To conclude our #ForTheCulture playlist we dug DEEP into the musical archives for the Mother/Son dance. Yes, it’s true: Boyz II Men’s “A Song For Mama” is as classic as the Soul Food Soundtrack it’s featured on. In addition, we have other cuts to choose from. That’s right...WE HAVE OPTIONS!

Whether it’s a son to his mother, God to us, or a mother to her son dedication, this #MotherSonDance playlist is sure to make your intergenerational guests gush as the Groom and Mother-of-the-Groom take to the dance floor.

Remember: We LOVE to hear from you! Be sure tell us which songs made your personal playlist on @DetailedDaysEventDesign’s Instagram using #ForTheCulture.

Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to any songs posted or any videos shared.
 
1) “A Song For Mama”  by Boyz II Men. We understand this song brings tears to eyes and flashbacks to the first time you watched Soul Food, the movie. Yes, you may think of Big Mama, Cousin Faith, and Michael Beach’s character, Miles, singing alongside the group Milestone on stage. This ditty, however, is highly regarded for many reasons and will forever be “food to [our] souls”!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tap90z44WR8
 
2) “Dear Mama” by Tupac. Our beloved brother, Tupac Amaru Shakur, left us with a range of hits. Within his catalog was this mother-love anthem which proclaims adoration and appreciation over a live beat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mb1ZvUDvLDY
 
3) “A Mother’s Love” by Kem.  We best describe this song a “honey to the ears”; it is smooth and sweet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ1Bpd77Dqc
 
4) “Thank You” by Boyz II Men. Yup! They made more than one song befitting such a moment. This song doesn’t shoutout mama personally, but the hype beat and lyrics are so astute when recognizing a mother’s devotion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PnbdCzXtb6o
 
5) “Three Times A Lady” by the Commodores. This classic remains undefeated as a mother/son dance heavy-hitter. Many of us love this song as much as we love the Commodores.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4dl6JSf-bc
 
6) “Mom” by Earth Wind & Fire. You can’t go wrong with The Elements, especially if you are a fan of powerful instrumentation, vocals, and lyrics!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZBOD0hMw4c
 
7) “God Is So Amazing” by Will Downing. What better way to summarize parental love than a song about how God loves us?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8gEvkl_tYY
 
8) “You’re The Best Thing Yet” by Anita Baker. We often think of songs that are expressions of a son’s love to his mother. Sometimes, mothers want the opportunity to publicly love on their children. The lyrics to this song can do just that!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2ZAFCNf_Cc
 
9) “To Zion” by Lauryn Hill.  In short, this is an ode to the real life, real love, and a real deal sometimes unexpected revelation of motherhood.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sQjh261rU8
 
10) “You Are My Friend” by Patti LaBelle. It is a beautiful thing when a parent-child relationship transforms into one of pure adoration and friendship. We think this song wonderfully speaks to that evolution.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpFK45IPCO8

This blog content was written by Davia Crutchfield (@Dr.DaviaJnl) of BL&CK (@visitandblack).

On the heels of Father’s Day it is only befitting we continue our #ForTheCulture series with the beloved Father/Daughter Dance song list. The precious relationship fathers and father figures have with their daughters and daughter figures is unlike any other bond. We salute Dads who cherish their daughters’ hearts by being the stand up, stand out men they are. This Father’s Day and every day we say “Thank you and we love you!”

Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to any songs posted or any videos shared.

1. “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele. Warning: this song is a tear-jerker! We all know how Chrisette Michele has a way of bringing you to chorus (shout out to Ms. Funky Dineva Ross). “Nevatheless!” This song right here will have the room in their feelings so have tissue boxes nearby.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYfj3wei3X0


2. “Daddy” by Beyoncé. Queen Beyoncé’s lyrical stroll down memory lane, and adoration for her father is as delightful as the song’s melody.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mL6DeCSICBc

3. “Hero” by Mariah Carey. It happened didn’t it? You read the title and immediately sung the song in your head? You’re in good company *raises hand*. This is one of those songs where you automatically close your eyes and sing aloud. MMMPH! That’s good right there!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IA3ZvCkRkQ

4. “Isn’t She Lovely” by Stevie Wonder. GET. YOUR. TWO-STEP. ON with this timeless jam! If you and your Dad love a good hand-dance, line-dance, or choreographed number, this is the song to pick!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-n3Ydy7ras

5. “Joy” by BLACKstreet. I’m going back to the 90’s…want anything? BLACKstreet sung one of the most beautiful songs about the transformative power of love. Then, as if that wasn’t enough, these gents topped it off with their daughters in the video! MAGICAL!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkeZqZBqoZY

