Jasper Jams: Black History Month Edition

Karen Flores

Asst. Features Editor

February is Black History

Month so I’ve decided to look through a few songs I like written by black artists. They have had an influence over the music industry that is often forgotten. From Hip-hop to R&B and pop, black artists have shared their points of view and their talents with the whole world.

Music is a universal language and is one that brings together everyone no matter the differences. Pop on some headphones and give some of these songs a listen. I’m sure you’ll find a song you have yet to have heard or one that brings back some memories.

Marvin Gaye= What’s Going On

The lyrics are thought-evoking and when watching the music video, it highlights the poverty struggles, violence and brutality that have become very prominent these last few years. Marvin Gaye has a very smooth and soft voice that I feel blends very nicely with the string instruments that play in the background of this song.

Lauryn Hill = The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

I love this song especially when she sings the line “And I made up my mind to define my own destiny.” She has such a beautiful voice and when the piano plays in the background while she hits high notes, I can feel the emotion in her singing. I would definitely recommend that everyone give this song a listen because it has this powerfulness behind it.

Stevie Wonder = Living for the city

If you like blues and jazz music, Stevie Wonder is the perfect artist to listen to. His lyrics in this song talk about what life is like in the city for people of color. He sings with passion the instruments especially the drums and piano combine perfectly to give it a nice groove

The Weeknd = Acquainted The Weeknd is one of my favorite artists and I don’t think a Jasper Jams would be complete without one of his songs. The bass drops on this song are probably my favorite parts of it and the lyrics will have you singing at the top of your lungs. He has an addicting voice and I’d say to listen to all his music.

Isaiah Rashad Ft Zacari & Kendrick Lamar = What’s Wrong

This song flows so nicely and there is a very good balance and contrast between all of their verses. You have Kendrick’s rap verse that contrasts nicely with Zacari’s and Isaiah’s singing. It’s a nice song to listen to while you are studying or reading a book.

Rihanna = Only Girl

For those who saw the Super Bowl Halftime, I felt like I was transported back to 2010 when Rihanna began to sing this song. I had not listened to this song in a while and I remember why I liked it so much. This song is one you can dance to and sing to. It’s a masterpiece.

The Notorious B.I.G = Big Poppa Biggie Smalls is considered one of the greatest rappers and he was from Brooklyn, New York. This song is a classic so it feels right to add this to this playlist. It is a vibe to listen to and it has a catchy beginning tune that keeps you bopping your head the whole time as he raps.

Kehlani ft. Jhene Aiko = Change Your Life

Both Kehlani and Jhene have beautiful voices. I like this song because it brings both of their voices together in harmony and any song by either of them is worth listening to. It’s a very calm song that you can just listen to when you relax and one you could also sing to.