Black Love. It is a powerful, yet delicate universal language that we all have grown to know. When we add the two words together, it creates a unique meaning. Thanks to our R&B junkie guest blogger, we can take a deeper look at why it’s important and how these selected songs embodies the meaning of his inspiration.

Written By: Markiz Walker

Black love is beautiful. Black love is iconic. Black love is essential to the livelihood of Black people period. Is Black love always perfect? Of course not, but it is worth it. The Black man and Black woman loving each other unapologetically while celebrating Black excellence is beauty. Our children deserve to experience the beauty of Black love growing up, so they can carry on the tradition of excellence in the Black community. 

What Black Love Means to Me

My maternal great-grandparents showcased what it means to have stable black love in a household. Their love had a tremendous impact on the type of love I wanted from my significant other. 

The twelve songs selected for this playlist are how I view this powerful topic. We have love at first sight, elements of intimacy, professing love for one another, and desiring to spend the rest of their days with that special someone. 

The Playlist

  • Sumthin’ Sumthin’: Mellosmoothe (Cut) – Maxwell, from Love Jones: The Music Soundtrack, 1997
  • Hey U – Groove Theory, from Groove Theory, 1995
  • So In Love (featuring Anthony Hamilton) – Jill Scott, from The Light of the Sun, 2011
  • You – Raheem DeVaughn, from The Love Experience, 2005
  • Ribbon in the Sky – Stevie Wonder, from Original Musiquarium, 1982
  • Inside My Love – Minnie Riperton, from Adventures In Paradise, 1975
  • So Beautiful – Musiq Soulchild, from On My Radio, 2008
  • Make It Last Forever (with Jacci McGhee) – Keith Sweat, from Make It Last Forever, 1987
  • You Put a Move On My Heart – Tamia, from Tamia, 1998
  • Let It Burn – Jazmine Sullivan, from Reality Show, 2015
  • Sensuality, Pts. 1 & 2 – The Isley Brothers, from The Heat Is On, 1975
  • All My Life – K-Ci & JoJo, from Love Always, 1997

When I listen to these songs, I hear the admiration of the black man or woman. The songs chosen are hit songs and album cuts, expressing the beauty of Black love and why it should be cherished. The Obamas need to be cherished. Our parents and grandparents need to be cherished. We need to be cherished.

The Beauty of Black Love Playlist is available to stream now on Apple Music! Oh! The Valentine’s Collection is available to purchase from Just Be You Fashion t-shirt store too! Get your bae or yourself something cute to wear for Valentine’s Day.

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