Iconic legends Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Whitney Houston didn’t just top Billboard’s charts for a moment in time.
Their music became a part of our story. It became something that moved us not only in the moment but also became one of the motivating factors that drove others to follow in their musical footsteps.
These are just a few of the many Hip-Hop and R&B artists we think are timeless. The music that these artists created continues to serve as an inspiration to musicians, writers, and producers now and in the future.
So we celebrate Black Music Month as our way of paying homage to those musicians who have shaped American pop culture and brought people, regardless of skin color, together.
The Whispers: “And The Beat Goes On” (1980)
Michael Jackson: “Billie Jean” (1983)
Rockwell: “Somebody’s Watching Me” (1984)
Whitney Houston: “How Will I Know” (1986)
Stevie Wonder: “Gotta Have You”(1991)
The Notorious Big: “One More Chance” (1995)
R Kelly: “I Can’t Sleep Baby” (1996)
Brandy: “The Boy Is Mine” (1998)
Nelly: “Hot In Herre” (2002)
Usher: “Yeah” feat. Lil Jon, Ludacris (2004)
50 Cent: candy Shop feat. Olivia (2005)
Mary J. Blige: “Be Without You” (2006)
Sarah Francis is a half-Palestinian journalism junkie, a proud Charlotte, NC native with an oversized sweet tooth, and an active world traveler. Ask her where she’s headed next. (@Sarah_Francis25)