We, Too, Sing America! Black Songs For The U.S.A.
Songs About Living While Black In The U.S.A.
As we celebrate June being Black Music Month, we reflect on the powerful music by Black artists about America. These songs are complicated, beautiful and passionate. Everything from belting out “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” to deep critiques about society, as James Baldwin once said, “I love America more than any other country in this world, and, exactly for this reason, I insist on the right to criticize her perpetually.”
See below some of the greatest songs Black folks have sung and performed about America.
10. Lupe Fiasco “American Terrorist”
9. Marvin Gaye “Inner City Blues (Make Me Wanna Holler)”
8. Ice Cube “Amerikkka’s Most Wanted”
7. Gil Scott Heron “Winter In America”
6. Aretha Franklin “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee”
5. Nas “America”
4. Jimi Hendrix “Star Spangled Banner”
3. Stanley Clarke Band “Born In The U.S.A.”
2. Childish Gambino “This Is America”
1. Prince “America”
The Latest:
- Not Just an Influencer—An Influence: How ‘Just Add Hot Sauce’ Creator Alex Hill Serves Food & Her Community
- ‘Bald Baby’ JD Vance Meme turns into Fishtown Mural
- Watch ‘Kimmel’ Guest Host Tiffany Haddish Roast Trump By Making America Great Again
- Gary’s Tea: Sharon Stone Says She Once Went on a Date with Nelly
- L.A. Metro Honors The Late Nipsey Hussle On His 40th Birthday By Temporarily Renaming Hyde Park Station
- Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025
- The 50 Hottest, Flyest & Sexiest Looks from Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour
- Urban One Radiothon For St. Jude Kids Raises $1.6 Million
- Celebs Who Turn 50 This Year
- US Embassy Official Told Trump’s South African Refugee Program Is For White People Only, New Report Says
- Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2025
- The 50 Hottest, Flyest & Sexiest Looks from Beyoncé’s ‘Cowboy Carter’ Tour
- Urban One Radiothon For St. Jude Kids Raises $1.6 Million
- Celebs Who Turn 50 This Year
- US Embassy Official Told Trump’s South African Refugee Program Is For White People Only, New Report Says
SEE ALSO:
Forgive But Don’t Forget: Remembering Those Times When Barbara Bush Waded Into The Waters Of Race
Billy Graham’s Complicated Relationship With Black America, Explained
Woman Shouts N-Word, Literally Stops The Show At ‘Black Panther’ NJ Screening
Songs About Living While Black In The U.S.A. was originally published on newsone.com