Photo by: (Left) Aretha Franklin by Jack Robinson/Getty Images. (Middle) Whitney Houston by Dave Hogan/Getty Images. (Right) Mary J. Blige by Ethan Miller/Getty Images.
This is for our ladies!
Every woman needs a playlist to not celebrate herself but to celebrate other women and Women’s History Month.
The ladies of hip-hop and R&B have given us classic songs that empower us all. Whether it’s Mary J. Blige telling you to take her as she is or Queen Latifah reinforcing that Black women are queens.
The following tracks are some of our favorites to honor Women’s History Month!
1. “U.N.I.T.Y” by Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah dropped major gems when she released her hit single “U.N.I.T.Y.”
She spoke out against the mistreatment of women in society, bringing up problems like domestic abuse, street harassment, and sexism in hip-hop culture.
And we CANNOT thank her enough!
2. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin
Originally an Otis Redding song, the late Aretha Franklin gave us a new meaning of respect when she gave the song a new arrangement!
After she brazenly demanded that her partner respect her in the hit song, the single spent two weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart, prompting Rolling Stone to write, “Aretha Franklin has shot out of nowhere and become Lady Soul.”
3. “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan
After the iconic Ashford and Simpson wrote “I’m Every Woman” Chaka Khan knew she had a lifetime hit!
Every time we hear this song, we can’t help but to dig into our feminine side and belt along the legend, Chaka Khan!
Whether you’re 25 or 98, EVERY woman appreciates this hit.
4. “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
Ahh, you know we LIVE for an excellent cover, that does the original track justice!
And the late Whitney Houston did just that when she re-recorded Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman!”
Houston, who served as Khan’s backup vocalist on her 1980 album “Naughty”, recorded her version of the song for the soundtrack to “The Bodyguard.” And with the powerful voices that both women have we can’t help but to STAN both versions.
5. “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill is one of the best rappers of all time!
She has repeatedly shown and proved that quality triumphs over quantity, despite only having released one studio album.
Even though several songs from “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” are still widely popular, “Doo-Wop (That Thing)” is still gets us in our bag every Women’s History Month.
6. “Take Me as I Am” by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige can do no wrong in our eyes!
As many of us, acceptance is important. And sometimes, in order to gain acceptance we feel like we need to change ourselves for others’ validation.
In “Take Me as I Am,” Mary is saying no more, either she will be accepted as she is, or those that want her to change won’t have any access to her.
And we’ve been living by this message ever since!
7. “Conceited” by Remy Ma
Remy Ma gave us all a reason to feel ourselves when she dropped “Conceited!”
No matter where you hear this song, you can’t help but to feel like you’re beautiful, confident, and happy.
8. Run the World (Girls)” by Beyonce
Now, what would a Women’s History Month playlist be if we didn’t include Beyonce?!
Beyonce had us in a hold when she dropped “Run the World,” from the iconic dance number to the lyrics this song makes us happy all day long because we DO run the world!
9. “Unpretty” by TLC
“Unpretty” by TLC truly is timeless!
Although there are some days when we don’t like what’s in the mirror, we can count on TLC to remind us that we don’t need any enhancements to feel beautiful.
10. “Independent Women PT.1” by Destiny’s Child
The song is for all of our independent ladies!
Destiny’s Child ATE on this track!
Thanks to this amazing trio, they taught us that we can purchase and rock anything we want, therefore we don’t need a man to rescue us.
11. “Not Tonight (Ladies Night) Remix” by Lil Kim, Angie Martinez, Da Brat, Left Eye, and Missy Elliott
It’s always “ladies night” whether they play this iconic BOP!
To showcase sisterhood amongst female rappers, Lil Kim, Angie Martinez, Da Brat AND Missy Elliott came together to give us this gem.
12. “Golden” by Jill Scott
When Ms. Jill Scott released “Golden” she had us all living our lives like its golden!
Whether it’s at home, the workplace, or even romantic situations women can stuck and, in a rut, but our girl Jill shown us that we can all live freely.
13. “Control” by Janet Jackson
In terms of the desire to defy familial expectations and take control of her life, Janet Jackson’s 1986 hit song “Control” represented a turning point.
“Control” is nothing short of a classic anthem of independence that taught us to make our own decisions, our way, and we’ve been enjoying calling all the shots ever since!
14. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross
Diana Ross has never been afraid to assert herself in any situation, and we cannot thank her enough!
“I’m Coming Out,” does the perfect job of emphasizing the sensation of having a fresh perspective on life and how one portrays themselves to others.
15. “Q.U.E.E.N.” by Janelle Monae ft Erykah Badu
Erykah Badu and Janelle Monae have a history of defying convention and blazing their own paths!
“Q.U.E.E.N.” emphasizes the value of people being authentically themselves.
Everyone should love themselves even if it offends others. Remember, everyone will always have opinions, but true QUEENS live fearlessly.
