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Playlist Picks: What I’ve Been Listening to….

Hello Everyone!!! Hope everyone is hanging in there! This year seems to be speeding by which is probably for the best given the state of it!!! Today’s post is dedicated to top songs I’ve been playing recently that have given me such good vibes! These are the kind of songs you could have playing while you’re just chilling. Good vibes only!

Brandy – Borderline

Brandy has always had a sensational voice but this new album ‘B7’ is just reminding me of all of her beauty. This was the second single released from her new album but this is by far my favourite on the whole project. The harmonies and vocal range she displays on this song are heavenly. I would love to hear perform this song live, it’s the kind of song that just touches your soul. Stunning!

Rebecca Garton Ft. Ling Hussle, Alana Maria & Tia Carys – All Me Pt.2

Women globally are doing BIG things. This time it’s the turn of the UK talented queens. Rebecca Garton previously released the first part of the song with WSTRN’s Louis Rei which I loved. I was happy to see Ling Hussle on the lineup as I’ve previously spoken on my love for her voice and wow this song was another perfect way for her to showcase her talent. Rebecca Garton seems to also be the one to watch this year! Women are really shining and I love to see it! I hope this is the first of many more collabs from them as their voices blended so well. I also really enjoyed the video where they all paid homage to the Queen Lil Kim. The visuals, vocals and harmonies on this song are perfect!! Have a watch below:

Da Baby Ft. Young Thug – BLIND

Da Baby recently dropped the deluxe version of his smash hit album ‘Blame it on Baby‘ and this song was definitely one of my favourites from the new version. Young Thug always does great features and is so lucky his voice is so versatile to so many different beats. One of the things I loved most about this song is that we can see and appreciate a slower side to Da Baby. We are all so used to his fast rapping style and while this song still contains his signature rapping style it has been slowed down to match the beat. I actually like this slowed down Da Baby. The ‘Blind” reference is in relation to the fact both artists are now successful and are getting the opportunities they always dreamed of. Really inspiring sentiment. Have a listen below:

Dexta Daps Ft. Beenie Man – Obviously

Dexta Daps is by far one of may favourite artists at the moment! It feels like he is incapable of making a bad song and I’m all here for it! He released an album July 31st called ‘VENT’ which I found out about last week! There’s something so sensual about his voice that makes you want to hear every single word he is singing. His Jamaican accent sounds somehow always sounds more sexier than usual! He is immensely talented! This was one of the songs that caught my attention early on while listening to the album. The fact it features the legend Beenie Man is an added bonus! Have a listen to the beauty below:

Rick Ross Ft. Finn Matthews – Pinned to the Cross

The King and pioneer of luxury rap is back with another thought-provoking single! One of the main lines that stood out to me was “I just want to be free, another black man on the run”. In this song Rozay touches on the racial inequality happening in America at the moment. Have a listen below:

Christina Aguilera Ft. XDNA (aka LEWIS HAMILTON) – Pipe

I had to emphasis the feature on this song because I am still shocked. The song was originally released in 2018 with her album ‘Liberation’. However, Lewis recently revealed to the world that he is indeed the secret feature on the song! Hamilton is currently one of the best drivers in Formula 1 and has six world championship titles to his name. It seems rapper/singer is now something else he will be adding to his already huge list of talents. As a Lewis Hamilton fan myself, it is exciting to finally hear his music as he has always expressed his love for making music. I really hope this is not the last music we hear from him because his verse was great!

THEY Ft. Tinashe – Play Fight

I stumbled on this very randomly, but I’ve enjoyed it ever since! The song is such a vibe. THEY are an R&B duo that I had never heard of before this song. However, after hearing this song, I will be checking out more of their songs! The song has a 90’s nostalgic feel and I love how the verses let us hear from different perspectives. Have a listen below:

SIDE NOTE: The African Giant, Burna Boy releases his highly anticipated 5th studio album tomorrow (Friday 14th August). Stay tuned for an album review for that new project. If you haven’t already, please read my previous Burna Boy album review:

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#Quarantine&Chill Week 2: Songs that I’ve been playing this past week…

So! It’s been 2 weeks since the UK have gone into official “lockdown”. The good news is that we are in another month meaning we are one month closer to the end of this madness hopefully! I hope you have all been keeping safe and sane during this lockdown. Personally, I’ve found this lockdown quite hard in some occasions but I find that keeping myself busy helps time pass and causes me to worry less. Listening to music is a great escape for most people so of course I’ve put below some of the songs I’ve been playing in the past week. Hopefully some of these songs can provide you comfort during these uncertain times. Stay safe everyone!

