Category: Chart Toppers

Well, it’s the final day of February, and unfortunately it’s time to wrap up my tribute to BLACK HISTORY MONTH with an American R&B singer, mononymously known as Joe. The lyrics within refer to Joe’s girlfriend, who he confronts after she comes home late one night. When she begins to stumble over her words, suspicions arise about her having an affair. The song’s success helped solidify Joe’s status (as an R&B artist) and remains one of his most well-known songs. On this very day, February 28th 2001, it was the…

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It’s Day 27 of my tribute to BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring a song that was recorded by American R&B singer, Monica. A soulful and romantic ballad, the lyrics within convey feelings of gratitude for having found that special someone. It was warmly received by Chuck Taylor of Billboard magazine, who called the song “unbelievable” and “absolutely stunning”. On this very day, February 27th 1999, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, please feel free to use the provided link. Observing Black…

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Welcome to Day 26 of BLACK HISTORY MONTH featuring today’s emotional ballad, “One Sweet Day”. Recorded by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men, the lyrics within revolve around losing a loved one (with the hope of being reunited one special day in heaven). In a readers’ poll (conducted by Rolling Stone magazine), this song was ranked first overall in the category of “Best Collaborations of All Time”. In September 1997, this heartfelt track was performed at Princess Diana‘s memorial service. On this very day, February 26th 1996, it was the #1 song…

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As I continue my spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s song choice, “How Will I Know”, was recorded by the late, great, Whitney Houston. An upbeat and catchy dance-pop track, the lyrics within express the uncertainty and anticipation of romantic feelings. Aside from the song’s massive chart success, its colourful music video won the award for “Best Female Video” at the 1986 MTV Video Music Awards show. On this very day, February 25th 1986, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to…

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues with a classic ballad that was recorded by legendary R&B singer, Roberta Flack. This ballad tells the story of a woman who’s deeply moved by a song that seems to reflect her own experiences and emotions. Often regarded as one of the greatest vocal performances in the history of popular music, this song won two Grammy Awards for “Record of the Year” and “Best Female Pop Vocal Performance”. On this very day, February 24th 1973, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100…

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It’s Day 23 of our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, and today’s song choice comes to us from the American hip-hop duo known as OutKast. In 2002, this track won the award for “Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group” (at the 44th Annual Grammy Awards). It also won the BET Award for “Video of the Year” and the MTV Video Music Award for “Best Hip-Hop Video”. On this very day, February 23rd 2001, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like…

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It’s Day 22 of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, featuring the song, “God’s Plan”, which was recorded by Canadian rapper, Drake. Topping the charts in multiple countries, this urban track broke first day streaming records on both, Apple Music and Spotify. The lyrics within reflect Drake’s gratitude for all his success and (express the idea that his achievements are all part of a greater plan). In 2019, it received three Grammy nominations for “Record of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and “Best Rap Song”, winning the latter. On this very day,…

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Let’s continue BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a classic R&B ballad performed (as a duet) by Patti Austin and James Ingram. Written by Rod Temperton, “Baby, Come to Me” is a smooth and romantic ballad that showcases the vocal chemistry between these two incredible singers. Several months after its release, American soap opera, General Hospital began to heavily feature this track as the love theme for character, Luke Spencer. It’s chart success eventually led to Austin and Ingram both receiving Grammy nominations. On this very day, February 21st 1983, it was the #1 song in…

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Let’s continue our spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a song that was co-written by Ne-Yo and recorded by Beyoncé. The lyrics within convey a message of independence and female empowerment, as the singer addresses a partner who’s been unfaithful. This song won several accolades, including “Best R&B/Soul Single” at the 2007 Soul Train Music Awards. It was also grammy nominated for “Record of the Year” in 2008. Reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, it has become one of Beyoncé’s signature songs and remains a popular and…

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Continuing my spotlight on BLACK HISTORY MONTH, the song, “Gonna Make You Sweat” was recorded by New York based singing group, C&C Music Factory. Known for its energetic and infectious beat, it is often associated with the early 1990s dance and hip-hop music era. This song features a powerful vocal performance by singer, Martha Wash, alongside some smooth lyrical rapping by Freedom Williams. Topping the charts in multiple countries around the world, it became a dance anthem of its time. On this very day, February 19th 1991, it was the…

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Welcome to Day 18 of BLACK HISTORY MONTH, featuring some of the greatest songs ever released by black artists. Today’s song, “Everyday People”, was recorded by early funk sensation, Sly and the Family Stone. The lyrics within convey a message of unity and acceptance, promoting the idea that (despite our differences) people should come together and treat each other with love and respect. The song addresses issues of race, class, and individuality (emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity). On this very day, February 18th 1969, it was the #1 song…

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As we continue to celebrate Black History month, let’s get to today’s festive track that was recorded by American funk band, Kool & the Gang. Considered as one of their signature hits, the lyrics within express a message of joy and happiness (encouraging people to come together and share some good times). Over the years, this track has remained a timeless feel-good classic, and in 2016, it was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. On this very day, February 17th 1981, it was the #1 song in America, topping…

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As we continue to celebrate BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s song choice is a reggae infused pop track that was recorded by Jamaican-American artist, Shaggy. The lyrics within describe a man who was caught cheating by his girlfriend. Despite being caught on camera (and in various compromising situations), his friend, Shaggy, keeps advising him to deny everything, including the evidence. Regarded as Shaggy’s breakthrough in the pop market, this song topped the charts in Ireland, Poland, France, Australia, and the U.K. (to name just a few countries). On this very day,…

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Continuing our special journey through BLACK HISTORY MONTH, today’s song choice, “Low”, was recorded by American rapper, Flo Rida. Certified Diamond, it was the most popular single of the 2000s decade (with over 7 million downloads). At the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards it was nominated twice for “Best Male Video” and “Best Hip-Hop Video”. The song’s catchy sound and danceable beat, helped it top the charts in multiple countries, including Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. On this very day, February 15th 2008, it was also the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot…

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As our journey through BLACK HISTORY MONTH continues, today’s soulful ballad was recorded by American R&B artist, Usher. A perfect choice for lovers alike on Valentines Day, “Nice & Slow” helped solidify Usher’s status as a rising star in the late 1990s. On February 2nd 1998, this sultry soul ballad was awarded a gold certification, followed by platinum status just ten days later. On this very day, February 14th 1998, it was the #1 song in America, topping Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. If you’d like to have a listen, simply click…

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