Lakeith Stanfield, Brian Tyree Henry, Donald Glover, Zazie Beatz
Source: FX

Don't Sleep on These Binge-Worthy Black TV Show's Soundtracks

Iconic TV shows and smash hit soundtracks go hand-in-hand, and that's especially true for these Black series with perfectly curated TV show playlists!

By

Oct. 12 2023, Published 3:23 p.m. ET

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The right blend of visuals and music can create unforgettable moments that stay with us — just look at the Black movie soundtracks that stayed on our playlists long after the screen credits faded.

Metro Boomin took the lead on the soundtrack for the 2023 animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, while Kendrick Lamar's musical masterpiece Black Panther: The Album was the backdrop for Disney's Black Panther.

And then, there are throwback soundtracks like Soul Food and Waiting to Exhale that will never get old. But when you bring up soundtracks, there are plenty of series with dope playlists that should be mentioned, too.

Keep scrolling for six binge-worthy Black TV series with all the vibes.

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'Snowfall': Grooving Through the '80s

Damson Idris wears a suit at the premiere of 'Snowfall' Season 5 held at Grandmaster Recorders.
Source: Chris Polk/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images

Our musical journey starts with Snowfall. The series gave a fictionalized look at the very real rise of the crack cocaine epidemic in the 80s.

The gripping series, which ended after six seasons in 2023, captured the era's essence and had a soundtrack that perfectly complemented the narrative.

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With tunes ranging from the smooth sounds of Nina Simone to ballads by Luther Vandross and Otis Redding, Snowfall is a sonic time machine that transports viewers back to the streets of South Central amid the infamous War on Drugs.

'Insecure': A Playlist for the Culture

Issa Rae's Insecure is more than just a hit series; issa a cultural phenomenon.

Gone are the days when soundtracks were just background noise. The songs featured in Insecure were an integral part of the storytelling that reflects the realities of the Black experience.

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Insecure's carefully curated soundtrack, which pulses with the beats of contemporary Black artists, is the series' secret weapon.

Featuring artists like Rico Nasty to SZA, the music on the show mirrors its diverse cast of characters.

Atlanta: Donald Glover's Musical Odyssey

Brian Tyree Henry, Donald Glover, and Lakeith Stanfield in 'Atlanta'
Source: FX

When it comes to pushing the boundaries of creativity, Donald Glover's Atlanta stands out. The series soundtrack certainly defied expectations.

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Under his musical pseudonym, Childish Gambino, Glover contributed his own tracks to the show's soundtrack.

Plus, Atlanta highlighted other rappers from the A — including but not limited to the Migos. During his 2017 Oscar acceptance speech, Glover gave the group a major shoutout that helped catapult them into the spotlight.

'Rap Sh!t': Beats and Bars Galore

Rap Sh!t is another series by Issa Rae that has proven to be a game-changer in both hip-hop and television.

The show follows a female rap group navigating the music industry, so it's only fitting that the show boasts a killer soundtrack.

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With groundbreaking tracks from both emerging artists and well-established icons in the rap game, Rap Sh!t's soundtrack has something for everybody.

'Bel-Air' (on Peacock): A Fresh Spin on a Classic

The cast of 'Bel-Air' on Peacock
Source: Peacock

Peacock's Bel-Air reimagines the beloved '90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

The reboot came with fresh talent and perspective. With a new generation of characters, it also has a new musical vibe.

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While still paying homage to the classic themes we all know and love, Bel-Air's soundtrack features a blend of old and new hip-hop and R&B songs that bridge the gap between past and present.

'P-Valley': The Delta's Sultry Sounds

For something a bit more sultry and soulful, look no further than P-Valley.

The STARZ series delves into the world of strip clubs in the Mississippi Delta. Its soundtrack captures the raw sensuality of the setting.

With modern R&B and rap hits from artists like Megan Thee Stallion, Hitkidd, and GloRilla, P-Valley immerses viewers in a world where music and dance are inseparable.

The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.

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