The Blackest Song Covers Of All Time For Black History Month

Covers of popular songs have been an iconic element in music for decades. Artists use them as a chance to add their unique take on a beloved melody and create something completely new from it.

For Black History Month, Panama is bringing you some of the most iconic covers ever. These songs have become symbols of Black love and define what it means to be Black.

1. Prince – “Do Me Baby”

Ranking all albums released by Prince Rogers Nelson is an arduous task, not only due to the sheer volume of work but also because each one showcases a different aspect of his distinctive sound. Thus, it's impossible to come up with one definitive list of what the top Prince albums of all time is.

There are certain albums that deserve to be ranked higher than others, regardless of their critical reception. Three albums in particular stand out: Dirty Mind, Sign O' the Times and The Love Symbol - all considered the pinnacles of Prince's songwriting ability.

Dirty Mind marks Prince's departure from post-disco, yet it also represents his beginning of teaching others about funk music he would later coin "Return of the Bump Squad," James Brown-inspired "Housequake," the title track and Joni Mitchell-infused melodies in "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker," this album serves as proof that Prince had found success with pop music beyond just dancehall hits. From George Clinton-influenced "Return of the Bump Squad" to James Brown-influenced "Housequake," plus Joni Mitchell-infused melodies on "The Ballad of Dorothy Parker," this record showcases Prince teaching others what pop music could truly be.

Unfortunately, this album is often overlooked in favor of his more commercially successful works; however, it remains a must-listen. Standout tracks like "Future Baby Mama," the sultry reggae of "Blue Light," and the psychedelic-hued triumphs of "Raspberry Beret" all standout on this ambitious rock opera which was clearly inspired by Prince's New Power Generation band. It stands as one of Prince's most ambitious recordings and serves as an impressive testament to his legacy while featuring some of his finest compositions--from "Do Me, Baby" through tender ballads that defined his voice. It truly stands as one of Prince's finest recordings!

2. L.T.D. – “Love Ballad”

Over the decades, many artists have utilized cover songs as a form of creative expression and cultural commentary. From Nina Simone's haunting rendition of Billie Holiday's iconic "Strange Fruit" to Patti LaBelle's rendition of "The Boy From Ipanema," Black artists have had an immense impact on society through their renditions.

In the mid-20th century, U.S. President Abraham Lincoln (born February 12) and African American abolitionist Frederick Douglass (born February 14) were pivotal figures in Black culture and history. Not only did these heroes secure us our liberties today but they also played an essential role in educating Americans about Black people's significant contributions to our country's culture, heritage, and identity.

The Black Awakening of the 1960s brought about an increased awareness of Black history among millions of Americans, leading to Negro History Week becoming more widely observed across cities nationwide. Mayors issued proclamations in support of it and college campuses eventually observed Black History Month as well.

As such, Black History Month has become a crucial opportunity to inform students about the history and culture of African Americans. It also serves as an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments while acknowledging the difficulties they still face.

In addition to celebrating Black History Month during the month of February, educators should incorporate it into their year-round curriculum. Doing so will give students a deeper appreciation for the history and culture of African Americans and allow for insightful conversations about pressing social issues facing our society. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available that can help teachers and students alike learn more about Black history and culture throughout the year.

3. Meli’sa Morgan – “Do Me Baby”

Meli'sa Morgan is a well-known name among fans of R&B and jazz music. Her unique, Julliard-trained voice has earned her the affection of many aunties around the country. Her debut single "Do Me Baby," an all-soul cover of Prince's iconic ballad, quickly shot to the top of the R&B charts and led to modest pop success for both single and album.

This song is a must-listen for any black music enthusiast. It boasts an exciting sound and captivating lyric that will make you want to dance along.

While there are other notable covers of this timeless song, Morgan's rendition stands as one of the most captivating. Anyone who appreciates smoky vocals and smooth beats should give this track a listen.

It's also an iconic black song, serving as a testament to how far black music has evolved since Prince first entered the scene. Additionally, its message is powerful and inspiring.

Prince's original version of "All that Jazz" received widespread acclaim, but Morgan's soulful take on the classic stood out above all others. It serves as an inspiring example of how a black artist can give a popular song a unique spin and transform it into an anthem for all lovers.

There are countless great songs covered by black artists, but for this Music Sermon we wanted to focus on the best. To compile this list, we've selected some of the most iconic and remarkable recordings from Black music genre. These hits are among the highest-charting hits of all time, but we also include some lesser-known tracks that have left an indelible mark on their listeners.

4. K-Ci & JoJo – “Love Ballad”

Many of us turn to music as a means of expression and release our emotions. From ballads and hip-hop songs alike, there is no shortage of songs that can bring joy, break your heart, heal it or simply make you dance.

Music of every era has been marked by earnestness, emotion and sensuality. From Patti Labelle to Michael Bolton, some of music's greatest artists have always kept these qualities at heart when crafting their songs.

K-Ci and JoJo are two brothers from Charlotte, North Carolina who were raised in the Pentecostal church. They were inspired by gospel singers such as Shirley Caesar, Sam Cooke and The Winans as well as soul vocalists such as Bobby Womack and Donny Hathaway.

When the brothers entered the secular music industry, they seamlessly transitioned their intricate vocal harmonies to the contemporary genre of r&b. Their first album, It's Real, became an instant success and sold platinum six weeks after release. Although their subsequent albums The Show, The After Party and The Hotel showcased more rap influences, their roots in gospel remained strong--particularly through lyrical content.

Their third album, X, which they named after a hip-hop reference, featured numerous references to rap music. Babyface, Timbaland and Teddy Riley all contributed songs to the record.

Their success was driven by their passionate lyricicism and hip-hop inspired beats and style. They created a distinctive image, making an impact on television shows and films alike. Although their rap influence has diminished over time, their music continues to move audiences worldwide with its motivating messages.

5. Chris Brown – “Smile”

Chris Brown is an award-winning multi-hyphenated artist who has achieved great success in the R&B world. He's renowned for his charismatic dance moves and outstanding performance ability, earning him a large devoted following of fans.

Since his entry into the music industry in 2006, Chris Brown has achieved numerous hits and cemented himself as a superstar. His impressive dance moves have been compared to Michael Jackson's, making him one of the best in the business.

Chris Brown's latest release Breezy brings together all his different styles and influences into an almost perfect album. Kevin Bourne believes it to be his best effort yet, so if you're a fan of his work then this record is definitely worth checking out.

Chris Brown's powerful song "Smile" encourages everyone to show love and acceptance regardless of identity. It also speaks about Black Lives Matter and the necessity of smiling despite any hatred that may arise.

If you're feeling low and in need of some motivation to get through the day, this song is ideal. Not only will it lift your spirits, but also help keep you focused on what matters most: your goals!

The lyrics of this song are incredibly heartfelt and provide a great motivational boost for starting off your day. Additionally, the video showcases multiple expertly choreographed scenes that showcase the singer's amazing dance moves and performance abilities.

Chris Brown's song has been certified three times platinum and set a record as the longest-running leader on Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it was his most successful single, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.