The Evolution of Black Feel-Good Female Empowerment Anthems

Empowerment isn’t just a movement—it’s a living, breathing soundtrack. For generations, Black women in music have transformed resilience into rhythm, struggle into soul, and independence into anthems that speak truth to power. Whether you’re hearing Mary J. Blige’s joyful self-love, Beyoncé’s unapologetic ownership of identity, or Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s trailblazing rock-gospel fusion, these songs remind us of the immeasurable power of Black women.

Here is a collection of iconic and deep-cut tracks—spanning gospel, R&B, hip-hop and rock from the 1940s to the 2020s—that prove “The Power of She” has always been here, resonating across time.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe – “Strange Things Happening Every Day” (1944)

Before there was rock & roll, there was Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Today, she’s finally getting her overdue flowers, with music historians recognizing her as one of the genre’s pioneers—her influence seen in everyone from Chuck Berry to contemporary artists who blend gospel and rock.

Aretha Franklin – “Respect” (1967)

A song that transcended its original meaning, Aretha Franklin turned “Respect” into an anthem for women’s rights and racial justice. Decades after its release, Franklin’s impact continues—whether through posthumous tributes or her influence on today’s generation of soul singers.

Janet Jackson – “Control” (1986)

Janet Jackson’s declaration of independence shaped her legendary career. Now, nearly four decades later, she remains a force in entertainment, recently celebrating milestone anniversaries of her albums and embarking on another Together Again Tour to remind the world of her influence.

Whitney Houston – “I’m Every Woman” (1992)

Whitney Houston paid homage to Chaka Khan’s original version and transformed it into a soaring anthem for female solidarity. Today, Houston’s legacy continues to be honored, with a new wave of re-releases and biopics reminding the world of her unmatched vocal power.

Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)” (1998)

Lauryn Hill’s fusion of hip-hop and soul on “Doo Wop (That Thing)” remains a blueprint for self-respect and integrity. Though she rarely releases new music, Hill continues to tour, recently celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill with a long-awaited reunion with The Fugees.

Destiny’s Child – “Independent Women” (2000)

This millennium-defining hit from the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack encouraged women to own their achievements. While Destiny’s Child is no longer active, their impact lives on, with Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams continuing to champion female empowerment in their respective careers.

Kierra Sheard – “You Don’t Know” (2004)

Kierra Sheard’s gospel-R&B anthem is a powerful reminder of faith’s role in perseverance. Recently, she’s continued her family’s legacy, stepping further into acting while still releasing gospel music that bridges generational gaps.

Kelis – “Bossy” (2006)

With “Bossy,” Kelis redefined confidence in the mid-2000s, letting the world know that women could run things too. These days, she’s not just bossy—she’s a true entrepreneur, expanding into farming, lifestyle branding and wellness while still sporadically dropping music.

Mary J. Blige – “Just Fine” (2007)

As the queen of hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige has built an entire career on resilience, but “Just Fine” is a rare moment of celebration. The song encourages listeners to shake off their worries and embrace joy—a sentiment she continues to embody as she expands her empire with a wine brand, talk show and festival celebrating R&B women.

Nicki Minaj – “Did It On ’Em” (2010)

Nicki Minaj’s braggadocious anthem established one of her most iconic catchphrases: “all these b***hes is my sons.” Over a menacing beat, she lets it be known that she’s leading the pack, a sentiment that remains true today as she continues to dominate rap, mentor rising female MCs and prepare for the Pink Friday 2 Tour—a full-circle moment in her career.

Rihanna – “B***h Better Have My Money” (2015)

Rihanna’s cutthroat anthem about getting paid is a relatable battle cry for many Black women in professional spaces. With her billion-dollar Fenty empire thriving, Rihanna no longer needs to demand what she’s owed—she’s creating her own wealth on her own terms. Now, with fans eagerly awaiting new music, this track remains a reminder of the boss mentality that built her legacy.

Beyoncé – “Formation” (2016)

“Formation” isn’t just a song—it’s a cultural statement. With its New Orleans bounce influence and bold visuals, Beyoncé proclaims her pride in Black identity and calls for unity among Black women. Now, nearly a decade later, she’s pushed boundaries even further, recently shifting gears with her country-infused era while still championing Black art and ownership.

Solange – “Don’t Touch My Hair” (2016)

Solange’s ethereal track is a quiet but firm declaration of agency, particularly for Black women. She has continued her legacy of artistic experimentation, recently stepping into the world of ballet composition and further cementing herself as a cultural visionary.

Doechii – “Anxiety” (2022, officially released in 2024)

After being shelved for years, Doechii’s raw and introspective track “Anxiety” finally hit digital service providers due to fan demand. As she continues to push boundaries in hip-hop and alternative R&B, her fearlessness in addressing mental health sets her apart in today’s music landscape.

Megan Thee Stallion – “Cobra” (2023)

Following immense personal loss—including the passing of both her mother and grandmother, and a year of public scrutiny after surviving a shooting—Megan Thee Stallion reclaimed her power with “Cobra.” The song, a cathartic blend of rock and hip-hop, showcases her resilience and refusal to be defined by adversity. Now, she’s moving forward on her own terms, embracing her independence with a new era of music.