Artists
Genre
Decade
Trivia
Current Black Artists/Songs
100

This artist played a role in the “neo-soul” movement with hit songs “On and On” and “Next Lifetime”

Who is Erykah Badu?

100

When born in the 1970s, three elements of this genre were deejaying, rapping, and break dancing.

What is Hip-Hop?

100

Motown started in this decade and became the sound of music that appealed not only to young African-Americans, but all of the country’s youth

What are the 1960s?

100

Gloria Gaynor won the first and only Grammy for Best Disco Recording with this famous song.

What is "I Will Survive?"
100

This artist has an alter ego and in 2008, she released a double album titled “I am... Sasha Fierce” with one half being more personal (“I am”) and the second half being more upbeat (“Sasha Fierce”).

Who is Beyoncé?

200

This artist won season 3 of American Idol and came out with their hit song “Free Yourself”

Who is Fantasia Barrino?

200

Despite Elvis Presley being considered the king of this genre, it was invented by black musician Chuck Berry

What is Rock and Roll?

200

This decade of music was dramatically changed by the introduction of MTV (Music Television). This meant that music videos became more and more of a necessity in order for artists to gain popularity (especially with the youth) and sell records

What are the 1980s?

200

Using a modified board with elevated squares, Ray Charles frequently played this board game with his friends and band members

What is Chess?

200

In 2018, Childish Gambino released this song, whose music video contained symbolism and images that sparked an important conversation about racism and violence against the black community.

What is “This is America?”

300

This was the last artist to join New Edition after Bobby Brown left the band in 1986.

Who is Johnny Gill?

300

Characteristics of this genre, which has its origins in New Orleans, are improvisation, syncopation, blues, and swing. (Example: It Don't Mean A Thing by Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington)

What is Jazz?

300

The Harlem Renaissance was an important time for African-American literature, music, and visual arts, and it was most prominent in this decade.

What are the 1920s?

300

In 1991, Whitney Houston sang her iconic rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at this sporting event.

What is the Superbowl?

300

Despite debates that this generation’s King of R&B could be Chris Brown or Usher, this artist proclaimed himself to be the true King of R&B, and was met with a lot of backlash.

Who is Jacquees?

400

In 1970, this artist, despite their clash with Motown, was inspired by the political unrest caused by the Vietnam War to write their song “What’s Going on?”

Who is Marvin Gaye?

400

This genre began when New York DJs would sample percussive elements from disco, soul, and funk as a means to create a repetitive beat

What is Rap?

400

Afrobeats was started by Fela Kuti during this era.

What are the 1970s?

400

“Dear Mama” singer Tupac Shakur attended the Baltimore school of the Arts and took classes in acting, poetry, jazz, and this dance.

What is ballet?

400

This artist, who sings “Can’t Feel My Face” recently performed at the Superbowl and wanted to send a message about celebrities manipulating their appearances for validation.

Who is the Weeknd?

500

This singer and pianist wrote a “Happy Birthday” song for the Motown Label and played an instrumental role in getting Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday to become a national holiday. Another one of their popular songs is “I Just Called to Say I Love You”

Who is Stevie Wonder?

500

This genre, which became popular in the 1960s, is known as having a strong bass line and drums, and has a distinctive groove that makes you want to get up and dance. (Example: Candy by Cameo) 

What is Funk?

500

The Apollo Theater opened during this decade and became a cultural and musical mecca in the heart of the Harlem neighborhood in NYC.

What are the 1930s?

500

Which lil Wayne album, released when he was 17, was nearly profanity- free because of his mother’s wishes?

What is "The Block is Hot?"

500

This artist, who sings “Happy” is a producer whose producer tag is a 4 count start at the beginning of his songs. This tag can be heard in songs like “Alright” by Kendrick Lamar, “Drop it Like it’s Hot” by Snoop Dogg and “Milkshake” by Kelis.

Who is Pharrell Williams?