Black History Month: Raiche Wants Women to Love & Value Their Skin Color With Her New Playlist

2021-02-11T18:41:11+00:00February 11th, 2021|

This year for Black History Month, Billboard looks to salute Black women for their strength, resiliency, and courage. With Black female artists always being innovative and audacious with their art and platforms, especially during last year’s fight for racial equality, it was necessary to empower those with our stage this month. Every Monday and Wednesday for Black History Month, Billboard will dish out new playlists from Black women artists highlighting powerful messages.

After Andra Day launched her “Strong & Bold” playlist on Monday (Feb. 8), up next is Raiche, Atlantic Records signee and Billboard’s 2021 Artist to Watch selection. Currently, the Massacheuttes singer is enjoying a nice run on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay Chart, with her song “Pick a Side” remaining steady at No. 6 this week. For her Black History Month playlist, Raiche calls on Destiny’s Child, Diana Ross, Lauryn Hill, and more for her vivacious collection.

Check out her picks — and her reasons for selecting each song — below!

1. “Golden,” Jill Scott

Jill Scott’s “Golden” is the perfect anthem for the beginning of a new day. This song always puts a pep in my step and makes me feel nostalgic, like getting off the train in New York City while the excitement of a new adventure awaits.

2. “I’m Coming Out,” Diana Ross

I absolutely love Diana Ross. You can feel her light, charismatic energy in this song, and if that doesn’t rub off on you while listening, [then] I don’t know what kind of creature you are.

3. “Doo Wop (That Thing),” Lauryn Hill

A good anthem for both men and women. “How you gon’ win when you ain’t right within?” I love a classic and this is it.

4. “I’m Every Woman,” Chaka Khan

Another classic. This song had to make the list. Women are so similar in so many ways. We are love. We are seduction. We are playful. We are powerful and strong. This song says it all.

5. “Independent Women,” Destiny’s Child

My mother always told me never to fully rely on a man. Make your own money and know how to take care of yourself. This song is all of that and I can relate, “Hunnay”!

6. “Don’t Touch My Hair,” Solange

Every woman, especially us brown-skinned girls with curls or a silk press, can relate to this song. It’s so raw and honestly beautiful. Women have a sense of self-expression wrapped up in our hair. Whether it’s through cutting it, braiding it or coloring, our hair is our crown!

7. “Good As Hell,” Lizzo

This song is so positive and encouraging. It embodies confidence and makes you feel good as hell! “If he don’t love you anymore then walk your fine a– out the door.”

8. “Lost Souls,” H.E.R.

This song is truly powerful. She dropped some serious gems on this one. We all need to hear songs like this and truly wake up and get ourselves right within.

9. “I Owe You Nothing,” Seinabo Sey

I’m obsessed with this song! It’s a feel-good vibe and has you talking your s–t. “I owe you nothing … be myself and I ain’t fronting”

10. “Brown Skin Girl,” Beyoncé

The first time I heard this song, I cried. I remember being a little brown skin girl and self-conscious of my little brown knees. I never wore shorts because of them for a very long time. I wish I heard this song when I was a little girl. Every brown-skinned girl should listen to this song. It’s an anthem.

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