Category: Playlists

Great tunes to add to your own playlists

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December 2020 Sample Platter

  1. Suzie Thundertussy by Junie Morrison: The Madlib-produced song “No More Parties in LA” heavily samples this song’s intro to create the backdrop for Kendrick and Kanye’s spectacular verses.
  2. What More Can I Say by The Notations: This song was looped by Knxwledge in the song “What More Can I Say” by NxWorries, where Anderson .Paak sings about his unfaithful disposition.
  3. Huit octobre 1971 by Cortex: Fans of MF DOOM will recognize the soaring vocals of this track from “One Beer,” a highlight on his MM…FOOD album.
  4. Orchestral Suite No. 2 in B Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach: Busdriver’s “Imaginary Places” samples the flute motif from this Bach suite and speeds it up to a feverish pace, making for one of the most creative and unique samples in all of hip-hop.
  5. Love Theme from The Robe by Yusef Lateef: Nujabes’ brand of laid back, sample-driven beats were a predecessor to the lo-fi hip-hop genre. “Feather,” which samples “Love Theme from The Robe,” is a great example of this.
  6. Ten Et Tiwa by Alain Goraguer: Flying Lotus flipped this one into what we know as “Black Balloons Reprise” featuring Denzel Curry, which has a eerie flute lead and trunk-knocking drums.
  7. Why Not by Yoko Ono: JPEGMAFIA sampled the intro of this song to make the best for “3 Tearz,” a Danny Brown joint featuring Run the Jewels.
  8. In a Sentimental Mood by Duke Ellington: Mac Miller chopped up the main piano motif from this classic jazz standard to make “Diablo,” which is one of his best beats.

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

DJ Mango’s Top 10 Songs of 2020

Album art for Bishouné: Alma del Huila by Gabriel Garzón-Montano
Album art for Bishouné: Alma del Huila by Gabriel Garzón-Montano

It’s that time of year again! The days are getting shorter, hyperconsumerism is at a seasonal high, and Spotify has released its annual Spotify Wrapped – a look back at your streaming habits throughout the year. Here are the ten songs I listened most this year, in order. Be warned – the list is a little stacked.

10. Sugah Daddy by D’Angelo: From the catchy piano vamp to the bouncy horn sections and quirky vocal scatting, this song is sure to have your head bobbing – just as mine was all year.

9. Everybody by Mac Miller: This cover of Arthur Lee’s “Everybody’s Gotta Live,” with its group vocals and steady drums, is a perfect fit for Mac Miller. Like the rest of his posthumous album Circles, it is simultaneously melancholy and uplifting.

8. Agüita by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: GGM’s first official foray into Latinx hip-hop pays off with “Agüita,” a rapid-fire track that explores the different meanings of the word. Check out my review of Agüita here!

7. Plastic by Moses Sumney: From 2017’s Aromanticism comes the ethereal “Plastic,” a guitar-driven ballad that explores unrequited love and unrealistic expectations. The sparse instrumentation allows Moses’ fragile and angelic voice to take center stage.

6. Really Love – Live from Spotify NYC by D’Angelo: “Really Love” is possibly my favorite D’Angelo song. The Live from Spotify NYC performance is my favorite version thanks to the extended string intro and jam-session outro. Check out my thoughts on D’Angelo’s album Black Messiah right here!

5. Good News by Mac Miller: Gently plucked strings and understated drums serve as the backdrop as Mac explores how the people around him only want to hear “good news.”

4. Keep On Running by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: “Keep On Running” opens with two simple piano chords and builds with drums and bass, and before you know it the song is a full-fledged funk feature.

3. Crawl by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: “Crawl” makes codependency catchier than ever before, thanks to its bouncy bass and earworm of a chorus.

2. 6 8 by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: This song, which was sampled in “Jungle,” is a great example of the Drake Effect – that is, the tendency for artists to blow up after being featured on a Drake song. But regardless of its sample status, “6 8” remains a simple, yet beautifully crafted song.

1. Everything is Everything by Gabriel Garzón-Montano: Last but not least, my top streamed song of 2020 was Everything is Everything by Gabriel Garzón-Montano. I knew from the very first time I heard it that I would be hooked.  The syncopated vocal harmonies, unique percussion, and catchy melodies come together in a way that never fails to flood my brain with serotonin every time I hear it. I could go on for hours about how much this song means to me, but I won’t. But I could. You can read more about my thoughts on this song – and the rest of the EP – right here.

That’s the list! What were your top songs of 2020?