Popcaan – Only Jah Know (2014)

Throwing it back with this first song here. I’ve been listening to a lot more Bashment and dancehall songs recently. I am hoping to create a playlist for one soon once I improve my knowledge. In the meantime, I’ve been revisiting this song by Jamaican Dancehall legend Popcaan recently as it’s one of my favourite Popcaan songs. The song is quite sad but it is very relevant to the situation now. There’s so much bad news at the moment and so many people are losing their lives that has probably made people feel helpless, sad, scared and confused. In this song Popcaan refers to the fact that despite all the negativity and sadness, “Only Jah Knows”, ‘Jah’, which is the Rastafarian name for God. In relation to the pandemic now, it may be comforting to keep your faith and understand that God has a plan, regardless of whether we understand it, it will all be okay in the end. Have a listen to the song below;

Flavour Ft. PC Lapez- Kanayo (2020)

Following on from a cultural theme, this is another song I’ve had on repeat these past few days. The song is by Nigerian singer Flavour who sings in his native tongue Igbo. The song meaning translates to “Let’s continue to seek or beg God for mercy”. Similarly to the Popcaan song, this is another great song to listen to at a time like this, the song provides some comfort and is a prayer for everyone during these unprecedented times. Personally, I’m a huge fan of Flavour and I love that he regularly sings in my native tongue but regardless of whether you understand what he is saying, the instruments and feel of the song should put you at ease. Flavour is great at providing the highlife feel/mood with his music, the instruments he uses always make you feel like you are in the room with them all. Have a listen below;

DaBaby – Find My Way (2020)

DaBaby is on of the most popular artists in the US at the moment, with great reason! He makes so many great songs and he the personality to match. However, he has encountered a lot of controversy recently which can be argued is the downside to being a star. He is back with a new song providing us with a more vulnerable side to him and a different style that what we are used to with him. It’s obvious that the controversy surrounding DaBaby as of recent is getting to him as in the song he states “& every single person in my life tell me I’m their hero but when it’s up and then go down, they treat me like the villain”. I like the honesty in this song and it’s clear DaBaby has a creative side as the song is accompanied by a 10-minute movie which has Bonnie & Clyde feels. Have a watch below;

Nipsey Hussle – Bigger Than Life (2012)

Earlier this week (31st of March) was the first anniversary of the death of the late great Nipsey Hussle. If you haven’t read it, feel free to read my dedication to him from last year; https://wordpress.com/posts/musicandlifeblog.com?s=nipsey

There’s something special about this song for me. In the beginning Nipsey states that the song is dedicated to everyone with a dream and says “I don’t want the fame, I just want y’all to feel me“. Nipsey always spoke his truth with any chance he got. This song should provide everyone with the confidence and belief that anything in this life is possible but should also be served as a reminder that life is short. Towards the end of the song he says “I ain’t worried about it cos I know God got me” and thats a motto to live by. The Marathon will forever continue.

Big Tobz Ft. Dizzee Rascal – Smoke (2020)

Big Tobz continues to surprise me if I’m honest. He recently released a new project called “Issa Vibe” and this is one of my favourite songs from there. He links up with legend Dizzee and the back to back between them is class. It’s clear to me that Big Tobz thrives the most when he is able to go back to back with someone, whether it’s Blittz, Cadet (R.I.P.) or now Dizzee. Dizzee demonstrates in this song why he is one of the GOATS and it’s nice to hear him on a song with a newer star being Tobz. Check it out below;

Kiana Ledé – Wicked Games (2018)

Kiana has actually just released a new album this weekend but this song from her previous project has been on repeat for me recently. I’m even sure I’ve spoken about this song before but it’s still a favourite. The song is based on a relationship where the guy is taking advantage and is playing games. Have a listen below;

Geko Ft. Lotto Boyzz – Repeat Remix (2020)

Geko and Lotto Boyzz are both back with a collaborative banger. It’s no surprise that these 3 make such a good song as individually they are great at that. There’s no way this song will not have you singing back after hearing it. Geko maintains his usual waviness and Lotto Boyzz provide a unique addition. Lotto Lucas cool and collected with his rap verses and Lotto Ash of course bringing the harmonies and sensational voice. Last but certaintly not least, the song is produced by JAE5 so of course there’s no way this song wouldn’t have worked! Have a listen below:

Money Heist Song – Bella Ciao

If you’re a fan of the Netflix Spanish hit show ‘Money Heist’, you would know this song from a mile off! Since season 4 has been released this song is back in my head! The song actually originates from an old Italian folk song. Have a listen below