This isn’t a ranking or an attempt to narrow the year’s musical contributions down to the best that I believe was offered. I’m not even entirely sure that we can rank art in such a way. Music (at least when made with love and appreciation for the craft) is not created in competition. Instead, this is a compilation of words and sounds that carried me through 2018. Hopefully, the roles can reverse a bit and I can carry them through 2019. Here’s to growth, music, and plucking bits from the past to perfect the future.
Hungry Hippo - Tierra Whack
“He like my diamonds and my pearls. I say thank you, I designed it.”
2018 taught me that humility is a dish best served on small plates. We, as a collective, need to stop downplaying our successes. We want our friends to win but we don’t keep the same energy in regards to our own achievements. You love that song? Thanks, I produced it. You like that article? Thank you, I wrote it. Stop asking those who compliment your work if they are sure they really like what you've created. They like it. The question is, do you?
Don’t Forget About Me - Noname
“I know everyone goes someday. I know my body's fragile, know it's made from clay.”
2018 has been a year full of coming to terms with the harder things we have to accept in life. Failure, loss, and change were everywhere for the last twelve months. I’m ready to accept in 2019 and I hope you are as well. All of the self-reflecting that happens on Room 25 was so honest and thought-provoking and I know I need that energy to carry forward into 2019. Accept and keep pushing.
Eggs Aisle - Amindi K Fro$t
“And you wanna do big things. He supports those big things too.”
We are not partaking in mediocrity or gimmicks this year. It’s not happening. And in order for me to keep myself on track and remind myself of the goals I’ve set, I need to surround myself with people who want to see me win. All of us deserve to have genuine, unwavering support in our lives. We also deserve for that support to come without cost to us. Support and encouragement should come without it being “earned” through enduring hardship. Those who love you should want to see you do big things!
After The Storm - Kali Uchis (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)
“The sun'll come out. Nothing good ever comes easy.”
I think that we can all agree that this past year has forced us all to deal with hardships we never knew that we would be capable of getting out of. We’re still here. We are still pushing forward and seeing life after the storm. I’m convinced that hardship is just the universe giving me material to work with. You have no idea how to appreciate a clear sky until a storm reminds you of what things are like without it.
One Foot - Mavi
“One foot in front of the other. I fell and I scraped yesterday but I got no more skillful equipment to take steps today.”
I struggle with taking things as they come and I’m constantly trying to prepare myself for the future. I’ve realized that this does nothing more than cause me to miss out on what is right there in front of me. I look back at all of the nights spent stressing about what was to come and I realize that I never actually appreciated the moment I was living in. Move a little slower. Take it one step at a time and appreciate what you are given as you are receiving it.
Programs - Mac Miller
“I’m only keeping good company. I am not talking to you if you don’t have love for me.”
Losing Mac was my very first experience with grief. Grief has been a major theme throughout 2018 for me and for the culture as we lost Kim Porter, Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin and many more. Processing loss has allowed me to fully appreciate the love that surrounds me. We are only maintaining relationships with people and experiences that further our growth in the upcoming year.
Down - Chloe x Halle
“So can we have the remote to the TV called life? Can we play fast forward, rewind?”
Give Chloe and Halle their flowers in 2019. This song was an ode to my nostalgic tendencies. I tend to romanticize the past and waste time mourning moments as they fly by. I just want to spend more time smelling the roses in the next few months of my life. I can’t get a rewind. Gotta watch the show as it runs.