The 6 Albums That Define Me

Here is the playlist with all of these albums: 6 Albums that Define Me

HEAVN - Jamila Woods

Jamila defines my blackness and spirituality. From the very first song she uses “Bubbles” in its well-known term but also something that almost every black girl has had in our childhood. “Lonely” is the song of reflection for me. I remember being in middle school and “I put a post-it note on my mirror, So I might love myself So I might be enough today” and I still have that sticky note through these years. As “Holy” begins with a bible verse commonly recited in Sunday School I immediately feel a sense of nostalgia and calmness. It’s a different kind of gospel, not what we grew up on but still familiar.

Telefone - Noname

Noname hold a special place in my heart for being the beginning of a personal music deep dive. In this album there is a refreshing and witty transparency about not only her upbringing but the reality of being a black woman. She’s the awkward but powerfully clever black girl that I can see myself in. Telfone sets itself apart with amazing features, my favorite hook has been “Don't fear the light that dwells deep within, You are powerful beyond what you imagine, Just let your light glow” from Eryn Allen Kane.

The Jungle Is The Only Way Out - Mereba

This album speaks to the confidence we must have in ourselves. When I listen to this album I feel like regardless of what is to come I can make it. It’s an ode to the part of me that’s always trying to fight for “More”. “Get Free” would have to be the song from this album that speaks to me the most. The simplistic instrumental supporting Mereba allows the words to truly settle in my soul. Especially as a broke college student sometimes we settle with just getting by the best mindset is “I'm giving all of it without regret 'cause what's the worst it could be?”

Alone at Last - Tasha

This is self-care - not the fun face masks kind but the type that makes us look into ourselves and reflect. From the start Tasha tells us to “Take Care” in the style of spoken word. My favorite line is “We can rejoice and dance for having loved our skin so well, For having found finally at the end a healthy way to hold” because it is an accomplishment to find peace within yourself. The song I knew I needed from the minute I heard it was lullaby. The song written for black girls from a black woman tells me to relax and it's okay not take on the world problems.

The Sound Experiment 2 – Samm Henshaw

Ambition and progress. Most of this EP could be part of a Ted Talk by just reading the lyrics since it’s so motivational and honest. These songs speak as someone who’s not perfect but is progressing nonetheless. The lyric that resonates the most with me has to be, “This fate is not my destiny, So I'm shaping it with these hands”. It’s a great reminder that life doesn’t just happen to us, we create our future.

Human - Dodie

This album defines my insecurities and being vulnerable even when it’s hard. Sometimes when artists sing of love it can also connect in our way. As she sings of being accepted I relate with platonic love. Part of the chorus in Burned Out sings” Oh, you can feel how they love you, Coated and warm but that's all they can do, Words only get through if they're sharp” that despite the praise sometimes the harsh words linger longer. It’s one of the songs I listen to when I’m overwhelmed in some way to feel validated that being burned out is natural.