As the debate surrounding NFL player Colin Kaepernick and his protest of the national anthem continues, it forces us to think about the patriotic tune that we’ve been singing since childhood. Does this song, with a racist history speak to you and for you? Several of you have already taken to social media to list the songs that resonate with you other than the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
I called on a few friends to compile my own list of 31 anthems that speak to me outside of the “Star-Spangled Banner”.
1. Juvenile – “Back That A$$ Up”
2. UGK – “International Players Anthem”
3. DMX – “Ruff Ryders Anthem”
4. Trillville – “Neva Eva”
5. Gucci Mane – “I Think I Love Her”
6. DG Yola – “Ain’t Gone Let Up”
7. Junior Mafia ft. Notorious BIG – “Get Money”
8. Frankie Beverly and Maze – “Before I Let Go”
9. Lil Boosie ft. Foxx and Webbie – Wipe Me Down
10. Future – “March Madness”
11. T.I. – “Bring ‘Em Out”
12. Jermaine Dupri – “Welcome To Atlanta (Coast 2 Coast Remix)”
13. DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Rick Ross, and Snoop Dogg – “All I Do Is Win”
14. F.L.Y. – “Swag Surfin”
15. “Roscoe Dash – All The Way Turnt Up ft. Soulja Boy”
16. Beyonce – “Formation”
17. Nas ft. Puff Daddy – “Hate Me Now”
18. C-Murder ft. Magic and Snoop Dogg – “Down 4 My N’s”
19. Yung Joc – “It’s Goin’ Down”
20. Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
21. Kanye West – “Can’t Tell Me Nothing”
22. Jay-Z – “Dirt Off Your Shoulder”
23. Webbie ft. Lil’ Boosie and Lil’ Phat – “Independent”
24. Ali ft. Nelly – “Breathe In, Breathe Out”
25. Yung Wun ft. DMX and David Banner – “Tear It Up”
26. Cassidy ft. Swizz Beatz – “My Drink N’ My 2 Step”
27. Usher ft. Lil Jon and Ludacris – “Yeah”
28. Young Jeezy ft. Nas – “My President is Black”
29. Angie Martinez, Lil Kim, Left Eye, Da Brat & Missy Elliott – “Ladies Night”
30. Young Jeezy – “Put On ft. Kanye West”
31. Trick Daddy Feat. Twista & Lil’ Jon – “Let’s Go”
Honorable Mention: Countess Vaughn – “Do You Love Him”
Honorable Mention: Countess Vaughn – “Do You Love Him”
Of course we can never forget our true anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing”. At a time where we need more laughs and feel-good moments hopefully, this list does that for you.
Let us know what anthems speak to you outside of the “Star-Spangled Banner” below in the comments.
