Above: The Notorius Big visits Howard's Homecoming in the 1990s.

We made it easy for you to relive Howard's 100th Homecoming Anniversary all year long.
LISTEN TO THE TOP 100 SONGS PLAYLIST ON SPOTIFY here. 

Since Howard University held its first Homecoming celebration a century ago, music has been inseparable from the event itself, providing a soundtrack to moments that connect the past, present, and future of the Bison community and HBCUs everywhere. 

If you've ever been to a Homecoming, you know that the vibe starts even before the events begin. If you are a student, you can feel the excitement as you hear music coming from the dorms. If you are an alumnus, you'll start dancing along to the music you hear on the drive into DC or on the way to the airport in your hometown before you board the plane to Chocolate City. 

Once the parties start, the music is almost as important as the fellowship. The right DJ can make an experience so memorable that you talk about it for the rest of your life. Once you get to the Yard, you can hear it wafting from vendor booths and from cars making their way down the street. It's part of the supporting cast for the Step Show and Fashion Show, and takes centerstage at Yardfest and the Homecoming Concert. And of course, the Howard University's Showtime Marching Band always adds a Bison flair to the latest tunes. 

As much as anything else, the music defines each Homecoming, and Howard has long been a hotbed for the most popular Black music in the country, if not the world.

As we consider the many ways in which music influences Homecoming week over the years, we were left with one major question: Which 100 songs best capture the first 100 years of Howard Homecomings?

Of course, every single Howard alumnus will have their own top 100 list, but we couldn't let the 100th anniversary of Howard's Homecoming go by without creating our own. To help complete this mammoth task, we asked WHUT’s director of content Angela "Angie Ange" Hailstorks (B.A. ’06), Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts assistant professor Pat Parks, and Warner Music/Blavatnik Center for Music Business director and former Def Jam manager Jasmine Young (B.A. ’94) to rank what they believe to be the central songs of each Howard Homecoming. The Howard Newsroom add our own expertise and came up with a final list, using Billboard and other resources to find songs that were likely on the charts during Homecoming.

The list, ranked from 1 to 100, features music that spans a century. We already know that you are asking how your favorite song didn't make the list, but look, we sifted through hundreds of songs. One things for sure; it's sure to spark a brand-new debate with your classmates.

And without further ado, let's get to our list.

100 | Right Thurr, Chingy        

https://youtu.be/iO476kD-k0g?si=xv-AIOhjnd82ApGT

Chingy put it all out there and didn’t mix words. He let you know in no uncertain terms. You gotta give a brother some credit for getting straight to the point. 

99 | My, My, My, Johnny Gill,1990   

https://youtu.be/LMcANn_5UxM?si=7Hw7rdEPM7Tebuu9

If it’s late into the night, all of your pick up lines have been spent, and you just don’t have anything clever to say, why not just go with this. You may get some points for authenticity.

98 | Rock Wit'cha, Bobby Brown, 1989    

https://youtu.be/OQ7Rdzxt8zQ?si=GCD3OkAxxPW3NfCl

Sometimes, you just want to rock with somebody all night long. It might just be that simple. We don't have to talk about any thing serious, let's just rock and roll for a while and see how that goes. We hear you, Bob.

97 | Best of My Love, The Emotions, 1977    

https://youtu.be/EbwXoN-XU5I?si=BxU5g9eC4RB0saRS

The beat is contagious on this song with screaming vocals, a serious bass guitar lick, and a catch hook. You have to sing along. 

96 | Fight the Power (Part 1), The Isley Brothers, 1975               

https://youtu.be/8QZvoOqUkqw?si=Lxf9If4ewS4GvBjc

Howard wouldn’t be Howard without socially conscious music, and even at Homecoming, we take a moment to take the temperature of our time. This thought-provoking song met the moment in the 70s, when war and racial strife had everyone questioning the global power structure.

