Mixtape Two By Sean Yalda
This issue’s playlist is a reflection of what it’s like to fall in love and not necessarily be ready for it. You’ve achieved full independence, been feeling yourself, then someone comes along and pretty much rocks your world. The relationship kicks off with an Electric Feel, it lasts awhile, then it’s time to commit. But commitment is a scary thing, it can bring up insecurities you forgot you had. You do it anyway. You make some mistakes. Temptation takes over. But it’s alright because you’ve found someone real and graceful, they help you center yourself and the relationship comes out stronger than ever. Ups and downs. Each up-cycle helps you get higher. A good relationship is a sanctuary where you can really express yourself without judgement. It can make you feel like you’re on top of the world. More focused on the rest of your dreams and feeling stronger than ever. This cross-genre playlist takes you through that journey. Give it a listen. Reach out if you can relate.
Electric FeelPop by MGMT
There’s a fine line between pain and pleasure and desire dances on it. Sometimes I can’t tell whether this song is actually about a girl or about drugs, but either way, it’s timeless & intoxicating. It’s been awhile since I’ve been on a dance floor, but the next time I am, I hope this song comes on because I’ll be going all out.
She’s My CollarPop by Gorillaz, Kali Uchis
Another hit by the Gorillaz, they masterfully get you day-dreaming to their music time and time again, and this song is no exception. Always up for interpretation, to me this song is feels like it’s about finding someone who just gets you hooked. You give up, submit and commit yourself to her. She’s my collar.
JealousAfropop by Fireboy DML
With a beautiful melody, Fireboy sings about a girl he’s just met and hooked up with but can’t stop thinking about. He already wants her all to himself, he’s obsessed. This much seems obvious when he sings “What have you done to me? You got me chasing after you.” A song about unintentionally falling in love.
No Letting GoAfropop/R&B by Wayne Wonder
To me, Wayne Wonder is the breakthrough artist that introduced me to African pop music. When I first heard this song, I was still in high school — at this point, it’s nostalgic. The rhythmic clapping and tempo is fast but the vibe is slow motion for real. His lyrics show how grateful he is to still be with someone despite any mistakes he made. I can relate.
EXOTICAR&B by A.CHAL
Confident, romantic, and sexy; A.CHAL’s song is about living spontaneously with his ”bad bitch”. Play this song when you want to enjoy the luxuries life has to offer with someone special. The reggaetón undertones layered with an electric guitar and hip hop beat really gets you vibing with this banger. A.CHAL’s music is always vibey.
UMI SaysSoul by Mos Def
Living every moment like it’s your last, being fearless, expressive… Mos Def shares his mother’s advice to shine your light on the world. This jazzy number evokes emotion while Mos Def gets vulnerable, “I ain’t no perfect man, I’m just trying to do the best that I can...” He desires freedom for him and his people while sincerely asking for empathy.
StreetsR&B by Doja Cat
Another intoxicatingly sexy love song. Streets samples B2K's 2003 track 'Streets Is Callin', Doja Cat sings about a relationship she can’t escape. A living fantasy, she can’t help but give herself away to this man she admires so much. I can’t tell if she’s singing about two different men or one with who’s got opposing qualities. Either way, I feel her.
PowerAfropop/Soul by Lil Tygaa
Lil Tygaa is an underrated Afropop artist that deserves a bigger audience. This song takes our focus away from love & relationships and turns our attention outward into the world. Don’t seek power in your relationships, but in the world. The struggle is out there, and now that you’ve got bae, go out there and get that paper.
The MantraHip Hop by Pharrell & Kendrick Lamar
A mantra to not let anyone stand in your way while you strive for success. Produced by Mike WiLL Made-It, this song serves as an anthem to evade all the haters while you chase your dreams. I really love Kendrick’s lyrics in this, I had to listen to his verse on repeat to catch and reflect on references he made. A ton of depth in this one.
The ManRock by The Killers
This song is just plain fun to listen to. Found it in the soundtrack for Vice, the movie about Dick Cheney (fuckin‘ hate what that guy did to our country and Iraq). Anyway, it’s another confidence-inducing song to get you pumped up before I leave ya’ll be. Go out there with your chin up and chest out, because well, you’re the (hu)man.