From the beginning of the 19th century, African American blues and ragtime greatly influenced American popular music. In the 60s musicians with songs discussing black pride and political progress became household names around the world. Now in the 21st Century, the predominant narrative of popular music has become less about the need to become physically and financially free but more about staying free from the traps that arise once you finally find success. With artists like Solange, KEY!, Kari Faux, & Frank Ocean holding down the modern hmm’s of the south, and Midwest heroines Noname & Jean Deaux pleading their case about the ills of stardom, this playlist shows that the blues are still very much alive-the tempo has just evolved with the times.
DOWN WITH THE CLIQUE – SOLANGE
Reflecting on simpler times, rolling around with friends in Texas, Down With The Clique hits like a late night breeze in the humid Houston sky.
TIME – MAXO
Following a stealthy album release on Def Jam in March this year, Maxo is one of the most promising new voices in LA’s ever evolving lo-fi scene.
NOWHERE2GO – EARL SWEATSHIRT
Opening with a stuttering vocal sample over jagged and dragged-out drums, Earl’s first single from Some Rap Songs infuses old soul with an unorthodox drawl.
WHY IT’Z SO HARD – BRENT FAIYAZ
Faint sounds of circling helicopters paired with hymns of forgiveness set a somber tone for the Sonder front man.
GLORY BOY – LUCKI
Coming off the stride of the 3rd installment in his Freewave series, Lucki boasts about the allure of the fast life while in the fishbowl of fame.
IT GETS BETTER FEAT. KENNY BEATS – KEY!
A personal mantra of many in 2018, It Gets Better embodies the hopefulness one can have when you remember that the day you’re currently having is better than the last.
IDDD – CHYNNA
Translating to “I don’t do drugs”, Chynna sheds light on her brief hiatus from music while coping with addiction.
SMOKE FEAT. IAN ISIAH – BLOOD ORANGE & YVES TUMOR (REMIX)
Released shortly after the untimely death of Mac Miller, 3 of New York’s most promising alternative acts create an ode to self-care and self-reflection.
MEDICATED – KARI FAUX
For those who are educated enough to identify their wants vs needs, be it liquor or weed.
DON’T FORGET ABOUT ME – NONAME
One of the more melancholy and mournful tracks from Noname’s first full length album, Room 25.
HIGH CEILINGS – LIV.E
With an artist moniker so simple you’ll find it difficult to google her, Live’s full length Hoopdreams makes the search all the worthwhile. The Dallas native has a charm and realness that warms the soul.
WAY OUT – JEAN DEAUX
The Chicago songstress croons over this syncopated march towards a light at the end of a dark tunnel.
MOURNING SONG – SERPENTWITHFEET
Born Josiah Wise, “I want to make a pageant of my grief” best explains the sentiment of this sappy serenade by the classicaly-trained son of a choir director.
CALL-TO-ARM’S – MOSES SUMNEY
Sometimes what you feel can’t be described with words but more through abstract sounds. Let’s just hope all of our scream therapy sessions sound as angelic as this.
LIFETIME – YVES TUMOR
After seeing his live set at Richmond’s FEELS music festival in 2018, I vowed to click on every link containing this man’s name. This one does not disappoint.
MOON RIVER – FRANK OCEAN
Originally composed by Henry Mancini & Johnny Mercer for the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Frank repurposes this classic to fit comfortably into his ever-eclectic catalogue.
FEEL THAT AGAIN – HELLO YELLO
Extremely excited to see any band from the Bay Area get their shine. Hello Yello’s Love Win’s Ep gives me hope for the revival of Alternative rock in the near future.