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

Compiled by Caitlin: Year in Review

Image Reads: "Compiled by Caitlin: Year in Review"

Like many of y’all, I was excited to see what my Spotify Wrapped had to tell me about my music habits from this year, but I was especially excited for the 100 song playlist that Spotify curates every year. It’s so gratifying and entertaining to see how my music taste has evolved over time. I want to share my favorites from that playlist with you guys and some memories I have associated with each song. Without further ado, let’s get started. 

“Beautiful Faces” by Declan McKenna

This single off of McKenna’s sophomore album “Zeros” is a guitar heavy indie-rock song and in my opinion, an unforgettable bop. Like most of McKenna’s songs, this one is a thematically heavy but sonically upbeat song. It reminds me of walking around campus and studying in NC State’s library, D.H. Hill, pre-pandemic.

Favorite Lyric: “Going to the stores, pullin’ socks out of the drawers / Of the people who you don’t love anymore.”

“Bittersweet” by Greer

This was one of my favorite songs in the beginning of this year. “Bittersweet” by Greer is an indie-rock anthem about a toxic relationship, and is by far my favorite song by the group. The verses detail the good parts of a relationship while the chorus touches on the bad moments. It’s a catchy tune about love, and definitely falls under the same thematically-sad-sonically-upbeat category I mentioned with “Beautiful Faces.” 

Favorite Lyric: “The solitude is now mine / We made it ‘cross the finish line / And left the whole world behind.”

“Friends” by The Lone Bellow

This mellow folk-rock song about the beauties of a strong friendship is another song that I loved pre-pandemic. The instrumentals in this song tug on my heart; the prominent percussion and strong horns make this song feel like home. Even though I only discovered it this year, it feels like one of those songs I’ve known forever, and I love taking solace in that.

Favorite Lyric: “Might punch the clock feel the void / Calling out like it did before.”

“Ceiling Won’t Break” by Finish Ticket

Okay so, this song made it into my Spotify Wrapped last year too, but it’s just such a classic I never stop listening to it. This is yet another indie-rock song (can you tell what my favorite genre is?) that reminds me of good times and got me through bad times. There’s never a time where “Ceiling Won’t Break” doesn’t fit my mood. Finish Ticket also sings “Lying Through Our Teeth,” which didn’t make it onto my Spotify Wrapped but is still one of my favorites nonetheless.

Favorite Lyric: I close my eyes, takes me away / And I go to better times, but reality draws that line.”

“Wrecking Ball” by Mother Mother

This song might have single handedly gotten me through the entire month of July. After hearing a snippet of this song on TikTok, it got stuck in my head for weeks but I kept forgetting to look it up. Funnily enough, a dear friend of mine put this song on a playlist she made me for my birthday and the rest was history. This indie-rock song, like “Beautiful Faces” and “Bittersweet,” has a rather dark theme, but a rather cheery sound.

Favorite Lyric: “You gotta see the artistry / In tearing the place apart with me baby.”

“So Much Better” by Evan Olson

This funky rock tune is very reminiscent of Barenaked Ladies. It has a very interesting story behind it, as it was lost in time for a few decades, and was rediscovered through the investigative journalism of PJ Vogt in episode #158 of the podcast “Reply All” which you can listen to here. This song, as well as the podcast “Reply All” got me through the beginning months of quarantine this year. The icing on the cake is that Olson is based out of Greensboro, North Carolina.

Favorite Lyric: “Long before I looked into your eyes / I saw a million stars start flashin’.”

“Nickel” by Flipturn

Discovering Flipturn this year drastically changed my life for the better. Their “Citrona” EP was essentially the soundtrack to my February and March. This rock anthem reminds me of better times but similarly to “Friends” by The Lone Bellow, it feels like one of those songs I’ve known forever. 

Favorite Lyric: “But wait, what about yesterday? / I was only five / And had so much to say.”

I hope you enjoyed hearing about my top picks from the year. Be sure to check out these songs here.

<3,

Caitlin

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Playlists

Beat Switches in Hip-hop

EDM music has the bass drop, heavy metal has the breakdown, and if there is an equivalent in hip-hop music it would be the beat switch. A good beat switch can take the listener by surprise and serve as a crucial turning point in a record. A bad one can be jarring, uninspired, or otherwise uninteresting. With that said, here is a short list of some of my favorite beat switches in hip-hop!

