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The entire month of June we’ve honored and celebrated those artists that music still makes us just as excited as the first time we heard it. Think Fantasia, Beyonce and Rihanna.

We also introduced some new talent during Black Music Month that is sure to carry the proverbial torch into music’s next season.

Artists like Lion Babe, Leon Bridges and Janelle Monae are just some of the new creatives that have tickled our musical fancy with their incredible lyrics and superstar melodies.

Besides a great beat and catchy lyrics, great music provides nostalgia. It’s the one universal language that we all speak, no matter the genre. Each artist featured this month uniquely express a message that convey emotions, sentiments and opinions, no matter how taboo. In an industry where creativity is rare, each musician often made music opposite the trend.

Let’s be real here. Non-singers  can now sing with the help of Auto Tune and other technological advances. This feat alone make us even more appreciative of the artists that know their lane and command it with such high esteem.

While some may feel as if music nowadays has become exploited and disrespected for a quick buck, we’re more than excited to counteract that claim with our #Foward20.

We’re certain they’ll be around for a while.

See the rest of them below.

Usher

Raheem DeVaughn

Tink

Jessie J

Ariana Grande

Marsha Ambrosious

Mali Music

Labrinth

J. Cole

Calvin Richardson

Miguel

What makes a great song great?

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#Forward20: A Look Back At Our Top Picks!  was originally published on blackamericaweb.com