Black music is the foundation of so much of what we hear, feel, and move to in modern music. It’s more than a sound — it’s a force that has shaped culture, built community and told the stories that often go unheard. Whether within R&B, hip-hop, dancehall, gospel, country, or afrobeats, Black music has always been a channel for truth, joy, pain and resilience. It’s the soundtrack of the Black experience, but its impact has never been limited to just one community; Black music moves the entire world.

For Black Music Month, Billboard wanted to go deeper than the charts, the viral hits and the well-known milestones. We wanted to know what Black music really means, on a personal level. So Billboard asked a range of artists — from veterans like Ne-Yo and Machel Montano, to breakout stars like Kehlani, Ice Spice, GIVĒON and Shenseea, to rising voices like Destin Conrad, BRELAND, J.P., Mickey Guyton, Lila Iké and FLO — to reflect on three simple but powerful questions: What does Black music mean to you? Why is Black music so important? And, how has Black music shaped your life or career?

The answers we received were personal, passionate and deeply honest. Some artists spoke about growing up surrounded by the sounds of church choirs or reggae legends. Others reflected on how Black music gave them the freedom to express themselves without limits. Together, their voices remind us that Black music isn’t just a genre—it’s a legacy. It’s a lifeline. And it’s still writing its story every single day.