It’s still Pride Month, and we’re still celebrating our Black LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters. With June also being Black Music Month, we’re also shining a light on our Black musicians. We’re excited to celebrate some of our favorite songs that celebrate Black, queer love.
It’s always beautiful when artists can reflect reality in their music, especially when folks from marginalized communities can connect with it. Black love is a lovely sight to witness and includes Black, queer love. So, we’ve decided to compile a list of songs that celebrate the highs (and lows) of Black, queer love. Check it out below.
1. "You're So Beautiful" by the cast of "Empire"
This song was so good that one forgot it was from a fictional television series. Jussie Smollett and his Empire colleagues created an anthem that celebrates Black love between queer couples and a body-positive movement. In the song, Smollett assures his lover of how beautiful they are because of their curves, not in spite. It’s the inclusivity for me!
2. "Kiss the Boy" by Keiynan Lonsdale
Suppose you’ve ever had anxiety about taking a relationship to the next level; this one is for you. Keiynan Lonsdale created the perfect song describing what it’s like to move forward in a queer relationship while unpacking the internalized queerphobia many LGBTQ+ folks deal with.
3. "Montero (Call Me By Your Name)" by Lil Nas X
Lil Nas X has proven time and time again how talented he is in the art of storytelling. This song and music video finds Lil Nas X, amid fiery theatrics, pining for his lover to be more open. When asked about the song’s meaning, Lil Nas X previously said it was about a relationship he had with a closeted man.
4. "Material Girl" by Saucy Santana
Saucy Santana radiates the confidence that we should all aspire to have. In this playful take on Madonna’s cult classic, Santana makes it clear that his romantic partner needs to come correct when it comes to courting the superstar. Over a catchy hook, Santana lets it be known that he is to be treated with the utmost respect.
5. "Pynk" by Janelle Monáe
We don’t deserve Janelle Monáe and her greatness. In “Pynk,” Monáe celebrates the beauty of women’s bodies through this great anthem. So often, Black love is described in the romantic sense, but we had to include this video as Monáe showcases Black love in the form of self-love.
6. "Bisexual Anthem" by Domo Wilson
Domo Wilson has charisma, bars and a hit on her hands. In “Bisexual Anthem,” Wilson details her experience being bisexual in a way that celebrates it. Not to mention the flaming hot bars that are a welcomed addition.
7. "Baby Can I Hold You" by Tracy Chapman
Sing, Tracy! Sometimes it can be hard to articulate just how you’re feeling to your partner, and Tracy sums it up fabulously in this song.
8. "My Love" by HAWA
HAWA is one of the most eclectic artists of our generation, but she still goes through relationship problems like the rest of us. In “My Love,” HAWA describes the song’s inspiration as a situation in which she fell in love with someone who betrayed her.
These songs are not only certified bops, but they perfectly capture the beauty of Black love in LGBTQ+ relationships. We’re excited to see these artists continue to push the bounds of creativity.
