The Magic Black Women Bring To Music

When you think of songs by Whitney Houston what comes to mind first? I will always love you? Greatest love of all? What if I told you that both of those songs actually weren’t written by her? Seems to be common knowledge these days but what about Hounddog by Elvis Presley? Did you know that it was originally written and performed by an artist named Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton? Believe it or not a song that influenced the entire genre of Rock & Roll was written by a black woman. Unfortunately a lot black artists don’t get the credit they deserve. In the past few years there has been a trend of giving people their flowers while they are here to smell them so without any further ado I’d like to start with Ms Anita Baker. My mom is a huge Anita Baker fan so much so that songs like “Same Ole Love”, “Angel'' and of course “Giving You The Best That I Got” seemed more like morning alarms than chart topping singles. I would see how just hearing the melody of her songs put my mom in a sense of tranquility. As a young kid I remember hearing these songs and thinking that when i’m old enough to love I want to make someone feel as if their problems are weightless and nothing is as bad as it seems. If it costs your peace of mind then it’s too expensive. I guess my mom and artists like Anita Baker are to blame for me having an old soul. 90s hip-hop is arguably the most influential decade in music history. With artists such as Tupac Shakur, Jay-Z and OutKast topping the charts it’s clear to see how they paved the way for today’s sound; however you’d be remiss not to mention the impact black women had during the 90s. Missy Elliott might be one of the most creative artists from the genre with her eye catching visuals and catchy lyrics. Writing and producing songs for other artists seems inevitable with Missy’s level of talent so to hear that she has written songs for people such as Aaliyah, Jazmine Sullivan Beyoncé and even Whitney Houston. Missy’s influence can be seen today in artists like Rico Nasty and Doja Cat. Quick question. What would the fugees be without Lauryn Hill? Not sure? Well luckily you’d never have to think about it because Lauryn Hill along with Pras and Wyclef Jean brought their own unique flavor to the already popular genre which is 90s hip-hop. With classic songs like “Ready Or Not” and “Killing Me Softly” it’s not hard to see why Lauryn Hill’s debut album went on to be an immense success. As of February 2021 Lauryn Hill has become the first female rapper to have a certified diamond album with “Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill” officially selling over 10 million copies. Crazy, Sexy Cool isn’t just a catchy combination of words but the name of another diamond certified album by the all female group TLC comprised of T-boz, Chilli and the late Lisa”Lefteye Lopez. Together these three black women added an all new layer to an already emerging sound of black women in hip hop. Honestly how can you not dance just a little bit when ”No Scrubs” comes on.If you include other groups like SWV, Total, Xscape, En Vogue and Destiny’s Child it’s clear to see how dominant black women were in music during the 90s. I would like to think that the legacy that black women have cemented in music is certainly in good hands. The black women in music today have taken styles from those before,made it their own and are providing their audience with soon to be classics. Whether your flavor is more H.E.R or Jhene Aiko over Meg The Stallion black women can deliver whatever it is. To anyone who hasn’t experienced the magic that black women can bring to a song let me help you.

Dangerously In Love(Beyoncé)

Every Kind Of Way (H.E.R)

Always Be My Baby (Mariah Carey)

You Bring Me Joy( Anita Baker)

If Only You Knew (Patti Labelle)

Those 5 songs showcase how even just listening to songs about love can make you feel as if you’re experiencing everything they’re talking about even if you’ve never been in love.

Optimistic (Sounds Of Blackness)

Doo-Wop (Lauryn Hill)

I Am Not My Hair(India Arie)

U.N.I.T.Y (Queen Latifah)

Morning Glory (Kehlani)

Songs like this were meant to inspire and motivate not just young black women but the would to be comfortable, confident and know that opinions of others don’t make you any less of a beautiful person.

Love On Top (Beyoncé)

I’m Your Baby Tonight(Whitney Houston)

Sittin’ Up In My Room (Brandy)

Session 32(Summer Walker)

Bare With Me(Teyana Taylor)

Lastly is a list of a few personal favorites of mine. Honestly after writing this paper I realized black women are a lot greater than even I give them credit for. Hopefully black women get more recognition and accolades because they are more than deserving of it.

Written By

Cleveland Clark