There are countless talented black musicians, just because you don't like a certain genre of music does not mean that it can't be credited as good music. I am not a brilliant fan of metal, but it doesn't mean that I don't recognize Yngwie Malmsteen as a god amongst men.  Black artists that are both very talented and some of, if not all, have affected music in a big way:  Jimi Hendrix, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, Damien Marley, Ray Charles, Robert Johnson, Stevie Wonder, Zach de le Rocha (I'm not so sure about this, but I've been told he's half), Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Whitney Housten (her current state however is questionable).  These are to name but a few huge talents within the black race, none of them being rap artists. But if you're counting producing talent as well then there's a huge list of people from the hip hop scene that can work an equalizer better than anyone else. Why do you think Timbaland's always at the top of the charts if his music isn't good, charts are decided by the number of sales and black people make up only 10% of the american population.... some white kids sure must like his music. No one ever said there aren't talented Black musicians and singers. This has been a thread more about the racial and ethnic origins of certain styles of music rather than whether or not Blacks make any good and decent music or debating the influence Black individuals have had on popular music. I personally enjoy the music of several Black singers and musicians. So what?