  1. NEVER by JID: Perhaps the most underrated song on this list, this beat switch finds JID shifting into his highest gear.
  2. Under Pressure by Logic: In this two-part epic, Logic explores not only pressure from the music industry, but from his family as well. These two aspects are delineated by the beat switch halfway through the song.
  3. Furthest Thing by Drake: Generally speaking, Drake has two sides – vulnerable and boastful. The beat switch on “Furthest Thing” showcases both of these, with Drake reflecting on his shortcomings in the first part and taking a victory lap in the second.
  4. XXX. FEAT. U2. by Kendrick Lamar: Kendrick is known for his ability to change tone at a moment’s notice, and this song is one of the best examples of that. He ends a frantic verse about gun violence by saying “Alright kids, we’re gonna talk about gun control.” The irony here is accentuated by the beat switch, where police sirens are traded for simple piano chords.
  5. This is America by Childish Gambino: In 2018, Bino broke the internet with his surprise single and music video for “This Is America.” The back and forth between a cheery chorus and bass-heavy verses symbolizes the duality of the Black experience in America, making for one of the most powerful beat switches ever.
  6. Sicko Mode by Travis Scott: The three-part structure of this song, with not one but two beat switches, has led some to call it “the Bohemian Rhapsody of our generation.” Such a comparison might offend old heads, but only time will tell if it will make the same impact that Queen’s song has.
  7. Nights by Frank Ocean: Last but certainly not least is one of the most transcendent beat switches my ears have ever heard. Not only does the beat switch on “Nights” mark the exact halfway point on Blonde, but it also marks a sonic and thematic shift from child-like naivety of the first half of the album to the contemplative and mature second half. Though not exactly a hip-hop song, it still has one of the best beat switches ever.

What do you think? What are your favorite beat switches?

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

Monday Favorites

Hey everone! Here is a batch of songs that I have been rocking with lately:

  1. Amber by Unusual Demont: As winter approaches and the sun fades away, “Amber” by Unusual Demont, with its laid-back instrumentation and organic vocals, will bring you back to those endless summer nights.
  2. Move On by canvisluv and S9ACECAT: canvisluv, an up-and-coming artist from Ohio, just released Patience: Summer Never Came Demos Check it out here!
  3. Help by Aaron Taylor: From 2016’s Better Days comes “Help” by Aaron Taylor, a D’Angelo-esque head-bobber complete with vocal harmonies, strings, and walking basslines.
  4. Don’t Waste My Time by SAULT: “Don’t Waste My Time” is a song whose name says it all, and it does so with an incredible drum and bass groove.
  5. Infunami by Steve Lacy: The Lo-Fis is Steve Lacy’s new album, and it is composed of SoundCloud Leaks and unreleased demos from his time in high school. “Infunami” calls back to the days of “C U Girl” and “Some” with its guitar chord progression and Garageband-like simplicity.
  6. Check Me Out by Rico Nasty: “Check Me Out” is fresh off of Rico Nasty’s new album Nightmare Vacation. Its eerie piano loop perfectly complements her dynamic voice, which alternates between screaming and whispering.
  7. Pressure In My Palms (feat. slowthai & Vince Staples) by Aminé: This track marks Aminé’s first collaboration with Vince Staples and second collaboration with slowthai.
  8. Peppers and Onions by Tierra Whack: This new track from miss Whack explores introspective themes of self-acceptance and feeling stuck, all while retaining the catchiness all of her songs possess.

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

November 2020 Sample Platter

Welcome to November’s edition of Sample Platter, where I shed light on the samples in some of hip-hop’s best beats! This month we’ve got the following songs:

  1. Experience by Daedalus: Fans of Madvillain will recognize this accordion sample from MF DOOM and Madlib’s “Accordion.” Livin’ off borrowed time, the clock ticks faster…
  2. I Put a Spell On You by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins: Not only has this song been covered by the likes of Nina Simone, Creedence Clearwater Revival and Marilyn Manson, but its brass stabs also appear as a sample in Biggie’s “Kick in the Door.”
  3. Nature Boy by The Singers Unlimited: Acapella group The Singers Unlimited have proved to be a gold mine for producers such as J Dilla, Nujabes and many more. This track was sampled by Flying Lotus on his 2007 track “Massage Situation.”
  4. Ready or Not Here I Come “Can’t Hide from Love) by The Delfonics: This classic was sampled by Fugees, Missy Elliot and Three 6 Mafia. My favorite flip is Missy’s “Sock it 2 Me” in which producer Timbaland layers hard-hitting drums over the sample’s descending brass motif.
  5. Mariya by the Family Circle: The vocal harmonies in the beginning of this song can also be found in J. Cole’s “Wet Dreamz.”
  6. Liberty by Amnesty: Kanye West has appeared on every edition of the Sample Platter, and that’s because he (and his team) have a great ear for samples. Here, Amnesty’s “Liberty” was chopped up for Ye’s famous “poopity-scoop” verse on “Lift Yourself.”
  7. Silver Soul by Beach House: DJ Dahi took the intro of this song, reversed it, added drums and 808s and sent it to Kendrick Lamar. The result is the song we know as “Money Trees” – one of my favorite hip-hop instrumentals ever.
  8. Goin’ Down by Ol’ Dirty Bastard: Who would’ve thought to turn ODB’s guttural screams into a beat? None other than hip-hop anti-hero JPEGMAFIA, who did just that with his song “Real N—.”

