1. Black Star – Respiration

Hip Hop is my favorite genre of music. Black Star was probably my favorite rap group while growing up.  There was no other song that gets me in a relaxed mood like “Respiration” does.

2. J. Dilla – Doughnuts

J. Dilla was a huge inspiration to me and this instrumental was one of the reasons that led me to start producing music as well.  What impresses me most about Dilla was his dedication to his music.  Despite being extremely sick he still produced music in the final year of his life.  This instrumental, as well as his last album was released three days before his death.  His dedication to his craft is something I admire and try to emulate, not only in music but in anything I do in life

3.  Nas – The World Is Yours

Whenever I am feeling a little down I always play this song.  That may seem a bit odd since this song may sound that uplifting to many people, however it meant the world to me growing up and it always managed to put me in a mellow mood.

4. Lauryn Hill – Superstar

This song is both uplifting and socially conscious.  Lauryn Hill sings and raps in this song and she does both equally as good.  This song just puts you in a good mood and does so in a beautiful way.

5.  The Fugees – Ready Or Not

A large part of my family still lives in Trinidad and Tobago.  This includes many cousins, uncles and aunts.  However we were always close because I would visit them every summer growing up.  I remember me and my cousins would always listen to The Fugees  when driving around at night.  This song always helps me to remember the good times I’ve shared with family.

6.  Joey Badass – Waves

I started listening to Joey Badass around the same time that Hurricane Sandy hit the shores of New York.  Although my home wasn’t effected too bad, my school sustained major flood damage(The school was located a couple blocks from Rockaway Beach) .  Me and my classmates were displaced and had to attend a different high school for about 2-3 months.  His “1999” mixtape and especially this song helped me get through those tough times.

7. Bob Marley- One Love

Bob Marley’s music was often played in my families household, in both Queens and Trinidad.  I listen to a lot of his music but this song is my favorite.

8. J. Cole – Sideline Story

The story J.Cole tells in this song is one that I, as well as many other high school and college students can relate too.  This song inspires me to chase dreams and to not waste opportunities that are presented to me.

9. Louis Armstrong – What A Wonderful World

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2VCwBzGdPM

This is one song that I listen to constantly.  Louis Armstrong is one of my favorite musicians and I doubt his music will ever get old.

10. Beastie Boys – The New Style

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcMdUKWidPY

The Beastie Boys always created music that was unique and creative.  They will never fail to entertain and put you in a good mood.