I plan to do this every week. Five songs I will always love, will always reference, and will always sing to myself. Y’all ready?
“Change for Me,” Eric Roberson
I first heard this song in 2004 when I bought Erro’s The Vault Vol 1.5. At the time, I was what you might call a bohemian type: no relaxer, dreadlocks, always reading some book that I bought at Pearl of Africa on South Street. I was a mess fashion wise and ideologically, but my music taste has stood the test of time.
“Worryin’ Bout Me (f/ Offset),” BJ the Chicago Kid
If you haven’t witnessed my praise on Twitter, I really love BJ’s newest album, 1123. The whole project is tight, and my current boss up/ you can’t tell me shit anthem is “Worryin’ Bout Me.” It makes me feel very much equipped to make things happen. Always needed.
“Outside,” Mariah Carey
If it doesn’t include at least one Mariah Carey song, is it even a list I made? Butterfly is my number one Mimi album, and “Outside” is the song I can’t hear without singing along. For a bonus treat, listen to the isolated vocals.
“Nice Things,” Tank and The Bangas
I have loved this band ever since they won the Tiny Desk contest. I’m adopting the refrain, “you should do some nice things for me,” as I electric slide into 39 on October 7th of this year. Nice things. For me. From me, too.
“Masterpiece (Mona Lisa),” Jazmine Sullivan
What can I say? Jazmine Marie Sullivan is one of the greatest artists Philadelphia has produced. She’s a damn good writer, amazing vocal arranger, and if she doesn’t sing her face off she’s gonna sing yours off. That’s just facts.
Thanks for taking the time out to read this little listicle. Until next time, be awesome to yourself and those around you!
Lenée