Gurrrlz, we got this! We don't need no stinkin' man!

My dad was a high school band and choir teacher. He taught us to love music in all its forms. I grew up listening to everything! No genre was off limits. If it had melodies and harmonies that were interesting to the ear or even clever lyrics, it was celebrated in our house. To this day, my playlist consists of everything from bluegrass (Have you ever heard Nickel Creek???) to old school rap and hip hop (Dolla Dolla Bill, yall!)

With all the variety in my musical selection, I have always gravitated to R&B. It’s my go-to style. I love the soul of it and the incredible voices that have dominated the charts throughout my life time and earlier. R&B is primarily known for its power ballads and love songs. From Teddy Pendergrass growling to “turn off the lights” to Ne-Yo telling you how badly he wants to be a “Good Man”, a lot of babies have been created with an R&B station playing in the background.

So, on this Valentine’s Day, maybe you and your special one will turn on the Maxwell or the Marvin Gaye and “get it on”. But for the ladies that are rocking out there all by your damn self, don’t turn off the R&B. Do you know how many female R&B artists have written and performed songs all about their power as a woman? Let’s take a look at some of my favorites!

1. “Just Fine” – Mary J Blige

Power Lyrics: “I ain’t gon' let nothing get in my way. No matter what nobody has to say.”

If you need an anthem about how your life is just the way you want it, you can borrow mine. Mary J will have you dancing in front of the mirror.

2. “Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys

Power Lyrics: “She’s got both feet on the ground and she’s burning it down.”

Alicia Keys has made it her personal business to stand up for Girl Power. She’s got mad talent and I bet she performed this song just for you!

3. “BS” – Jhene Aiko

Power Lyrics: “Some of you ain’t never had no real bitch and it shows. I keep it one hunnid from my head down to my toes.”

If you just broke up with someone who didn’t know how to love you for real, this one is for you. Great beat to turn up in your new whip as you drive past your ex.

4. “I’m Dat Chick” – Kelly Rowland

Power Lyrics: “All my ladies put your hands up if you know. Let ‘em know. Yeah, that you’re a grown ass woman with your own.”

You don’t have to be cocky to love yourself. Get ready to throw your fists in the air when you listen to this dance number.

5. “Level Up” – Ciara

Power Lyrics: “Oh, you can talk all you want. See me, I see greater. Nothing I’m afraid of. And I can have it all.”

Not interested in settling for less than you deserve? Don’t do it! This song will pump you up to stay on your grind. Listen to it on the treadmill and see how fast you burn those calories!

6. “Tyrone” – Erykah Badu

Power Lyrics: “Oh, whoa well hold up. Listen partner, I ain’t no cheap thrill. Cause Ms. Badu is always comin’ for real and you know the deal.”

So maybe you got a guy that takes advantage of you and you know you can do better without him. Send him the link to this song. You might want to have a few boxes ready.

7. “RESPECT” – Aretha Franklin

Power Lyrics: “R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Find out what it means to me. R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Take care. TCB”

This one is a classic by the queen of soul. Every woman should know how to sing along and mean it! This video is hilarious too.

8. “No Scrubs” – TLC

Power Lyrics: “Cause I’m lookin’ like class and he’s lookin’ like trash. Can’t get with a deadbeat ass.”

This song was released in 1992 and for nearly 30 years girls have been belting these lyrics out of their car windows. It’s still bad ass. Ain’t nothin’ changed. Side note: This song taught me the definition of a "busta". Thanks TLC!

9. “Girl Power” – Cheetah Girls

Power Lyrics: “Sometimes life may get you down, but you better hold your ground. Can’t nobody live your life but you. Stay true to who you are and the ways are in your heart.”

Of course, we have to include the song that is actually named “Girl Power”. That’s what we’re talking about, right? The Cheetah Girls were loved by many a pre-teen girl in the 2000's and the lyrics to this song gave them all the empowerment they craved.

10. “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World” – James Brown

Power Lyrics: “This is a man’s, man’s, man’s world, but it wouldn’t be nothin’ without a woman or a girl.”

When a grown man tells us that the world would be nothing without females, it proves our point. Right? Not to mention this is a bomb ass song to listen to…..those instruments!

There are so many more songs we could have discovered together and I hope you have enjoyed this small sample. No matter what life has dealt you on this “Lover’s Holiday”, put some great music in your ears and remind yourself how wonderful, powerful and important you are as a woman! Be Blessed!