95 | I'm Walkin,  Fats Domino, 1957    

https://youtu.be/PaPYuUMLFIM?si=dLVH8n-2AtMjrKS4

Fats Domino was wowing crowds all around the country with his good-natured piano laced hits, including this classic from the 1950s.

94 | Play That Funky Music, Wild Cherry, 1976               

https://youtu.be/BHcYFxU4fMo?si=R7RTcwi_AyNinK9b

You can’t get a more descriptive title. This track radiates funk and soul, which is why it has been sampled so many times. 

93 | Stormy Weather, Lena Horne, 1943   

 https://youtu.be/DXJ8-E-jvuw?si=5heEV3cqMpknn1_o

Talk about “black don’t crack!” Lena Horne was gorgeous well into her 90s. Her amazingly sultry voice belied the challenges she had as one of the first Black music stars. Thankfully, she persisted, and her music has stood the test of time.

92 |  Fukumean, Gunna, 2023    

https://youtu.be/l21wGxlWwPw?si=3odVpQlTpAlClaRm

The old school alumni might call it "mumble rap," but the baby Bison helped mumble it right to the top of the charts.

91 |  Pon de Replay, Rihanna, 2005              

https://youtu.be/oEauWw9ZGrA?si=NKwk-AGYWaF3pyLU

Our girl keeps the the party pressure on with this pulsating hit that gives us definite Carribean vibes.

90 | Let Me Blow Ya Mind, Eve & Gwen Stefani, 2001               https://youtu.be/Wt88GMJmVk0?si=8QRxWiXh7dG-Z4MC

This track at the turn of the millennia was the kind of laid back but addictive joint that defined the era.

89 | So Anxious, Ginuwine, 1999    

https://youtu.be/DHpUtOcwhyU?si=1F4QrQMiwmE_CwgW

We know, we know, but calm down. She’ll be there all weekend. Don’t look too thirsty, brother.

88 | Baby-Baby-Baby, TLC, 1992   

https://youtu.be/Q2H6pTtEVlo?si=aY9PHspaSLoDJITs

The HBCU influence was heavy in this video. Even though they didn’t go to college, T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chili paid homage to HBCU culture in their video to this track set on an HBCU campus. Chances are that they had Howard in mind during the taping.

87 | Going In Circles, The Friends of Distinction, 1969       

https://youtu.be/v2kwzUgLwxg?si=9ovRT5U9VXrUXfes

It happens to the best of us. Whether he or she is good for you or not, sometimes we are smitten. No matter what you do, you can’t seem to get it right, but you can’t stop loving them either. Maybe time for counseling? 

86 | You Can't Hurry Love The Supremes, 1966   

 https://youtu.be/fQ7uXX9K7Sk?si=4K7JAWAZrpo7SBMR 

True love doesn’t normally happen on a dime. First you have to find the right person, then you have to get to know them. After you go through some things, you’ll know whether they are right for you. But that shouldn’t stop you from starting your search during Homecoming this week.

85 | One Dance/Controlla,  Drake  2016              

 https://youtu.be/mym4sKoAnKs?si=b2gieAl0-lc79zq4

This one dance might be your chance to catch their attention. Don't blow the moment! 

84 | Move, Ludacris, 2002 

https://youtu.be/tw429JGL5zo?si=lqaHGWDwyszqREUj

We hope that’s what the Bison tell Tennessee State’s Tigers this weekend.  Move! Get out the way! We gotta score this touchdown.

83 |  Bills, Bills, Bills,  Destiny's Child, 1999    

https://youtu.be/NiF6-0UTqtc?si=HBqADRLzdnRkB5bO

Can you pay these bills? If not, it may be time to go back and finish your Howard degree.

82 | Don't Worry, Be Happy, Bobby McFerrin, 1988   

 https://youtu.be/d-diB65scQU?si=RBv8rGA2tn1YnnmY

Trust me, your job, your bills, and your kids will still be there when you get back from Homecoming. For the next few days, just take Bobby McFerrin’s advice.

