20 iconic songs to help you celebrate Juneteenth

James Brown wants his fellow people to be proud of their Blackness on his 1968 single “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” In the first verse, he describes how Black people are often treated differently and unfairly than everyone else, and it’s time for them to take back their power. As he says, “Some people say we've got a lot of malice / Some say it's a lot of nerve / But I say we won't quit moving until we get what we deserve.”

In 2015, Kendrick Lamar released his third album To Pimp a Butterfly, which featured the hit single “Alright.” On the track, Lamar highlights the struggles people go through, but is still hoping for a better tomorrow. “Alright” became a major theme for the Black Lives Matter movement as many people could be heard chanting the song during protests to mourn the lives of Black people killed by the police. 

In 2001, Angie Stone delivered an uplifting message for Black men on her hit single “Brotha.” On the track, Stone reflects on how Black men are often judged, but she appreciates them for how they continue to persevere despite how they’re often perceived by the world. As she sings on the hook, “Black brotha, I love ya / And I'll never try to hurt ya / I want ya to know that I'm here for you, forever true, 'cause you're my / Black brotha, strong brotha.”

Sam Cooke’s 1964 track “A Change Is Gonna Come” is easily one of the most recognizable songs from the Civil Rights Movement. On the single, Cooke details dealing with hatred, segregation, and racism, as he’s still optimistic that better days are ahead. 

On Solange’s 2016 single “Don’t Touch My Hair,” the singer knows that hair in the Black community has often got Black people treated differently from others. Throughout history, Black people have been ridiculed and bullied for their hair. However, Solange believes that hair is a form of expression and shows the beauty of the Black community. 

In 2022, Rihanna's "Life Me Up" became the lead single on the soundtrack of the superhero film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. On the track, Rihanna describes the importance of having people who constantly uplift and keep each other safe.

In 1969, Nina Simone encouraged Black people to be present, while looking towards the future on “To Be Young, Gifted and Black.” As she sings on the track, “You are young, gifted, and Black / We must begin to tell our young, / ‘There's a world waiting for you / Yours is the quest that's just begun.’” 

When it comes to the girl group Sister Sledge, yes, all members are sisters, and their 1979 single “We Are Family” is all about keeping strong familial bonds. Written and produced by Chic members Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the song highlights how people should always look out for their family. 

In 2020, rapper CHIKA released her EP Industry Games, which featured the track “Crown.” On the song, CHIKA brings a powerful and uplifting message of working hard to reach her dreams. 

On June 19, 2020, Beyoncé released her single “Black Parade,” which was the perfect day to drop it, since it was indeed Juneteenth. On the track, Beyoncé reflects on her upbringing, appreciating her roots, while also being proud of her Black culture. As she sings on the bridge, “We got rhythm, we got pride / We birth kings, we birth tribes.”

Although Wale’s 2019 track “Sue Me” finds the rapper reflecting on his personal life and career, it’s the hook that always stands out to listeners. As he says on it, “Sue me, I'm rootin' for everybody that black / That's everybody from sports to college class to rap, I'm back.”

In 2015, soulful singer Andra Day released her breakthrough single “Rise Up.” On the track, Day reflects on the need to persevere despite how life brings its many challenges. As she sings on the first verse, “You're broken down and tired / Of living life on a merry-go-round / And you can't find the fighter / But I see it in you, so we gon' walk it out / And move mountains.”

In 2020, Beyoncé and Jay Z released their debut joint album, Everything Is Love. On the track “Black Effect,” the couple is all about being unapologetically themselves while highlighting their successes and being proud of their Blackness. As Beyoncé says on the second verse, “I'm good anywhere I go, anywhere I go / I pull up like the Freedom Riders, hop out on Rodeo / Stunt with your curls, your lips, Sarah Baartman hips / Gotta hop into my jeans like I hop into my whip, yeah / Mobbin' in a hoodie like Melo.”

In 2021, soulful singer Jon Batiste released his Grammy Award-winning album We Are. On the track “Freedom,” Batiste details the joy he feels of being free and unapologetic in who he is. 

When Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes released their single “Wake Up Everybody” in 1975, it’s fair to say that nobody knew its lyrics would stand the test of time. On the track, the group reflects on how the world needs to change its thinking and old ways if it wants the future to prosper. 

In 2016, Beyoncé released her sixth album Lemonade, which featured the Kendrick Lamar-assisted single “Freedom.” With themes of fighting for their rights, the song became an anthem for the Black Lives Matter movement. 

One of Janet Jackson’s most popular tracks came in 1989 when she released “Rhythm Nation.” Produced and co-written by Jackson’s frequent collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the track finds the singer demanding that people find of way to unite in order to make the world a better place. As she sings, “This is the test, no struggle, no progress / Lend a hand to help your brother do his best / Things are getting worse, we have to make them better / It's time to give a damn, let's work together.”

In 2021, D Smoke teamed up with Nephew Ric on their single “Kinfolk.” On the track, the two reflect on their upbringing, from their hairstyles to the different skin tones in the Black community. 

In 2016, Common released his eleventh album Black America Again, which featured the Bilal-assisted track “Letter to the Free.” On the track, the two reflect on how Black people had to endure slavery, while presently dealing with an institutionlized system. As Common says on the first verse, “We ain't seen as human beings with feelings / Will the U.S. ever be us?/ Lord willing! / For now we know, the new Jim Crow / They stop, search and arrest our souls / Police and policies patrol philosophies of control / A cruel hand taking hold.”

When it comes to Pharrell Williams’ solo career, he knows how to make anthems that can entice listeners. On his 2015 track “Freedom,” he encourages people to walk in their power and live unapologetically.