Power Playlists
I’d rather stand tall, than live on my knees
‘Cause I am a conqueror, and I won’t accept defeat
Empire Cast ft. Estelle “Conqueror”
Music has always moved me. While writing has always been a source of comfort and self-expression, music has been my source of strength. That is why for as long as I can remember I have created Power, or inspiration, Playlists.
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To me, there is nothing more potent than music. I always say that music is life. Anything is possible with the right song. India.Arie’s “I am Light” automatically soothes me into a meditative, relaxed state. I even play it when my son needs to mellow out. “Gorilla” by Bruno Mars never fails to put me in the mood. And “One Sweet Day” will always remind me of the day I got the news that one of my aunts died. Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna” was the soundtrack to my sixth-grade love affair. And thanks to Lyfe’s “Must Be Nice,” I will forever remember the morning I realized I was falling in love with my boyfriend, who is now my husband.
They said the sky was limit
I put my footprint all in it
‘Cause I’ve been there
Jennifer Hudson “I Got This”
My Power Playlists are designed to shift my mood and remind me that I am a strong, capable, calm individual. They help me fortify myself through morning rush hour, which is usually the time I question all my life decisions and begin to wonder why I didn’t marry rich, choose to be a housewife, or find a bill-paying sugar mama for my husband yet. I blast my playlist and remind myself that, while I still hate mornings, traffic, and not having a personal chauffeur, I love my life, and (sometimes) my job. I also rejoice in the fact that my commute only requires one dreadful MD highway.
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Right now, my list is full of girl power music. For so many reasons, the feminine power is very necessary. Sorry fellas.
But even back then with the tears in my eyes
I always knew I was the shit
Janelle Monáe “I Like That”
The list changes at least once a season. Songs are added and removed constantly, though I will admit “You Gotta Be” has been on my playlist since I first heard the song as a kid. Power Playlists have gotten me through bad mornings, depressive episodes, interview jitters, the grad school slump, and sometimes even the after work blues (though that typically requires a different kind of playlist altogether).
I highly recommend that everyone create their own playlist. Make sure the songs make you feel strong and confident, and even excited. They also need to have a positive effect on your mood. Whenever you need a boost, pump your music and walk tall!
Current playlist:
| Song | Artist |
| You Gotta Be | Des’ree |
| I Got This | Jennifer Hudson |
| Could’ve Been | Kirk Franklin |
| Love Myself | Hailee Steinfeld |
| Prepared | Jill Scott |
| Run the World (Girls) | Beyoncé |
| Grown Woman | Beyoncé |
| Confident | Demi Lovato |
| Conqueror | Empire Cast ft. Estelle |
| Hate on Me | Jill Scott |
| M.I.L.F. $ | Fergie |
| I Like That | Janelle Monáe |
| Roar | Katy Perry |
| Don’t Let Me Down | Leona Lewis |
| Fly | Nicki Minaj and Rihanna |
| Say Yes | Michelle Williams ft. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland |
| F**kin’ Perfect | P!nk |
| I Don’t Get Tired (#IDGT) | Kevin Gates |
| Kingdom Come | Kirk Franklin and Jill Scott |
