Lifted

I'm the first to admit that I love conscious, deep music, especially rap. But sometimes J.Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Lupe, Jay Z, Biggie, Lil Brother, Drake, Nas, et cetera take me for a whirlwind and I often end up emotionally drained and in the pitfalls of unpleasant thoughts. So I go to my pick me ups. I am currently going through my playlists on Youtube and thought to share some of my favorites to counterbalance all of the depressing music I share on here.

1. The Roots. Especially my The Roots Pandora station. This song, Star, takes me so high.


2. J. Dilla, Common. *Words can't do justice to Dilla's work*
 
 
 

3. Camp Lo, Pharaclyde, Slum Village (Dilla), A Tribe Called Quest, Visioneers, 90s Rap I guess. The instrumentals, the beats, just the Vibe!






4. MMG. Specially, Wale and Meek Millz's hood anthems. I have never sold drugs nor do I have aspirations for a career in rap but I can relate to being broke and chasing a dream. So every time I listen to I'm A Boss, especially before exams, I feel like I can do ANYTHING and I usually do. Hustle speaks to hustle; you have to stay on your grind. 

 

5. 80s Soul Classics. I have my dad to thank for this. This is his favorite genre and basically what my sisters and I grew up listening to before we had a choice on what got played in the car. Get yourself a good 80s playlist and you're good. 




6. Latin Music. You do not grow up in the South Bronx going to the Bodega everyday and not develop a deep affinity for Aventura. Celia Cruz is my girl though! 

 


*By the way, I am not saying that these songs are not conscious music; they are equally or more so than the ones I listed in the paragraph. The only difference is that they do not make me depressed. They make me feel good.

What music takes you higher?

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