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 (31–40)

West End BluesLouis Armstrong and His Hot Five

West End Blues (Remastered)

West End BluesLouis Armstrong and His Hot Five

This piece was composed by jazz cornetist Joe “King” Oliver and was first recorded in 1928.

It’s a 12-bar blues, a form that can be considered a root of Black music.

Ultimately, Louis Armstrong’s version, recorded the same year, became the bigger hit and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1979.

Armstrong’s rendition is compelling, featuring an attractive opening cadenza and a vocal solo in the middle, making it a highly engaging track.

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Hey Ya!OutKast

Outkast – Hey Ya! (Official HD Video)

Hey Ya!OutKast

With total album sales of 20 million, this song is one of hip-hop heavyweight Outkast’s signature tracks.

Despite its light, poppy melody, it actually sings about a breakup between a man and a woman.

Nevertheless, its super catchy vibe is enough to lift your spirits just by listening.

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One More TimeCraig David

Craig David – One More Time (Official Video)

One More TimeCraig David

British singer Craig David delivers an upbeat track with a refreshing vibe.

He isn’t widely known in Japan, but he has a long career and has collaborated with many other artists.

In this song, he also raps, showcasing Craig’s vocal prowess.

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Airplanes ft. Hayley Williams of ParamoreB.o.B

B.o.B – Airplanes (feat. Hayley Williams of Paramore) [Official Video]

Airplanes ft. Hayley Williams of ParamoreB.o.B

This is a song by American rapper B.

o.

B in collaboration with Hayley, the vocalist of Paramore.

The two artists, who come from different genres—rap and rock—create remarkable chemistry, resulting in a track that feels both mystical and nostalgic.

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Heartbreak Heard Around the World ft. T-PainJacob Latimore

Jacob Latimore – Heartbreak Heard Around the World ft. T-Pain

Heartbreak Heard Around the World ft. T-PainJacob Latimore

This is a song by the young American singer Jacob Latimore in collaboration with rapper T-Pain.

Amid a melody that could bring you to tears, he delivers a clear, soulful vocal performance.

He isn’t very well known in Japan, but this song more than proves his talent.

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Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces (41–50)

Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Purple Haze (Official Audio)

Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

“Purple Haze,” the signature song by the ultra-famous band The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Its melody has been used in numerous forms of media, so I imagine many people find it familiar.

The phrases Jimi Hendrix comes up with all tend to stick in your ears.

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Call Out My NameThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Call Out My Name (Official Video)

Call Out My NameThe Weeknd

This is a song called Call Out My Name by The Weeknd, a new-generation R&B singer from Canada, released in 2018.

The track is included on the album My Dear Melancholy and was nominated for the Juno Award for Songwriter of the Year.

The title means “call out my name,” and it’s a somewhat lingering breakup song.

It’s also been said that the song might be directed at his ex-girlfriend, Selena Gomez.

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