Albums in the Key of Life

So apparently I be thinking hard on Fridays. So today, Ima try to keep it easy, breezy, beautiful Cover girl! Yesterday, whilst working, surfing the nets, counting down the hours and listening to Pandora, some Floetry song came on. I skipped it. And then said to myself, “self. You have never been a big fan of Floetry.” And then myself responded and was like, “that is soo true. I wonder why that is.” I mean they (the original ladies) made good enough music and I am partial to all things Neo Soul, but for some reason they just didn’t do much for me. I think it was that first song, “I’m the flocist and she’s the songtress.” With the bright ass video with the row house pumping. Mint Julep, do you remember how it would come on Vh1 Soul all the daggone time? Anyway. As usual I digress.

So anyway this got me thinking about which artists I love lots. And then which songs. And then which albums. And which albums I could play allll the time. Even if I just played it out yesterday. And the day before that. You know what I mean? Those albums that just personally resonate with you. Cause when you play it, you know instantly the impact it had on your life, it takes you back and you remember the good, bad, ugly, and the everything in between about that particular moment/time/experience in your life. The albums you could play backwards, forwards, and sideways. When you don’t skip noooo songs. Even the ones you don’t really like, you still let it play. The albums that are classic in your life – even if everyone else is like, “are you still rocking this like it’s 2001/1998/1984?” Hellz yeah! Ok in no particular order, here are some of mine:

Erykah Badu, Mama’s Gun – I didn’t used to listen to this entire album when it first came out. I fell in love with I'm In Love With You and ignored the rest of the album. But then this guy who I was messing with and who used to smoke (and I’m not talking cigarettes) had it on one night and I was like, “what song is this from her album? I never listen to this.” And he was on some, “nah baby you gotta start this from the beginning and let it ride.” And so one day I did. And the rest is history. I can let that joint ride a whole ride.

Love Jones Soundtrack – Um need I say more? I didn’t think so. By the time you get to Sentimental Mood, panties should be hanging from the ceiling fan.

Outkast, Aquemini – From Return of the G, to The Art of Storytellin’, to Rosa Parks to SpottieOttieDopaliscious aka Damn, Damn, Damn, James, this album has some classic Outkast’s lyrics - that if you recite a line to a fan, they are certain to give you the next one. Plus this was also still kind of before all the white people knew who they were.

Maxwell, MTV Unplugged aka Urban Hang Suite Live – Now the ladies at 5 Spot know that I don’t love me some Maxwell. But I do love me that live album. Yes Lawd. Panties should just get thrown up to the sky and never come back down when this is on.

Jill Scott, Beautifully Human – So like every Black chick, I too loved me some Who Is Jill Scott, but I think that Beautifully Human is a more cohesive album. Cause honestly on Who Is, after Slowly Surely, I skip past that magic number and that "protest" song watching me, watching me with her just trying to buy some batteries - to end of the album. But Beautifully Human has some gems: Talk to Me, I Keep, Whatever, that bass line on Not Like Crazy - stays on repeat.

Outkast Andre 3000, The Love Below/Kanye West, College Dropout - I put them together because they came out round the same time and my ex kept both bootlegs in the car. And so I just have fond memories of bobbing my head, talking ish and riding aimlessly through Atlanta. Soo in love. And I mean when else would I actually sit and listen to My Favorite Things except during Christmas time? And I'm sure we all remember being like, "word Andre 3000 is singing now?" And then being like, "and who is this nygga Kanye West who think he's the shyt?" We'd soon find out wouldn't we?

Lil’ Kim Hardcore - Sophomore year of High School – If it weren't for Ms. Kim Jones, how else would I have learned not to be scared of the dyck and the importance of throwing lips to the shyt and handling it like a real bytch? Ahhhh... I'm sure just knowing those lines alone makes my mama proud.

Lauryn Hill aka Ms. Hill, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill – Check the previously written post and know that I used to have it on tape! TAPE! And me, Bellini and Dark and Stormy wore it out our whole Senior year of High School. And then I bought the CD in like 2002 and played it like it had just came out yesterday. There is something about still knowing alllll the words to every single song of an album that came out over 10 years ago. Whew.

That's just a sample. I didn't even get into the old school albums. Or my honorable mentions. So, what are some of your classic albums?

That’s my time y’all! Happy Rum Punch Friday!