Music is a universal language that captures human situations and reality. It has the power to bring people together, evoke deep emotions and serve as a reflection of personal experiences. Throughout history, music has played a crucial role in fostering connection, especially among women who rely on their friendships for support, love and encouragement.
For Black women, music has been a source of empowerment, a reminder of resilience and a celebration of sisterhood. Whether it’s anthems of self-love, songs about unwavering friendship, or tracks that bring the perfect energy for a girls’ night out, music has a way of encapsulating these powerful bonds. Here are eight songs that accurately capture the essence of Black sisterhood and friendship.
“Brown Skin Girl” by Beyoncé
Pose like a trophy when Naomi’s walk in
She need an Oscar for that pretty dark skin
Pretty like Lupita when the cameras close in
Drip broke the levee when my Kellys roll in
I think tonight she might braid her braids
Melanin too dark to throw her shade
She minds her business and wines her waist
Gold like 24k, okay…
When Beyoncé released this song, many people instantly received it for its empowering message. “Brown Skin Girl” is the ultimate power anthem for Black women, celebrating the beauty, resilience and confidence of womenhood. Featuring artists like SAINt JHN and Wizkid, along with her own daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, the song emphasizes self-love and appreciation for melanin-rich skin. This track is not just a celebration of beauty, but also a reminder of unity. It’s a great friendship song for uplifting and empowering one another to love every part of what makes Black women unique.
“Girl” by Destiny’s Child
Girl, I can tell you’ve been crying, and you needing somebody to talk to
Girl, I can tell he’s been lying and pretending that he’s faithful and he loves you
Girl, you don’t have to be hiding, don’t you be ashamed to say he hurt you
I’m your girl, you’re my girl, we your girls
Don’t you know that we love you…
There is nothing better than having a group of supportive friends in your corner during the toughest times. “Girl” by Destiny’s Child is a heartfelt reminder of how true friends step in when you need them most. The song speaks to the deep emotional connection between friends, encouraging women to lean on each other instead of suffering in silence. Destiny’s Child delivers a powerful message about sisterhood, love, and unwavering support, which is a testament to why this is such a great friendship song.
“Girlfriend” by Nicki Minaj
Wherever I slide through, I gotta go buy two
If I get it in the pink, I get her the light blue
Brand new Range Rover, that was for her b-day…
While this song is light-hearted, it serves the same empowerment purpose as the other songs on this list. “Girlfriend” by Nicki Minaj highlights the importance of spoiling and uplifting your closest friends. Known for her bold lyrics and confident persona, Nicki Minaj showcases the fun, supportive and celebratory side of friendships. This track’s rhythm and flow evoke nostalgia for her early days in the music industry while reinforcing the joy of treating your best friend like family.
“Good as H*ll” by Lizzo
Come now, come dry your eyes
You know you a star, you can touch the sky
I know that it’s hard but you have to try
If you need advice, let me simplify
If he don’t love you anymore
Just walk your fine a– out the door…
This song is the perfect post-breakup anthem for your girlfriend who may be experiencing heartbreak. Lizzo, known for her unapologetic self-love and positivity, crafted “Good as H*ll” to remind women of their worth. With its upbeat melody and empowering lyrics, this track is all about picking yourself up and moving forward with the help of your friends. If your best friend is in need of encouragement, this is a great friends song to play as a reminder that she deserves better and has a support system ready to lift her up.
“Jumpin’ Jumpin'” by Destiny’s Child
All you ladies leave your man at home
The club is full of ballers and their pockets full grown
And all you fellas leave your girl with her friends
‘Cause it’s eleven thirty and the club is jumpin’, jumpin’
Apart from the fact that this song is off the famous The Writing’s on the Wall album and was certified platinum 8 times by the RIAA, it is also the perfect ladies’ night out song. “Jumpin’ Jumpin’” is all about female camaraderie and having fun, making it the ultimate anthem for a night out with your best friends. The song captures the spirit of letting loose, enjoying yourself, and celebrating friendships, proving once again why Destiny’s Child was such a dominant force in R&B and pop music.
“Count on Me” by Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans
Count on me through thick and thin
A friendship that will never end
When you are weak I will be strong
Helping you to carry on
Call on me, I will be there
Don’t be afraid
Please believe me when I say
Count on me
“Count on Me” was more than just a song on the soundtrack for the legendary blockbuster “Waiting to Exhale.” When they released the song, it quickly became a heartwarming song celebrating sisterhood, unwavering friendship and dedication. The duet between Whitney Houston and CeCe Winans beautifully captures the essence of standing by your friends through thick and thin. The powerful lyrics and soulful delivery make this a great friends song, especially for those moments when someone needs a heartfelt reminder that they are never alone.
“What About Your Friends” by TLC
What about your friends?
Will they stand their ground,
Will they let you down again?
What about your friends?
In their 1992 debut album, TLC released “What About Your Friends” as a single. The lyrics serve as a salute to true friendship and the ability to discern who your real friends are. With its catchy beat and thought-provoking lyrics, this song challenges listeners to reflect on their friendships and recognize the people who genuinely support them. TLC was known for their messages of self-respect and empowerment, making this track an enduring anthem about loyalty and trust.
“Best Friend” by Aaliyah feat. Missy Elliott
I’ll still be there for you
In your time of need, you can lean on me
Come on, I’ll be there for you
I’ll still be there for you
In your time of need, you can lean on me
Come on, I’ll be there for you
This is a no-nonsense anthem for the tough-love type of friend who stands the test of time and remains by your side no matter what. Aaliyah and Missy Elliott bring both tenderness and strength to this track. It’s a standout song about unwavering friendship. The lyrics express deep devotion and reliability, reinforcing that a true best friend is always there through life’s ups and downs. This track is a timeless reminder of the value of having a loyal companion who always has your back, making it a great friends song that still resonates today.