The F Word has been making a bold statement in pop music of late, and we couldn't be more stoked. From Beyonce's visual album to Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu's sublime meeting of the minds, women are topping charts and bringing a seriously independent voice into the mainstream.
What better way to welcome your summer than with some of these girl-power-injected hits? Here are 15 of our picks that are dancy, sexy, yell-y, and just totally delightful ear candy that prove that feminists have more fun. Happy listening, fierce females!
Complete with a sample from Nigerian feminist author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, this dirty jam brings smart and sexy together in a way only Beyonce can do.
Back in the 90s, TLC was a bold presence in hip hop. One of the first girl groups to stand behind aggresively sexual lyrics (ie – "if you ain't swingin' just put your tongue in it"), Left Eye, T-Boz and Chilli effectively told male rappers two could play at the rap game.
Synonymous with characters like Cat Stratford from Ten Things I Hate About You and Lindsay Weir of Freaks and Geeks, this song screams growing up and figuring it out – and not giving a crap about what anyone thinks along the way.
"Is it peculiar that she twerk in the mirror? Am I weird to dance alone late at night?" (No.) This is an anthem for the ostracized, the marginalized, those who feel left out. Find out how here.
This song has secret weapon-like effects. Immediately upon listening you will likely feel like a seriously bad bitch. Within seconds. Keep on your iPod. Use carefully.
This sassy song about a night out at the pub, complete with fending off unwanted suitors, is pure fun. Allen's quirky sense of humour puts all those trials and tribulations in perspective. Listen to this on your brisk walk home from the bar. It'll put a spring in your step.
Who can resist this timeless power groove? Blast this song first thing in the morning as you're make yourself a powerhouse smoothie and put on your fiercest game-face face mask. It's going to be a good day.
Picture alt. hip hop queen Lizzo waxing butter off an attractive man's chest as you listen to this.
People have been saying Janet is the original Beyonce of late. To be sure, this track proves Janet is truly independent, in-control, sexually aggressive, and un-afraid to demand the respect she deserves. Case in point: "My name's not baby, it's Janet. Mrs. Jackson if you're nasty." *drops mic*
A classic from the Washington punk rock band, who pioneered the Riot grrrrl movement. "That girl thinks she's the queen of the neighborhood. I got news for you. She is!" You will be too, when you're walking down the street listening to this.
Lest we forget this 2001 gem. This memorable video features Gwen and Eve crashing a bougie party by four-wheeler, offending all attendees with their swagger, getting arrested, then getting bailed out by Dr. Dre. Listen to this when you're getting ready for a night out and have a mind for debauchery.
Iggy Pop and Peaches are two fine feminist punk rock icons. This highly sex-positive track is zany, explicit, and sure to shake you out of your afternoon slump better than a sugar-high.
Listen to this 80s throwback when you're in a fight-the-power kind of mood. Pour yourself a glass of OE, put on your finest cut-off crop top, and do a headbang tutorial in your bedroom.
"I want to say a little something that's long overdue / The disrespect to women has got to be through / To all the mothers and the sisters and the wives and friends / I want to offer my love and respect to the end." Amen.
