The UK Honours Black Music

Apple Music
The UK Honours Black Music

This year, in honour of Black Music Month, we’re exploring the undeniable impact of Black music and musicians around the world. This list captures the sound of Black Britain—featuring superstars like Dave and Stormzy combined with new, exciting voices like Digga D and Central Cee. Black British Music is its own genre—reimagined by waves of immigration and merging youth cultures—and has separated itself from the US sound, sustained by its own ecosystem built on strong links to the diaspora. The arrival of Jamaican sound system culture would greatly transform the UK’s musical activity—and later influence developments in jungle, drum ’n’ bass and dubstep. Artists like J Hus and Stefflon Don are exporting the unique sound of Black Britain to the world, while international superstars like Drake are sampling and referencing the sounds of classic Black artists from the UK. Dive into our Black Music Month playlist, and if you hear something you like, save it to your library.

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