Now in its 15th year, The Root 100 list is loaded with some of the best and brightest in the Black community in 2024. While there are plenty of athletes, actors and politicians on the list, it’s hard to deny the impact musical artists have had on the culture this year as well.
From Beyoncé’s “Freedom” chosen as the official campaign theme song for Vice President Kamala Harris’s presidential run to Shaboozey’s record-breaking reign at the top of the charts, Black folks continue to make music that brings everyone together.
In honor of this year’s The Root 100 list, we’ve rounded up some of the best songs by some of our favorite artists. Trust us, you’re going to want to have this list on repeat all day.
Kendrick Lamar – “Not Like Us”
One of the best things to come out of the Kendrick Lamar – Drake beef was Lamar’s hit single “Not Like Us.” The diss track earned not only solidified Lamar’s place among hip-hop’s greats, it earned him five Grammy nominations, including Record and Song of the Year.
Beyoncé (featuring Kendrick Lamar) – “Freedom”
Beyoncé’s “Freedom,” a track featured on her 2016 hit album “Lemonade,” was a theme for many of the Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 after the murder of George Floyd. But song got new life in 2024 when it became the official song of Vice President Kamala Harris’ Presidential campaign.
Alicia Keys – “You Don’t Know My Name”
“You Don’t Know My Name” was the first single from Alicia Keys’ second album, “The Diary of Alicia Keys.” Released in 2003, Keys’ collab with co-producer Kanye West won her a GRAMMY for Best R&B song.
Jennifer Hudson – “Spotlight”
Jennifer Hudson’s 2008 track “Spotlight” was the first single on her self-titled debut album. The song, co-written by Ne-Yo earned Hudson Grammy nominations for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance.
Andra Day – “Rise Up”
Andra Day’s 2015 inspirational hit “Rise Up” was another anthem of the Black Lives Matter Movement. Day says she was inspired to write the song when a friend was diagnosed with cancer.
“’Rise Up’ started as a sort of prayer—I thought about what I needed to hear to be able to get back on my feet. Most of the song came streaming out in the first freestyle recording,” she told Time Magazine in an interview. “Honestly, there are lines in there I’d normally find cliché. But sometimes a good cliché is exactly what you need in a moment of hopelessness.”
Ledisi – “Good Year”
Singer Ledisi stole our hearts with her 2007 single “Alright.” Now, the R&B songstress is back with a new album, “Good Life,” and the track “Good Year” is one of our favorites.
50 Cent – “In Da Club”
“Go Shorty, it’s ya birthday.” Whenever 50 Cent’s “In Da Club” comes on, you can’t help but sing along.
The track, which is featured on his 2003 album “Get Rich or Die Tryin’,” was 50’s first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100.
Lenny Kravitz – “Fly Away”
Rocker Lenny Kravitz won a Grammy award for Best Male Rock Performance for his 1998 hit song “Fly Away.”
Kravitz wrote and produced the song after he’d already turned in his album, “5″ to the record label. But friends who heard it convinced him to add it to the track list. We’re glad he did.
Snoop Dogg ft. Pharrell Williams “Drop it Like it’s Hot”
Rapper Snoop Dogg has had plenty of hits over his career, but 2004’s “Drop it Like it’s Hot” was his first number one single on the Billboard Hot 100. The Neptunes-produced track featured a catchy hook and verses by Snoop Dogg and Pharrell Williams. Twenty years after it was released, it still rocks in the club.
LL Cool J – “Rock the Bells”
No samples, no auto tune, no catchy hook, LL Cool J’s 1985 hit “Rock the Bells” is just four minutes of non-stop dope lyrics.
Beyoncé ft. Shaboozey – “Sweet Honey Buckin’”
Beyoncé and Shaboozey made magic on “Sweet Honey Buckin’,” a track from Bey’s “Cowboy Carter” album. The song is a little bit country, a little bit R&B and a lot of fun.
Childish Gambino – “Redbone”
Donald Glover’s musical alter ego Childish Gambino showed off his musical range in the best way with 2016’s “Redbone.” The song, which is a perfect modern take on Prince and Funkadelic vibes, earned him three Grammy nominations, including Record of the Year.
Shaboozey -”A Bar Song (Tipsy)“
Virginia native Shaboozey’s name was on everyone’s lips this year. The singer-songwriter has proved his fans extend beyond the country music world, spending 17 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 with his hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).“
Cassie – “Me & U”
Singer Cassie has been in the news lately in light of Sean “Diddy” Combs’ legal woes. But in 2006, the then 19-year-old promising young singer had the song of the summer with her debut single, “Me & U.”
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