5 Albums By Black Rockers To Check Out During Black History Month
February is Black History Month. We celebrate food, art, and music – among many other things from Black culture. The “Motown Sound” has given us amazing artists – Diana Ross, The Temptations, Stevie Wonder – and more. Black musical artists have contributed such great music – and have led to the creation of various musical genres, including R&B, jazz, hip-hop, and rap. But what about the rock genre?
Black Rockers Who Have Broken Barriers
Motown and jazz are a couple genres which come to mind at first, but ignoring the rock genre? Don’t do it! There are definitely pioneering Black rockers who have been influential over the years in terms of paving the way – not just for themselves – but for many other musicians.
Let’s get this out of the way: Jimi Hendrix, Prince, and Michael Jackson’s legacies are beloved and respected. They forged a way for future artists. They’re household names – instantly recognizable – and held in high regard. These men were beyond talented and produced hit after hit. There are some other musicians who rock and deserve recognition. We’ve constructed a list to start you off on a quest to discover some amazing and memorable albums.
5 Albums by Black Rockers
We selected these five albums because they not only showcase talent, they’re significant for the genre. We primarily looked at bands, but threw in a couple bands with legendary Black vocalists. And spoiler alert: they all rock!
Bad Brains – I Against I (1986)
It’s hard to believe it’s been 50 years since the inception of legendary group Bad Brains. Hailing from DC, these Black rockers shaped hardcore with their rebellious style. Blending elements of punk, metal, funk, and even jazz, their stage shows were beyond crazy.
“I am I” is a Rastafarian or Iyaric term, which refers to the oneness of God (Jah) and the artist – as well as the audience. Titling the album I Against I is likely Bad Brains’ nod towards that concept while putting their own spin on it. The lyrics for “Sacred Love” were recorded from prison where singer H.R. was doing a stint for distribution of marijuana.
Fishbone – Still Stuck in Your Throat (2006)
Fishbone formed in 1979 out of Los Angeles. This enterprising band blended funk, ska, rock, and jazz to make a totally unique sound. Writing, working super hard, and playing in various clubs around Southern California got them signed to Columbia Records in 1983.
Known for their humorously titled songs and energetic performances, the group has had a revolving door of members. Black guitarist Rocky George from band Suicidal Tendencies joined them in 2003. The album Still Stuck in Your Throat was with George and contains funky earworms like “We Just Lose Our Minds,” “Faceplant Scorpion Backpinch,” and a cover of Sublime’s “Date Rape.”
Howard Jones/Killswitch Engage – The End of Heartache (2004)
Black artist Howard Jones is not be overlooked. Fans know him from bands like Killswitch Engage as well as Light the Torch (formerly Devil You Know). Blending melodic singing with controlled screaming became his signature style – and Jones proved that he was highly adept at both.
The End of Heartache marked KSE’s third album, with 12 memorable tracks all showcasing Jones’s range. “A Bid Farewell” and “Rose of Sharyn” as well as titular song “The End of Heartache” shine as the standouts here. “The End of Heartache” has another song version in 2004 movie “Resident Evil: Apocalypse.”
Living Colour – Vivid (1988)
It would be remiss of us to not list Black rockers Living Colour here. Formed in 1984, the quartet originally consisted of Corey Glover, Vernon Reid, Will Calhoun, and Muzz Skillings. Skillings was later replaced by Doug Wimbish. Living Colour stylistically blends rock, funk, soul, avant-garde, and metal to make their distinctive sound.
Vivid, the debut album by Living Colour, soared in the charts and was a critical success. Rolling Stone ranked it as number 64 in their 100 Best Albums of the Eighties list. The famous single “Cult of Personality” won the Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance and the music video earned an MTV Video Music Award.
24-7 Spyz – Gumbo Millennium (1990)
Incorporating jazz, hardcore punk, soul, ska, and heavy metal has never sounded so good. Out of New York, 24-7 Spyz hit the ground running in 1986. Founding members were Jimi Hazel (guitars), Rick Skatore (bass), Kindu Phibes (drums), and P. Fluid rockin’ on the mic.
Playing the club circuit, diligent writing, and a lot of DIY promo finally gave way to their first album in 1989. The next year, Gumbo Millennium came out with memorable tracks like “Don’t Push Me,” “Deathstyle,” and the heavily riffed “John Connelly’s Theory.” Their sophomore offering made fans and critics alike take notice. Unfortunately, Spyz’ original singer P. Fluid was found murdered in 2025.
Black Rockers Who Are Honorable Mentions
Now, you didn’t think would leave out Lajon Witherspoon of Sevendust, right? This talented vocalist not only sings with Sevendust, but has collaborated with other artists. You can hear his haunting vocals on “The Things We’ve Done” with The Infinite Staircase.
Tennessee natives Straight Line Stitch have an extraordinary singer (and screamer) in Alexis Brown. Proving she is equally talented at both bloodcurdling screams and sweet harmonies, it’s worth paying attention to what Brown is doing.
Next time you’re in search of something to listen to (and not just because it’s Black History Month) check out any of the above mentioned Black rockers. Whether it’s ska, punk, or metal-influenced, you’ll be sure to find something you will like. Plus, it’s interesting to learn about band members and what motivated them.
