Hello! It’s just Aniya for this special edition of Ear Buds – this month we’re celebrating Black musical history by looking at all the accomplishments that Black creatives have had over the years in every genre. This is by no means a comprehensive list of every single achievement, breakthrough, and powerful moment in Black music, but, if you’re looking to know more, this is a good place for you to start.
The Revolution Will Not Be Televised – Gil Scott-Heron: A Chicago-born spoken word poet, Scott-Heron is known best for his political pieces and being an early keystone for the birth of hip-hop. If you like this track, listen to Gun and Who’ll Pay Reparations On My Soul.
What’s Happening Brother – Marvin Gaye: Well known for pop-hits like Sexual Healing and Let’s Get It On, Gaye wanted to take a socially-conscious turn with his music that was not supported by his label. Threatening to go on strike, he was able to gain creative control, inspiring Stevie Wonder with his drive. Listen to his hard-fought album What’s Going On to know more.
If This World Were Mine – Luther Vandross, Cheryl Lynn: If you think you don’t know Vandross, you’re wrong. Producer for albums by legends Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, and responsible for background vocals for We Are Family by Sister Sledge, he is all over Black music, and continues to be, with inspirational hits like Luther by Kendrick Lamar.
Never Would Have Made It – Marvin Sapp: Historically, religion is an extremely important part of Black American culture, and that can be seen with the genre of Black Gospel. Imbued with themes of perseverance, community, and faith, gospel music remains a safe place for Black people to feel supported when the outside world is ostracizing. If you like this track, check out thematically similar music by Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams.
Young, Gifted, and Black – Aretha Franklin: Dubbed the Queen of Soul, Franklin was a studio powerhouse and the first woman to ever be inducted into the Rock and Roll hall of fame. You’ve heard of her award-winning song Respect with Otis Redding, but let me put you onto her other songs like Chain of Fools and You Send Me.
Ribbon In The Sky – Stevie Wonder: The next couple of artists create music that speak – or sing – for themselves. Just let your body groove. If you enjoy this track, try Your Love is King by Sade, U Send Me Swingin’ by Mint Condition, and Like a Star by Corinne Bailey Rae.
Anotherloverholenyohead – Prince: Do yourself a favor. Listen to Prince. If you like this track, start with the album Purple Rain. Thank me later.
Workin’ Day and Night – Michael Jackson: I can’t believe you expect me to have words to sum up Micheal Jackson’s prolific career when hundreds of others have already tried. My personal favorite track is Chicago. Also take a listen to It’s Love by Jill Scott, and Sweet Love by Anita Baker.
I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston: The most awarded female artist of her time, Houston practically invented the term power ballad with her strong vocals. Prepare to be wooed with tracks like I’m Your Baby Tonight, and Run To You.
The Next Movement – The Roots: If you’ve ever tuned in to the Late Night Show with Jimmy Fallon, you’ve certainly seen The Roots play. But they’re much more than a house band for a TV program; they are critically-acclaimed and big advocates for education in the arts. If you like this track, take a listen to Thought @ Work and Dynamite!
U.N.I.T.Y – Queen Latifah: Paving the way for Black female rappers like Lil’ Kim and Eve; if you enjoy today’s Black women in rap, like Doechii and Megan Thee Stallion, you need to pay your respects to the queen. Listen to Black Hand Side and Weekend Love.
King Kunta – Kendrick Lamar: Lamar’s faith in being a politically-conscious artist is undeniable, especially with this song. Inspired by Root’s character Kunta Kinte, who was a slave unwilling to go by the name slave masters gave him. He rather have his foot cut off than be obedient to the white man. If you like this track, listen to Institutionalized, and good kid.
X Gon’ Give It To Ya – DMX: Hardcore rap is probably a genre that your parents warn you away from (with anti-Black intentions), but for a lot of Black people, it is the genre they grow up on, and see themselves represented in. DMX, and other artists like him, created music from his personal experiences in prison, on the streets, and with his own mind. Music bridges the gap between different lives that could never be understood otherwise. Listen without judgement, and maybe you will find understanding. Check out The White Sheet by Scarface, and Love is Blind by Eve.
Fuck Tha Police – N.W.A: You can’t consume Black art without being aware of the struggles that Black people go through. Racial profiling and police brutality are present in the lives of every Black person that you interact with. Consider your part in the system as we continue to deal with loss after loss due to interactions with cops. Listen to Freedom by Beyonce, Strange Fruit by Billie Holiday, and Fight The Power by Public Enemy.
Every Ghetto, Every City – Ms. Lauryn Hill: Talk to any hip-hop lover, and they’re bound to mention Ms. Lauryn Hill and her only album ever released. And for good reason. Given the #1 spot on Apple Music’s 100 best albums of all time, this project is a beautiful tribute to being a Black woman dealing with complex relationships and begrudging faith. If you like this track, listen to the rest of The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill, and then dive into the Fugees.
Can I Kick It? – A Tribe Called Quest: If you want poetic wordplay and groovy rhythm you’re gonna want to tune in to A Tribe Called Quest. If you vibe with this track, give Check the Rhime, The Space Program, and Electric Relaxation.
Life Goes On – 2Pac: Lost to us too soon, this month we remember the impact that Tupac Shakur had on the hip-hop industry and on Black lives. A poet that redefined the word thug in his work, he will live on in a million ways, including with the Baltimore block that held his childhood home being renamed ‘Tupac Shakur Way’.
Fallin’ – Alicia Keys: Winner of the Dr. Dre Global Impact Awards and one of the biggest names in RnB, you are most certainly missing out if you haven’t cried to an Alica Keys track. Feel free to give it a try, though it may be hard to, knowing that you’re supporting a female philanthropist dedicated to supporting the fight against HIV and AIDS. Check out other names in RNB: Solange, Toni Braxton, and Musiq Soulchild.
He’s Got the Whole World In His Hands – Margaret Bonds, Leontyne Price: When thinking of musical genres that have heavy Black influence, people think of hip-hop and jazz, but Black musicians are everywhere, in every genre. Here we have Margaret Bonds, a black composer and pianist, and Leontyne Price, an opera singer. Never underestimate the influence of Black female creatives.
Talkin’ Bout a Revolution – Tracy Chapman: Chapman is a huge name in Black folk and country, whether she’s welcomed there or not. Time and time again she has proven her grit and prowess as a song-writer; refusing to shy away from her messages and identity for any accolades. If you enjoy this song, listen to Telling Stories, and Change.
