The Rotation: September Edition — Allison J. Gilmore

This rotation is honestly my oddest. For once in a very long time, I’m not entrenched in a particular artist or album but certain songs. I went out and explored new music by testing out my Alexa and Apple Music’s “new music” playlists. I had more luck with Alexa then I did Apple Music (which is making me seriously consider switching to Spotify). If you’ve got an Alexa and want to listen to some new stuff, just ask her to play “chill music” or whatever genre you’re in the mood for.

I think why my taste in music right now is so interesting is because I usually love to listen to drill and trap music while walking the streets. When I interned in DC during summer 2018, my favorite thing was to listen to Young Nudy or Playboi Carti while drinking my morning coffee headed to Capitol Hill. I was expecting a similar vibe, but instead, I’ve traded my mumble rap for R&B and what may be considered pop music (I’m in denial). Check out the top 10 songs and 1 artist I listen to every day. (FYI each song won’t get a special description, but you should still listen).

Beach Season

Alexa put me onto this song “Evenings,” and I instantly did a deep dive into Beach Season. This young and not very famous duo is producing this rap, R&B, electronic, pop style music. It is in the category of “I don’t know what to call it.” It’s something that picks you up but equally makes you want to sing along. I suggest giving “Evenings” and “Talk” a listen.

Jack Harlow – KNACK FOR IT

This initiate of the 2020 XXL Freshman class really dropped a gem (in 2018). When Alexa played “KNACK FOR IT” I was locked in. I’m talking shower, walking to the “bim”, in the grocery store, two three times in a row. It’s different from all his other music, which I wasn’t really into, but he’ll get five streams a day off me cause of this one song.

Raveena – You Give Me That

Fun fact: I tend to not listen to women with high-pitched voices (you will never catch me listening to Jhene Aiko or Ariana Grande) but Raveena had me ready to convert with this one.

CAPYAC – Disco Muse

This very jazzy song makes me want to grab a glass of wine and dance in front of my very large mirror.

JMSN – Cruel Intentions

It’s the way he sounds like Justin Timberlake for me. This very heartfelt jazzy Song has me singing about a break up that doesn’t exist. The range on this guy? Whew. Also, its pronounced “Jameson” like the name which I think is super cool.

June Marieezy – Heavy Eyes Just listen to it. I don’t know how else to describe a song except by saying that it makes me want to cuddle with myself. Take it or leave it. This is the song everybody needs for their twice a weak self-care routine.

Cabu (feat. Hana Acbd) – In Your Room

The initial acoustics and simple baseline really carry this song for me. I love the production of this song and the fun part where she does a little fast talk thing.

Alex Isley (feat. SiR) – Love on-Demand

Alexa did her thing when she played this one. Something about love songs that make me feel very mushy on the inside is my favorite. Also - being able to appreciate love songs while being single is top tier.

Robert Glasper (feat H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello) – Better Than I Imagined

My wonderful friend and musical genius, Nik Knight, sent me this song. H.E.R. just does that thing she always does where she pokes your soul with her voice for like, half of a second. I think what made me appreciate the song more is the ending. I’m not usually one for people who talk at the end of songs, but for some reason, this really worked. I think it’s the accent and how poetic this natural conversation was instead of it feeling like a spoken word piece.

SiR – Love You

This song feels very airy. Like its literally the only way I could describe it.

Mick Jenkins – Carefree

I love this song because it’s a lot different from most of the stuff I’m listening to right now. It’s that quality, lyrical, melodic rap song (I know y’all are tired of me saying melodic let me go expand my vocabulary) that’s got enough base to make you feel something but the lyrics just make you want to chill out. I’m not really off the drugs but I definitely resonated when he said, “let me breathe.”

**To listen to these songs, check out my playlist “Revolving Favs I” under the playlist section**