Happy Black History Month! Every day in the month of February, WXPN is taking to the airwaves to highlight an essential album from the stylistic spectrum of Black music history from the 1960s to present. You can reconnect with old favorites and discover new classics, continuing with the week three rundown below. Keep listening all month long for more explorations!
February 15: Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp A Butterfly
In a time of chaos, Kendrick Lamar released what is arguably his greatest production of all time, To Pimp A Butterfly. This album became a staple of the mid 2010’s hip hop era, with Kendrick’s heavy and vulnerable rapping, mixed with visionary jazz-oriented production, solidified him as one of the hip hop greats of his generation. From hits like “King Kunta”, “Alright” and “The Blacker the Berry” to collaborations with Thundercat, Snoop Dogg, Bilal, Anna Wise and others, his diversification of music opened a gateway for many more artists to come. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) – Jack Clark
February 16: Nina Simone – I Put A Spell On You
It goes without saying the albums on this list represent the brightest moments in their respective artists’ careers. For the “High Priestess of Soul” AKA Ms. Nina Simone, her power is best exemplified in recordings from her days with Philips Records in the mid-to-late 60s. The depression-era born piano prodigy became a cabaret star in Atlantic City when she married her love for classical Chopin and Bach with rosy love standards and contemporary pop. In ‘65’s I Put A Spell On You, Simone commercially translates her unconventional singing voice, and embodies Black talent and humanity in the middle of Civil Rights strife. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) –Paige Walter
February 17: Earth, Wind & Fire – That’s The Way Of The World
Produced in part by band leader Maurice White along with regular collaborator Charles Stepney, Earth, Wind & Fire’s sixth album, 1975’s That’s The Way Of The World was a movie soundtrack as well a collection of great, uplifting songs. “Shining Star,” the title track, and “Reasons” were all hits packed with exceptional vocals, guitar talent, rhythm and soul, making for an untouchable package. EWF were able to make the world move to their music, this album was no exception. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) – J.C.
February 18: Aretha Franklin – Lady Soul
One of the best-selling artists of all time, Aretha Franklin changed the course of soul music with 1968’s Lady Soul. After leaving Columbia Records for Atlantic, and meeting with management more sympathetic to her gospel beginnings, Franklin solidified her growing fame with Lady Soul and its timeless singles “Chain of Fools,” “Ain’t No Way,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.” Franklin earned her first two Grammy awards with this record, as well as the Southern Christian Leadership’s award for musicians, presented by her friend Martin Luther King Jr. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) – P.W.
February 19: Tracy Chapman – Tracy Chapman
Talkin’ Bout A… one hell of a debut album for folk artist Tracy Chapman. After busking in Boston during her college years, Chapman was discovered and signed to Elektra Records where she released her self-titled record, the one to spur her whole career as a chart-topping musician and social activist. The legacy of Chapman’s debut has come around again in recent years, as country singer Luke Combs brought it back to the charts, and back to the Grammy Awards in 2024, where the pair sang the hit “Fast Car” as a duet. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) – P.W.
February 20: Jimi Hendrix – Are You Experienced?
One of the most unforgettable albums of the 21st Century, Jimi Hendrix’s studio debut Are You Experienced, was released in May 1967 and catapulted him into stardom with songs like “Purple Haze,” “Hey Joe” and others. Jimi changed the rock world, established himself as one of the guitar greats, and explored variations of rock, such as psychedelic and blues as well as acid and funk. Even tho he was taken away too soon, Hendrix’s music will live on forever, especially Are You Experienced?. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) – J.C.
February 20: De La Soul – 3 Feet High And Rising
A psychedelic collage, a dose of flower power hip-hop, a stunning introduction to a wildly creative rap collective: 3 Feet High And Rising is many things, all great. Collaborating with legendary producer Prince Paul, MCs Posdnuos, Maseo, and the late Trugoy the Dove came out swinging in the friendliest way possible, delivering playful record-mining jams that utilized hooks from Johnny Cash to Hall and Oates to Steely Dan, making music that was instantly memorable and iconic. (Listen: Spotify / Apple / Tidal) – John Vettese
