Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 30-“The Grand Finale of Black Joy!”

As we close out this last day of the #BlackJoy series, I just want to thank you for joining me on this journey. Throughout each of these 30 Days, I hope that you learned something new, gained some new tips, added a song or book to your collection, prepped for a new film or television series, or just found some peace. Whatever you gained make sure you treasure it and if you can share and spread some of that joy to others!

Let me also give a special shout-out to our guest blogger Lauren Jackson for providing the weekly posts on Finding Joy in Black Spaces!! Thank you! Thank you!!

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

While today is the last day, it is also Friday!! Which means, this is our final #BlackJoy curated playlist is “A Joyous Finale”…a culmination of #BlackJoy!!

And just in case you want to refresh your memory on the past curated #BlackJoy playlists, see them below:

While this was a celebration that took place during June, just know that this can be a year-round effort!

Remember you are entitled to Joy every day…ALL Day!

Till The Next Time!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 23-Black Music Appreciation-“Global Sounds of Black Joy!!”

As we continue our celebration of #BlackJoy and #BlackMusic, I wanted to step away from the U.S. and bring in some #GlobalBlackJoy!

So, today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is all about the “Global Sounds of Black Joy!” Some of these sounds include old-school dancehall, Afro-beats, and reggae!! One of the great things that I love about each of these musical genres is how they each uniquely speak to and ignite the passion of the people who perform it. Dancehall, Reggae, and Afrobeats culture has and continues to make such a major impact on the music industry so much so that we see it presented not just in music videos, but TikTok, YouTube, a Verzuz battle, festivals, and of course annual carnivals/festivals.

To get a little taste, see this week’s playlist below:

Now you know I got a #TinyDeskConcert treat for you this week too (a Tripleheader), see below:

  • Adam Blackstone
  • Ambré
  • Amaarae

And don’t forget, if you would like to listen to the previous week’s list, you can check them out here:

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

See You All Tomorrow!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, Feature Spotlight, On The Radar

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 16-Black Music Appreciation-“Joy in a Song!!”

We got another week of #BlackMusicAppreciation on deck!! Today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is all about literal joy in a song!!

Right now is a great time to get some feel-good, healing vibes!! Whether you are taking a morning walk with your dog, a run on the treadmill, or driving your commute to work, a joyful song can set the tone and mood! With everything going on in the world, we could all use some joyful tunes!!

Special shout out to my friend and colleague Shermaine Jones for helping curate this week’s list!! See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:

And as a special treat, we got a double bonus with the recent NPR Music #TinyDeskConcert performances from Babyface and Tank!!

Babyface

Tank

And remember if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!

See you all tomorrow!!

Posted in #30DaysofBlackJoy Series, Celebration, On the Desk..., On The Radar

#30DaysofBlackJoy…Day 9-Black Music Appreciation-Hip Hop Edition

We are back for another week!! And as we continue to celebrate Black Music Appreciation Month, today’s #BlackJoy curated playlist is an ode to Hip Hop!!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, a musical genre that has become a global and cultural phenomenon. Hip Hop as an art form has touched every corner of our world and evolved into one of the most significant cultural forces today. In addition to being a form of entertainment, hip hop has played (and continues to do so) a role in being a voice for marginalized youth to speak about their frustrations, need for change, and times of joy!! As noted by communications/hip-hop scholar professor Aisha Durham, “some of the most innovative hip hop formations that you see today still come from those communities that may feel alienated, disaffected, or in some ways vulnerable — economically, socially, or politically.” Through it all hip hop has changed the game of life!!

In the great words of the late Notorious B.I.G., “you never thought that hip-hop would take it this far.”

See this week’s #BlackJoy playlist below:

As an extra bonus, check out the recent NPR Music #TinyDesk with Charlie Wilson!!

One last nugget check out this upcoming event “Hip Hop 50 Live” set to take place in the Bronx, NY!!

Don’t forget if there’s a track or two that you think should make the list, make sure to drop it in the comments section!!

See you tomorrow!!