Juneteenth finally became a national holiday starting last year. Now federally recognized, the holiday celebrates the day slavery ended in the southern states of America. This day has been a celebration but is now recognized by the government as a national holiday. Apple Music is celebrating Juneteenth in a big way with a curated playlist of exclusive songs from some of the biggest names in music past and present.
“Juneteenth 2022: Freedom Songs” features 16 original songs and covers from the likes of Bun B, Denzel Curry, 6lack, and Alex Isley to name a few. The playlist was uploaded on June 10 and features music from multiple genres.
In the description of the playlist Apple Music states “Though Juneteenth has been observed by many Black Americans since 1866, often with parades, picnics, and other celebrations, its declaration as a federal holiday in 2021 has highlighted both the continued tragic effects of chattel slavery and the irreplaceable contributions of Black Americans and the descendants of slaves. In observance of that ideal, Apple Music celebrates Juneteenth 2022 with Freedom Songs, a collection of exclusively commissioned new songs from Black creatives”.
Apple Music is also taking the celebration a step further by declaring June as Black Music Month and releasing a second playlist of up-and-coming Black musicians who they believe are the future of their respective genres.
Both playlists are available to stream exclusively through Apple Music. See artists react to being apart of the playlist below:
