Author: Zuri Ward

Although it’s a title many have placed upon me, “hip-hop head” is not a term I think I’ve ever used to describe myself. To be honest, I’m afraid of the title. There is so much music (new and old) that I haven’t listened to. There is so much music that I’ve listened to, but haven’t digested. Hell, there’s a lot of music out there that I’m not even aware exists. For this reason, I have a playlist on my phone called “Due Diligence.” Whenever I hear an old hip-hop song…

As summer begins to fade, my Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has already started to poke at my emotions. I’m doing my best to keep my feelings in order, but the sun is literally hiding behind the clouds. It’s depressing. So please, pardon me while I wallow in my winter blues and try to dig out a song that reminds me of the waning days of summer. I chose a song that just sounds like a summer night. Don’t ask me why. That was a hint. “Recognize” is an often forgotten…

In a high school drama, you have almost every example of the people you will meet in real life. Friends, lovers, unfulfilled authority figures and questionable overachievers all show up to the homecoming game of life. This is why so much of who we are starts to take shape during our high school years. For today’s challenge, I had to choose a song that reminds me of someone I’d rather forget. Because I’m so skilled at holding grudges, I never want to forget the people involved. However, I do wish…

Only 5 days left in the 30-Day Music Challenge. Today, I choose a song from someone who has incredible talent and work ethic. When PrettyMeance.com was always jumping, I always received quality music from this guy. I downloaded this song, in particular, on my phone. Let that be an indication of how I feel about it. Devine Carama’s “Let There Be Light” features excellent production from Andrew Lopez. Not to mention, Carama touches on the “too old, too conscious” label that many emcees face today. I can only assume that…

Happy Sunday! Today, I have to pay for yesterday’s sins and double up. Yesterday’s challenge was “a song that makes you want to dance.” I picked a song that is 7 minutes long, so there is the perfect opportunity for dancing and carrying on. However, this particular song follows the sentiment that a lot of people may have been feeling over the last couple of decades. The only trouble with Seun Kuti and Egypt 80’s “Gimme My Vote Back” is that your mind wants to sit still and listen and…

Here I am. I am playing catch-up again, but it was well worth the wait. I couldn’t think of this song yesterday. As a part of the 30-Day Music Challenge, I was asked to choose a song to drive to. Featured on Pho and Revenge of the Dreamers II, “Backseat” is one for those late night drives home. I’ve zoned out to this while on autopilot a few times. If you happen to have a passenger, and/or take the lyrics a little too literally, you might find yourself having to…

I cannot choose today. Today’s challenge for a song about drugs and alcohol brings two songs to mind. I probably can’t choose between they are essentially the same song. However, I can’t decide which one I like better. I don’t have a cute anecdote about the songs. I just love how these artists (and so many before them) were able to turn a song about addiction into a song about love. So today’s 30-Day Music Challenge picks are 50 Cent’s “Baltimore Love Thing” and Jay-Z’s “I Know.” Enjoy a little…

Black people have a special talent for turning sadness into celebration. We laugh at things we aren’t supposed to laugh at. We crack open celebratory bottles after the loss of a loved one. We even throw rent parties for friends who are facing eviction. That may be why they think we are all dance, some song, and no pain. The truth is, we’ve learned how to endure the toughest times while still looking fly. Back in high school, my homeboy Bobby said out of the blue, “Life sucks. People spend…

Sometimes, when I see or hear “based on a true story,” I think someone is lying to me. I believe that a story becomes scarier, sadder, and more heartfelt whenever we think it’s true. I’ve chosen a true story for Day 10 of the 30-Day Music Challenge. Tech N9ne is notorious for crafting sad, strange and depressing songs that leave you feeling freaked out and uncomfortable. “The Martini” is no different. From what I’ve heard, this song tells the true tale of the murder of one of the rapper’s close…

Google provided me with two definitions of the word “challenge.” Neither of them seemed to fit the meaning of the word in this 30-Day Music Challenge. Here’s what Google had to say: chal·lenge ˈCHalənj/ noun 1. a call to take part in a contest or competition, especially a duel. “he accepted the challenge” synonyms: dare, provocation; summons “he accepted the challenge” 2. an objection or query as to the truth of something, often with an implicit demand for proof. “a challenge to the legality of the order” synonyms: test, questioning,…