I woke up this morning in need of some serious self empowerment. And the first song that popped into my head was the Erykah Badu track, Apple Tree. A little strange, because I haven’t heard this song in years. It wasn’t even on my iPod – I had to go find the CD and upload it. But when I played it, it hit the spot like a glass of lemonade in the August DC heat.
So I decided to make a self-empowerment playlist, complete with songs that are not only positive and inspiring, but that come with that extra kick of power from being performed by a Strong Black Woman. I have got to learn to tap my own SBW vibe, so this will help me on that road. You should listen to these tracks too to tap your own SBW vibe today (you don’t have to be black to have one!)
SBW: Erykah Badu. I love this woman. She does what she wants and she doesn’t give a got-dayum. (Not to mention the fact that she’s dated Common and Andre 3000. Yum!)
Tracks:
Apple Tree. “I picks my friends like I picks my fruit. My Ganny told me that when I was only a youth. I don’t walk around tryin’ to be what I’m not, I don’t waste my time tryin’ to get what you got. I work at pleasin’ me cuz I can’t please you. And that’s why I do what I do. My soul flies free like a willow tree. Doo wee, doo wee, do weeeeeeee!”
On and On. “Peace and blessings manifest with every lesson learned. If you knowledge is worth your wealth then it would be well earned.”
SBW: Mary J. Blige. I can guarantee this: if you are ever feeling low and need a spring in your step, put on some Mary. It will be as if she stepped out of your iPod, grabbed you by the shoulders, and said: “Girl, you know you better get yourself together!” SBW!
Tracks:
My Life. “Life can be only what you make it. When you’re feeling down you should never fake it. Say what’s on your mind and you’ll find in time that all the negative energy, it would all cease.”
Be Happy. “Life is too short to be tryin’ to play some games.” A. Men. Sis. Tah.
Just Fine. “So I like what I see when I’m lookin’ at me when I’m walkin’ past the mirror. Don’t stress through the night, at a time in my life ain’t worried ‘bout if you feel it. Got my head on straight. I got my vibe right. I ain’t gonna let you kill it. See I won’t change my life, my life, just fine! (Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, hoooo!)”
SBW: Jill Scott! OMG, I love this woman. I love her music, I love her HBO character Precious, love love LOVE!
Tracks:
The Real Thing. “Don’t play no games, that’ll ruin things, and make leave you on the street and you don’t want that. Don’t hesitate, I can make you great. Like Cleopatra Jones I can set you straight!”
Golden. “I’m taking my freedom, pullin’ it off the shelf. Putting it on my chain, wearin’ it ‘round my neck. I’m living my life like it’s golden, golden!”
SBW: Tina Turner. She’s an original SBW. Definition of.
Track:
I Might Have Been Queen. “I look up to the stars till I find my destiny. I look up to my past, a spirit running free. I look down, I look down and I’m there in history. Well I’m a soul survivor!!” (Oh, you should hear me sing this sh!t. I AM Tina Turner!)
SBW: Chaka Khan. This is the SBW theme song!
Track:
I’m Every Woman. “I ain’t braggin’ cuz I’m the one. Just ask me, and it shall be done.” Plus I love this video. She is too friggin’ cute!
