I've always heard artists say that making music is their way of expressing themselves and releasing stress and anxiety; I also feel this way as a listener. Throughout life's obstacles and the different phases, I maneuver through, I've found a few songs that never fail to bring me back to life when I need a boost.
1.Truth hurts- Lizzo (breakups)
I believe that this song might be one of the best break up/celebrations of in-dependency songs I've heard in a while. "You're posed to hold me down, but you're holding me back, now that's the sound of me not calling you back" this one line by Lizzo makes you want to cut all ties with any guy or girl that is wasting your time and continue on your grind to success while being free and single! If you want an upbeat "let me get back to work" break up song this is definitely for you.
2. Grinding all my life- Nipsey Hussle (success)
"Sacrificed, hustled, paid the price" I use this quote from the late Nipsey Hussle's song as daily motivation. This song is definitely for times when I feel lazy, unmotivated or even just flat out tired. It reminds you that even when you've accomplished a lot there is always more work to be done, and sacrifices to be made if you truly want success and a story worth telling.
3. Be alright- Kehlani (anxiety)
Earlier I talked about using music as a way to relieve stress and anxiety, as I typed those words I automatically thought of this song. For someone who deals with anxiety, I find this song very calming and relatable. She starts this song by saying "There have always been those times when I needed a breather when I might need a quick break from being the leader" And at that moment you almost want to restart the song because it's so relatable. Kehlani shows us that we are all overwhelmed and overworked at times and that it's okay to take a break and just breathe because everything will be okay.
4. Get up ten- Cardi B (motivation)
"Look myself in the mirror, I say we gon' win, knock me down nines times but I get up ten" I think this line speaks for itself, the song, and Cardi B. I use this song as motivation because there's always going to be times when people count you out or underestimate you but it's up to you to get up, dust yourself off, and prove everyone wrong.
5. I like that- Janelle Monaé (self-love)
I think this is one of the most important phases we all go through, learning how to love ourselves. Some of us learn in middle school, some in high school and a lot us don't truly learn until adulthood. Having insecurities is part of being human, but I think this song is a good reminder to always be unapologetically you. Throughout the song, Monaé talks about growing up being different and liking weird things but she always follows up by saying "I don't really care if I'm the only who likes that". Which is why I love this song, once you finally accept who you are you embrace what makes you different instead of shying away from it.
