To mark the end of Black History Month, I couldn’t think of a better time to put one last emphasis on appreciating Black excellence and creativity. I’ve curated a list of seven albums (in no particular order) that have consistently showcased great musical ability. Whether through instrumentalization, genre-bending, lyricism, coherence, timelessness or innovation, these albums feel authentic and introduce refreshing, lush sounds. No matter what genre speaks the most to you, I’m sure you’ll find your new favorite.
1. What’s Going On (1971) – Marvin Gaye
Gaye’s 1971 album is considered a landmark in music history. ‘What’s Going On’ is known for being a smooth-flowing, and socially conscious narrative. In it, Marvin Gaye remarkably dives into the profound themes of war, racism, poverty, drug abuse, and environmentalism through a poetic lens of love rather than anger. This album combines classical arrangements, soul and jazz, creating a very distinct and innovative sound. What’s Going On was an immediate success and represented a revolution in the soul music industry.
Even though the topics are heavy, Gaye’s soulful voice makes listening to this album a peaceful experience for me. There’s something very poignant about his singing that automatically lets you know that Gaye truly cares about what he’s saying, which I think makes this record even more inspiring.
Recommended Tracks: “What’s Happening Brother”, “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)”, “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”
2. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill (1998) – Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill. © Ruffhouse Records/ Columbia Records.
Critics and fans widely regard Ms. Lauryn Hill’s iconic 1998 album as a masterpiece. This album defies categorization, harmoniously mixing neo-soul, hip-hop, reggae and R&B to create a raw exploration of heartbreak, emotional honesty, and the complexities of Black womanhood. Lauryn Hill’s debut album made history as the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for Album of the Year and made Hill the first woman to win five awards in one night. With Hill being nothing short of a musical genius, this album transcends its time and remains a significant work that emphasizes unapologetic self-expression and inspires many.
This album feels vulnerable and authentic. Hill’s voice carries the kind of honesty that almost makes you feel like you’re reading her diary. Some songs on this project make me notice the strength it takes to be honest with yourself and others show how personal stories can connect to more universal experiences. This record shows music can be bold the same way it can be vulnerable
Recommended Tracks: “Lost Ones”, “Nothing Even Matters (feat. D’Angelo)”, “Tell Him”
3. Mama’s Gun (2000) – Erykah Badu
Few albums in the neo-soul landscape can compare to Erykah Badu’s Mama’s Gun. This album established Badu’s place as a pioneer of soul music. Distinguished by its live instrumentalization it provides an organic, authentic and warm sound. This album presents candid, and vulnerable lyrics that cover heartbreak, self-love, personal growth, and social justice.
Mama’s Gun has a warmth to it that I greatly attribute to the live instruments; they definitely add another layer of depth to this project. Everything in this album meshes well together and the lyrics land naturally without trying to force it. This sonically eclectic album is a splendidly crafted work that still thrills listeners, reflecting Badu’s musical talent.
Recommended Tracks: “Didn’t Cha Know”,“A.D.2000”, “In Love With You (feat. Stephen Marley)”, “Green Eyes”
4. channel ORANGE (2012) – Frank Ocean
Renowned R&B singer Frank Ocean’s debut album is considered a staple of modern R&B. This album, which blends elements of funk, pop, neo-soul and alternative R&B, is narrative-driven and highly descriptive in its depictions of unrequited love, social class, drug abuse, queer love, and more. Ocean’s channel ORANGE provides complex lyrics, vivid imagery, and creative storytelling which is something very few artists have been able to recreate. This album, described as “musically unconventional,” completely defied traditional R&B, hip-hop, and radio structures, notably with the 10-minute track “Pyramids.”
What makes me return to this album is the crafty and intimate storytelling. Listening to channel ORANGE is almost like watching a movie. The stories are personal and detailed and I find myself paying really close attention to the lyrics, as I’m sure you will too. Ocean’s 2012 album surely is a musical odyssey.
Recommended Tracks: “Sweet Life”, “Crack Rock”, “Bad Religion”
5. To Pimp a Butterfly (2015) – Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar’s third studio album To Pimp A Butterfly is one of his most critically acclaimed works. This album stands out from traditional hip-hop with its jazz progressions and funk bass lines, guaranteeing a rich listening experience. Through his lyricism, Lamar skillfully tackles themes of survivor’s guilt, depression, systemic racism, and African-American culture. To Pimp A Butterfly quickly became a cornerstone of modern social commentary with songs like “Alright” serving as an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. With its incredible storytelling and genre-blending production, this album continues to hook audiences.
In my opinion, the beauty of To Pimp a Butterfly lies in its ability to sit with you as a listener. This album demands attention. Every time I revisit it, I catch something I missed before. The songs are heavy but don’t feel preachy, which allows the lyrics to quietly and constantly stick with you.
Recommended Tracks: “Wesley’s Theory”, “Institutionalized”, “Alright” , “You Ain’t Gotta Lie (Momma Said)”,
6. Ctrl (2017) – SZA
SZA’s 2017 debut album Ctrl has been lauded as a gem of modern R&B, widely praising it for its ability to speak to listeners. Through her album, SZA provides deep relatability, specifically to her Gen Z and millennial audiences by addressing topics of modern romance, insecurity, sexuality, and societal expectations, among others. Mainly, it explores the pursuit of control in life, before heavily alluding to the fact that it is oftentimes just an illusion. Ctrl blends R&B with lo-fi and alternative sounds, creating a dreamlike, airy aesthetic that beautifully complements SZA’s introspective, “diary-like” lyrics.
There are times where Ctrl feels almost too relatable. SZA beautifully portrays universal experiences and through that, I’m able to resonate with this album a lot. It’s always comforting to hear someone admit they don’t have it all together. Her vulnerable and conversational lyrical style honestly provides a soundtrack for young people navigating the pressures of modern life.
Recommended Tracks: “Supermodel”, “Garden (Say It Like Dat)”, “20 Something”
7. Apollo XXI (2019) – Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy’s 2019 album Apollo XXI is surely one of his most audacious works. Largely created on an iPhone through GarageBand, this album is noted for having a special, intimate, “demo-quality” feel to it. Critics mainly praise Apollo XXI for its genre-bending mix of lo-fi, indie rock, funk, and neo-soul. Its introspective exploration of coming-of-age, love versus lust, and identity, paired with bouncy lyrics and groovy, psychedelic bass lines offers a unique, charming and quirky listening experience.
Something that I love about this project is that the production isn’t overly polished, which adds authenticity and realness to this record. Lacy’s Apollo XXI is quite unconventional and experimental which I’m drawn to as a listener. Wholly, this is truly a one-of-a-kind album.
Recommended Tracks: “Only If”, “Basement Jack”,“Lay Me Down”, “In Lust We Trust”,
These albums are just a snapshot of the incredible creativity and range Black artists continue to bring to music. From genre-blending innovation to deeply personal storytelling, each album offers something worth sitting with and exploring. If even one of these caught your attention, it reminds you that a wide world of equally compelling work awaits discovery. Let this list be a starting point for celebrating and supporting Black excellence in music.
Should you need more music recommendations feel free to check out Zarwa’s article “ICSA’s hits: The Nostalgic Sound of Us”!
