Public Enemy – Fight The Power
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 grandkids have great grandkids.
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 for a timeless classic off his 1996 album “It Was Written”.
Billie Holiday – Strange Fruit
Before Kanye West sampled this song for “Blood On The Leaves,” 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
Gil Scott-Heron and Brian Jackson come together to relay a powerful message to the people.
Beyoncé – Freedom
Beyoncé gave us a few Black Pride tracks on her Lemonade album. One, of course, was “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 does.
Sam Cooke – A Change Is Gonna Come
Sam Cooke motivates the masses 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.
