They’re giving a sonic salute to iconic albums!

This Black Music Month, NPR Music’s Tiny Desk is turning up the volume on legacy, culture, and creativity. With a thoughtfully curated, month-long tribute honoring landmark album anniversaries, the platform is inviting listeners on a deeper journey through the heart of Black musical brilliance—where rhythm, resistance, joy, and remembrance all collide.

From June 1 through the end of the month, nine influential albums are being celebrated, each marking a milestone moment in Black music history. These aren’t simply classic records; they are cultural touchstones that reflect identity, storytelling, and the evolution of sound. They include everything from the 35-year power of Living Colour’s bold Time’s Up to the emotional resonance of Keyshia Cole’s debut The Way It Is, now two decades strong. (Source: Ebony)

The full lineup of honored projects spans genres and generations, showcasing just how diverse and expansive Black music truly is. Fans will get to watch new Tiny Desk performances from artists who crafted these groundbreaking projects. This year’s celebrated albums include:

• Touch by Amerie with The Backyard Band – 20-year anniversary (Source: WRVO / NPR News)

• Alone in His Presence by CeCe Winans – 30-year anniversary (Source: VPM / NPR News)

• In a Major Way by E-40 – 30-year anniversary (Source: Shatter the Standards)

• The Way It Is by Keyshia Cole – 20-year anniversary (Source: Ebony)

• Time’s Up by Living Colour – 35-year anniversary (Source: Shatter the Standards)

• Kush & Orange Juice by Wiz Khalifa – 15-year anniversary (Source: WRVO / NPR News)

• School Days by Stanley Clarke – 50-year anniversary (Source: Shatter the Standards)

• LUXURY by Alex Isley – 10-year anniversary (Source: Shatter the Standards)

• Art and Life by Beenie Man – 25-year anniversary (Source: Baller Alert)

“This year feels like the perfect time to stop and revere some of the greatest albums in Black Music,” said Bobby Carter, host and producer of Tiny Desk Concerts. He added that while some of these artists may not dominate mainstream pop discussions, they are “crown jewels in Black culture” and deserve to be celebrated as icons. (Source: NPR News)

The idea for this special tribute reportedly grew after Chaka Khan delivered a show-stopping Tiny Desk performance that underscored the power of musical legacy and longevity. (Source: That Grape Juice)

Alongside the commemorative concerts, NPR Music is also bringing back Tiny Talks, a short-form interview series offering intimate conversations that connect artists to the communities and cultural influences that helped shape their work. (Source: NPR News)

For more than a decade, NPR Music has established itself as a sanctuary for artists and music lovers alike. Through storytelling initiatives like Jazz Night in America and Alt.Latino, the platform bridges sound with society, highlighting voices, narratives, and genres that are often overlooked in mainstream spaces. (Source: NPR News)

Throughout the month, audiences can follow the celebration across NPR Music’s platforms and through conversations under the hashtag #BlackMusicMonth. Each album anniversary serves as a reminder that the soundtrack of Black life is rich, layered, and continually unfolding. These songs may be decades old, but their echoes—and their impact—remain incredibly present.

So tune in, turn it up, and honor the legacy. Because in every beat, Black music continues to make history.