Celebrate Black History Month with a playlist curated by BlackDropboxers

Music is one of the few forces in the world that has the power to universally unite people across all backgrounds and cultures. It can be an escape, an outlet for expression and creativity, an emotional release — and most of all, a source of joy.

Over the life of our BlackDropboxers ERG, music has played an important part of the festivities and connection. And while we can’t celebrate Black History Month together in person this year, BlackDropboxers and the Music @ Home team teamed up together to create a legendary LP featuring their favorite Black musicians and albums.

Earlier this month, they hosted a listening party where all Dropboxers were welcome to hop on Zoom and enjoy the tunes as they worked. While the official party is over, you can still circle up around your digital vinyl player (aka Spotify) to listen, and while you’re at it, read about some of the music our BlackDropboxers chose and why.

Protoje — In Search of Lost Time

“Protoje released this album last year in 2020 and it has been a staple of the current Jamaican Reggae music scene since. ‘Self Defense’ and ‘Like Royalty’ are personal faves on this one.”

-Chelsi Cocking

Solange — A Seat at the Table

“A modern classic, this album is a wholeeeee tribute to black and brown people everywhere. My fave song is ‘Cranes In The Sky.’”

-Bradley Exum

Jimmie Allen — Mercury Lane

“Jimmie Allen is one of few Black Country Artists and is bridging the gap for many PoC who have previously had a hard time relating to country music. I love the song ‘Best Shot.’”

-Krishelle Hardson-Hurley Bethune

Chloe x Halle — Ungodly Hour

“If you don’t know the sisters who have been anointed by Beyoncé, you better wake up. Their latest, Ungodly Hour, was THE album of 2020 and their tennis court served (get it) as the best performance location of the year. Best song: ‘Don’t Make It Harder on Me!’”

-Taylor Robinson

Nas — NY State of Mind

“Arguably one of the most influential rap albums, Nas, at the tender age of 16, discusses his life with poetry that seems to bend all of the rules.”

-Arkady Apelchuk

D’Angelo — Voodoo

“I mean c’mon, it created a genre! Faves are ‘One Mo’Gin’ and ‘Playa Playa’. There literally isn’t a bad track.”

-Wes O’Haire