{My high school/Penn friend H put this April playlist together and explained her choice of each song. Enjoy the guest post and Happy Friday!!}
April’s Pump-Me-Up Pop Playlist
1. Runaround Sue– G-Eazy
2. No Interruption– Hoodie Allen
3. Eighteen Cool– Hoodie Allen
4. Apple of My Eye- G-Eazy
I thought I’d start out here with a Hoodie Allen/G-Eazy block for a few years. First off, I’m going to their concert in Philly this week, so they’ve both been on my “Recently Played” list as of late. Secondly, I think more people should listen to G-Eazy. I’ve personally been a fan since he featured one of my high school classmates as a backup dancer for three seconds in the “Candy Girl” video in ’09; but in recent years, he’s moved away from the mass-produced, stereotypically misogynistic style that many present-day hip-hop artists use to tout their own so-called masculinity and toward a more genuine and unique sound. “The Endless Summer” in particular has a quite different vibe from most current hip-hop offerings. Dressed to impress as a 50s/60s stud on the album’s cover (sporting a varsity jacket, Ray Bans, and a gelled Draco Malfo hairstyle), G samples popular doo-wop from the 50s/60s era in his raps, bringing a newfound authenticity to his music. Hoodie, on the other hand, is a shining example of the exact opposite of what I like about G-Eazy. “No Interruption” is a personal favorite because, in addition to being catchy and fun to dance to, it also has the ability to sound completely innocuous until you actually listen to the lyrics — which are both hilarious and disgusting. I put “Eighteen Cool” on here because Hoodie in fact attended the same university I do, and I think the song exemplifies the self-assuredness, lack of insecurity, and completely non-bitter feelings toward high school that the majority of my classmates possess.
5. Forest Whitaker– Brother Ali
6. You– Atmosphere
Here are some feel-good songs to get you going in the morning. “Forest Whitaker” is a truly funny song with a few lyrical gems sprinkled in there — look out for “to everyone out there who’s a little different I say ‘damn a magazine, these is god’s fingerprints.'” “You” is the type of song that will get you out of bed in the morning. Coming from someone with sleep disorders, that’s saying something.
7. God Loves Ugly– Atmosphere
Also a great song, though not quite uplifting in the same way as the two above. In all honesty I don’t have enough good things to say about this song. Slug “held onto the sacred ways of how to play the game” and Atmosphere puts out real music full of double-entendred lyrics and actual meaning.
8. Let It Be– Dyme Def
New Take on an old classic; a way to enjoy the sentiments of the original when you might not have the relaxation abilities needed to fully experience it.
9. 1- Joy Zipper
Did I hear this song in the Cigna commercial and get it stuck in my head for three days until I finally caved in, looked it up, and downloaded it? …. Maybe
10. In Step– Girl Talk
In honor of my school’s Spring Fling performer this year, I present you with one of my favorite Girl Talk mash-ups. Look out for the sample of Roy Orbison’s “You Got It” and Nirvana’s “Lithium.”
11. If I Never See Your Face Again (Maroon 5 & Rihanna) Remix – Paul Oakenfold
Solid remix.
12. In Motion – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross
Phenomenal song to do work to. Not distracting in the least, but intense enough to keep you from drifting. Added benefit of being from “The Social Network” — also a personal favorite.
13. Teardrop- Massive Attack
Paying homage to my love of House MD with this one. In addition, also a great song to do yoga to.
14. TV on the Radio– DLZ
In the theme of “songs I stole from movies/TV shows”, did I get this from Breaking Bad? …Yes.
15. Sweet Honey – Slightly Stoopid
Chill classic and favorite of bros everywhere.
16. Obsessed With You – the Orion Experience
This song appeared on my iTunes one day in 9th grade. I’m not sure how it got there (I’ve speculated that it was either a secret admirer or a friend beginning to pull a prank on me who then forgot to follow through), but this song encompasses all the great obsessive, addictive, unhealthy creepiness that comes along with the initial stages of a crush. Very entertaining.
17. And We Danced – Macklemore
Not as well known as “Thrift Shop”, but arguably better. It’s my life goal to throw a party on par with the one in the music video.
Urban Prep 