Top Ten

American Public Media is putting out a list of the hosts' top ten favorite songs/pieces of music, so I thought I'd give you a preview of what I decided to showcase: 


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Nina Simone - Mississippi Goddam! 

For me, this is one of the most important songs ever created. Ms. Simone wrote this in response to the murders of Medgar Evers, Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Carol Denise McNair. It's a very poignant song that reminds us of how far we HAVEN'T come as a society.  

Duke Ellington - Black, Brown, and Beige Suite

Mozart wrote music inspired by the Turks. Brahms wrote music celebrating Hungarian Dances. Why is it so difficult for us to consider the jazz-inspired tunes of Duke Ellington equally "classical"? As far as I'm concerned, he's one of history's GREAT classical composers, and this orchestral work of his should have equal footing in the genre. 

Frank Ocean (ft. Andre 3000) - Solo Reprise

I was blown away the first time I heard this track on Frank Ocean's Blond album. I think the lyrics, performed BRILLIANTLY here by Andre 3000, speak to all of our experiences to a degree. Haven't you ever felt like the world is passing you by, no matter how hard you work? Plus, the piano playing is really great in this track too. 

William Grant Still - Afro-American Symphony

I probably don't have to tell you that the leaders of the classical music world shunned black music for years - they still do to a degree. William Grant Still BRILLIANTLY fought against this by putting our music in a classical setting - it's like he translated the sounds for white-centered audiences to understand. It's almost a little shady, but definitely an example of one of the most important pieces of black classical music ever written. 

The Fugees - Killin' Me Softly 

...do I even have to make a case for this one? Just make sure you're familiar with Roberta Flack's version, too. 

The Carters - Summer

Last summer I moved to Minnesota, so just about everything that happened during that summer sticks out in my mind. About 4 of 5 weeks after moving here, Beyoncé and Hov put out a joint album, with the opening track TITLED, Summer. You can almost feel the humidity in this really incredible song. I'll always love it. 

Valerie Coleman - Portraits of Josephine 

If you're black, I'm sure the thought of escaping the plantation we call America has come across your mind. Many black people have managed to do it over the ages, including Ms. Josephine Baker! The ensemble, Imani Winds, recorded a chamber work dedicated to her story that I think everyone should be familiar with. 

Nas - Life's a Bitch 

Everyone has their own opinion on hip-hop, and what songs make up the foundation of the genre. In my opinion, no discussion of hip-hop history is complete without bringing up the album, Illmatic. I think I listen to this track from that album almost every day - it's by far one of the most honest, and most beautiful perspectives concerning coming of age in the entire genre of rap and hip-hop. 

The Gap Band - Outstanding 

Everyone who knows me knows that I am a forever fan of the Joe Budden Podcast. It inspired me to start my own, in fact. Whenever the topic gets a little heavy on Joe's show, he turns on this tune to lighten the mood. It's quickly become a favorite of mine, and a great way for ME to lighten up the mood when I'm feeling down. 

Beyoncé - Before I Let Go 

Anybody who's been to the right summer cookout knows this song, made famous by Frankie Beverly. It's a classic, but I stan for Queen Bey's version. Like "Outstanding", this song has gotten me out of some really dark places. Long live the Queen, and shout out to Tay Keith from Memphis for producing this incredible remix.