Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, and Alicia Keys Albums Added to National Recording Registry

Each year, works are selected by the Library of Congress based on their status of being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

April 13, 2022

Albums from Wu-Tang Clan, A Tribe Called Quest, and Alicia Keys are among the works of art newly selected for archiving by the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress.

25 sound recordings are selected to be added to the Registry each year. In short, the Registry provides an annually updated list of recordings that have been determined by the Library of Congress to be “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

The 1993 album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), the group’s studio debut, was selected for inclusion this year. Tribe’s The Low End Theory, originally released in 1991, and Alicia Keys’ 2001 debut Songs in A Minor were also chosen.

Other recordings receiving the National Recording Registry honor in 2022 include a 2010 WTF with Marc Maron episode featuring the late Robin Williams, Nat King Cole’s 1961 single “The Christmas Song,” a WNYC broadcast from 9/11, Ricky Martin’s hit 1999 single “Livin’ La Vida Loca,” Buena Vista Social Club’s 1997 self-titled debut, Bonnie Raitt’s Nick of Time, Linda Ronstadt’s Canciones de mi Padre, Journey’s Sopranos-featured “Don’t Stop Believin,’” Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” audio of Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run in 1974, and more.

“The National Recording Registry reflects the diverse music and voices that have shaped our nation’s history and culture through recorded sound,” Carla Hayden, Librarian of Congress, said Wednesday. “The national library is proud to help preserve these recordings, and we welcome the public’s input. We received about 1,000 public nominations this year for recordings to add to the registry.”