If you’re a Black person who’s been living and working in America, then you already know there are a handful of classic songs and albums that stand the test of time and bring us joy.
Whether it’s Stevie Wonder and “Songs in the Key of Life” or Whitney Houston and “I Will Always Love You”—there are just some cultural faves that will forever be cherished and passed down generation after generation. But while that passing down is to be expected from folks of the African American persuasion—thanks to social media apps like TikTok and Instagram—young white and Asian kids all over the country are also getting exposed to the timeless music.
Whether they’re belting out the hits in the middle of a mall or singing along with their parents in the car, this unlikely group of “new fans” are finally getting exposed to songs we’ve been loving and it’s some of the funniest and heartwarming stuff you’ve seen all year.
Don’t believe us? Then just take a look for yourselves.
Lenny Williams- “Cause I Love You”
One of the culture’s most fun songs to sing and emote to, seeing these two siblings go all the way with some Lenny Williams is both funny and an indication of the good taste their parents have! Y’all better train the babies!
Al B. Sure- Nite and Day
Al B. Sure’s hit song “Nite and Day” is already good but seeing this little kid play and sing like this makes us want to hit play on the classic ASAP.
Whitney Houston- “I Have Nothing”
This kid belting out one of Whitney Houston’s hardest songs in the middle of a sidewalk in Manchester is truly amazing. He may be across the pond, but that soul is right there in his heart and vocal chords.
Bill Withers & Grover Washington- “Just the Two of Us”
As if Bill Withers’ “Just the Two Of Us” couldn’t get any sweeter, this father-son duo loving on each other and completely vibing out to this song makes us want to rewatch this over and over.
Tevin Campbell- “Can We Talk”
There are a lot of things that are great and hilarious about this video. The first thing is this kid’s ability to still play his video game while casually singing Tevin Campbell. The second thing is the dad’s slow realization to the song he’s singing and eventual encouragement. The third thing is the little boy’s sibling who’s clearly going through something in the background.
Whitney Houston- “Greatest Love of All”
Clearly, Whitney Houston songs are a hit no matter where in the world you are and this little boy in the Phillipines just further proves that.
Soul II Soul- “Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)
OK, so toddler mispronunciations aside, the fact that this young one was able to still articulate her favorite song to her mom well enough for her to recognize immediately should be applauded. And also the song choice? Exquisite.
Ray Charles- “Georgia On My Mind”
How so much soul can exist in such a small body is something we’ll never know. But what we do know is that this little girl’s parents must be proud.
Earth, Wind and Fire- “September”
This father-son duo was so nice, we had to include them twice. Seeing them jam out to “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire is just too good to miss.
Bob Marley- “Three Little Birds (Don’t Worry About A Thing)
Arguably the cutest thing you’ll see on the internet today, this little boy singing one of Bob Marley’s classic songs is sure to calm your spirit.
Whitney Houston- “I Have Nothing”
Anybody bold enough to sing Whitney Houston automatically gets points as far as we’re concerned and this little girl is no exception.
Aretha Franklin- “Respect”
This 12-year-old singing Aretha Franklin should come as no surprise considering the superstar singer he’d grow up to be. And if you can’t see the words on the screen clearly—that’s a young Justin Bieber before he blew up.
A Medley of 90s Black Classics
For this to be a 90’s music roll call, this little girl gets hella points for knowing “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey, “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison and “Gangster’s Paradise” by Coolio. It’s clear she’s getting fed the hits that matter!
Soul For Real- “Candy Rain”
One of this author’s personal favorite karaoke songs, this daddy-daughter duo tore down singing Soul For Real’s classic, “Candy Rain.”
Straight From
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