Billie Holiday – “Strange Fruit”

A classic record in every sense of the word, Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” strikes a necessary chord with each listen. Recorded and released during a time in the U.S. where cruel acts of racism were at an all-time high, Billie’s beautiful voice made it clear and evident that a severe change was needed. Symbolic for the individuals that were lynched during and before that time, the raw nature of “Strange Fruit” is something that needs to be heard.

Marvin Gaye – “What’s Going On”

One of many noteworthy records in Marvin Gaye’s amazing catalog, “What’s Going On” just may be among the most popular of those songs. Inspired by a police brutality incident witnessed by one of the song’s cowriters, Renaldo Benson, “What’s Going On” went on to take a life of its own and signifies the importance of coming together as a people without acts of violence and anything else that’s looked at as harmful. Going on to be remade and re-purposed for other positive causes, the same sentiments that Marvin Gaye felt back then are still felt by millions across the world in 2017.

Grandmaster Flash – “The Message”

It’s not Black History Month without highlighting contributions from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five. Released at the start of the 80’s, what makes this record so significant is its relating content that not only the people that grew up in that time period can connect with, but the in-depth depiction of the popular mindset of the time and overall Hip-Hop culture. A pioneer and Hip-Hop staple, Grandmaster Flash’s “The Message” gives us classic 80’s Hip-Hop.

Queen Latifah – “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Take a moment and breathe a sigh of remembrance for the greatness of the 90’s. A time of Hip-Hop dominance, women like Queen Latifah worked to represent and put on strong for the ladies. Releasing “U.N.I.T.Y.,” the track can be highlighted and appreciated as the Black Feminist anthem of that era. Although its message is still very much relevant, the timely drop of this record tackled various misogynistic themes head first. A queen, indeed, Queen Latifah is appreciated.

Nas – “If I Ruled The World” (Feat. Lauryn Hill)

Taken from Nas’s second studio album, It Was Written, the rapper blessed us all with his Lauryn Hill-assisted record, “If I Ruled The World.” Sampling Whodini’s “Friends,” everything that surrounds the record is nothing short of hope and a wishes for better. Rapping of a world where people that look just like him would go on to excel and be powerful, “If I Ruled The World” is very much apart of the soundtrack for hope and change for Black America.

OutKast – “Rosa Parks”

The first single from OutKast’s widely loved album, Aquemini, “Rosa Parks” is all things feel-good. A party anthem that blends Hip-Hop and Country without a single hiccup, we can’t fail to mention that while partial controversy surrounded the song due to its title, “Rosa Parks” is just another example of how Black people can turn an unfortunate aspect, word, or situation, into a moment of endearment and empowerment. Completely flipping what was used to degrade and separate us, OutKast gave the back of the bus a different power.