80 Best Party Songs by Black Artists That Make Us Sing, Dance and Celebrate
Whether it's a backyard barbeque, a wedding reception or a girls' night out, you can never go wrong with a playlist of famous party songs by Black artists.
Want to get everyone on the dance floor? “Cupid Shuffle” ought to do the trick. Or if you want to take a trip down memory lane with your BFFs, you can sing all the words to TLC's “No Scrubs.” Whether you're into disco-pop, R&B or hip-hop, we compiled a list of the most popular party songs you can jam to at your next shindig. So, grab a dance partner and enjoy these 80 catchy tunes by Black artists, from Rihanna and Megan Thee Stallion to Earth, Wind & Fire.
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1. “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1965)
Join Aretha Franklin and belt out “R E S P E C T” while soulful beats (aka saxophones, drums and bass guitars) play in the background. It’s one of the greatest songs of all time for a reason.
2. “I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown (1965)
The soulful vocals and funky instrumentals make this masterpiece a staple at any function.
3. “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder (1972)
If you look up “soul” in the dictionary, you'll find this timeless Grammy-winning tune.
4. “Got to Give it Up” by Marvin Gaye (1977)
We can all relate to the opening lines, “I used to go out to parties, and stand around. ‘Cause I was too nervous, to really get down. But my body yearn to be free. I got up on the floor, somebody could choose me…” The disco song motivates us to enjoy the party (and not care if anyone’s watching).
5. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire (1978)
The opening lines, “Do you remember, 21st night of September?” is enough to get everyone up and busting a move.
6. “Last Dance” by Donna Summer (1978)
A song to end the party on a good note. The disco beats will have you putting on your boogie shoes for the last dance of the night.
7. “Rock With You” by Michael Jackson (1979)
With lyrics like “I wanna rock with you (all night), dance you into day (sunlight), I wanna rock with you (all night), We’re gonna rock the night away…” dedicate this 1979 number to your dance partner.
8. “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge (1979)
Playing DJ for your family reunion? We have just the tune: “We are family. I got all my sisters with me. We are family, get up everybody and sing.”
9. “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang (1980)
Whether it’s a birthday, wedding or barbecue, toss this one in the playlist. The disco hit will have the whole crowd singing along when the chorus starts.
10. “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross (1980)
Grab your dance shoes and get in on this disco-funk mix. When you hear, “I’m coming out,” it’s time to unleash your inner Diana.
11. “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross (1981)
This is for all the couples at the party. Grab your significant other and sway together to this R&B classic.
12. “Before I Let Go” by Maze ft. Frankie Beverly (1981)
While we love Beyonce’s version, we have to go with the original at our parties. The R&B band’s vocals are just what you need to jam out at the cookout.
13. “I’m So Excited” by The Pointer Sisters (1982)
Let The Pointer Sisters get you pumped. It’s time to let loose when this 1982 hit is on the stereo.
14. “All Night Long (All Night) By Lionel Richie” (1983)
Yup, Lionel Richie is officially giving you an excuse to party until sunrise.
15. “Electric Boogie” by Marcia Griffiths (1983)
The electric slide is a must (sorry, we don’t make the rules). All ages can enjoy doing this line dance—no matter what you’re celebrating.
16. “Nasty” by Janet Jackson (1985)
Admit it, you’ve tried to recreate the music video and learn all the choreography at least once.
17. “Candy” by Cameo (1986)
Indulge in this funky track, work your air guitar skills during the instrumental break and be the star of the party.
18. “Rhythm of the Night” by Debarge (1987)
The dance-pop song paints the perfect picture of a celebration. If you’re looking to boost your mood, listen to this fun track to uplift your spirits.
19. “Push It” by Salt-n-Pepa (1987)
This Grammy-nominated single is not only the party song, but it's also a great karaoke track to try with your bestie.
20. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston (1987)
Need some convincing to get up and dance? Well, Whitney Houston can definitely persuade you to find a dance partner and enjoy the festivities.
21. “It Takes Two” by Rob Base & D.J. E-Z Rock (1988)
Ready to break a sweat? You’ll be doing the Running Man, the Robocop and every other ’80s dance move you can think of.
22. “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe (1990)
While the lyrics aren’t exactly party-friendly, the group’s vocals and funky percussions will still get you on your feet.
23. “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot (1992)
When you hear the first verse, you can’t help but sing along and dance with your friends. It’s peak ’90s for its catchy beats and body-positive messaging.
24. “This How We Do It” by Montell Jordan & Wino (1995)
Fact: This song will have the quietest person racing to the dance floor to show off their moves.
25. “Fantasy” by Mariah Carey (1995)
Put a smile on your S.O.’s face and sing this sweet number to them. (Plus, anything with Mariah Carey is worth adding to the party lineup.)
26. “Hypnotize” by Notorious B.I.G (1997)
Calling all ‘90s babies. Crowned the greatest hip hop song of all time, this 1994 hit will have you reliving your favorite outdoor shindigs.
