Queen Latifah, “Ladies First” (1989)
This is a hip-hop classic. Latifah inspired million with her women’s anthem “Ladies First.” With Monie Love joining her on the track, Latifah stressed the power of women uniting, as she challenged misogyny in hip-hop and the culture at large. The video was a perfect complement to the song with Latifah knocking down men on a chessboard-type battlefield. This track will definitely prepare you for the revolution, as La said, “They see a woman standing up on her own two / Sloppy slouching is something I won’t do.”
Janet Jackson, “The Knowledge” (1989)
You might think of Janet Jackson as a sexy pop icon, but in 1989 she fused pop music and social issues with Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814. The album tackled drugs, gun violence, homelessness and more. In “The Knowledge,” Janet stressed the importance of education with an incredible hook and simple but powerful lyrics, “To get over get better / Try to be the possessor / Of the one thing we all need in life / To succeed take my advice / Get the knowledge (that you really want).” Well said, Janet. Another act of resistance is knowledge and education.
Eight Songs By Black Women To Inspire Your Revolutionary Spirit was originally published on newsone.com
