music

Music plays a huge role in my life. When I’m happy, I play music. In my feels? Music. Long car ride, music. Skating? Music. Out with my friends? Literally jamming to music.

A few years ago, I used to make different playlists every month putting in music from artists I’ve never heard of, new albums being released, and any song that’s stuck in my head. I criticized it, categorized it based on what vibe it gave off, and literally just played it until I got sick of it.

I think I have a playlist for different types of situations and different people that I hang out with. I think that’s why I used to get told I have good taste in music. I got busy so I don’t really put in as much effort as I did discovering new music but it still comes to me.

I used to only listen to radio music, popular songs on Musical.ly, and reggae songs that my dad plays every Sunday morning.

I think I started branching out to different genres of music when I was in grade 4. There was this guy in my class I used to have a huge crush on. Everyday during lunch, he would connect to the speakers and play songs that I have never heard of. My elementary ass wanted to impress this kid so bad I started listening to r&b, jazz, hip-hop, and soul. I listened to Frank Sinatra on the daily because I heard him say he likes him a lot. I listened to different playlists and put songs that I like in one.

There was time where I was connected to the speaker and Thinking About You by Frank Ocean was playing as he was entering the room. He was like, “Who’s playing aux? Frank Ocean is fire.” I said I was playing music. He was like, “Ou, respect.” It was the only song I knew from him at the time. By the time I got home, I listened to Frank Ocean’s whole discography and researched so much about him I think I was going crazy. I ended up genuinely liking Frank Ocean, not just because this kid liked him.

I was thinking about what else was I missing out on. Imagine if I never branched out to different genres. I would be stuck listening to pop and radio music. Not that there’s nothing wrong with it. But I liked how I discovered different music that makes me feel some typa way.

Two things to keep in mind though, good music is subjective. What I think is good music might not be good for you and that’s okay. Popular songs aren’t necessarily good and good music might not be as big as you think it deserves. But then if you like it, that’s all that matters.

Anyway, here’s what is in my rotation:

Paradise – Jeremih

Stereo Driver – Q

Fire Fly – Childish Gambino

No Interviews – Lil Durk

Shut up My Moms Calling – Hotel Ugly

20/20 – Lil Tjay