Happy Juneteenth! The tradition, in honor of the abolition of slavery in the United States, has long been established as a marker of actual independence for Black Americans, complete with all the fixings of a celebration across the country: togetherness, food, and, of course, music.
For as long as one can remember, music has served as a source of autonomy from the Negro Spirituals of enslaved Africans to the unlikely protest anthems of Lil Baby. Whether passed down through generations via oral tradition or streamed on our favorite platforms, music remains an intuitive source of communication for Black people worldwide. It is an equal outlet for sorrow and joy, for devastation and inspiration. It sits at the root of our freedom and continues to score the ever-evolving fight for change.
With this in mind, The Source presents tracks of the past and present that best represent our perpetual march toward liberty. It is a soundtrack to the battles we’ve won, the enemies that continue to stalk our communities, and the will to persist in the unchaining of our people. From Nina Simone to Childish Gambino, we find that the nature of the beast remains unchanged as oppression continues to evolve. Yet, music as a medium for awareness and a channel of expression remains constant. Across Jazz, R&B, Hip-Hop, and Reggae, the message remains the same. As we collectively celebrate this day in remembrance of the past and in hope for the future that awaits, may these tracks bring comfort, pride, and liberation.
Juneteenth: Songs of Freedom, Inspiration & Celebration
- “Say It Loud – I’m Black & I’m Proud” – James Brown
- “This Is America” – Donald Glover
- “The Message” – Grandmaster Flash & Furious Five feat. Melle Mel & Duke Bootee
- “The Bigger Picture” – Lil Baby
- “Holler If Ya’ Hear Me” – Tupac
- “Alright” – Kendrick Lamar
- U.N.I.T.Y. – Queen Latifah
- “Mississippi Goddam” – Nina Simone
- “Fight For You” – H.E.R.
- “A Change is Gonna Come” – Sam Cooke
- “Emancipation” – Prince
- “Glory” – Common feat. John Legend
- “Fight The Power” – Public Enemy
- “What’s Going On” – Marvin Gaye
- “Strange Fruit” – Billie Holiday
- “Higher Ground” – Stevie Wonder
- “Redemption Song” – Bob Marley & The Wailers
- “Be Free” – J. Cole
- “Optimistic” – Sounds Of Blackness
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