Watch: 12 of the best Black anthem songs

12. “Dreams and Nightmares” – Meek Mill

“Dreams and Nightmares” comes from the debut album of the same title by Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill. The musical transition in the middle of the song changes and excites the entire audience.

11. “Melodies from Heaven” – Kirk Franklin

Nothing compares to the harmony sung in Kirk Franklin & the Family’s hit “Melodies From Heaven.”

10. “When I See You” – Fantasy

“When I See You” comes from singer Fantasia Barrino’s second album of the same title, released in 2006. The song peaked at primary on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts. Recently, he has been seen re-emerging, with a brand new generation of fans having fun with each lyric.

9. “Lift Every Voice and Sing”

“Lift Every Voice and Sing” was written in 1900 by James Weldon Johnson. 124 years later, the song is now generally known as the Black National Anthem.

8. “This is how we do it” – Montell Jordan

Singer Montell Jordan’s debut single “This Is How We Do It” was released in 1995, but the song still feels like it was released yesterday.

7. “Redemption Song” – Bob Marley

Considered one of his biggest hits, “Redemption Song” features an acoustic recording with Jamaican singer Bob Marley. It’s just his voice and guitar.

6. “This is America” – Childish Gambino

This 2018 hit from rapper Childish Gambino, aka Donald Glover, caused quite a stir when it was released. The song’s lyrics tackle some of the country’s biggest issues, including systemic racism, prejudice and violence. The album features rappers Young Thug, 21 Savage, Slim Jxmmi, BlackBoy JB and Quavo.

5. “Swag Surfin’” – FLY Fast Life Yungstaz featuring Easton

“Swag Surfin'” is the debut single from Fast Life rapper Yungstaz. If you are at a bonfire, party, sporting event, or other venue, you are sure to listen to a song and must dance. The song became so popular that it became the unofficial anthem of the WNBA’s Washington Mystics.

(*12*)4. “Fuck off if you fall” – crime mafia

It’s been 20 years since Southern rap group Crime Mob released “Knuck If You Buck.” The song, which is one other Black staple, features fellow rapper Lil Scrappy. Actors Sterling K. Brown and Regina Hall recite word for word the text of the film “Honk for Jesus. Save your soul.”

3. “Okay” – Kendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar’s album “To Pimp a Butterfly” gave us a phrase often repeated in the culture: “everything will be okay.” The song “Alright” won two Grammy Awards at the 58th Annual Awards in 2016 for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance.

2. “Fight the authorities” – public enemy

Public Enemy’s 1989 song “Fight the Power” is taken into account one of the biggest protest anthems of all time. The song appears on the “Do The Right Thing” soundtrack and on the Public Enemy album “Fear of a Black Planet”. The song inspired the PBS documentary series “Fight the Power: How Hip-Hop Changed the World.”

1. “Say it loud, I’m black and I’m proud” – James Brown

If there’s one song that epitomizes the Black anthem, it’s James Brown’s 1968 classic “Say It Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.” The song consists of two parts, and despite its strong themes of racism in America, it was included on Brown’s album “A Soulful Christmas.”

Which songs do you think that needs to be on the list? Watch the video and head over to our Instagram page and tell us what your favorite Black Anthem songs are.