Music is Life

My Zen Playlist...all I can say is it takes a lot of work to just bring this playlist together. Music for me isn't just a thing of entertainment, it's an art. Music is something that you can appreciate and really enjoy at anytime of the day. Music can get you through hard times and bring people together to make everlasting memories. Music is everything, MUSIC IS LIFE.

I listen to this playlist when doing basketball workouts, just for casual relaxation, and even writing this article right now. Together these songs show a lot of soul or just samples that make this calming feeling for me. This playlist shows substance in music that is not just for dancing or just vibing to the beat. Subjects touched upon are hardships in life, love, and perspective of what success is in life. These aren't just songs to me, they are pieces of art. These artists have put in quality time to make quality work. ENJOY!!!

#1 - Intro by J. Cole

Intro is a song from J. Cole's third studio album 2014 Forest Hill Drive. The sample is from Sky Restaurant - Hi-Fi Set, which he also uses for January 28th, second track on album. Cole immediately explains the elements of the album: freedom, happiness, and love.

#2 - Tired / Reflections by WESTSIDE BOOGIE

Tired / Reflections is a song by WESTSIDE BOOGIE on his debut album, Everythings For Sale, with Eminem's Shady Records. This is also an intro to an album. He talks about how people are tired of him rapping his struggles. While still explaining that he, himself, is his own worst enemy.

#3 - City Blues by TOBi

City Blues is a song by TOBi from his album STILL. Such a soulful song that showcases TOBi's lyrical ability.

Quotable Bar: "And leave me Mike Brown, light brown soaked in the concrete /Just beyond God's reach? /So tell me what's next? /Boys in blue paint the town red from all the bloodshed"

#4 - To the Moon by Phora

To the Moon is a song by Phora from his album Yours Truly Forever. The sample is from Alex Isley's song Into Orbit. A love letter to a girl that is telling her that he’ll be good to her and won’t do her any wrong.

#5 - Persevere by Jerreau

Persevere is a song by Jerreau from is album Never How You Plan. With another intro to an album. Jerreau is explaining that life is never how you plan it and you need to adapt.

#6 - Looking for Something by Jerreau

Another song from Jerreau's album Never How You Plan. A song where he explains that he looking for something that is going to make him whole.

Quotable Bar:" No I don't smoke but I will /I just bought me a gram, I just rolled me a L /Jerreau be still, this too shall pass /I'm talking to self, I'm looking for help"

#7 - Run by Katori Walker

Run is a song by Katori Walker from is album Stubborn. He is rapping about how he wants to run from systematic inequalities that are forced upon African Americans.

Quotable Bar:" The darkest ways and darkest days /You can't let your conscious in /I don't seen all kind of sin /Selling pussy, selling weed /Selling food stamps for a fix, and you ain't even tryna eat"

#8 - Night Job (feat. J. Cole) by Bas

Night Job is a song by Bas from his album Too High to Riot. An artist from J. Cole's Dreamville Records.

#9 - Dreams In a Basement (feat. Jill Scott) by Skyzoo

Dreams In a Basement is a song by Skyzoo from his album A Dream Deferred.

#10 - Duffle Bag Weekends (feat. Ashtin Martin) by Skyzoo

Another song from Skyzoo from his album Milestones.

#11 - Tears of Joy (feat. CeeLo Green) by Rick Ross

Tears of Joy is a song by Rick Ross from his album Teflon Don.

#12 - Blue Laces 2 by Nipsey Hussle

Blues Laces 2 is a song by Nipsey Hussle from is debut album Victory Lap.

#13 - Loaded Bases (feat. CeeLo Green) by Nipsey Hussle

Another song from Victory Lap.

#14 - All Get Right (feat. J. Stone) by Nipsey Hussle

A third song from Nipsey Hussle and from his Crenshaw project.

#15 - Til The War Is Won (feat. Lil Durk) by Nas

Til The War Is Won is song by Hip-Hop legend Nas from his album King's Disease.

#16 - How It Is by Malz Monday

How It Is is a song by new up and coming artist Malz Money from is single pack Balance.

#17 - All Caps by Madvillain, Madlib & MF DOOM

All Caps is a song by Madvillain from their album Madvillainy.

#18 - Ascension by Mac Miller

Ascension is a song by Mac Miller from his album GO:OD AM.

#19 - Once an Addict (Interlude) by J. Cole

Another song from J. Cole from his album KOD.

#20 - Exhibit C by Jay Electronica

Exhibit C is a song by Jay Electronica. A single that was treated like pure art.

#21 - The Ride by Drake

The Ride is a song by Drake off of his classic album Take Care.

#22 - Sinner, Pt. 3 by Phora

Another song by Phora from his album Love is Hell.

#23 - Motion Picture by Omen

Motion Picture is a song by Omen from his album Elephant Eyes.

#24 - Up Late by Ari Lennox

From another Dreamville artist Ari Lennox Up Late from her album Shea Butter Baby. With the help of Masego on the saxophone this song is so seductive.

#25 - Right My Wrongs by Bryson Tiller

Right My Wrongs is a song by Bryson Tiller from his album TRAPSOUL.