Playlist Park #21: Urgency

Somewhere between anxious and determined

First off, shoutout to my Substack community. Whether by moral support from franceska, Alex Lewis, or Taylor Lewis, or reaching out to me for collaboration (The last playlist me and Brianna Perry cooked up 🔥) . Even down to branding and marketing advice from Nielly.

Since its inception, Blackstack has become a pillar for black writing of all skill sets here (Don’t let Jacquie Verbal tell you different, cuz yes it is.) and I’m extremely grateful. Validation from other brilliant black writers means the world to me.

And thank you for reading! I can’t thank you all, and so many others I’ll mention directly. I don’t take the time you make to read or share with me for granted.

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Speaking of, I wrote this as I was trying to brainstorm thoughts I owed Eric for his upcoming article.

I browsed through my Release Radar for ideas and saw Finer Things by MED, Phonte, Blu, Madlib, and Likewise.

Knowing damn well it wasn’t new, I thought Spotify was on its bullshit again until I realized it was the 10th anniversary edition. 10 Years. I just got off the phone with my momma about how quickly time passes.

Talkin’ bout “wait till you're my age. You’ll blink and realize you’re 70 years old.”

I replied, “I feel this now at 35 (I’m 35 in a few weeks, but close enough.)”

Anyway, shit is moving too fast, and life got too much shit goin’ on.

There’s an urgency I’ve found for my new and lingering goals that I can’t shake. The direction is set, but I still feel as if I’m moving frantically.

Now Playing: Packed Up by AZ Chike

Point being, I’m They don’t make music like this anymore age. There’s an advantage to finding music outside—not through an algorithm: A memory connected to an experience and the music.

I’m still trying to find the balance. If mediating with monks didn’t help Wemby, I’ll try whatever mental exercises Brunson worked on to win his ring.

This month’s playlist has a few familiar faces: New cuts from bbymutha, Kenny Mason, La Reezy, Nomi, and more.

Stay hopeful, my friends!