2016 came crashing down on us something terrible. We've (unwillingly) ushered a new administration into our government that continuously strikes against the basic civil rights of our black men, women and youth. For those of us old enough to truly understand, it's an eery repeat of history beginning to unfold. But if there's one thing we should know, it's that we're a resilient people. Right now, we've got to take care of us. As an ode to black culture during Black History Month, let's make sure we implement one of the most important aspects of self care: having fun.

So let's turn up, because we have engrained in our very DNA the inborn ability to turn lemons into lemonade. 

Photo: Lemonade

It's always going to be a good time when black people gather at the function. We're typically in good company, eating great food, having drinks and always turning the dance floor into our own personal stage. Now we can only do that to some essential black tunes so…

Here are 16 black songs that you are guaranteed to hear and dance to at the function:

1. "Wobble" – V.I.C.

The song that'll make anyone get up and dance. 

2. "Real Love" – Mary J. Blige

Because you can't forget to hit your MJB jig. 

3. "Candy" – Cameo

No words are needed for this one. 

4. "Ignition (REMIX)" – R. Kelly

We know that you know all the words to this song. 

5. "Juicy" – Notorious B.I.G.

The function isn't a function with out some Biggie. 

6. "Before I Let Go" – Maze ft. Frankie Beverly

Also known as the official black family anthem. 

7. "I Just Wanna Love U" – Jay-Z

A HOV track is essential. 

8. "Cha Cha Slide Part II" – Mr. C

This was "Wobble" before "Wobble." 

9. "Doo Doo Brown" – Uncle Luke

What y'all know about this!?

10. "Back Dat A** Up" – Juvenile

Sure to get anyone to twerk and the Greeks to stroll.

11. "Lose Control" – Missy Elliott

The dynamic duo of Missy and Ciara at their finest.

12. "One Thing" – Amerie

Y'all slept on Amerie's hits! 

13. "Rock With You" – Michael Jackson

The function isn't complete without MJ.

14. "This Is How We Do It" – Montell Jordan

The official 90s anthem…along with "Poison."

 

15. "Return of the Mack" – Mark Morrison

We're always gonna vibe out to this. 

16. "No Scrubs" – TLC

You always have to end the function with this anthem. 

IT'S LIT!