To celebrate Black History Month, Emuse dives deep into the grammy-winning album “Black Radio” by genre-bending genius Robert Glasper.

“Black Radio” is a revolutionary record that brings together iconic black musicians such as Questlove, Bilal, The Goddess Ms. Badu, Shafiq Husayn and more. Glapser fuses improvisational spirit with hip-hop’s storytelling, R&B’s soulfulness, and the boundless experimentation of artists who refuse to be boxed in—creating a sonic landscape that feels both timeless and urgently modern. (2.28.2025 is the work’s exact thirteenth birthday.)

Glasper inspired Kendrick’s “To Pimp A Butterfly” (imo one of the best albums of all time), which similarly explores the elationship between jazz, hip-hop, and Black identity. Both artists using music as a vehicle for cultural reflection, blending tradition with revolution to push Black music forward. In fact, Kendrick’s next album, 2017 album “DAMN.” made history as the first non-classical or jazz album to receive the award. The Pulitzer board praised it as a “virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African American life.” (2.28.2025 is around the work’s tenth birthday.)

Basically, tune in to 89.5 FM (in CT) or wpkn.org (in NYC, Finland or beyond) to hear me nerd out about two INCREDIBLE albums.

What’s Kendrick’s best album? Give me your🔥hot 🔥 take in the comments!

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