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 added 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 thing's for sure; it's sure to spark a brand-new debate among your classmates.
And without further ado, let's get to our list.
100 | Right Thurr, Chingy, 2003
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.
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, dance, and bob your head to, with jheri curl juice flying all over the place.
Teena’s dynamic vocals, combined with that slick bassline and funky groove, created a sound that felt both nostalgic and ahead of its time. What truly made “Square Biz” stand out was Teena’s rap verse—a rare moment for a female artist, especially a white female artist, in early '80s R&B. She boldly raps about her love for music, art, and life, delivering bars with confidence and authenticity. - Jasmine Young
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
This was a very serious compliment in 1981.
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.
'A Bar Song' is the kind of track that feels like a warm embrace the moment it comes on. It’s the soundtrack to good times, where strangers become friends, and the worries of the world fade into the background. - Jasmine Young
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
The perfect song to either wind up or wind down. Fits both scenarios.
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.
We miss you desperately, Whitney. Rest in peace, Nippy.
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 you weren't alive in the 70s, believe us, this song was not about a building.
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 all that, but can we give a hand clap to the woman who passed on her genes? "She get it from her mama."
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?
Keep Reading
-
Three Howard University Students Named Obama-Chesky Voyager Scholars
Nov 13, 2024 4 minutes -
Frederic Davison (’38, ’40): The First Black Man to Command White Soldiers in Combat
Nov 10, 2024 6 minutes -
Vice President Kamala Harris: Truth and Service to America
Nov 6, 2024 10 minutes