*Apple Music has released “Freedom Songs,” a playlist marking Juneteenth 2026. The collection highlights Black freedom, resilience, and cultural expression through contributions from artists including Durand Bernarr, Jai’Len Josey, Tank, KIRBY, T.I., and Domani.
Each artist chose a song, either an original or a reimagined cover, that reflects their own connection to the holiday. Several shared the stories behind their picks.
Durand Bernarr selected “You Gotta Be,” a cover of the Des’ree classic. “I’ve carried [Des’ree’s ‘You Gotta Be’] with me my entire life,” he said. “What’s always stayed with me is how gently it speaks to uncertainty, time, discovery, resilience, and love.”
Tank chose to record “Daughter” as a tribute to his own children. “This song is about being proud of your babygirl,” he added. “There aren’t many songs out there that you can dedicate to your daughter to let her know how proud of her you are. I figured I’d take a moment to do just that, seeing that I have three of them.”
Jai’Len Josey covered Angie Stone’s “I Wish I Didn’t Miss You,” and said of the track: “‘I Wish I Didn’t Miss You’ by Angie Stone is a song I’ve wanted to perform for a long time. For Black Music Month, I felt this was the perfect opportunity to honor and amplify her legacy through my own voice and perspective.”
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KIRBY took on Outkast’s “B.O.B. (Bombs Over Baghdad).” “Outkast is absolutely my favorite duo of all time,” she said. “I am constantly striving to make a body of work that can stand next to Stankonia. The energy of ‘B.O.B.’ has always felt powerful and bold, and I was ready to get out of my comfort zone and try it.”
T.I. teamed up with Domani on “Can We Live.” “Juneteenth is a monumental testament to resilience and liberation,” he sad. “I honor the day by remembering those that came before us who have paved the way for us to enjoy the luxuries and liberties we get to enjoy today. Even though we’ve made great strides throughout our history, the struggle continues.”
Listen to the playlist HERE.
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