81 | Part-Time Lover, Stevie Wonder, 1985            

https://youtu.be/74mL5f7tr5w?si=dDLemIklLtGCIuHv

Call up me once. Hang up the phone to let me know you made it home. Whew! This is a lot of work! Probably best to stick with what you got! Just settle for a nice friendly conversation for old time’s sake on the Yard during Homecoming and save yourself the drama.

80 | I'm So Excited, The Pointer Sisters, 1984

https://youtu.be/8iwBM_YB1sE?si=t9Q_8JXWMmymOG7I

That feeling you get when you land at a DC airport for Howard’s Homecoming and see Bison blue everywhere. 

79 | I Just Called to Say I Love You, Stevie Wonder, 1984

https://youtu.be/1bGOgY1CmiU?si=JNx6PLJsX6nZXlj3

Slow your roll. If this is your first call to them after Homecoming, it may be a little much, a little soon. Don’t scare them off. Hey, we didn’t write the rules.

78 | Never Knew Love Like This Before, Stephanie Mills, 1980

https://youtu.be/M95fRru4E8g?si=b6J_kh_8vftApSO4

From the moment you walk on the Yard for Homecoming, this is how it feels. There are many kinds of love, but its hard to beat the love Bison have for each other. Together in truth and service, always. 

77 | Just to Be Close to You, Commodores, 1976

https://youtu.be/FvvmcxEeqwg?si=N5RxjPX-HN1w7u9d

The Howard Homecoming house parties in the 70s inevitably would have some slow dances, and so you had to be close to the one you had your eye on at just the right time so you could take advantage of this song to make your move.

76 | Bodak Yellow, Cardi B, 2017    

https://youtu.be/PEGccV-NOm8?si=U2w_c1UZc-OZietW

The song that put Cardi B on the map, 

75 | Fancy, Drake, 2010         

https://youtu.be/KWGTIoGYJSw?si=LVx7WzzFDrL4sLJg

If you've ever seen the glow up during Homecoming, you know this could apply to virtually anyone stepping on the Hilltop ready for prime time.

74 | Whatever You Like, T.I., 2008  

https://youtu.be/I95SJpp0v8U?si=v-KMQkRYWDMEPdk6

If you’ve graduated and are making money, why not live a little? Show your significant other a good time. Just remember, you’ve got to pay your rent or mortgage in a few days.

73 | I'll Make Love to You, Boyz II Men, 1994

https://youtu.be/fV8vB1BB2qc?si=kGb4ZJO7ubGUXVUF

If you found yourself humming this before you even formally introduced yourself, you’re already in trouble. Behave. 

72 | Feels Good, Tony! Toni! Tone!, 1990

https://youtu.be/KT_u8v4jJiM?si=n04VwxiEPoJ_WKsv

Who needs the drama in a relationship? In this song the members of Tony! Toni! Tone! just want to enjoy the time they spend with the person who makes them happy. We’re happy for you, brothers. 

71 | She Works Hard For the Money, Donna Summer, 1983

https://youtu.be/N8EkGUm9q_A?si=QPYjPHjlZMcoZcfa

Look, this is every Howard graduate. She’s got her own profession and her own money. So if she’s giving you the time of day, you better treat her right.

70 | Square Biz, Teena Marie, 1981    

https://youtu.be/o9wotiDai5U?si=F5Y_nD3PyJhTqqZ3

If you had an older sister in the 80s, chances are this was her favorite song. The good natured pop beat was easy to sing and dance to.

69 | Like That, Metro Boomin, Future & Kendrick Lamar, 2024               https://youtu.be/N9bKBAA22Go?si=A42dXSVvvaqJ6gXP

It's simple. The beat is pounding and lyrics are dope. Even an old head can't help vibing to this one. 

68 | Hotline Bling, Drake, 2015        

https://youtu.be/uxpDa-c-4Mc?si=yoRuNbA5LsWpPjCD

The song that launched a thousand memes and Youtube videos, Hotline Bling makes you think about calling your old flame before you even get to the Yard to make sure you have a sure rendevous lined up.

