Muse Mixx Vol. 1: Spotify Unwrapped + Faves of 2023

Happy Music Monday Muses, the first one of 2024! Before going forward, we need to look back one last time at what a cool year for music 2023 was.

*Beyonce’s Renaissance World Tour gave us life all summer/fall*

Now ya’ll know me, I’m a music maven, there isn’t much music-wise that I don’t love. Music has this beautiful ability to bring us together, allow us to explore different cultures, convey messages, and help us through even some of the toughest times in our lives while also serving as the soundtrack to some of the happiest times in our lives as well. There isn’t much Music can’t do for us.

Now I’ve listened to a lot of music in my life and music has helped shape some of the most memorable moments in my life whether good or bad. I can tell you where I was or what I was doing during certain times when I first heard a track. I can also tell you all the times some music or artists got me through tough times. For example, some of my faves:

I remember the first time I heard The Weeknd on the radio; I was in Mobile for Mardi Gras, I was raining that night and we were riding down Airport Boulevard.
The first album I physically bought was Michael Jackson’s Invincible album in 2001. Of course, I was a kid, but Momma gave me the money so I could give it to the associate at F.Y.E. in the mall.
The first time I heard 6LACK was going to Atlanta with my dad and brother to hang out for the weekend. It was his track “PRBMS.”
The first album I ever bought digitally was Paramore’s Riot album from iTunes.
The first album I ever got on vinyl was Amy Winehouse’s Back to Black album.
The first concert I ever went to was Watch the Duck at the B.B. King’s Blues Club.
The song that got me through my grandma’s passing was Kid Cudi’s “Rose Golden” from Passion, Pain, and Demon Slayin’.
Class of 2014’s farewell graduation song was “Count On Me” by Bruno Mars (hey, we been out the trap 10 years this year ya’ll!)
My favorite songs to karaoke as a kid with my family were “Supernatural” by Raven Symone and “Love Like This” by Faith Evans. My favorite one now is “Lady Marmalade” by Mya, Christina Aguliera, P!nk, and Lil Kim.
I’ve sung “Titanium” by Sia, “Enchantment” by Corinne Bailey Rae, “Girl On Fire” by Alicia Keys, and “winter Wonderland” by Aretha Franklin in school talent shows and showcases in high school.

Well, ya’ll get the picture. Music is definitely my life. And since it is, let’s start our first Music Monday of 2024 with a visit down my Spotify Unwrapped.

So for the past three-ish years, or at least since Spotify Unwrapped has been around. The Weeknd has been my top artist on Spotify. However, this year he was dethroned.

Unwrapped

My parents first put me on to Unwrapped, an album series by Hidden Beach Recordings that was started 2001. The Unwrapped series features mostly instrumental, contemporary jazz versions of popular hip-hop and rap songs. It’s one of my favorite genre bends yet. I grew up listening to Volumes 1 through 3 and they are heavily in my rotation. I use them to meditate, sleep, and just to get my fun jazz fix.

My favorite project: Unwrapped Volume 2

Favorite Song from Project: “Music” and “Electric Relaxation”

Latest Project: Unwrapped: Homecoming

Favorite Song on Latest Project: “Treat ‘Em Right”

Tupac’s “I Get Around,” gets a Unwrapped twist

The Weeknd

The Weeknd is one of my favorite artists, period. Like, point blank period. My artist-fan journey with Abel has been a long time, like I go all the way back to Soundcloud days. Before Trilogy, the independent standalone EPs alone. What a time. It makes watching his come up even sweeter. I’ve never seen him in concert, however, the rumors are he’ll come back to the US next year. If this is true, I’ll be trying my hardest to get up to Atlanta (where I hope he’ll be close to me,) to see my fave.

My favorite project: Trilogy

Favorite Song from the Project: “What You Need,” “Coming Down,” & “The Knowing”

Latest Project: Dawn FM (technically a deluxe version of Starboy & live album from the Sofi Stadium show)

Favorite Song from Latest Project: “Sacrifice” & “Less Than Zero”

From The Weeknd’s The Dawn FM Experience on Prime Video

Luke James

I want to say I discovered Luke James through Radio Disney many years ago. I similiarly discovered H.E.R. (back then going by her real name) and Chloe x Halle. Luke has proven that he isn’t just talented with his voice but also with his acting skills. You’ve seen him on The New Edition Story, Star, and The Chi. Watching him really grow further into his craft is amazing to witness.

My Favorite Project: to feel love/d

Favorite Song from the Project: “all of your love”

Latest Project: A Live Sensation album in collaboration with Nu Deco Ensemble

Favorite Song from Latest Project: “lambo”

Luke James and Nu Deco Ensemble create a whole different experience

6LACK

I first started listening to 6LACK after hearing his song “PRBLMS” over and over again heading to Atlanta years ago. This easily turned into me checking out the full Free 6LACK album and instantly getting hooked. That album is still an album I can listen to over and over again without skipping a track. His latest album has had to have gone platinum in my house.

