10 Songs That Made ME
In honor of my 33rd birthday, I want you all to learn a little bit more about me during my birthday month. I am a huge music person. I use music to show emotions and it keeps me sane throughout all the stressors I put on myself. Whenever I need to de-stress, all I need is a good playlist, a Grande Frappuccino from Starbucks, and I long car drive. I’ve been this way since I started driving so naturally, I have a couple of songs that I feel have a permanent place in my heart.
Put On – Jeezy & Kanye
When I finally got my license in high school, my parents took me to a small lot to look for my first car. We came across a Chevy Cobalt that I was on the fence about because both of my cousins had Chevy Cobalts and I wanted to be different. We took it for a test drive, but I still wasn’t sold on it, until… “Put On” came on the radio… The amount of bass that came through this little car melted my heart and at that moment I was sold. It was love at first rap song.
Trip – Jhene Aiko
Trip is one of my favorite songs. It reminds me that life is a journey and to enjoy the ride. Take things as they come. The lyric “On nights like this I ride, Turn the music up to keep from crying” is literally what I do. I love to ride around in the car, music blasting, not necessarily to keep from crying, but to de-stress from all the BS that comes from daily life.
All I Want for Christmas – Mariah Carey
I have always been a Christmas person. I am that person who will put up Christmas lights and blast Christmas music the day after Halloween. Thanksgiving who?!?! And name a better Christmas song than this. At 12:01 am Nov. 1st “All I want for Christmas is on repeat every day, at least once a day, until January.
Almost doesn’t count – Brandy
My mom is a HUGE Brandy fan. I have numerous memories of sitting in the middle of the floor playing with my toys while my momma plays Brandy’s album “Never Say Never” over and over and OVER again. I was 7 when this album came out, but I remember listening to it with my momma well into my teens, which is probably why I love that album also. It brings back memories of simple times and is also my favorite Brandy album.
Right Above It – Lil Wayne
This song always sends me back to college. All the parties and memories of fun moments and stupid decisions I made. The line “Life is a Beach and I’m just playing in the sand” was my go-to quote for how I approached life for a long time. You may step on something pointy in the sand but that doesn’t make the beach any less beautiful.
Just Kickin’ It – Xscape
Just like Brandy, my Mom was a huge Xscape fan also. When I was younger, she had the “Traces of My Lipstick” album on repeat in the car, on Saturday mornings when we had to clean up, and any other time that music was been played. 90’s R&B was definitely a big part of my upbringing.
You & I – Avant and Keke Wyatt
I have always loved Keke Wyatt’s voice. As soon as I heard this song, I knew I wanted it to be played at my wedding in some form or fashion. And It was. We had our first dance to this song and it still gives me goosebumps every time I hear it.
Grown Woman – Beyonce
This is one of my favorite Beyoncé songs. It’s the perfect coming-of-age song. And that’s exactly how I used it. I loved listening to this song when I finally got out on my own. It’s just a fun and playful song that also empowers you to make big girl decisions.
Sing To Me – Jhene Aiko
This is another one of my favorite Jhene songs. This album came out right around the time my son was born and it was the perfect song to describe a mother and child relationship. It is so adorable! Especially when Jhene and her daughter performed it on stage together. Every time I hear this song, I think of my baby boy.
Get Loose – T.I. Ft. Nelly
T.I. is my FAVORITE rapper. Point. Blank. PERIOD! It’s hard to choose just one T.I. song but he has to be on this list because all albums/songs/features between 2003 and 2014 were played on repeat. But this song with Nelly, who also played a big part in my love for rap music, still gets played in my car today when I need a good twerk song.
These songs are very near and dear to my heart. Each song reminds me of a significant time in my life that made me the person that I am today. From my younger years, to college, to becoming a mother. And also documenting my many loves, from Jhene Aiko & T.I. being some of my favorite artists to my love for 90’s R&B & Christmas Music. It can all be explained through my love of being around good music.