67 | Blurred Lines, Robin Thicke, 2013      

https://youtu.be/-_xaz_wyP0U?si=k1v6l46Bld7I9e3A

Everybody get up! Pharrell and Robin Thicke might have gotten sued for making this song, but we’re still glad they did. It was worth it to get this homage to Mavin Gaye with a modern day kick to it. 

66 | I Wanna Be Down, Brandy, 1994           

https://youtu.be/zfE2gBhwsM4?si=mb-ljc3Z4tK_idpB

Let’s face it. In a world of sometimey relationships, who doesn’t want a partner who wants “be down with what you’re going through.” Too often, we’re in it just for the good times. Brandy recognizes in this song that relationships are not all about the laughs. 

65 | Word Up, Cameo. 1986               

https://youtu.be/MZjAantupsA?si=cxgM0ThdxlNL5RqZ

If you were a woman in the 80s and thought you looked good, you had to pay attention to this song. Why? Because they start off by saying, “hey pretty ladies around the world.” It had to get your attention.

64 | All Night Long (All Night), Lionel Richie, 1983

https://youtu.be/nqAvFx3NxUM?si=fDJhSvy81FPFeZi5

Can you say Team No Sleep? Lionel Richie must have just left a Howard Homecoming when he penned this song about partying until the sun comes up.

63| She's a Bad Mama Jama, Carl Carlton, 1981

https://youtu.be/l-MHDRuJ1ME?si=X38o0FiRbTGeK1Pa

If you were a kid in 1981 and saw someone you thought was cute, you might get away with calling her this in front of your mother and not get smacked in the mouth. 

62 | Ain't No Mountain High Enough, Diana Ross, 1970

https://youtu.be/EjCz_sUVZ5U?si=RhzZnzimTl3LynkX 

Howard may have the Ooh La La girls and Miss Howard, but the original diva was Diana Ross. In this anthem, she lets her man know that she’s ride or die. Either that, or she’s psychotic. Either way, nothing can keep her from him.

61 | My Boo, Usher & Alicia Keys, 2004              

https://youtu.be/fPgf2meEX1w?si=umbxzl9NN3GoSz1T

There's always that one person that will always have your heart. Hope you run into them on the Yard! If your significant other is with you, just wink and keep walking. They know.

60 | Frontin', Pharrell & Jay-Z, 2003              

https://youtu.be/LOtkH5amC7s?si=DkKRa-p1oSzHw6ih

The iconic Pharrell four count intro leads into a groove that effortlessly blends R&B with hip hop to create a track you can listen to during happy hour or when the party really gets jumping.

59 | Izzo (H.O.V.A.) Jay-Z, 2001   

https://youtu.be/GRKmpn3SBdw?si=UakcMFawxYLseGg2

Get your neck muscles together because this song will have you head nodding and bopping nonstop.

58 | You Make Me Wanna, Usher, 1997   

https://youtu.be/bQRzrnH6_HY?si=B6tLZsq9XRUB1YGk

Go ahead and drop this line during Homecoming. She might not believe that you really want to leave the one you're with and start a new relationship, but it might get you a smile.

57 | Player's Anthem, Notorious B.I.G. & Junior M.A.F.I.A., 1995               

https://youtu.be/2iAVQ5qEqvA?si=xJv0KQmevJWERfa0 

Did we mention that the 90s were lit?

56 | OPP, Naughty by Nature, 1991   

https://youtu.be/idx3GSL2KWs?si=d4tlUT5nNFFZwsiQ

And this is exactly why you need to be careful in these Homecoming streets.

55 | Work, Rihanna & Drake, 2016    

https://youtu.be/puxjq3p-fU0?si=otovFisUIW_39iVJ

A summer anthem held over to rock Homecoming in the fall, brings the dancehall to the Hilltop.

