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Music is way too powerful to just be used as an entertainment tool. There should be a healthy balance between entertainment and empowerment. In the spirit of Bob Marley, it would be rewarding for many generations to come if musicians and artists employ songs filled with encouragement, hope, and positivity.
We’ve compiled a list of songs that embody those exact sentiments. Songs that are odes to the strength and power of Black women. Rap songs that are a refreshing break from the misogynistic lyrics that have defined this genre of music for decades. In these records, we hear ourselves being called queens and our natural beauty celebrated. From Common to Lauryn Hill, take a look at these 13 songs that sent the message that Black girls rock and let us know which is your favorite Hip-Hop song that celebrates Black women.
Common “The Light”
Most of us fell in love with Common in the year 2000 when he released “The Light.” Over a smooth beat the then 28-year-old rapped about love, called us queens and made it a point to recognize his lover as his equal. The music video featured a young Erykah Badu.
“I’ll never call you my b*tch or even my boo, there’s so much in the name and so much more in you.”
