Music for Grief
Grief has been on my mind lately. While death is a fact of Life, the amount of death we’re witnessing as a result of the pandemic and heightened violence is outrageous. With so much collective grief, I’ve wondered how we’re all processing. Below are examples of music where artists have honored their grief, creating something beautiful to offer us hope and solace in the process.
Amber Mark, 3:33am
The first song that comes to mind is the 97’ tribute to the slain rapper Biggie Smalls, “I’ll be Missing You” by Puff Daddy, Faith Evans, and 112. The song rose to the top of the charts as the Notorious B.I.G. was loved by so many especially on the East Coast. Still heard on the radio today, this is my first memory of collective grieving.
I'll Be Missing You (feat. Faith Evans & 112) (2014 Remaster) · Puff Daddy · 112 · Faith Evans
A year before that, R&B powerhouses, Brandy, Tamia, Gladys Knight, and Chaka Khan joined forces to create “Missing You” for the SET IT OFF soundtrack. I turned to the song when I lost a dear sister friend as their voices perfectly capture that sorrow.
In 2017, singers Sampha and Amber Mark took us through their respective processes of grieving their beloved mothers’. Sampha’s album, literally titled Process is beautiful, and at times, haunting. My favorite track, “Kora Sings” has the ability to make you both dance and cry. On her EP titled 3:33am, Mark takes us through her own personal stages of grief, distinct from the five-seven often cited. On songs like “Monsoon”, she includes voice recordings giving us a glimpse into loving memories of her mother, Mia.
Similarly, Jhené Aiko often memorializes her brother, Miyagi in her music. On ‘Promises’, she includes a precious voice recording of him singing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ with her daughter, Nami. She assures him she’ll be alright for Nami’s sake in spite of her grief.
Drawing on African spirituality, both Beyoncé and Kehlani have sang about the connection with loved ones that have passed. Together with Nigerian singer, songwriter, and producer Bankulli, Beyoncé explores this connection on the “OTHERSIDE”, assuring a loved one that death is not the end of their relationship . On “Altar”, Kehlani sings to her late lover, taking us through her spiritual practice of creating an altar.
Official video for "OTHERSIDE" by Beyoncé from BLACK IS KING.
Whatever your faith or spiritual practice, I hope one, some, or all of these offer hope or solace. What are you favorite songs that honor grief? Comment below.
May more of us live to old age.
May we live more life in honor of those we’ve lost.