Women's History Month has reached its end. But even so, let me hit you with a playlist full of female anthems.
God knows everyone could use a power jam in his or her life. This is a list of jams that have been performed by women.
They will amp you up, guaranteed. Blast these songs and remember that women are powerful and beautiful, no matter what month of the year it is:
1. "Independent Women" By Destiny's Child
This list would be incomplete without some mention of Beyoncé. "Independent Women" is a classic call to action. Destiny's Child lays it all out there.
The clothes, the car, the watch? Yes, they bought it all for themselves. "Try to control me boy, you get dismissed," they sing as they celebrate the hard work it takes to become an independent woman.
The message is clear: I can do it for myself, by myself. It's nice that you're here, dude. But every member of Destiny's Child was an independent woman on that track.
2. "Not Tonight" By Lil' Kim
Yes, this is definitely a song about getting head and saying no to the D. But that's only part of the reason why it's awesome.
A lot of women feel insecure about their bodies, especially when it comes to sex. It's not uncommon for women to keep what they really want in bed to themselves.
Lil' Kim is out there preaching to every woman on this track. Accept nothing but the best for your lady parts.
She tells us about this dude Jimmy, with whom she only finishes two out of 10 times. Lil' Kim, goddess that she is, is all "Sorry, not sorry, that math doesn't add up."
To quote her, "I don't want dick tonight; eat my pussy right." Amen.
3. "Feeling Myself" By Nicki Minaj Featuring Beyoncé
Nicki Minaj launched a generation of empowered girls when she wrote this song. I was 26 when this came out. But imagine hearing, "I am a rap legend, just go ask the kings of rap who is the queen and things of that nature" when you're 15 years old. Hip-hop is a male-dominated field, and here are two of the biggest female musicians in the world absolutely slaying with this hit.
While some people were upset by the use of the "B word" in this song, I find it nothing but empowering. Nicki's flow is incredible throughout, and Beyoncé changed the world when she dropped her last album. She's literally just pointing out facts here, people.
These two women are on point the whole song, which is what it's all about. They are talented, hardworking musicians, and they're at the top of their game. Why wouldn't they be feeling themselves?
4. "Respect" By Aretha Franklin
Aretha is the original queen. All she's asking for is a little respect, which should be the bare minimum. If someone doesn't respect you, it's time to leave. Aretha knows that, and she lays it on the line for her man.
(Re, re, re, re) 'spect When you come home (re, re, re ,re) Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit) And find out I'm gone (just a little bit) I got to have (just a little bit)
This song has a romantic bent to it, but you can apply it to anything in life. Boss takes your work and passes it off as his or hers? Deuces.
Friend won't accept that you changed somehow? Bye, Felicia. Respect my life and my choices.
5. "Q.U.E.E.N" By Janelle Monáe And Erykah Badu
This song kills it at every turn. I tried to pick a favorite lyric, but I failed because they are all so good. Janelle came to do her thing and get down. She doesn't give one crap whether you like it or not.
She'll eat her wings, she'll wear her black and white and she'll love herself, even if it makes others uncomfortable. Those are words every woman needs to hear, no matter how old she is.
Janelle knows she is enough. She wants you to know it, too.
6. "Becky From the Block" By Becky G
This song has reminded me how much I also love Jennifer Lopez, and for that alone, I'm grateful. Becky G is an 18-year-old rapper from LA who describes her dreams of stardom to J Lo's classic "Jenny From The Block" beat.
Becky G has things to do and places to go. She "won't stop 'til she gets to the top." It's the perfect motivational song. This jam will get you working to achieve your own dreams.
7. "Follow Your Arrow" By Kacey Musgraves
I love this little song. Kacey is so sweet. She sings about staying true to yourself and following your path wherever your arrow points. You don't have to follow the crowd. You can kiss all the boys or girls you want as long as it's what you truly want.
Kacey is proud to follow her own arrow, and her song will give you the push you need to follow your own.
With these jams, you can carry Women's History Month in your music library all year long.
