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Even though most of us celebrate being Black all day, every day — tis’ the season to honor our people publicly and unapologetically.
It’s officially Black History Month, the 28 days out of the year when the entire country realizes that Black people invented everything useful in the world, contributed to society in the most important ways and are the reason for all the seasons. This month is a month of pride, accomplishments and endless celebrations of our culture.
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And what’s a Black celebration without good music?
Black people have contributed to music and entertainment in the most significant ways. We have been the blueprint for all genres, including blues, pop and rock & roll. We have dominated the charts as singers, rappers and producers and we are the curators of all things cool. If that’s not enough, we’re dropping the best Black Power anthems the world has ever heard. Hit the flip for some tunes that’ll have you feeling proud, woke and wanting to two-step at the same time.
Public Enemy – Fight The Power
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You can’t talk about Black History Month, Black Pride or anything in between without bringing up Public Enemy’s classic 1990 hit, “Fight The Power”. The song appeared on their “Fear of a Black Planet” album.
Kendrick Lamar – Alright
If you ever needed some dope music that made you feel your most authentic black self, Kendrick Lamar will always come through. We’ve got two K. Dot tracks off the same album that are guaranteed to help you kick off your Black History Month right.
First we have “Alright”, which pretty much served as an anthem for young Black people all 2015.
Then we have….
Kendrick Lamar – The Blacker The Berry
“The Blacker The Berry” is another favorite off “To Pimp A Butterfly” which will have you feeling yourself in all your black glory.
KRS One & The Stop The Violence Movement – Self Destruction
KRS One is a legend in these hip hop streets and so is his classic “Self Destruction” track.
Marvin Gaye – What’s Going On
Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On” is an anthem that has transcended generations and will continue to do so until our great grand kids have great grand kids.
Nas Ft. Lauryn Hill – If I Ruled The World
Imagine what you would do if you ruled the world. Nas teams up with Lauryn Hill to give a timeless classic off his 1996 album “It Was Written”.
Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit
Before Kanye West sampled this song for “Blood On The Leave”, it was all about Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit”. The song is about the lynching of Black bodies. It’s powerful to say the least.
Gil Scott-Heron & Brian Jackson – A Toast to the People
Beyoncé – Freedom
Beyonce gave us a few Black Pride tracks on her “Lemonade” album. One was, of course, “Formation” and the other, the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Freedom”
Tupac – Keep Your Head Up
If you ever feel down, this song will lift your spirts. Remember, Tupac cares if don’t nobody else care.
Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come
Sam Cooke motivates the massive with one of his most powerful songs, “A Change Is Gonna Come”.
India Arie – I Am Not My Hair
We’re wearing our natural curls and kinks all year, kings and queens. India Arie made us fall in love with our hair and it’s the perfect way to cap off this playlist.
