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 (41–50)

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You) (Official Audio)

I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You)Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin, a soul singer known for her strikingly raw vocals.

She’s a soul singer with high name recognition in Japan as well.

Although she’s a soul singer, she’s also known for having strong gospel influences.

Her classic song “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You),” released in 1967, was included on an album that reached No.

2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

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No Love ft. Nicki MinajAugust Alsina

August Alsina – No Love (Remix) ft. Nicki Minaj

No Love ft. Nicki MinajAugust Alsina

This is a sentimental ballad by August Alsina, an American artist, in collaboration with the popular female rapper Nicki Minaj.

In the music video, they play a couple.

The highlights are August’s sensual vocals and the parts where Nicki sings in addition to rapping.

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Bleeding LoveLeona Lewis

Leona Lewis – Bleeding Love (US Version – Official Video)

Bleeding LoveLeona Lewis

This is a globally successful hit by Leona Lewis, a British singer with an exotic and intellectual aura.

Listening to Leona’s mesmerizing, rich voice is soothing.

Be sure to pay close attention to the part where her powerful, resonant vocals transition into the high notes.

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Beautiful MonsterNe-Yo

Ne-Yo – Beautiful Monster

Beautiful MonsterNe-Yo

This is one of Ne-Yo’s many hit songs.

It brilliantly captures the mindset of a man so smitten that he’s completely at the mercy of an impossibly beautiful woman.

The part where he calls her a “beautiful monster” is incredibly romantic.

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Drop It Like It’s Hot ft. Pharrell WilliamsSnoop Dogg

Snoop Dogg – Drop It Like It’s Hot (Official Music Video) ft. Pharrell Williams

Drop It Like It's Hot ft. Pharrell WilliamsSnoop Dogg

It’s a classic hip-hop track by Snoop Dogg in collaboration with Pharrell Williams.

It features an addictive sound you’ll want to hear again and again, characterized by a unique rhythm built with drums, keyboards, and more.

The perfectly synced performance by Snoop and Pharrell in the monochrome music video is also stylish and cool.

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Yeah! ft. Lil Jon, LudacrisUsher

Usher – Yeah! (Official Video) ft. Lil Jon, Ludacris

Yeah! ft. Lil Jon, LudacrisUsher

This is Usher’s 2004 mega-hit, outstanding for both its vocals and dance.

It also made major waves for its collaboration with rappers Lil Jon and Ludacris.

The unforgettable synthesizer hook and Usher’s sexy high notes make it perfect for club music.

The music video is another highlight, featuring Usher and his dancers delivering razor-sharp moves under neon lights.

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Ai No CorridaQuincy Jones

Ai No Corrida

Ai No CorridaQuincy Jones

Quincy Jones is known not only for Black music but as a prominent producer of popular music.

His musical style spans disco, R&B, funk, and much more.

With that wide-ranging musicality, he has won numerous Grammy Awards.

Ai No Corrida is one of his signature songs and is also known as a rare work that has a Japanese title.

The track is an upbeat disco tune from start to finish.

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