54 | Baby Boy, Beyonce & Sean Paul, 2003              

https://youtu.be/8ucz_pm3LX8?si=aB1kSy_rtAXBRjDM

Of course the Queen Bee was due to make an appearance on this list, taking a reggae turn with Sean Paul. We'd like to be on her mind and in her fantasies....

53 | Work It, Missy Elliott, 2002   

https://youtu.be/cjIvu7e6Wq8?si=i0EEBMXhKvLjDyAV

If you were around when this came out, we're all for you dancing to this song if you hear it during Homecoming, but just remember, 2024 knees are not the same as 2002 knees. Missy was not playing with ya'll,

52 | The Boy Is Mine, Monica and Brandy, 1998              

https://youtu.be/qSIOp_K5GMw?si=GKslkeR4NcOl5Oll

If you walk into this conversation during Homecoming, its probably a good idea to just turn around and mind your own business. 

51 | Sweet Love, Anita Baker, 1986   

https://youtu.be/2w6udgiojlE?si=b71Ri7QNtVOEn3ma

Now that's grown folks music. 

50 | I'll Be There, Jackson 5, 1970   

https://youtu.be/VRdG9vEJOKY?si=15fiUi38Bjl4qdKb 

If you're a human being, you probably have at least one crush from college you would sing this song to if push came to shove. You've shared the ups and downs and joys and pains of young adulthood. Now, whatever happens, I'll always be there for you.

49 | A Bar Song, Shaboozey, 2024   

https://youtu.be/t7bQwwqW-Hc?si=QPd8q02bEa437dHW

These days, it seems like every song is one long, explicit stream of conscious. It's great to have a tune we can just sit back and kick it to.

48 | Leave the Door Open, Silk Sonic, 2021               

https://youtu.be/adLGHcj_fmA?si=-jXWJpXp4OuXoW4L

The central premise of this song is why many alumni come back to Homecoming. Are we lying?

47 | Essence, Wizkid & Tems, 2021    

https://youtu.be/jipQpjUA_o8?si=4YBYABYJnZYM-of5

46 | Wild Thoughts, DJ Khaled, Rihanna & Bryson Tiller, 2017   

https://youtu.be/dPcZEXt9Qq0?si=d0Jz1JFmZrI7eHfh

45 | Gold Digger, Kanye West, 2005   

https://youtu.be/6vwNcNOTVzY?si=Bb51rsyILpyyiJNr

If she has a degree from Howard, she doesn't need your money, thank you very much. But we don't blame her for not messing with anybody broke.

44 | Dilemma, Nelly & Kelly Rowland, 2002              

https://youtu.be/8WYHDfJDPDc?si=c7vO00pspBW8U2wN

If this isn't a theme of Homecoming, we don't know what is. Keep that ring on your finger!

43 | Right Here (Human Nature RMX), SWV, 1993          

https://youtu.be/vHwXoY0LiQk?si=sBpKNuCRJErzuS9D

Michael Jackson didn't often authorize his music for samples, but even he couldn't resist when he heard how this track came together. 

42 | Motownphilly, Boyz II Men, 1991   

https://youtu.be/Rciee-oQLoI?si=SwL1WpkiAZh8VwL9

This song introduced is to the quartet from Philladelphia. It's driving rhythm established Michael Bivins' proteges as the heir apparent to New Edition. 

41 | Don't Be Cruel, Bobby Brown, 1988   

https://youtu.be/pd7dCbEfTs4?si=54GmF99ozXHpPT6l

We see you, Bob! New Edition's Bad Boy proved he had solo power when he released this high-energy jam.

40 | Saving All My Love For You, Whitney Houston, 1985               

https://youtu.be/ewxmv2tyeRs?si=M_CxfRdGrkestUQL

If an old flame walks up to you at Homecoming and says this, you might be busy for the next few days. Tell your crew not to look for you on the Yard.

39 | Ain't Nobody, Chaka Khan, 1983    

https://youtu.be/BNirQXe8HOA?si=7q4qa81JzD5hV-rD

If Chaka Khan was singing this to you in the 80s, you were definitely winning. The quintessential songtress was at the top of her game when this song topped the charts.

