Music is such a big part of who I am. I’ve always been surrounded by music; my uncles on both sides of family are producers and my great grandfather was a part of a band in Puerto Rico, so it is a part of my family history. Getting into this playlist I want to start of with a couple of songs that really mean a lot to my me:
Triumph-Wu-Tang Clan
I know a lot of people in this class don’t listen to Wu-Tang or even have a clue who they are but their music has definitely always been a part of my life. I was born in 1995, really the height of their popularity and my father was a fanatic. He knew all of the members, their songs, everything. He passed away recently and I have many, many memories of him just being so happy when he heard their music. This song in particular is my favorite of theirs’; it’s just a perfect hip hop song in my opinion.
All I Need-Method Man/Mary J. Blige
This song is not one of my favorites but I do really love it because of the effect it has on people. Growing up, I witnessed my parents and older family members at party’s having so much fun and when this song came on, it was like they were transported to an entirely different world. And it is still like this at these gatherings to this day. Definitely a great song.
Ordinary People-John Legend
Perfect song from beginning to end. Every time it comes on I listen to the end. There is no way you cannot like this song.
Midnight Marauders-A Tribe Called Quest
This is an entire album that I listed. This album really expanded my knowledge on music in general. This group is one of the main reasons why artists like Kanye West and Jay-z exist in this day and age. These guys laid the groundwork for many, many hip-hop artists.
Open Your Eyes-Bobby Caldwell
Beautiful song. Period.
The Warm Up-J. Cole
Again, this is an entire project. I stumbled upon this album at the beginning of my freshman year of high school and it really helped me adjust to my new situation. Great album and it is a really good listen for anyone going through something, from relationships to family matters; it will really help.
The College Dropout-Kanye West
This is another full project. This album changed my perspective on life, particularly concerning higher education. West basically satirizes the college education system, displaying that the system can be brutally flawed at times. He also attacks the belief that to be successful, college must be a part of your plan; he believes that you can do whatever you want to do; you just have to believe in yourself and work for it.
Slippin’-DMX
A great personal song from one of the best rappers ever in my opinion.
I Can’t Help It-Micheal Jackson
A beautiful song from his best album in my opinion(Off The Wall). I must have listened to this a hundred times when I found out he passed. He was a really great person; I’ve never seen someone have such a profound effect on someone they do not know. People were literally crying when he passed; one could only hope to be loved that much.
Purple Rain-Prince
A perfect album top to bottom.
And that is the playlist to my life pretty much; all over the place, spanning several genres and time periods. It is a really good parallel to my life now that I think about it. Hopefully you guys like it.