My Favorite Project: FREE 6LACK

Favorite Song from Project: “Rules,” “Free,” “Luving U,” and “One Way”

Latest Project: Since I Have A Lover

Favorite Song from Latest Project: “Inwood Hill Park,” “Since I Have A Lover,” “Spirited Away,” and “chasing feeling.”

Pretty Little Fears is one of my favorite songs from East Atlanta Love Letter

Michael Jackson

If you really know me, this shouldn’t be a surprise AT ALL. I am a MJ fan for life. I grew up dancing around the house listening to MJ, watching the 30^th anniversary concert from New York over and over, revisiting the music videos, etc. Michael Jackson is one of my musical idols and inspirations. I so badly wish I could’ve seen him in concert.

My Favorite Project: Off the Wall

Favorite Song from the Project: “Get on the Floor,” “Rock With You,” & “I Can’t Help It.”

Latest Project: Thriller 40 (40^th anniversary posthumous release)

Favorite Song from Latest Project: “Wanna Be Startin’ Something,” “The Lady In My Life,” “Sunset Driver – Demo”

This was the only time MJ ever performed a song from Invincible

Now that I’ve ran down my top five artists of 2023, let’s talk about some of my favorite songs of the year.

While Spotify Unwrapped cuts off at a certain time and also because I’m a nostalgic person, I want to make sure this list includes songs that didn’t make my top 100 due to my love of the repeat button, older songs, etc. 2023 was a pretty good year for music. Also quick disclaimer, this is a long playlist. I slacked quite a bit last year, plus, this IS a full wrap-up of last year. You’ve been warned, however, this will definitely be one you want to save.

Here’s our first tracklist of the year:

