Lyris Greene
All That I Can Say – Mary J. Blige
18 September 2018
Keeping the theme of soft string openings, this week’s track is coming from the Ms. Mary J. Blige. Curating hip-hop soul over the last 26 years, Mary J. Blige is credited for merging hip hop and R&B music, coining her the “Queen of Hip Hop Soul”. The track “All That I Can Say”, was released in 1999 off Mary J. Blige’s fourth studio album, “Mary”…
Summertime Magic – Childish Gambino
12 September 2018
Nothing like an ode to the summer than this gem. If I was to pick a 2018 summer track, this one would hit the mark. Why? Simply, the rhythms. This mellow R&B track sums up that summertime feeling, opening with steel drums that immediately take you to paradise. A place of joy!…
Free – Deniece Williams
29 August 2018
A jazz-kissed ballad penned by Williams and produced by the late great Maurice White of Earth, Wind, and Fire. Another 70s classic, that perfectly fits into this playlist with it’s angelic melodies…
Optimistic – Sounds of Blackness
22 August 2018
It’s my personal testimony of faith. Written and produced by Gary Hines, and the legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis in 1991, “Optimistic” embodies an uplifting rhythm of hope and inspiration…
All I Do – Kirk Whalum
14 August 2018
A favorite remake of mine. Originally recorded by Tammi Terrell in 1966, but most notably known by Stevie Wonder, on his 1980’s classic album “Hotter than July.” This performance of “All I Do” was recorded by Kirk Whalum on his 1998 album “For You.”…
It’s Love – Jill Scott
31 July 2018
Have you ever found yourself connecting to a song and begun noticing other souls around you connecting to the song? You realize in that moment, everyone around you is vibrating off that same energy? Amazing, right?…
Show You The Way to Go – The Jacksons
24 July 2018
One word to describe this song…. “magical”. I mean c’mon, the strings are immediately alluring to the soul. A Jacksons gem, composed by the legendary Gamble and Huff of Philadelphia International. This single comes from the album The Jacksons released in 1976…
Lost – Frank Ocean
12 July 2018
A bouncy indie-rock rhythm from Frank Ocean’s studio album Channel Orange released in 2012. A late find for me, but immediately this song has a lightness that gives me feels of California sunshine and blue skies; definitely a warm up for the soul…
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
12 July 2018
A classic 70s soulful groove from Bill Withers released in 1977, personally one of my favorite songs! No matter where I am, this song immediately lifts me up, not to mention who doesn’t want to have a lovely day???