Selecting 25 of the most influential albums by African-Americans is no easy task, especially given the richness, depth and breadth of black music. Although several of the albums that ultimately made the list were commercial smashes, they were picked more for their artistic influence. These albums introduced new textures and ideas into pop culture. Some straight-up kicked down doors and ushered in new eras, transforming genres along the way. Also, these albums have held up well over the years, as they set and transcended countless trends.
Slideshow: The 25 most influential albums by African-Americans