“Role Model” by Brent Faiyaz
“Odd Look” by Kavinsky and The Weeknd
“Under the Influence” by Chris Brown
“Caramelo Duro” by Miguel featuring Kali Uchis
“Dangerous” by Michael Jackson
“Double Fantasy” by The Weeknd featuring Future
“Moment Of Your Life” by Brent Faiyaz featuring CoCo Jones
“VIRGO’S GROOVE” by Beyonce
“lambo” by Luke James and Nu Deco Ensemble
“BLACK BALLOONS | 13LACK 13ALLOONZ” by Denzel Curry featuring Twelve’len and Goldlink
How Do I Make You Love Me?” by The Weeknd
“HEATED” by Beyonce
“Summer in the Hamptons” by Jonas Brothers
“I’ll Be Around – Club Mix” by CeeLo Green featuring Timbaland
“Make It Last Forever” by Keith Sweat featuring Jacci McGhee
“Prototype” by Outkast
“HOTEL LOBBY” by Quavo and Takeoff (Unc & Phew)
“Best Friends, Right?” by Amy Winehouse
“Outside All Night” by Brent Faiyaz featuring A$AP Rocky and N3WYRKLA
“Inwood Hill Park” by 6LACK
“This Is Why” by Paramore
“Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat)” by Digable Planets
“Save the Overtime (For Me)” by Gladys Knight & The Pips
“Lovergirl” by Teena Marie
“Lost in the Fire” by Gesaffelstein and The Weeknd
“Spirited Away” by 6LACK
“Raindrops (Insane)” by Metro Boomin with Travis Scott
“Nasty Dancer” by Flo Milli
“Stop (Askin’ Me 4Shyt)” by Victoria Monet
“Fire In The Sky” by Anderson .Paak
“Loose Rap” by Aaliyah featuring Static Major
“Forever Yours” by Brent Faiyaz
“Pressurelicious” by Megan thee Stallion featuring Future
“Never Lose Me” by Flo Milli
“Summer Reign” by Larry June & The Alchemist featuring Ty Dolla $ign
“Fantasy” by Kali Uchis featuring Don Toliver
“4EVA” by Kaytramine
“WORTH IT” by Offset featuring Don Toliver
“TK421” by Lenny Kravitz
“Good Love” by City Girls featuring Usher
“Last One Left” by Brent Faiyaz featuring Missy Elliott and Lil Gray
“Life Will Be” by Cleo Sol
“Agora Hills” by Doja Cat
“Phenomenal” by Janelle Monae featuring Doechii
“Private Landing” by Don Toliver featuring Justin Bieber and Future
“Attention” by Doja Cat
“Electric Relaxation” by Unwrapped
“Wanderlust – Remix” by The Weeknd featuring Pharrell Williams
“Lay Wit Ya” by Isaiah Rashad featuring Duke Duece
“Rose Golden” by Kid Cudi featuring WILLOW
“Palisades, CA” by Larry June and The Alchemist featuring Big Sean
“Sacrifice” by The Weeknd
“FINE AS CAN BE”by Offset featuring Latto
“How Does It Make You Feel” by Victoria Monet
“Music” by Unwrapped
“Sax Fifth Avenue” by Masego
“Wanna Love You Girl” by Robin Thicke featuring Pharrell Williams
“Less Than Zero” by The Weeknd
“One Beer” by MF Doom
“Champagne Shit” by Janelle Monae
“Too Fast (Pull Over)” by Jay Rock featuring Anderson .Paak and Latto
“Paint the Town Red” by Doja Cat
“THE REV3NGE” by Joey Bada$$
“MONACO” by Bad Bunny
“KRZY Train” by Trippie Redd featuring Travis Scott
“Out of Time” by The Weeknd
“Since I Have A Lover” by 6LACK
“Say You Want Me” by Masego
“Alright” by Victoria Monet
“I’ve Been In Love” by Jungle featuring Channel Tres
“Get On the Floor” by Michael Jackson
“I Wish You Roses” by Kali Uchis
“Popular” by The Weeknd featuring Playboi Carti and Madonna
“Knife Talk” by Drake featuring 21 Savage and Project Pat
“Love Another Time” by Lion Babe
“Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlow
“You Rock My World” by Michael Jackson
“Blast Off” by Gessafalstein featuring Pharrell Williams
“Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See” by Unwrapped
“All Caps” by Madvillian
“Back on 74” by Jungle
“On My Mama” by Victoria Monet
“Best Time” by Brent Faiyaz
“New Type” by Summer Walker featuring Childish Gambino
“Snooze” by SZA
“Passport Bros” by Bas featuring J.Cole
“Sittin’ On Top of the World” by Burna Boy featuring 21 Savage
“Lost Me” by Giveon
“Mango Butter” by Durand Bernarr
“Say You Love Me” by Ayanna
“Goated” by Armani White featuring Denzel Curry
“Funny Thing” by Thundercat
“Umbrella” by Metro Boomin featuring 21 Savage and Young Nudy
“THE HIDE” by Q
“Escapism.” by RAYE featuring 070 Shake
“Vivrant Thing” by Q-Tip
“Lipstick Lover” by Janelle Monae
“Just Wanna Rock” by Lil Uzi Vert
“My House” by Beyonce
“Power Power” by Duckwrth featuring Shaun Ross
“Too Much” by Freddie Gibbs featuring Moneybagg Yo
“What It Is (Solo Version)” by Doechii
“Midnight Dreams” by Ellie Goulding
“Houdini” by Dua Lipa
“Creepin’” by Metro Boomin featuring 21 Savage and The Weeknd
“DELRESTO (ECHOES)” by Travis Scott featuring Beyonce

So, I originally was going to stop at 50 and then it just kind of spiraled. I’m sure this surprises most of you none if you’ve been here long enough.

2023 was another amazing year for music, including celebrating 50 years of Hip-Hop. There were special celebrations, shows, and activations across different events and just in general all year. There was even a Grammys Salute special aired on CBS. In my home state of Alabama, the 50^th Anniversary of Hip-Hop was even the theme of Mobile, Alabama’s annual Moon Pie Drop with Dana Dane, Big Daddy Kane, Rob Base, Slick Rick, and Yo-Yo headlining the event in downtown. It was a beautiful celebration of the genre all year.

Before I wrap this blog post up, let’s talk about my “New to Me, but, Maybe Not to You” Artists.

These are artists I just discovered this past year but that many of you may already know. So, these are artists I discovered and feel like are going to have another amazing year.

Cleo Sol

Cleo hails from London and my favorite fun fact is that her first name is Cleopatra. My nana’s middle name and I have always lived for it. I came across her while listening to one of my new mix’s that Spotify made for me. Her project, Gold, has been in my rotation ever since.

Larry June

It’s Usher, Baby: The Muse Mixx Vol. 4

My brother actually put me onto Larry June earlier in the year and he has definitely has that bay area sound coming from San Fran. He put out to collaborative albums this past year, one with The Alchemist & another with Cardo.

The Alchemist

Yeah, I had heard of The Alchemist in passing but through his project with Larry June, I discovered more of his music.

Destin Conrad

One of my bookclub sisters was talking about Destin Conrad and apparently, he was on Vine and I don’t know much about him but I know he’s an artist on the rise.

Durand Bernarr

When Durand went viral for his NPR Tiny Desk performance dressed as Uncle Bobby from the Proud Family, I went looking for his music. I love his style and his voice.

Ayanna