In lieu of a New Music Friday post, this week I took the liberty of compiling a list of 25 of my favorite singles by Black female artists, in order of release. To be included, a song need only have been released as an official single (vs. promo singles like Beyoncé's "Upgrade U"). In the interest of making this a pure celebration of the musical contributions of Black women, singles featuring male artists were not considered.
Toni Braxton - "Another Sad Love Song" (1993)
Missy Elliott - "Sock It 2 Me"(feat. Da Brat, 1997)
Mariah Carey - "The Roof" (1998)
Whitney Houston - "Heartbreak Hotel" (feat. Faith Evans & Kelly Price, 1998)
Sade - "By Your Side"(2000)
Foxy Brown - "Candy" (feat. Kelis, 2001)
Brandy - "What About Us?" (2002)
Beyoncé - "Me, Myself and I" (2003)
Ashanti - "Only U" (2004)
Kelly Rowland - "Dirty Laundry" (2013)
FKA twigs - "Video Girl" (2014)
Kelis - "Jerk Ribs" (2014)
Nicki Minaj - "Pills n Potions" (2014)
Ciara - "I Bet" (2015)
ABRA - "CRYBABY" (2016)
Kehlani - "Distraction" (2016)
Rihanna - "Kiss It Better" (2016)
Solange - "Cranes in the Sky" (2016)
Kelela - "LMK" (2017)
Summer Walker - "CPR" (2018)
SZA - "Garden (Say It Like Dat)" (2018)
Mariah the Scientist - "Reminders" (2019)
Chloe X Halle - "Do It" (2020)
Justine Skye - "No Options" (2020)
(Artwork by SAMBORGHINI)
Today we celebrate Breonna Taylor, a Black EMT whose life was cut far too short by the Louisville Metro Police Department, on what should've been her 27th birthday. Join me in completing as many of the action items listed as part of the #BirthdayForBreonna initiative as you can, and help ensure her name is not forgotten as her loved ones pursue justice.
And, by all means, share the songs you'd add to my list!