38 | The Banana Boat Song, Harry Belafonte, 1956              

https://youtu.be/qKqOwWwOHKc?si=Bt3pnG0ZF5jWSibP

It's hard to imagine just how big a celebrity Harry Belafonte was in 1956. The subtext of this song, about workers waiting to get paid, is one we can all relate to. Give me my money! Daylight come and me want go home! 

37  | N***** in Paris, Jay-Z & Kanye West, 2011              

https://youtu.be/gG_dA32oH44?si=6YglgIe9j1D0NFwV

Two of the best to ever do it teamed up to deliver this chart topper. One of them lost his mind a little later, but thankfully, we got this first.

36 | Crank That, Soulja Boy, 2007   

https://youtu.be/8UFIYGkROII?si=qwMxCFC_k_HFzrvB

We're just going to ignore the lyrics and listen to the music and do the dance, okay?

35 | Mo Money Mo Problems, The Notorious B.I.G., 1997        

https://youtu.be/ss142Aix2Bo?si=AGM3MA962oyM7waM

A few years after taking an iconic photo at Howard Homecoming, Biggie teamed up with his Bad Boy crew to deliver this epic narrative on success. For the record, though, we'll take the mo money.

34 | Super Freak, Rick James, 1981   

https://youtu.be/QYHxGBH6o4M?si=0cMmciRCXMlugFTp

Even if they sit next to you in class, everybody has their secrets.

33 | Boogie Oogie Oogie, A Taste of Honey, 1978

https://youtu.be/y9IYWwWnpuA?si=8031NuhvGSzTxAq-

It helped define the disco era, partly because it is impossible not to dance to it. Even before the singing starts, the club was jumping. 

32 | Brick House, Commodores, 1977

https://youtu.be/HhPu6GEoad8?si=jAkRIzpS7bU0bejT

If a fine sister walked by a group of brothers in the 70s, this is what they would say. Now, they would just yell, "daaaamnn!"

31 | (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher), Jackie Wilson, 1967  

https://youtu.be/mzDVaKRApcg?si=faY5SpqlF--F4gJZ

If she asks "where did our love go," then this is your answer. Trust us. 

30 | Where Did Our Love Go?, The Supremes, 1964               

https://youtu.be/dfl3EYFjHJU?si=JALUMThQuyxIi4za

This was a great conversation to have before Homecoming. Get your relationship straight before temptation comes your way, guys.

29 | Tutti Frutti, Little Richard, 1955    

https://youtu.be/NnIIvWnpaBU?si=PcdZVLQOU8TbZH75

We have absolutely no idea what this song was about, but it gave us lit vibes. "Whap bop a loo bop a bop bam boo." 

28 | On My Mama, Victoria Monet, 2023               

https://youtu.be/xSXOHksF_8g?si=lIoRcGo6ihKS6aPe

You might be fine and sexy, but can we give a hand clap to the woman who passed on her genes? 

27 | Alright, Kendrick Lamar, 2015    

https://youtu.be/Z-48u_uWMHY?si=1s760bC_4ht1cPxJ

Look, things might be crazy now, but they are going to work out, ok? 

26 | If It Isn't Love New Edition, 1988   

https://youtu.be/ReI6gvzVP0Y?si=LVzq42h0kB83kw5W

Gen Xrs are still doing this routine whenever they hear this song, much to the shagrin of their children.

25 | Back That Thang Up, Juvenile, Mannie Fresh & Lil Wayne, 1999     

https://youtu.be/WpQrAbkM3dI?si=oe4u63fmf16vzmFU

You might not have had any luck getting that girl to dance with you all night, but the DJ had your back on this one. Plenty of numbers got exchanged after this song went off.

24 | Let's Go Crazy, Prince & The Revolution, 1984               

https://youtu.be/aXJhDltzYVQ?si=u0cDTC05PTl418bS

Come through Prince Rogers Nelson! If you ever just wanted to forget the problems of life and wild out for a couple of minutes, this is your anthem. Don't let the elevator get you down.

