There’s nothing like a good song to get you going for the day, but there are some songs that just give a spiritual experience at a greater level. And then, there are the unofficial Black women anthems. The songs speak directly to the soul of Black women on levels not understood by anyone else. These are the songs that radiate vibes through the bass, lyrics, sass, wit, energy and umph that only a Black woman can provide and receive.
Here are eight songs by Black female musicians that get Black women hyped.
1. “Savage Remix” by Megan Thee Stallion and Beyoncé
The original version of “Savage” was enough to get us amped up, but when Meg slid Queen Bey on the remix, it was sheer pandemonium. From very relatable references like jumping to put jeans on to the reminder that women can be simultaneously bad af without competing with each other, the remix swiftly landed in the hearts of Black women.
2. “Get Me Bodied” by Beyoncé
Clearly, we know that this entire list could be made up entirely of Beyoncé songs. “Get Me Bodied” makes the cut, because who can forget how adorable it was to watch Yoncé and Solange hit all the dance moves together on Homecoming. While it may have already been an endearing party song for most Black women, the sister vibes set it off the radar.
3. “I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
Here’s an oldie but goodie. Whitney Houston’s 1993 remake of Chaka Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” immediately became a hit. With a fun video featuring other Black women singers, including Khan, who also does the background vocals on the song, Houston’s ’90s update added extra layers of necessary sass to a classic women’s empowerment tune.
4. “Good as Hell” by Lizzo
The way this song makes you feel is literally in the title. Lizzo struck diamonds with her hit “Good as Hell,” and to make things even sweeter, she filmed the official video on the campus of Southern University and A&M College and featured actual students and its renowned Human Jukebox.
5. “Bodak Yellow” by Cardi B
Cardi B is always a vibe, so it’s no surprise that as soon as the bass drops on “Bodak Yellow,” everyone who knows the lyrics invokes the rapper’s spirit, grits their teeth and simultaneously goes word for word with her.
6. “Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige gives her all each time she jumps in the booth. Her fans have experienced every emotion with her throughout her career and personal life that has been reflected in her music. So when the queen of hip-hop and R&B soul blazed through to assure everyone that she was “Just Fine,” MJB fans were like, “Girl, us too — whew!”
7. “Golden” by Jill Scott
Jill Scott has a smile of gold, so it’s no wonder that she has convinced everyone to live life like it’s “Golden.” The high-powered, full-voice song can be interpreted in many different ways leaving the word golden up to the listener’s discretion, as long as said listener knows to choose destination happiness in the end.
8. “It’s Like That” by Mariah Carey
The queen of shade, Mariah Carey, took a temporary step back from working on music only to reemerge in 2005 with a timeless girlie club banger that can get anyone ready to floss, but especially its intended audience: Black women. “It’s Like That” with its tongue-in-cheek lyrics, gives so many petty one-liners that a full verse is enough to make you feel flawless and leave you with room to diss a hater at the same time.
This list is a legit dance party. These are just a few of the songs that make you feel like your body momentarily leaves earth only to return to a greater, more energetic and enthusiastic version of yourself.
