MUST Listen to Songs for 2025's Black History Month

 

Photo by Cottonbro Studio: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-standing-near-the-rack-6865913/

   Hey, everyone! Even though we don't have Trump's approval--whatever that means--for the Black History Month celebration, it doesn't mean we can't celebrate it. If you're planning a cool party or want to consciously ensure that your dollars are reaching Black wallets, tune in to my song recommendations (and drop recommendations if you know of anything better). 

1. Sticky (feat. GloRilla, Sexyy Red & Lil Wayne) by Tyler, The Creator

I discovered this song after running into it numerous times on my Facebook feed. It's a vibe if you're looking for one and offers a wide range of artists and styles. I've played this song at least 20 times this week, and each time I become more enthralled. It's insanely catchy. I highly recommend getting yourself in that energy before school or work...whatever. It's a quick pick-me-up before any occasion. 

2. Pink Matter (feat. André 3000) by Frank Ocean

Frank Ocean has such a beautiful voice. He makes me feel like I'm closer to the earth's surface. I'm positive that after a long day of dealing with ignorance and snarky comments, you'll find peace within his voice...like I do. Each word invokes some pleasure. ;)

Photo by Jomigraphy: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-black-denim-jacket-listening-to-headphones-9383037/

3. Rhythm of the Night by Corona

If you appreciate disco--much like me to some degree, you should appreciate some good Corona. Lol! The beats remind me so much of the club life of the 90's. It's very loose and you can get crazy without having to listen deeply to some lyrics. You can just get crazy, jump around, feel free, and so on. Tell me what you think of this recommendation but this song always gets me up and moving around. 

4. 30 for 30 (with Kendrick Lamar) by SZA

The lyrics are relatable af on a much deeper level but the beat be having me in my best mood. I stumbled across this song on Facebook (Thank God), and I've been listening to it repeatedly since then. If you haven't listened to it yet, what are you waiting for?! It's definitely a vibe for this month. 

5. Make It Last Forever (feat. Jacci McGhee)

Now we cannot celebrate the present without acknowledging the past. I know some of y'all will remember this song. If not, ask ya mama. This is a hit, and if you weren't jamming to it before, you'll definitely have this on repeat now. It'll get you in your feels (the good feels) and invoke some positivity with some easygoing beats. Feel and embrace the rhythm and make it last forever and ever. 

Photo by Diva Plavalaguna: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-a-woman-lying-on-a-sofa-while-listening-to-music-5711714/

6. Sticky by Ravyn Lenae

Yep. This is a different song but it's much funkier than the Sticky by Tyler, The Creator--much funkier. It reminds me of a cheetah print comforter, gogo boots, and a kinky afro. Ravyn ate this up! Don't sleep on this song. Let me know if you've heard this song already, though. This has been one of my favorites since I discovered it a couple of years ago. She has another song called 'Skin Tight'. That's also good. She's a lyrical genius and conveys unique situations through each of her songs. I'm sure that you'll find it relatable--if not, it makes for a good slow song. What do you think? Message me and let me know. 

7. It Was a Good Day by Ice Cube 

This is an old-school gem. Bro had a good day and thought why not thank God and make a song. I discovered this song years ago and had no idea that I'd heard this song a million times in my life. Ice Cube is insanely talented, man. It's a shame that this isn't talked about as much. 

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-man-listening-to-music-5703539/

*8. Anyone Who Knows What Love Is (Will Understand) by Irma Thomas

Anybody else hear the cover of this from Black Mirror? I had to Google and find the singer, and God does she have a beautiful voice. This is an old-school love song. For the ones that get it, get it...you know the rest. When I'm feeling the love in my heart and soul, this is the song I run to. It's genuine, heartfelt, and raw. I can't think of another song that could compare. If you try love, you'll understand.:')

*9. Don't Worry, Be Happy by Bobby McFerrin

I know that these are trying times for my brothers and sisters, but "Don't worry. Be happy". Know that with every storm comes a rainbow and with every rainbow comes a storm, but we know how to resolve this. We've only been through trying times a million times. Find a friend. Seek support. You're loved. With unison, we're undefeatable. History will tell you that. :-)

    On that note, I hope you appreciate my recommended list of songs for some of our Black History Month celebrations. I'm open to recommendations. I'm always looking for new music to listen to so you can comment at the bottom and let me know if I should add or leave it as is. Also, let me know of some songs that you'd recommend that I listen to. I'm always looking for new music. :* Peace and love!

-Anonymous Myia