23 | P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)       Michael Jackson, 1983              https://youtu.be/_GlgOkBR1vU?si=NosfgtOtV2UAuir_

"Where did you come from baby, and oooh won't you take me there?" Michael was pretty bold when he threw that line, but it just might hold up if he slid it in someone's DM today. Not sure how they would react to being called a "thing," though.

22 | You're All I Need to Get By, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell,1968               https://youtu.be/MJeuLdS3i6M?si=4xONNkpSZis4WY2_ 

If this song didn't give you hope for Black love, nothing will. Gaye and Terrell teamed up for a number of hits, but this one in particular summed up the kind of trust and commitment that had every listener looking for "the one."  

21 | Let's Talk About Sex, Salt-N-Pepa, 1991   

 https://youtu.be/8zWhI5ZjkDY?si=9CG0c5MQi4xKOT_g

So... how many times do you think this topic came up during Homecoming? Just wondering....

20 | Bad, Michael Jackson, 1987    

https://youtu.be/dsUXAEzaC3Q?si=8uWJqB92sSf18IfU

Jackson, sophomore collaboration with Quincy Jones produced any number of bangers, including this title track which you couldn't help but hear any time you turned on the radio.

19 | I Need Love, LL Cool J, 1987    

https://youtu.be/NEUX-HYRtUA?si=tL9V6G8VA4qIFHrr

No doubt that the younger Bison were having a ball when this was played on the Yard, while the older Bison were wondering what the hell was going on. Nevertheless, James Todd Smith's first blockbuster hit has stood the test of time.

18 | End of the Road, Boyz II Men, 1992               

https://youtu.be/zDKO6XYXioc?si=FTMyb_LO2xTrOrEA

If this song is on your Homecoming list, chances are it is because of something that happened at Homecoming that probably shouldn't have. We'll leave that alone. 

17 | Old Town Road, Lil Nas X, 2019    

https://youtu.be/r7qovpFAGrQ?si=RkSaNuGJ1Aml94y5

It's hard to argue with the originality and creativeness of this song, which took the world by storm at the end of the last decade. Nas X blended country, rap, and soul while taking his stand as an artist brave enough to be his authentic self. 

16 | Ain't No Sunshine, Bill Withers, 1971    

https://youtu.be/YuKfiH0Scao?si=oTf-09NkKK1pOgnf

If you've ever been in love, you know how it feels when that person is missing. They become a part of you, and good times just aren't the same when they aren't there. Whether your significant other is just on a trip or if you have broken up officially, you probably have your moments when the sun just doesn't shine as bright. Keep your head up, kid.

15| Baby I Need Your Loving, Four Tops, 1964              

https://youtu.be/joqjBAJx4ZA?si=niKPzTBiTLtcEpxp

Motown's guy groups were must-sees from the 50s until today. They made ladies swoon and men jealous, but no one could resist singing along. This song made it known that these gentlemen could not live without the affection of the women they loved.

14 | Minnie the Moocher, Cab Calloway, 1931               

https://youtu.be/8mq4UT4VnbE?si=EkFp3tDqzA9w7Fox

Cab Calloway exuded style, confidence, and charm, and this song thrilled audiences around the world with an unforgettable call and response. Can you say, "hydie, hydie, hydie, hi?"

13 | It Don't Mean a Thing if It Ain't Got that Swing, Duke Ellington, 1932

https://youtu.be/94UPeRIG2bk?si=F_LWHAmFpzGpwBJI

Duke Ellington is R&B Royalty, and this version of "It Don't Mean a Thing," shows why. Radio and records were still pretty new when the Duke put on this remarkable display of musicianship and vocal distinctiveness.  

12 | Good Golly Ms. Molly, Little Richard, 1958              

 https://youtu.be/lQ6akiGRcL8?si=jbjEgvcRNAHOR1Oq

Little Richard literally helped create the Rock and Roll genre, fearlessly taking his gospel background and laying rhythm and blues on top-- a bold and provocative move for the 1950s. 