27. “Doo Wop (That Thing)” by Lauryn Hill (1998)
Impress your guests with your rapping and singing skills. This 1998 track is just what you need for a Friday night gathering.
28. “No Scrubs” by TLC (1999)
We guarantee that everyone will be belting out this song. Once the chorus comes on, get ready to sing your heart out.
29. “Be Faithful” by Fatman Scoop & The Crooklyn Clan (1999)
Want to feel like you’re at the club with your own personal DJ? This 1999 track gets you involved in the song. One minute you’re raising your hands and the next you’re saying “Hey! Ho!” along with Fatman Scoop.
30. “Cha Cha Slide” by DJ Casper (2000)
No party is complete without this end-of-the-millennium number. Show off your ‘Cha cha’ skills and follow along as Mr.C instructs all the steps (featuring stomps, hops and smoove moves).
31. “No Letting Go” by Wayne Wonder (2002)
This reggae-dancehall mix is all about a lost love. Add the funky beats and traditional Diwali Riddim (aka hand clapping), and you’ve got yourself a party.
32. “Hot In Herre” by Nelly (2002)
A summer blowout is never complete without this vintage track. You’ll definitely break a sweat (and the lyrics are proof).
33. “In Da Club” by 50 Cent (2003)
Happy birthday, who? Once you hear, “Go, shorty, it’s your birthday, we gon’ party like it’s your birthday,” you’ll forget all about using the traditional song.
34. “Hey Ya!” by Outkast (2003)
When Andre 3000 says, “shake it, shake it, shake it,” be ready to move “like a Polaroid picture”.
35. “Yeah!” by Usher ft. Lil Jon & Ludacris (2004)
We can’t help but sing out “yeah, yeah, yeah,” every time Usher does. Add Lil Jon’s adlibs and Ludacris’s verse, and you've got yourself a classic track.
36. “Lose Control” by Missy Elliot feat. Ciara & Fat Man Scoop (2005)
If anyone is party shy, play this memorable hit: “Music make you lose control, music make you lose control.”
37. “Cupid Shuffle” by Cupid (2007)
While the “Electric Slide” and “Cha Cha Slide” will always be classics, don’t sleep on this one. The line dance has the steps in the song so everyone can follow along (yes, even Grandma).
38. “Low” by Flo Rida ft. T-Pain (2007)
If there’s one song to describe the early ’00s (especially the fashion), it’s this hip-hop number. Go low, low, low at the barbecue and let the nostalgia begin.
39. “Crank That (Soulja Boy)” by Soulja Boy (2007)
There are many songs that define a generation. This dance hit will have any millennial running to the dance floor to do the Superman.
40. “Just Fine” by Mary J Blige (2007)
A feel-good song after a stressful week is just what a party is missing. Mary J. Blige’s empowering track will leave you in a happy mood.
41. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyonce (2008)
You don’t have to be single to enjoy this unforgettable hit. Besides, you know you remember all the choreography.
42. “Wobble” by V.I.C (2008)
This wedding reception must-have gets all the guests up to wobble across the dance floor. Listen to the steps and move your arms to the beat.
43. “Super Bass” by Nicki Minaj (2011)
Test your friends and see who can catch up to Nicki Minaj’s quick verses before collectively belting the chorus.
44. “24K Magic” by Bruno Mars (2016)
We hope you’re blasting this timeless track at your next rooftop party. When Bruno Mars says it’s showtime, be prepared to put down your drink and head to the dance floor.
45. “Work” by Rihanna ft. Drake (2016)
Remember the late 2010s, before Rihanna was a beauty mogul? Your guests will, too.
46. “In My Feelings” by Drake (2018)
This hip-hop hit went viral, and for good reason. When the chorus comes on, you’ll have all eyes on you while you’re doing the iconic Instagram dance.
47. “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott ft. Drake (2018)
The changing beats and quick verses by Travis Scott and Drake will have you moving from start to finish. (And you just might get a workout with all the dancing you’ll be doing.)
48. “Truth Hurts” by Lizzo (2019)
FYI, any Lizzo song can elevate a function. But whether you’re going through a breakup or need a pick-me-up, consider this infectious bop.
49. “Hot Girl Summer” by Megan Thee Stallion ft. Nicki Minaj (2019)
We have to thank Megan Thee Stallion for coining ‘Hot Girl Summer’ and creating an anthem to live your best life from June through August.
50. "We Found Love" by Rihanna (2011)
Queen RiRi and Calvin Harris struck gold with this addictive track. We dare you not to dance.
51. "A Night to Remember" by Shalamar (1982)
Make your night unforgettable—and take a trip straight back to the '80s—by cranking up this classic tune.
52. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd (2020)
If you’ve spent even a second on TikTok, you’ve heard this one. (And if you’re like us, you have a soft spot for its major ‘80s vibes.)
53. "Shoop" by Salt-N-Pepa (1993)
Featured in the hit TV show Yellowjackets, this Salt-N-Pepa anthem just *had* to make the list. Because if you’re stranded in the remote mountains of who-knows-where and you and your soccer team sing it a cappella to make the time go by, it seems like a solid party anthem contender.
