By Michelle Richardson
Black History Month isn’t the only time of the year dedicated to the culture. Along with Juneteenth, June is also Black Music Month.
Black Music Month was created by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979 to “celebrate the African American musical influences that comprise an essential part of our nation’s treasured cultural heritage,” according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Black people have been credited with having an influence on every genre of music from rock and roll to blues, jazz, and folk music.
This year, the 50th anniversary of hip hop being celebrated all twelve months and Black Music Month is the perfect time to throw on a fire album and let it play— no skips— all vibes.
Take a look at this list of five albums that should be listened to each Black Music Month:
Photo credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Lauryn Hill- The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
You know an album is a masterpiece if it’s considered a classic and it’s the artist’s only LP.
In 1998 after leaving internationally known group, The Fugee’s, Lauryn Hill released her solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which was a play on the title of Carter G. Woodson book “The Mis-education of the Negro.”
The seminal work contained hits such as “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, “Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”, and who can forget the ode to her firstborn son,“To Zion.”
The album was an instant success debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and earning Hill five Grammy Awards. To this day, it remains a landmark record for both hip-hop and neo-soul lovers alike.
Maxwell- Urban Hang Suite
Photo credit: Courtesy of Discogs
Do ya’ll remember watching the episode of “The Game” that was centered around Maxwell songs? When Melanie and Derwin put the final nail in their relationship coffin-or so we thought?
I’ll admit that was my first time hearing “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” and I instantly fell in love with the song (don’t judge me, I was about five years old when the album was released in 1994).
Of course we know hits like “Sumthin,Sumthin” and “Ascension” (Don’t Ever Wonder); those titles alone earn Maxwell a spot on this list. “Urban Hang Suite” is a mix of mellow, groove based sound with elements of jazz, smooth soul, funk and quiet storm. One listen and you will see why it’s included in the book “101 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.”
Toni Braxton- Toni Braxton!
In 1993, Maryland native Toni Braxton burst onto the scene with her self-titled debut that included timeless hits such as “Another Sad Love Song”, “Breathe Again”, “You Mean The World To Me,” and the single for the movie “Boomerang,” titled, “Love Shoulda Brought You Home.”
Photo credit: Courtesy of Discogs
Produced by L.A. Reid, Babyface and Darryl Simmons, the album showcases Braxton’s husky, sultry, but feminine alto vocal range as she sings about love and heartbreak. The album went on to earn Braxton three Grammy Awards and two American Music Awards.
Kendrick Lamar- Good Kid, M.A.A.d City
Photo credit: Courtesy of Amazon
Since 2023 is the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, coming in at number four on this list is Kendrick Lamar’s second studio album, ‘Good Kid, M.A.A.D City.’
Released on October 22, 2012, it is Lamar’s major label debut. With major features from artist such as Drake, Dr. Dre, Jay Rock, Anna Wise and MC Eiht, the album follows the story of Lamar’s teenage experiences in the drug-infested streets. He also describes the gang lifestyle of his native Compton, California.
The album was a heavy hitter from day one with singles like “Swimming Pools (Drank)” and “Poetic Justice” (which samples Janet Jackson’s ‘Anytime, Anyplace’). It was widely praised by reviewers for Lamar’s lyrical ability and earned Lamar five Grammy nominations.
Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die
BIG, Biggie, B.I.G, Notorious.
Whatever you call him, you can’t talk about the Bad Boy artist without mentioning his debut—and only album—“Ready to Die.”
Giving us hits like “Juicy,” “One More Chance,” and “Gimme the Loot,” ‘Ready to Die’ not only solidified Biggie’s place as a hip hop legend but also earned him praise as a storyteller telling the story of his days as a young drug-dealer in New York City.
“Ready to Die” also had something for the ladies. With samples from the Isley Brothers, Biggie and his producers created smooth melodies that made you rarely pay attention to the vulgarity of the lyrics.
The album has been ranked by many critics as one of the greatest hip hop albums of all time, was nominated for a Grammy, was certified RIAA Platinum in 1995, and was certified platinum six times in 2018. “Ready to Die” was also credited with making the East Coast relevant again, after West Coast rappers reigned supreme for so long.
Unfortunately, Biggie was murdered 16 days before his second album was to be released, but ‘Ready to Die’ stands as a testament to the skill and talent in his possession.
Read more about AFRO’s Black Music Month coverage
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