hop.

It’s a work that highlights the convictions of a true hustler.

Beyond the track and the lyrics, it’s highly recommended for fully experiencing Jay-Z’s top-tier rapping skills.

Raise the rankinglower

Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (31–40)

My BadKhalid

Khalid – My Bad (Official Audio)

My BadKhalid

Music that heals your fatigue is great, isn’t it? If you’re looking for something to listen to when you want to relax, I recommend Khalid’s “Don’t Pretend.” Its lo-fi sound and hip-hop-like rhythm patterns are really soothing, making it perfect for before bedtime.

It’s a stylish track, so it’s also a great choice as background music for a drive date.

Raise the rankinglower

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

I Want You Back

I Want You BackThe Jackson 5

This is the song that The Jackson 5—formed by the Jackson brothers, including a young Michael Jackson—released in 1969 as their debut.

In Japan, The Jackson 5 influenced groups like Finger 5, and this song has been covered by many artists over the years, becoming a standard number.

It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999 and can be considered one of the most well-known songs worldwide.

Raise the rankinglower

Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi VertMigos

Migos – Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi Vert [Official Video]

Bad and Boujee ft Lil Uzi VertMigos

Migos is a three-man hip-hop group that has rapidly gained attention over the past year or two.

This song was their breakthrough, and a trend reportedly spread across American social media where people would come up with the next lines of the lyrics.

Their music and rapping skills have been well received, so they’re a group to watch going forward.

Raise the rankinglower

You can do itIce Cube

Ice Cube, Mack 10, Ms. Toi – You Can Do It (Official Music Video)

You can do itIce Cube

Ice Cube, who is now highly active as both an actor and a film director, is in fact considered a legendary figure in the hip-hop world.

The song he contributed to the film “Fridays” became one of his signature works.

Raise the rankinglower

Shot ClockElla Mai

Ella Mai – Shot Clock (Official Music Video)

Shot ClockElla Mai

Shot Clock is a track released in 2019 by Ella Mai, who stirred up the R&B scene in 2018.

While retaining the ’90s vibe that’s her trademark, the sound is more refined.

The fact that such a space-conscious arrangement still captivates listeners speaks to the strength of her vocal ability.

Raise the rankinglower