54. "American Boy" by Estelle & Kanye West (2008)
This banger won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration and the star-studded music video isn't too shabby either.
55. "You Can’t Hurry Love" by the Supremes (1966)
You most definitely “Can’t Hurry Love,” so you’ll just have to wait. But not for long, because when you crank this 60s number, everyone will be rushing to the dancefloor.
56. "Sir Duke" by Stevie Wonder (1976)
Bust out your air trumpet for Stevie Wonder’s funky, big band-esque “Sir Duke.”
57. "Losing You" by Solange (2012)
The truth is that one of the best parts of this funky track are the background caws and noises that meld together with Solange’s sweet and sultry voice.
58. "Woman" by Doja Cat (2021)
This one’s for the ladies. Let this be at the top of your girl boss soundtrack.
59. "Barbie World (with Aqua)" by Nicki Minaj, Ice Spice (2023)
This list wouldn’t be complete without a nod to the Barbie summer of 2023. Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice put a smooth, rap twist on Aqua’s “Barbie World.” It was the song heard ‘round the globe.
60. "Shark in the Water" by V.V. Brown (2009)
This V.V. Brown single featured in a 2010 Degrassi promo will always live on as a major hit for the mid-aughts crowd.
61. "Mamushi" by Megan Thee Stallion (feat. Yuki Chiba) (2024)
The perfect marriage of American and Japanese rap was born when Megan Thee Stallion and Yuki Chiba collaborated on this dual language track.
62. "After Hours" by Kehlani (2024)
Starting with a micro sample from “Move Ya Body,” by Nina Sky and Jabba, Kehlani’s “After Hours,” is the perfect beat for body rollin’.
63. "THAT GIRL" by Bree Runway (2022)
This sharp and poppy club classic begs you to show off your best moves on the dance floor. You will totally be *that* girl.
64. "Supermodel (You Better Work)" by RuPaul (1993)
Behind this absolutely iconic song is queer icon and drag queen superstar RuPaul. Get your Vogue hands ready and strut like a supermodel on the dance floor.
65. "Bottoms Up (feat. Nicki Minaj)" by Trey Songz (2010)
Dare I say that Mr. Steal-Your-Girl created the perfect song to take shots to?
66. "Replay" by Iyaz (2009)
This one was most definitely on replay in my childhood bedroom. “Like a melody,” it plays non-stop and rent free in my head.
67. "Down" by Jay Sean & Lil Wayne (2009)
“Even if the sky is falling down,” this song is sure to put a smile on any partygoer’s face. “Tonight is the night to let it go.”
68. "Beautiful" by Akon, Colby O’Donis & Kardinall Offishall (2008)
Need a song to make you feel beautiful at the party? Then this is the track to slide on.
69. "Survivor" by Destiny’s Child (2001)
If only Destiny’s Child survived past 2006, we’d be getting bangers like these on the reg. I guess we’ll have to indulge in their solo albums now, but don’t forget this little number from the glory days.
70. "Disturbia" by Rihanna (2008)
When Halloween meets dance party, you should be looking at Ri Ri’s “Disturbia” for a good time. The beat, the name, the vocals. A+ from me.
71. "Run Up" by Major Lazer, PARTYNEXT DOOR, Nicki Minaj (2018)
Dancing to this song is like sipping a fruity cocktail on the beach at sunset. Fun, flirty and absolutely delightful.
72. "Turnin Me On" by Keri Hilson & Lil Wayne (2008)
The unmistakable robotic intro will turn you on to this song. Keri Hill’s bouncy lyrics mixed with Lil Wayne’s auto-tune-esque rap track means you’ll be rocking to this one in no time.
73. "Me & U" by Cassie (2006)
This Cassie classic complete with breathy vocals and dynamic beats is giving me some serious Britney vibes.
74. "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester (1978)
This song is going to give you some serious disco fever. Sashay onto the dance floor and boogie the night away.
75. "Ms. Jackson" by Outkast (2000)
Outkast popped off with this iconic 2000 anthem. Boppy mix of pop and rap, this jam will be a hit at any gathering (and you can guarantee people will be singing along).
76. "Could You Be Loved?" by Bob Marley & The Wailers (1980)
A fun, yet mellow party fav that will make it feel like it’s summer no matter the season.
77. "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner (1993)
This iconic anthem was featured in Miss Congeniality 2 and performed as a lip sync by none other than our fav Regina King (and Sandra Bullock dressed as a matching showgirl, of course!)
78. "Hot Stuff" by Donna Summer (1979)
Perfect for a night at the roller rink or kickin’ it at a family party, Donna Summer’s ‘Hot Stuff’ will make you want to put on your boogie shoes.
79. "Lady Marmalade" by LaBelle (1974)
Though the Christina Aguilera version always has me gitchi gitchi ya ya-ing, the OG version by LaBelle will definitely make you want to sing and dance the night away with your soul sisters.
80. "Texas Hold 'Em" by Beyoncé
The hit single from Beyoncé's country-rooted album, Cowboy Carter, is undeniably catchy. Can we get a yeehaw?!
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