The Met Gala has always been about spectacle, but this year’s theme, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, goes deeper—honoring the Black designers, stylists, and cultural disruptors who’ve shaped fashion from the streets of Harlem to the ateliers of Paris. And just like style, music tells its own story. This playlist is a curated soundtrack for the moment: 15 songs that echo the innovation, elegance, and unapologetic flair of Black fashion’s past and present icons. Whether you’re on a runway or riding the subway like it’s a catwalk, press play and feel the power.

1. Solange – “F.U.B.U.” (feat. The-Dream & BJ The Chicago Kid)
This track is an ode to Black ownership and cultural pride. Solange's emphasis on self-expression and individuality mirrors the ethos of Black designers who have carved spaces for themselves in the fashion industry, emphasizing authenticity over assimilation.

2. Teyana Taylor – “Rose in Harlem”
A tribute to resilience and roots, this song reflects the journey of many Black designers who, like Taylor, have navigated challenges to make their mark, drawing inspiration from their communities and histories.

3. Burna Boy – “Big 7”
Burna Boy's Afro-fusion sound represents the global influence of Black culture. His music parallels the rise of African designers on international runways, showcasing the richness of the diaspora.

4. JAY-Z – “Tom Ford”
By name-dropping the designer, JAY-Z bridges the gap between hip-hop and high fashion, highlighting how Black artists have influenced luxury fashion narratives.

5. Tyler, The Creator – “WUSYANAME” (feat. YoungBoy Never Broke Again & Ty Dolla $ign)
Tyler's eclectic style and musical innovation reflect a new generation of Black creatives who defy categorization, much like contemporary Black designers blending genres and aesthetics.

6. Beyoncé – “PURE/HONEY”
This track exudes confidence and sensuality, echoing the bold statements made by Black designers who challenge norms and celebrate Black beauty in all its forms.

7. Janelle Monáe – “Q.U.E.E.N.” (feat. Erykah Badu)
A fusion of funk and futuristic vibes, this song champions individuality and challenges societal norms, much like Black designers who push boundaries in fashion.

8. Doja Cat – “Attention”
Doja's genre-blending style and bold visuals align with the innovative approaches of Black designers who are redefining fashion's future.

9. Jidenna – “Classic Man” (feat. Kendrick Lamar) – Remix
This track celebrates the modern Black dandy, a nod to the historical significance of style as a form of resistance and identity among Black men.

10. Shygirl – “Coochie (a bedtime story)”
Shygirl's avant-garde approach mirrors the experimental nature of Black designers who challenge traditional fashion narratives.

11. FKA twigs – “cellophane”
This ethereal track reflects vulnerability and strength, akin to Black designers who infuse emotion and storytelling into their creations.

12. Blood Orange – “Jewelry”
A celebration of Black identity and femininity, this song parallels designers who center Black narratives and aesthetics in their work.

13. Rihanna – “Bitch Better Have My Money”
An anthem of empowerment and assertiveness, reflecting the confidence of Black designers staking their claim in the fashion world.

14. Miles Davis – “Blue in Green” (feat. John Coltrane & Bill Evans)
This jazz classic embodies the timeless elegance and innovation that Black designers bring to fashion, blending tradition with modernity.