Shawn Fredericks | Staff Writer
In honor of the 25th anniversary, I thought I would put together a little something for the culture. This playlist is about celebrating the different aspects and little nuances within the Nubian Message that cannot be articulated in an article. It includes party songs that emphasize the cool factor of being a black newspaper on a PWI’s campus, anthems that will keep you pumped while going through the grind (cause it’s hard out here in these classrooms), and classics played at every family reunion, cookout and fish fry. So kick back, relax and enjoy black excellence in audio format.
Summertime – Will Smith
This was the jam when it came out and it’s still a smash at the cookout now. This is feel good music for any season. I’ll even bump this in a snowstorm. On the 25th anniversary we dropping feel-good heat, so enjoy the wintertime with that summer vibe.
This Is How We Do It – Montell Jordan
Of course, we cannot go celebrating without letting people know that this is how we do it. This song is about unity and coming together to party, an instant classic that brings people together, just like the Nubian.
Jump – Kriss Kross
Do you wanna make your haters jump? If so, Kriss Kross got you with this classic. Whether you ballin’ or partyin’, sometimes you have to make the competition sweat. So kick out this joint when you not tryin’ to have any negativity in your presence.
U.N.I.T.Y. – Queen Latifah
Women currently make up the majority of the Nubian’s staff. It would be a disservice to not celebrate their efforts with some of the best bars by Queen Latifah. Queen Latifah kicks some gut-busting bars aimed at the wannabe misogynists of the world who wanna keep a sista down.
Alright – Kendrick Lamar
In this anthem about overcoming struggle and hardship, Kendrick’s hook reminds us that no matter what, we gon be alright. Kendrick still serves some conscious bars to satisfy the lyrical miracle crowd as well.
Started from the Bottom – Drake
For all those that started at the bottom, this is your theme song right here. When you’re on your grind it is helpful to track progress. This is a song to remind you where you’re coming from and how you’re moving to get the bag.
Crew (REMIX) – Goldlink, Gucci Mane, Brent Faiyaz & Shy Glizzy
This that crew music right here, no pun intended. The infectious hook combined with that D.C. vibe that is missing from mainstream makes this a chill but strong anthem to vibe out with your homies/besties/brothers/sisters/brohams/comrades/whatever you call them. This y’all crew anthem.
Too Hotty – QC feat Migos
It’s the Migos at the height of their powers swaggin’ and dabbin’ all over the beat. Each of the Migos accentuate why their flow is unstoppable in this bouncy, energetic song to get the party jumpin’.
Young Black America – Meek Mill feat. The Dream
This is a gritty track about the black struggle, plain and simple. Meek Mill pulled no punches in this song. This is a strong reminder of the struggles faced by inner city youth, as Meek Mill details the trauma of poverty in young black America.
Check out the full playlist on Spotify:
