NPR Music Celebrates Black Music Month 2025 by Honoring Culture-Shifting Albums

This June, NPR Music is going all in for Black Music Month with a fresh approach, honoring game-changing albums that defined generations.

Rather than just spotlighting chart-toppers, NPR is celebrating the deep cuts and culture carriers, marking major anniversaries of albums that helped shape the sound and soul of Black music.

Nine artists are being honored this year, with album anniversaries ranging from 10 to 50 years. From gospel to go-go, classic funk to modern hip-hop, each project being highlighted played a role in pushing boundaries and telling authentic stories.

Tiny Desk fans can expect a special slate of performances throughout the month, along with the return of Tiny Talks, NPR’s short-form interview series made for social media. The programming will dive into the impact of these records and the artists behind them.

The lineup features:

• Touch by Amerie & The Backyard Band – 20 years
• Alone in His Presence by CeCe Winans – 30 years
• In a Major Way by E-40 – 30 years
• The Way It Is by Keyshia Cole – 20 years
• Time’s Up by Living Colour – 35 years
• Kush & Orange Juice by Wiz Khalifa – 15 years
• School Days by Stanley Clarke – 50 years
• LUXURY by Alex Isley – 10 years
• Art and Life by Beenie Man – 25 years

“These are albums that live in our DNA,” said Bobby Carter, host and producer of Tiny Desk. “They may not always get mainstream love, but in Black culture, they’re timeless.”

Fans can follow the celebration all month at npr.org/music and across NPR Music’s socials using the hashtag #BlackMusicMonth.

Expect powerful performances, nostalgic moments, and a well-deserved tribute to the artists who’ve shaped the sound of Black expression.