Rapper Wale’s recently released song “Black is Gold” is a modern-day tribute to beautiful and intelligent black women across the world.
Aired on December 12th, “Black is Gold” has already been viewed over 2 million times on a single Facebook post. The video shows Wale surrounded by a room full of carefree black women talking, laughing and dancing with each other. The models show how diverse black women can be, as they range from light to dark skin complexions, natural hair, dreadlocks, straight hair and dyed tresses.
Unlike many popular music videos the women shown here aren’t portrayed as strippers, sexual partners or love interests. It focuses on the positive relationship between black women.
Wale also paired the visuals with uplifting words and brief shout outs to accomplished women in the entertainment industry.
The song began with the line from the hook “Black is beautiful, baby, black is bold. Black is black, true, but black is gold."
He went on to say, “Look, black is beautiful, shawty, that you should know. Don't let American standards damage your African soul, Natural hair, or with a weave under.”
These lines emphasize that black women don’t have to conform to American standards of beauty. Whether they choose to wear their natural hair or extensions, they are still gorgeous nonetheless.
He acknowledged actress Lupita Nyango, known for pushing dark skin women to embrace their features, “Miss Lupita, Hope you know you inspired the future women for us…Just know that that melanin mesmerizin' in every picture.”
He also mentioned award-winning actress Viola Davis and director Shonda Rimes, “Hey Viola darlin', I see you shinin' with Shonda, thought I should rhyme about you, 'Cause you body the monologs and you care 'bout us.”
Other performers, he mentioned in the lyrics for their accomplishments include Issa Rae, India Arie, Justine Skye, SZA and Nyadak “Duckie” Thot.
Destroying standards of beauty that hold women back from their potential is definitely on this year’s list of New Year’s resolutions.
