Wale Releases New 'BGM' Single To Celebrate Black Queens On Women’s Equality Day
Washington D.C.’s poetic rap star Wale hasn’t been shy showing his unabashed appreciation for Black women in front of the entire world. The MMG emcee has been a day one rider fighting the good fight to highlight the diverse, melanated beauty of Black women.
On the anniversary of Women’s Equality Day, the “Lotus Flower Bomb” artist big-upped Black women everywhere with an empowered ode celebrating Black queens everywhere.
August 26th marked the 99th anniversary of women's voting rights. For Black women in America, Equal Pay Day — which falls on August 22 — is a stark reminder of the gains that still need to be made to achieve true equality in the face of the historical undervaluing of Black women.
Titled “BGM” (short for Black Girl Magic), the upbeat tempo deftly weaves in referential nods to the number of Black boss ladies that have paved the way and inspired us for generations to come.
Over a funk-inspired instrumental, Wale pays homage to the trailblazing women moving the culture forward such as Issa Rae, Michelle Obama, and Taraji P. Henson. He also popped on Twitter to share a brief but touching montage saluting all of his favorite boss ladies.
The Grammy-nominated rapper makes special mention to the particular hardships and societal barriers that Black women face with some words of encouragement.
“Sometime it be really so hard for ya / White boy paid more same job as you /The least I can do is write a song / THEN I’ll ‘Mawwwh’ that part of you,” Wale waxes in first verse before the chorus kicks in.
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In conjunction with the release of “BMG,” Wale also dropped a lyric music video. Instead of just lyrics flashing across the screen, the blaxploitation-influenced visual is a throwback to the heydays of ‘80s sitcoms when a number of Black-centered sitcoms blessed our televisions.
“BGM” arrives on the heels of Wale's most recent Jeremih-assisted hit “On Chill,” the lead single from his upcoming new album. The project still doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s safe to say it's right around the corner as the D.C. rapper will be embarking on his 18-date Everything Is Fine tour this fall.
Watch the ‘80s-themed celebratory visual below and be sure to celebrate all the melanated goddesses in your life not just on Women's Equality Day, but everyday (like Wale).