– DJ Mango

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Playlists

Playlist of the Week

Colorful image that says "playlist of the week"

The semester’s almost over, so what better way to celebrate than with a sick playlist from the WKNC blog! It’s pretty upbeat, filled with surf rock favorites, indie jams, and a few fall 70s ballads slipped in. Without further ado, here are this week’s favorites!

  1. Look So Good, Be So Good – The Shivas: This song popped up on my Spotify Discover Weekly and I immediately fell in love. The Shivas have only been around since 2006, but their garage rock feels like it’s straight from the 60s.
  2. Witchy Woman – The Hollies: My friend, who actually works at WVCW 102.9 at Virginia Commonwealth University, and I always call each other “witchy women” but for some reason, I had never heard this song until last week. This definitely should’ve made my Halloween playlist, but I think it’s never too late for some spooky tunes.
  3. Bullwinkle Part II – The Centurions: If you’ve seen “Pulp Fiction,” you’ve heard this song in all its glory. The Centurions only released one album, “Bullwinkle Part II,” in 1963, but their hit single is heralded today as an anthem from the classic Quentin Tarantino film.
  4. Western Playland – Holy Wave: This song is just a fantastic example of how laid back psychedelic rock can be. I love how relaxed “Western Playland” is and how it just makes you want to sway back and forth.
  5. Blackberry Jam – Allah-Las: Allah-Las, one of the more popular surf rock bands out there right now, has an entire “jam” series off of the soundtrack of “Self Discovery for Social Survival,” a documentary about surf culture and music. The song “Blackberry Jam” is joined by “Raspberry Jam,” “Boysenberry Jam,” “Blueberry Jam,” and “Mulberry Jam.” All are tinged with the sunny rock Allah-Las is known for.
  6. No Other – Gene Clark: I cannot stop listening to this song. For me, it was one of those tracks that was subpar at first but then morphed into one of my favorites after a few more listens. Gene Clark, most recognized for his role as lead singer for The Byrds, also had a successful solo career. This song is off his most well-known solo album, “No Other.”
  7. Pipeline – Stevie Ray Vaughn & Dick Dale: During my set, a very enthusiastic man called the station phone and requested anything Dick Dale and I couldn’t be happier to oblige. This song has to be one of my favorites from the OG king of surf rock.
  8. Surf De L’amour – Messer Chups: Messer Chups is a super interesting band. Originally from Russia, they somehow combine horror punk, surf music, and rockabilly. This song is definitely a testimony to their ability to infuse spooky vibes into their music.
  9. Docweiler – Mystic Braves: I feel like I have a Mystic Braves song in almost every single playlist I make for the blog, but I just can’t help myself. I truly have never heard a song I don’t like from them.
  10. Catfish Blues (BBC Session) – Jimi Hendrix: I could GUSH about my love for BBC Radio Sessions from the 60s and 70s, but I’ll save that for another blog. The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s BBC Session album is one of my personal favorites because of how playful and authentic they are. In this version of “Catfish Blues” (originally written by Robert Petway in 1941), Jimi seamlessly infuses the classic “Rollin’ and Tumblin'” into the blues ballad. Mitch Mitchell has an incredible drum solo at 3:28.
  11. T.M. – Jack Kilmer: This short little guitar piece, performed by actor Jack Kilmer in the movie “Palo Alto,” is so soft and nostalgic. It’s one of those songs that makes you want to look out the window in the backseat of a car and pretend like you’re in a movie.
  12. Moonlight on the River – Mac DeMarco: As we reach the end of the playlist, I wanted to throw in a familiar classic for all of our Mac DeMarco lovers out there. This song is one of the most comforting and soft I’ve ever had the pleasure to hear.

