Curated by NMAAM
Listen to playlists that represent the artists in each gallery.
From spirituals and blues to jazz, gospel, R&B, and hip-hop, NMAAM’s playlists bring our galleries to life through music. Each curated collection connects directly to the stories told in the museum—offering a deeper way to experience the creativity, resilience, and cultural legacy of African American music.
These playlists capture the spirit, stories, and signature sounds of key eras in African American music—from the groove-heavy ‘70s to the golden age of hip-hop. It’s a journey through time, one track at a time.
From the pulsing rhythms of Afrobeats to the timeless harmonies of gospel, these playlists celebrate the depth and diversity of Black musical genres. Let the smooth grooves of R&B Soul wrap around you, or turn up the volume on funk’s irresistible beat. Each mix honors a tradition and tells a story.
These curated playlists honor the trailblazers—artists whose voices, vision, and influence reshaped the soundscape of American music. From powerhouse vocalists to revolutionary producers, each collection dives deep into the legacy of an icon whose work transcends genre and generation.
These laylists highlight recurring themes in African American music—identity, celebration, resilience, and love. Each collection brings together songs that reflect shared experiences and cultural expressions, offering listeners a focused lens through which to explore the emotional and social depth of the music.