Great Black Music: Recommended Masterpieces

Sex MachineJames Brown

james brown – sex machine

Legendary soul singer James Brown.

He is known not only for soul and R&B but also as an artist who had a tremendous influence on funk.

He debuted in the 1950s, but initially found success only on charts in the American South and in R&B.

It was in the 1960s that he achieved nationwide popularity, and with him at the forefront, the musical genre of funk became known around the world.

His song “Sex Machine” is one of his signature tracks, released in 1970.

While it wasn’t an enormous hit at the time, it has remained a classic that continues to be played for many years up to the present.

Thrill Is GoneB.B. King

B. B. King – The Thrill Is Gone (Live at Montreux 1993) | Stages

When talking about the blues, there’s no way you can leave out B.

B.

King.

Possessing exceptionally advanced guitar technique, he influenced not only the blues but the broader realm of Black music in a major way.

One of his signature songs is The Thrill Is Gone.

Although he had an extraordinary sense for the guitar, he was, frankly, hopeless when it came to singing while playing.

Because of that, his songs clearly separate the vocal and guitar parts—but that separation allows each to shine to the fullest, creating a distinctive flavor you can really enjoy.

Sexual HealingMarvin Gaye

Marvin Gaye – Sexual Healing (Official HD Video)

Marvin Gaye, one of the leading artists of neo soul, is an artist who has had a major influence on contemporary R&B.

Alongside his contemporaries Donny Hathaway and Stevie Wonder, he helped lay the foundations of modern Black music.

A song of his I highly recommend is “Sexual Healing.” It’s a work that directly expresses the sexual feelings one has toward a lover.

Expressions like this likely had a significant impact on today’s R&B.

Black & YellowWiz Khalifa

Wiz Khalifa – Black And Yellow [Official Music Video]

This catchy pop-hip-hop track by Wiz Khalifa became a massive hit across the United States.

Just like the yellow-and-black title suggests, the car he rides is yellow and black, and the necklace he never takes off is said to feature yellow diamonds.

Dear Mama2Pac

2Pac – Dear Mama

Tupac stood at the forefront of the hip-hop scene.

While his bold personality often gets emphasized, he also had a delicate side.

That delicate side is fully showcased in Dear Mama.

Although it doesn’t depict an ideal family environment, it’s a wonderful song that reveals his own kind of family love.

What’s Luv?Fat Joe feat. Ashanti

Fat Joe – What’s Luv? ft. Ashanti

As his name suggests, Fat Joe has an imposing build.

He’s not only a rapper but also a music producer and an MC—a multi-talented figure.

This track, which features R&B songstress Ashanti, is one of his signature songs.

Calling YouJevetta Steele

Calling You (From “Bağdad Cafe”)

Jevetta Steele is an American singer known as a member of the globally popular gospel group, the Steele Singers.

Her song “Calling You” is one of her most acclaimed works.

It was used as the theme song for the 1987 film Bagdad Cafe.

With its distinctive melody and soulful phrases that appear here and there, every element is well balanced, resulting in a highly refined piece.