11 | Walk This Way, Run-D.M.C.,   1986               

https://youtu.be/dLB0P8nT2w8?si=cjpfXaDpuVNtC6Vi

The perfect blend of genres, Run DMC got an assist from Aerosmith in this head knocker that was a crossover hit.

10 | Master Blaster (Jammin', Stevie Wonder, 1980              

 https://youtu.be/44F34jc7wGI?si=16ULfnbpnjZWkT-Q

It's impossible to have a top 10 list without mentioning the eight wonder of the world. His hits span generations, not just decades, and Master Blaster brought funk and soul to new levels. 

9 | Waterfalls, TLC, 1995    

https://youtu.be/8WEtxJ4-sh4?si=5aAfxMXMEybU-b98

They were crazy, sexy, and cool, but they were also socially conscious. This hit called attention to the plight of HIV and AIDS, and no doubt caused millions of fans to take their sexual health seriously.

8 | One Nation Under a Groove, Funkadelic, 1978               

https://youtu.be/nmjUvgdzimo?si=S82Sw5hFKXDbkcxt

One of music's all time most innovative groups, Funkadelic created signature grooves like this one that made you stop, think and dance, all at the same time.

7 | Papa's Got A Brand New Bag, James Brown and The Famous Flames, 1965   

https://youtu.be/rnDEr9R0snU?si=mrU6U4kVQAa5OJwW

He helped promote Black pride and self-reliance, but beneath it all, he was just an incredible showman. Before there was Michael Jackson and Prince, there was James Brown, literally creating the prototype for high-energy songs and performances that drove crowds insane.

6 | Let's Get It On, Marvin Gaye, 1973   

 https://youtu.be/x6QZn9xiuOE?si=6c-7rSJOoG3899-8

Homecoming doesn't end after the sun goes down. Gaye is the crooner to which every other is compared, and its not hard to see why. This unforgettable song still sparks relationships during the Homecoming twilight. 

5 | Best I Ever Had, Drake, 2009    

https://youtu.be/Zfp3KfYH0xA?si=SfGRTjViR2rTCrrT

This classic Drake song is one of the first projects that put him on the map. Its equal parts club banger and car ride vibe.

4 | Not Like Us, Kendrick Lamar, 2024    

https://youtu.be/T6eK-2OQtew?si=gmQCwSXStCYcLgaY

Isn't this what Bison have been trying to explain to people all along? You might be successful, you might be influential, you might even be committed to truth and service. But, sadly, you'll never be quite like us.

3 | After the Love Has Gone, Earth, Wind & Fire, 1979               https://youtu.be/CUCLNPOjPZw?si=jdxSQWVVUTfWULbe

For a while, love puts you through the motions. But at some point, the love may not be equal. Is it better to just play along and hope things work out, or be honest and risk the end? Earth, Wind, and Fire wanted to know in 1979.

2 | Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough, Michael Jackson, 1979               https://youtu.be/yURRmWtbTbo?si=IfJkO6x7gY9Mv6UM

Even before he was the King of Pop, he was rocking Howard Homecomings. Jackson's Off the Wall  album marked his official solo experience and helped set the musical tone for the decade to follow. This collaboration with super producer Quincy Jones proved to be one of the greatest albums ever made. 

1 | Strange Fruit, Billie Holliday, 1939     

https://youtu.be/Web007rzSOI?si=SqxIXxYWv7lyDMAl

In her prime, Billie Holliday was as popular in Black communities as Beyonce is today. Her sultry style and soulful voice, combined with an intoxicating presence, made her one of the country's first Black superstars. Her seminal work, Strange Fruit, remains the standard for artistry.

From the live energy of marching bands, to the soulful alumni turned musicians and student artists, music has not only set the tone for the festivities – it has served as a powerful expression of the University’s culture, unity, and resilience.

What's your top 100?