First declared by former President Jimmy Carter in 1979, June is Black Music Appreciation Month, an annual event in the United States that honors African-American music. To celebrate, we’ve compiled a songlist that highlights some of the industry’s most legendary black artists and influential names. From Tina Turner’s robust vocals in “Proud Mary” to Beyoncé’s uplifting track “Freedom” with Kendrick Lamar, scroll down to browse our selection and save the playlist to Spotify.

While you’re here, check out our Pride Month playlist.

“Get up” – Andra’s Day

As part of his debut studio album Long live the fall, Andra Day’s “Rise Up” was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 58th Grammy Awards in 2016. With Day’s raw emotion and wide vocal range, the track inspires listeners to keep going, no matter what the sound of it. life their reserve

“Freedom” – Beyoncé ft. Kendrick Lamar

Beyoncé made waves in the industry with her 2016 record Lemonade. One of the most notable songs on the album is “Freedom”, featuring Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar. Written by Jonny Coffer, Beyoncé, Carla Marie Williams, Dean McIntosh and Lamar, the track features excerpts from Kaleidoscope’s “Let Me Try”, “Collection Speech / Unidentified Lining Hymn” recorded by Alan Lomax in 1959 and performed by Reverend RC Crenshaw, and “Stewball” recorded by Alan Lomax and John Lomax, Sr. in 1947.

“Don’t Touch My Hair” – Solange ft. Sampha

Before the release of his third studio album A seat at the table, Solange wrote some personal essays on her Saint Heron website, breaking down the posts for her project. One of them, titled “And do you belong?” I Do, ”explains the concept behind Solange’s song“ Don’t Touch My Hair ”:“ You and your friends have been called the N-word, have been approached like prostitutes and you have had their hair touched in a predominantly white bar just around the corner of the same place.

“Proud Marie” – Tina Turner

An iconic song that gets everyone on their feet, “Proud Mary” was the cover that made Tina Turner a household name. Originally released in 1969. the song was written by John Fogerty and was first recorded by his band Creedence Clearwater Revival. Turner and his partner Ike created their own interpretation in 1971, which they included on their album. Work together. The track reached No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts two months after its debut.

“I can’t breathe” – SHE

Following the murder of George Floyd and the widespread Black Lives Matter protests that followed, HER released a track titled “I Can’t Breathe” in June 2020. The single was accompanied by the release of a music video containing images of global protests. “Start a war, shout ‘Peace’ at the same time / All the corruption, injustice, the same crimes”, sings the artist.

“We Found Love” – Rihanna ft. Calvin harris

While fans patiently wait for Rihanna to release new singles, her old music still has as much impact as it did when it first came out. Written and produced by Calvin Harris, “We Found Love” is one of the artist’s best works as it combines elements of dance-pop, techno and europop.

“On & On” – Erykah Badu

Neo-soul singer Erykah Badu’s “On & On” held No. 1 on the US Billboard Hot R & B / Hip-Hop Songs chart for two weeks after its 1997 release. On the song, the artist combines elements of the African culture and the Middle Ages. Oriental influences, while retaining its soul aura.

“Gossip Folks” – Missy Elliott ft. Ludacris

Missy Elliott wrote “Gossip Folks” in response to rumors about her personal life. Keeping with the theme of the song, the clip directed by Dave Meyers stars Elliott as a high school student walking down the hall while the other kids are talking behind his back.

“Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys

“Girl On Fire”, one of Alicia Keys’ signature songs, is an R&B ballad like no other. While the track has received two popular remixes, including Inferno Remix with Nicki Minaj and a Bluelight Remix, the original edition demonstrates Key’s calming yet powerful vocals.

“Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday

Written and composed by Abel Meeropol and recorded by legendary jazz and swing artist Billie Holiday in 1939, “Strange Fruit” protests against the lynching of blacks in America. “Southern trees bear strange fruit / Blood on the leaves and blood at the root / Black bodies swaying in the southern breeze / Strange fruits hanging from the poplars,” Holiday sings, comparing the victims to the fruits of the trees.

HYPEBAE Black Music Appreciation Month Playlist: