As we go into the weekend to celebrate the mother’s in our lives, I began thinking about how dope women are. We are raising children, getting degrees, mastering our careers, and…dealing with a society that likes to pretend that we are less than we are. Yawn. So as we celebrate motherhood, let’s celebrate the right way with some women’s empowerment music. We got a mix of old school, new school, real, and raw from our favorite women artists. Because, who runs world? Girls!
Ladies First by Queen Latifah & Monie Love
The namesake song for our playlist! It’s been almost 28 years since the Queen made her official music debut and dropped the hip hop women’s anthem that we can still rock with today. She, along with Monie Love, were spitting nothing but facts on the track that promoted empowerment and respect. “A woman can bear you break you take you. Now it’s time to rhyme can you relate to. A sister dope enough to make you holler and scream.”
Other hip hop tracks you’ll love: U.N.I.T.Y – Queen Latifah, Ain’t Nothing but A She Thang – Salt N’ Pepa
I Am Woman by MC Lyte
“I am Woman. Hear me roar.” Enough said. This track by one of the most legendary female MC’s was an ode to being a force in a male dominated world. So basically, what we go through on a daily basis. Half conceited and half confident, this song is a reminder that we should never play small.
Other tracks for the women who hold their own: Independent Women – Destiny’s Child, Bossy – Kelis
Superwoman by Alicia Keys
As a working mother and wife who has a lot of trouble in the balance department, “Superwoman” is the last title I feel like I can–or want if we’re being real–to hold. But the truth is, as women, many days (even on our worst) we’re superwoman in some capacity. I’ll own that title this weekend! “Even when I’m a mess, I still put on a vest, with an S on my chest. Oh yes, I’m a Superwoman.”
Other tracks to for the superwomen: I’m Every Woman – Whitney Houston, More than a Woman – Aaliyah
None of Your Business by Salt-N-Pepa
Whew! Now talk about a song that was before it’s time. These ladies were rapping about female sexuality and empowerment before it was a thing. This iconic track flipped everything we saw in Hip Hop on its head with women taking the lead, taking control, and owning their bodies. “So the moral of this story is: Who are you to judge?” The lyrics and video to match, even though they are over 20 years old, are still so relevant for women today.
Other tracks to add for the ladies who keep it real: Nasty – Janet Jackson, Certainly – Erykah Badu
Ladies Night by Lil’ Kim ft. Da Brat, Missy Elliot, Angie Martinez & Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes
Lil’ Kim gathered all the ladies for this one and we love her for it. Ladies Night was a classic 90’s track that was an ode to sisterhood. “Oh this is ladies night, and the feel is right. Oh this is ladies night, oh what a night (oh what a night)!” I know womanhood isn’t an easy and that’s exactly why every now and then we need a good turn up with our tribe.
Other tracks for your ladies night: Who Runs the World – Beyonce, Where My Girls At – 702
Enjoy and mama’s don’t forget to celebrate yourselves this weekend!