Tune in!

– DJ Butter

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Playlists

Wedding Singer

Compiled By Miranda

In lieu of my upcoming nuptials, I want to share a playlist of my favorite wedding songs. The first part of the playlist includes songs that would be perfect for walking down the aisle, and the second half includes songs for the first dance and reception. Listen to the playlist here. Whether you’re getting married soon or not, these love songs will not disappoint.

  1. Clair de Lune, L. 32 by Claude Debussy 
  2. lovers’ carvings by Bibio 
  3. Chopin: Waltz No. 9 in A-Flat Major by Chopin 
  4. Sea of Love by Cat Power 
  5. At Last by Etta James 
  6. Wedding Song – Acoustic by Yeah Yeah Yeahs 
  7. Make You Feel My Love by Adele
  8. Unforgettable by Nat King Cole 
  9. Canon In D by Cello Music Songs 
  10. If I Ain’t Got You – Piano & Vocal Version by Alicia Keys 
  11. Moon River by Frank Ocean 
  12. January Wedding by The Avett Brothers 
  13. I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5 
  14. What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong 
  15. Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You by Mr. Lauryn Hill 
  16. I Would Do Anything for You by Foster The People 
  17. Hung Up On My Baby by Isaac Hayes 
  18. Live And Die by The Avett Brothers 
  19. Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac 
  20. Marry You by Bruno Mars
  21. The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra 
  22. How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You) by Marvin Gaye
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Miscellaneous Playlists

30 Ways to Practice Self-Care During Finals

I am a true believer that self-care is one of the most important things to incorporate into our daily routines. Now that the stress of final exams is piled on top of election panic, COVID anxiety, social upheaval, taking care of ourselves emotionally, physically, spiritually, and mentally is crucial. I try to do one thing every day that brings me joy and comfort. Self-care looks different for everyone, but here are some ways I like to wind down to make sure I don’t get too burned out. Some might work for you, some might not. Some take more time than others, and may only be accessible to you after finals are over. The important thing is to recognize what you love to do and make a little bit of time for it every day!

  1. Re-read your favorite book.
  2. Go on a long walk in nature. Even if it’s a short one, walking every day has been found to be very beneficial for our mental wellbeing.
  3. Buy a plant and watch it grow.
  4. Watch your comfort show.
  5. Call a friend.
  6. Make a collage.
  7. Take a really really really long shower.
  8. Set a schedule for yourself and stick to it.
  9. Go to bed early.
  10. LISTEN TO WKNC!
  11. Buy yourself something you’ve been wanting for a long time.
  12. Bake something sweet and share it with people you love.
  13. Clean your room.
  14. Organize your closet and donate your old clothes.
  15. Paint or draw, even if you’re bad at it.
  16. Dance around your room.
  17. Dress up for no reason.
  18. Journal, journal, journal! Writing out all the things I’m stressed about helps clear my head.
  19. Redecorate your room/home.
  20. Watch concerts of your favorite artists.
  21. GET. OFF. SOCIAL. MEDIA.
  22. Find new music and update your playlists.
  23. Buy some new skin/hair products.
  24. Light a candle.
  25. Make some tea, hot chocolate, or any warm beverage.
  26. Take a bubble bath.
  27. Exercise in your preferred way.
  28. Breathe deeply.
  29. Remember this too shall pass.
  30. Listen to this playlist I made you!
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Playlists

Friday Favorites (11/13)

Friday Favorites Cover Image
Friday Favorites

Written By Miranda

This week my Friday Favorites are my favorite lofi beats to relax to in honor of finals coming up. Be sure to check out these songs and more on WKNC’s Spotify page.

1. this girl by Elijah Who 

No lofi playlist is complete without the addition of Elijah Who, one of the most well known beat makers within the genre. 

2. nagashi by Idealism 

Simple piano melody plus a chill beat plus the sounds of rain make for an interesting track that anyone would love. 

3. Cut My Hair by Mounika 

This lofi song uses a sample from a Cavetown song I love, and it’s perfect for studying and relaxing. 

4. Ms.Prettybooty by The Deli 

Great song from a beat maker, you can find more good vibes on their BandCamp. The Deli’s albums, especially “Encounters” are incredibly well-produced works. 

5. she only likes me when i’m drunk by frumhere 

A hazy, chopped-up sample from Shannon Saunders and an addictive beat makes for a classic favorite. 

6. Small Things by softy

A quintessential lofi mini-playlist would not be complete without a track that comes with a piano melody and a good beat.