“Music has charms to soothe the savage beast”… and with all that has been going on in the world, my depression and anxiety has been one hell of a savage beast. On nights when I am particularly down, I go to Youtube and put on some music while I write. In the last few months Youtube has shown me some fantastic black musicians/singers who I feel need more recognition.
Here’s a short list of the people whose music has lifted me and helped me to keep going. May the Gods of Youtube continue to bless us with more beautiful music from beautiful back artists. Enjoy…
1. Sunni Colón
I came across his music last night and again, wow. His song “Mornin Dew” is an absolute gem. A beat you can groove to mixed with awesome lyrics. What more can you ask for? Some other favorites of mine are “God Is A Woman” and “Baby I Don’t Mind”.
2. Ari Lennox
I’ve been in love with this woman and her music for a while now. I saw her video for “BUSSIT” and then spent the next several hours solely listening to her music. She is a beautiful example of Black Girl Magic. I truly think it’s impossible for her to release a bad song. Some of my favorites are “BUSSIT”, “Pedigree”, “BMO”, “Up Late” and “Backseat”.
3. Alex Mali
I found her via her song “Start It Up” and have yet to find one song of hers that I don’t like. Some of my favorites are “Start It Up”, “Faded” and “Hoity Toity”. She has such a beautiful and calming voice.
4. Amber Mark
Next is my girl Amber Mark! I discovered her pretty recently, so I’m still discovering a lot of her music, but so far I have not been disappointed in the least. She has a kind of new age Sade vibe that I’m obsessed with. Her songs “What If”, “Lose My Cool”, “Love Me Right” and “Put You On” are some of my favorites.
5. The Internet
I have had their song “Come Over” has been on repeat for the last week. Seriously, it’s sooo good and the video is so creative and colorful. I think the best way to describe their sound is Alternative R&B, which they do so well.
6. Gallant
Within the first few seconds of hearing “Gentlemen” I stopped my writing and listened to the whole thing uninterrupted. What a song and what a voice this man has! And the video? Girl. THE VIDEO! It is so simple, but so beautiful! Is there such a thing as Black Man Magic? Because if so, it’s this video.
7. Steve Lacy
I heard his song “N Side” one night on my drive home from work and immediately became a fan. He kind of reminds me of a chilled out and vibey version of Prince. Anyone who knows me well knows that I am absolutely OBSESSED with Prince. Also, Steve Lacy is the guitarist for The Internet!
8. Arin Ray
Last but certainly not least is my dude, Arin Ray. He is another artist I came across one night on my ride home from work. His voice sometimes has a haunting quality that works so well with the music he puts out. His song “Reckless” made me feel like I was in a trance, and I mean that in the best way possible.
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