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Home • News

25 Hottest Dance Songs

25 Hottest Dance Songs
By Essence · Updated October 29, 2020
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01
‘Pleasure Principle’ by Janet Jackson

Our Black Music Month celebration continues with the 25 Hottest Dance Songs.

When the pop diva flicked on those lights in the garage and went to work, we followed her lead by rocking a pair of black jeans, tying up our T-shirt, kicking a couple of chairs and using an aisle of cars as our Soul Train line.

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
02
‘Planet Rock’ by Africa Bambaata and the Soulsonic Force

The minute that Japanese countdown began with “ish, ni, san, shi,” party lovers united in one robotic trance, happily succumbing to the hypnotic beats.

25 best slow jams of all time »

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
03
‘Show Me Love’ by Robin S

This melodic tribute was a warning for the players to stop their cheating ways and get serious, because like the woman said, we’re tired of one-night affairs and actions speak louder than words.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
04
‘Just Got Paid’ by Johnny Kemp

What better way to kick off the weekend than with money in your pocket and a jumpin’ party. It all adds up to one helluva good time.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
05
‘Gonna Make You Sweat’ by C&C Music Factory

Not only was this a party-starter, but aerobics instructors everywhere made sure we shed the pounds to this adrenalin-pumping tune.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
06
‘Finally’ by Cece Peninston

Anyone who’s ever found love knows that this heartfelt anthem was our musical waiting-to-exhale moment that inspired us to dance in the name of love.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
07
‘U Can’t Touch This’ by MC Hammer

We could barely keep up, let alone touch the West Coast rapper who moved with the speed of a drill hammer in potato-sack pants, but we sure did try.

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
08
‘Everybody, Everybody’ by Black Box featuring Martha Wash

The Weather Girl expresses the bittersweet parting of two lovers who have difficulty leaving as much as they do staying. It’s so sad and freeeeee.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
09
‘The Power’ by Snap

The bass dropped, an energy surged and our heart pulsated as we stampeded the dance floor. And just when things started “gettin,’ gettin,’ gettin’ kinda hectic,” we still partied the night away.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
10
‘I’m Looking for a New Love’ by Jody Watley

Unrequited love can tear any heart asunder; but kicking the culprit for that broken heart for a new beau is the sweetest revenge.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
11
‘Follow Me’ by Aly Us

Freedom rings so beautifully on this house classic as this dynamic duo encourages us to stop fighting to achieve the peace. Right on; follow their lead!

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
12
‘It Takes Two’ by Rob Base & D.J. E-Z Rock

It’s always better to jam with a partner, but this club banger made it acceptable to get loose solo on the count of three.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
13
‘100% Pure Love’ by Crystal Waters

Talk about the art of seduction. Once in while there’s nothing wrong with a woman who knows her sexual desires and calls the shots in the bedroom.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
14
‘Da Butt’ by EU

Paying homage to the ladies who were endowed with junk in their trunk became a worldwide phenomenon as we proudly shook our behinds all night long.

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
15
‘Groove Me’ by Guy

Sometimes sexual innuendos can get the after-party started right with that special someone. And even if he isn’t anything to write home about, at least you can groove all night on the dance floor.

25 best slow jams of all time »

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
16
‘Rump Shaker’ by Weckx-N-Effect

Indeed our parents forewarned us about all the men who just want to “zoom, zoom, zoom,” but shaking our rumps was any respectful ladies guilty pleasure.

25 best slow jams of all time »

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
17
‘Poison’ by Bell Biv DeVoe

We don’t know which sister got these brothers sprung, but they were on a mission to warn all men about the dangers of trusting a big butt and a smile—because, of course, beauty is deep within.

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
18
‘Push It’ by Salt-N-Pepa

This rock-infused classic was suggestive enough for us to play it without parental discretion while we pushed it, pushed it real good.

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
19
‘My Prerogative’ by Bobby Brown

There’s something about a bad boy’s confidence that exudes sexiness, and BB declared his freedom in the most provocative way amid these hot beats and lived his life exactly as he declared—doing what he wanted to do.

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
20
‘It’s Going Down’ by Young Joc

When Young Joc had all of America cranking their wrists in a driver’s and moving their body back and forth, we knew it was going down for real.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
21
‘Put Your Hands Up’ by Fat Man Scoop

Radio jockey turned hype man knows how to pack a dance floor with a simple question like “What’s your zodiac sign?” or funny command: “If you got real hair put your hands up!”

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
22
‘It’s All About the Benjamins’ by Puff Daddy featuring the LOX, Lil’ Kim and the Notorious B.I.G.

Even in this dreadful recession it’s still all about the Benjamins, baby! And not even those who dared to rumble with the Queen B could resist this head-banging production.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
23
‘Put Your Hands Where I Can See’ by Busta Rhymes

What a silly question, Busta. Of course we really want to party with you. There were no second thoughts about waving our hands in the air like we just don’t care. This former Leader of the New School made sure we partied hard.

25 best slow jams of all time »

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25 Hottest Dance Songs
24
‘Lean Back’ by Fat Joe

Even the rhythmless could jam to this Bronx bomber’s anthem. The less movement, the better; just remember to lean back and rock away.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs
25
‘Just Fine’ by Mary J. Blige

The Queen of Hip-hop Soul had the right idea when she bust a move in her Michael Jackson “Off-the-Wall” inspired suit in a mirror, because life is just fine when you’re following your heart’s desire.

25 best slow jams of all time »

Best songs of summer »

25 Hottest Dance Songs