6. “I’ll Be There” by The Jackson 5. Little girls grow into women. As we transition into this space it never negates a daughter’s need for her father. Yes, we grow, becoming adults ourselves. In that, we still need our Dads. These lyrics are so applicable as we hope our fathers stay near by as we transition through the many phases in life. It makes us glad to know that if life becomes too heavy and the road unpredictable our fathers’ love, guidance and protection are not far away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W-apaIOOoAo


7. "You Are the Sunshine of My Life" by Stevie Wonder. Similarly to the Jackson 5 song, this one gives “growing up or transitioned relationship” vibes. It’s sweet. It’s sincere. It’s layered. It’s Stevie Wonder!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbenaOqv4yQ

8. "My Girl" by The Temptations. An all-star Father/Daughter Dance song, “My Girl” raises more than thoughts of Vada Sultenfuss, her mood ring and Thomas J.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swSytFVMHuU

We conclude this list with two duets. These two songs respectively stand the test of time as iconic melodies, and instant nostalgia. Our #9 and #10:

9. “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole and Natalie Cole.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKCyUe4syc4

10. “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Eddie & Gerald LeVert.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSxblTzc53M

Be sure to tell us how you’ve enjoyed this series on the @DetailedDaysEventDesign’s Instagram page using #ForTheCulture. Don’t forget to leave your favorite songs from the list! Stay tuned for next week’s list ... you guessed it - the best Mother/Son dance songs.

This blog content was written by Davia Crutchfield (@Dr.DaviaJnl) of BL&CK (@visitandblack).

We’ve all been there--ready to make a playlist for an event or crafting song-options for our big shindigs. We enlist the help of friends and family wondering “Where are the jams? I know I know some...but what are they? Where are they?” Then it happens: we look online for soulful options only to find they are far and few. This June we introduce #ForTheCulture playlists: a thematic list of our top 10 favorite flavorful songs. We believe they’ll not only fit the bill for your dance needs, but provide relative song options for your big day.
 
This week’s theme: The First Dance!
 
We can all appreciate a great love song that captures the mood of our romance. For some of us, it’s an old-time classic; for others it’s an up-tempo bop. Whatever your preference we’re sure our Top 10 First Dance Songs has something to make you smile and think of your beloved. View the list below and be sure to tell us which songs made your personal playlist on @DetailedDaysEventDesign Instagram using #ForTheCulture. Can’t wait to hear from you! Enjoy!!
 
Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to any songs posted or any videos shared.
 
1) “This Is Why I Love You” by Major. This beautiful ballad will make your guests eyes swell with tears as they enjoy the two of you swaying to lyrics of an undying love:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqiVMKJxWK0
 
2) "If I Have My Way” by Chrisette Michele. Chrisette Michele knows how to take a feeling and make it an all-time beautiful song!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BptDznVpt6M
 
 
3) “Best Part” by H.E.R ft. Daniel Caesar. THIS. IS. OUR. JAM!!! If you haven’t heard this tune on your local radio station, call them and ask them why they’re denying themselves a great thing!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vBy7FaapGRo
 
 
4) “My Piece” by Miguel. This song right here is for the ride or die lovers. This up-tempo bop is sure to start your party off right!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMbNP5fnVo0
 
 
5) “Ribbon In The Sky” by Stevie wonder. Are you and your soon-to-be more traditional loves? If so, this classic by the incomparable Stevie Wonder is a no-brainer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd4YHyReUHM
 
 
6) “Couple Of Forevers” by Chrisette Michele. Oh, y’all part of the new classic crew? No problem! This song transcends generations and will surely give that fresh-forever flavor, just like you two do!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ng0svHgAZB4
 
 
7) “Get You” by Daniel Caesar ft. Kali Uchis. 1) If you haven’t listened to his album Freudian, do so ASAP; and 2) “Get You” is a song that will put you in a mood. Just...be prepared.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQFVqltOXRg
 
 
8) “Lately” by Tyrese. If a warm and smooth Hot Toddy was a love-song, it would be “Lately”. Does this song make anyone else think of Coca-Cola commercial Tyrese? #AllTheFeels #ImmediateMood mmmmm!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OG_l40pdPEA
 
9) “Sure Thing” by Miguel. This song is for the couple whose relationship is a mix of closer-than-close best friends and lovers. If you envision your first dance as a get live two-step, this is the song for you!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4GJVOMjCC4
 
 
10) “Cruisin’” by Smokey Robinson or D’Angelo. Here we offer a 2-for-1! Whatever your stride, either rendition of this love classic will be the best first dance bop!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WlzY6cWpoMQ   or  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uxeft-dnQs
 
Stay tuned for the next week’s list: The Mother and Son dance! 
 
This blog content was written by Davia Crutchfield (@Dr.DaviaJnl) of BL&CK (@visitandblack).