black music
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If an Album Isn't Streaming Online, Does It Really Exist? A Theoretical Discussion
I did something recently that I haven’t done in probably 10 years—I made two compact disc (CD) purchases. That’s right, in the year of our lord 2020, I purchased Adriana Evans 1997 self-titled debut album and De La Soul’s Five-Mic classic, 1991’s De La Soul Is Dead. I spent $21 and $25, respectively, of my…
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The Root Jams Weekly (8/14/2020): 'Wet Ass Playlist'
Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion set the internet on fire with their song and video, “WAP,” which stands for “wet ass p***y.” Well, after probably a million formal and informal takes on the song, the staff at The Root decided to curate a playlist of Raunch-jams for your listening pleasure(s). Shouts out to Cardi…
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7 Quick Thoughts About Nas' New Blackness Jam, 'Ultra Black'
God-level MC, hip-hop mainstay and legend, Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones—aka Nas aka Nasty Nas aka Esco aka “N-A-S are the letters that spell, Nas Nas Nas”—released a new Hit-Boy produced record, “Ultra Black,” (and announced a new album, King’s Disease) for our listening pleasure on all streaming platforms. I have 7 thoughts to share. This…
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Here's Some Songs, Presented Today for No Reason Whatsoever, About PHAD (Presumably Hard-Ass Dicks)
1. “Too Close” Next Was a very popular club song in college. I don’t listen to the words of R&B songs, so didn’t realize it was about hard dicks until years later. Many years later. Too many years later. Like last year. 2. “Magic Stick” 50 Cent 3. “Dogshit” Ol’ Dirty Bastard Another college-related memory…
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The Root Jams Weekly (7/31/2020): 'Soundtrack Jams'
We all have movies that resonate with us. And in those movies, there are usually songs that help flesh out the story that become part of our lives. Today’s list is full of our favorite soundtrack jams. “Soundtrack Jams” (7/31/2020) Maiysha Kai Al Jarreau “Moonlighting” Johnny Mathis & Deniece Williams “Without Us” Labrinth “All for…
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Jagged Edge Is Releasing a New Album Soon. Here's What I Think Each Song Is About Based on Its Title
Jagged Edge, easily one of the greatest R&B groups of all time—baby, baby baby, it’s actual and it’s factual—is releasing a new album, A Jagged Love Story, soon. Each member of the group has posted both the album’s cover art and track-listing on their respective IG feeds, noting that the album has been submitted to…
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6 Reasons Why Ray J's Song 'One Wish'—Which Just Turned 15—Is One of the Greatest Songs of All Time of Ever
On July 25, 2005, William Ray Norwood, Jr. better known to the world as Ray J, released his classic single, “One Wish.” Whether you agree or not with this next statement doesn’t matter, for its truth is indisputable: “One Wish” is one of the greatest songs of all time of ever. Fifteen years later, “One…
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The Root Jams Weekly (7/10/2020): 'My Headphones'
We usually pick a theme to reflect the current state of affairs or a sentiment. Today, we decided to share what we’re actually listening to at the moment. What are you listening to? “My Headphones” (7/3/2020) Damon Young James Blake “I’ll Come Too” Fiona Apple “Rack of His” Kota the Friend “Chicago Diner” Kids See…
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30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 29: Erykah Badu, 'Other Side of The Game'
I had to check when this song and video came out because I associate it so heavily with college. Except, this was a single from Baduizm, which was released in February of 1997 when I was a senior in high school. The video for “Other Side of The Game” came out in the summer of…
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30 Days of Iconic Music Video Blackness With VSB, Day 24: Jodeci, 'Stay'
Jodeci and SWV are my favorite 90s groups. Their music, to me, is so superbly good that you shouldn’t have anything negative to say about it. Jodeci is still, today, a gold standard group, which is amazing considering that they only have three albums, all released between 1991 and 1995 that are worth talking about.…