It’s a new week, which means new responsibilities. You might be juggling work or school, but what’s important is that you’re trying your best. This week’s playlist is dedicated to staying on top of your grind. It’s packed with songs that remind you about two things: 1) this life is one 2) you can’t come and kill yourself. All jokes aside, you’re doing amazing sweetie so please don’t be too hard on yourself. The Keep Grindin’ playlist is our little way of encouraging you this week. From Rap to RnB, we’ve got the soundtrack to keep you moving.
Risky -Elaine
View this post on Instagram
South African RnB singer Elaine is kicking things off this week, and I don’t really have to explain why she’s a perfect fit for this playlist (but I will anyway, don’t worry). Elaine has made a career of making music that balances some of the heaviness of everyday life with dreamy, neo-soul influenced instrumentals and raw, jazzy vocals. Risky is one of those songs that is so soothing to listen to it feels like diving into a pool of cool, clear water.
Catch A Vibe – Karun
View this post on Instagram
Karun is a Kenyan singer/songwriter with an eclectic sound and an equally eclectic aesthetic to match (I live for the neon green box braids, obviously). Her music is a contemporary blend of Afropop and alternative RnB. Catch A Vibe has that slick, bouncy production that will have you yearning for a well-deserved break. Press play on this while you’re in between tasks and let the wave of enjoyment wash over you. Even if it’s only for 3.25 minutes.
Nont For Sale – Sudan Archives
View this post on Instagram
How do I even explain Sudan Archives? How about this: born Britney Denise Parks, Sudan Archives is a self-taught violinist that draws inspiration from Sudanese Fiddlers (you should look that up on Youtube btw, the craft will blow your mind), and like many of the artists on this list, she cannot be boiled down to just one genre. If I had to try, I’d say it’s experimental Afro-electronic, with lyrics that deal with defining your identity for yourself and taking up space as a woman of African descent. It’s a song that can best be described as a soul cleanser, a soothing experience if you will. And as one Youtuber commented so succinctly under the Nont For Sale music video, “this is like shea butter for my soul. I feel M O I S T U R I Z E D”. We do too.
One Life, Might Live – Little Simz
View this post on Instagram
OK, so you know that part of a movie where the character has to hype themselves up before their big battle? Maybe they’re a boxer training for the championship fight, or they’re an assassin on their way to take down the final boss? This is your fight music right here. You’ve been on your ass all day, I imagine, or the opposite. Regardless, you’ve had enough of the hustle, and you need a reminder of why you do any of this. Little Simz has a quiet but deadly flow on One Life, Might Live that you can rap along to like a manifestation.
No Ordinary Love – Sade
View this post on Instagram
Would this be a For Your Ears Only if I didn’t slip in one random throw-back? I don’t need to tell you who Sade is, you already know. And if you don’t, ask your mum, she’ll give you the full rundown. I wanted to end this playlist with the perfect winding down song. This is the part of the day when you’re finally done, and you’re ready to throw yourself into bed and sleep for a thousand years (or, at least until your alarm wakes you up in the morning). No Ordinary Love is the salve for your aching muscles. Pat yourself on the back for a day well-spent.
