In 2015, music videos by Black women reigned supreme. Can we really expect anything less from the best? Whether Rihanna was taking us on a wild ride with “BBHMM” or Nicki Minaj and Beyoncé were giving us #squadgoals and Willow Smith celebrating her eclectic style, we were so there for these videos. Take a look back at 17 music videos by Black female artists—in no particular order—that rocked 2015.
1. Rihanna: “Bitch Better Have My Money”
Rihanna lived up to her “bad gal” reputation with this badass video, which sparked a flood of tweets and epic thinkpieces on her brand of feminism.
2. Nicki Minaj featuring Beyoncé “Feeling Myself”
With “Feeling Myself” Nicki Minaj featuring Beyoncé brought us the ultimate #squadgoals videos. You can watch the official video on Tidal.
3. Missy: “WTF (Where They From)”
Missy ‘Misdemeanor’ Elliott returned to fill a much-needed void for her brilliant mix of wit, swag and those dance moves. We missed you Missy!
4. Lady LeShurr “Queens Speech 2”
If we had to crown the next generation of Missy Elliot’s, Lady LeShurr would take the crown. And to think, “Queens Speech 2” started off as a freestyle. We can’t wait to see what this British rapper has up her sleeve next.
5. Janelle Monae: “Yoga”
Who didn’t love seeing this side of Janelle Monae?
6. Jill Scott: “Back Together”
We can always count on Jill Scott to move us to great emotional heights, and her “Back Together” video was no different.
7. Lianne La Havas “Unstoppable”
So many feels from one of our favorite Black Brits. The hair, the dresses, the carefree spirit, and those vocals.
8. Willow Smith: “F Q-C #7”
The poster child for Carefree Black Girls, Willow doesn’t disappoint with this eclectic video.
9. Dej Loaf “Backup”
One of hip-hop’s fiercest female voice of the moment, Dej Loaf released her duet EP, #AndSeeThatsTheThing, this summer to rave reviews. The Detroit native returned to her city—the Royal Skate Land to be exact—for her “Backup” video.
10. Tamar Braxton: “If I Don’t Have You”
Sultry and fabulous, Tamar’s video for “If I Don’t Have You” was everything you’d expect from The Real diva.
11. Erica Campbell: “I Luh God”
Anthem alert! Erica Campbell sparked new conversations on the idea of Trap Gospel. It’s real. And it’s here to stay.
12. Jennifer Hudson: “I Still Love You”
J-Hud spread a beautiful message of love and acceptance in this stunning video.
13. Andra Day: “Forever Mine”
The YouTube sensation-turned-Grammy nominee celebrates eternal love in this magical video directed by Spike Lee.
14. Tamia: “Sandwich and a Soda”
All we can say is “Welcome back Tamia!”
15. Cécile McLorin Salvant “Wives and Lovers”
If you haven’t heard of the bespectacled jazz phenom, it’s time you heard her glorious vocals.
16. Melanie Fiona: “Bite the Bullet”
Melanie Fiona is utterly unbothered in the video for this catchy tune.
17. St. Beauty “Going Nowhere”
Wondaland band St. Beauty finally dropped the visuals for their sultry single, “Going Nowhere,” after stealing our hearts on the Eephus EP they released earlier this year.
What were your favorite videos of 2015?