Playlist Park #14: A Story To Tell
"So then the n*gga, swung his body...to the side"
It's been a year since I found my footing in this space and committed to writing more. What started as a creative outlet during my unemployment has evolved into a new medium for honing my storytelling skills.
Let me back up a bit
I discovered my love for storytelling in the Baptist church. I realized that on some Sundays, the congregation’s testimonies were more compelling than the pastor’s sermons. It's funny how God sometimes gives you exactly what you need by simply placing you in the right room. Their stories were omens of where a lack of faith can lead you, but also the perks of commiting to a personal relationship with God. Much of dedicating yourself to what you love is an endurance race, and hearing encouragement from my elders, who are also struggling with similar spiritual conflicts, was often enough to get me through that week’s challenges.
The ablity to tell stories well is a valuable intrusment used by our ansestors and various creative mediums alike. My favorite comedieans are the best storytellers, the same is true for my favorite musicians. I’m willing to bet your favorite uncle is an animated storyteller like Freeky Zeeky (See photo above).
I also became aware of various narrative devices used in the hip-hop world by watching interviews of artists and producers. Learning tricks of the trade, learning the nuts-and-bolts of my favorite songs, and could-of-beens and almost-was collaberations that may have shocked the world. Here are some that impacted me the most:
Vince Staples for Fader (2016)
50 Cent vs. Ebro
Curren$y @ The Breakfast Club
Pharrell on Drink Champs
Andre 3000 on Broken Record
On Repeat: Chaining Day by J. Cole
The lessons we receive throughout life are not solely our own. Regardless of what you believe, the same sentiments remain true:
It takes a village
Carry each other burdens
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go further go together.
Whatever you have been through could save someone else in a similar situation a lot of valuable time and resources. That's my hope with these newsletters—for someone struggling with ADHD or other emotional challenges. We’re in this together, so don’t let your story go untold.
This month's playlist features some of my favorite narrative-driven songs by J. Cole, Biggie Smalls, OutKast, and more. Talk to you soon.
Rather Be Home: A Prints by Pierre Collection
