What I listen to, and you should too

 As you may or may not know, my ultimate goal with my blog is to expand everyone's horizons and minds by breaking their algorithmic loop. My recent posts have been heavily music-focused, as I have spent the majority of my days talking to people. About once a month, I find buzzworthy artists or revisit playlists I curated over the past decade. Here are some of the artists that I have been listening to. You might just find a new genre or artists to break your musical loop.

Jazz: 

Duke Ellington: During the height of the Harlem Renaissance, Duke Ellington became a world-renowned jazz pianist who collaborated with other musical legends like John Coltrane and Eartha Kitt, and performed at exclusive clubs in Washington D.C., New Jersey, Philadelphia, and New York. Ellington has also been recognized for his work and was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and more. 

*My Personal Faves: In a Sentimental Mood; My Little Brown Book; Solitude

70s rock and groove: 

Fleetwood Mack: At the beginning of COVID, this 60s/70s rock group regained popularity when a viral TikTok used their 1977 song "Dreams." Fleetwood Mack is well known for their groovy and heartfelt songs, their lead vocal changes, and Stevie Nicks, of course. Try listening to Fleetwood Mac during the Summer, at golden hour after a day at the beach or lake. Thank me later. 

*My Personal Faves: Landslide; Everywhere; Dreams

Stevie Wonder: This multi-talented soul artist learned to play the piano at a young age and went on to achieve success despite visual impairments. Stevie Wonder is well-known and loved for his ballads and powerful vocals. Almost every generation today can name one song from this timeless singer.

*My Personal Faves: Isn't She Lovely; As; I Just Called to Say I Love You

Elton John: Another multi-talented artist who made his debut during the late 1960s and is recognized for his flamboyant and over-the-top costumes. John has also had an extensive resume as a charity fundraiser fighting against HIV/AIDS, and as a composer for the 1994 Lion King.   

*My Personal Faves: Bennie and the Jets; Rocket Man; Tiny Dancer

90s and 2000s R&B

Janet Jackson: One of the most notable Jackson siblings, Janet Jackson rose to fame at an early age, appearing on the variety show "The Jacksons Variety Show" at 10. Throughout the years, Janet has been recognized for her roles in the 70s comedy The Jeffersons, the movie Poetic Justice, Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married franchise, and several TV appearances. Janet also had hits in between her time as an actress and continues to tour decades later.

*My Personal Faves: Runaway; Together Again; Got Til It's Gone 

Soukous:

While I don't have extensive information on these two artists, they are staples at West African and Francophone parties. Both Awilo Longomba and Fally Ipupa are artists of soukous, ndombolo, rumba, and the techno-soukous subgenre, genres originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of Congo. Its unique guitar riff and repetitive yet technical beat are often played at events and have also helped me remain focused when I have to lock in. 

Awilo Longomba 

*My Personal Faves: Gate le coin; Coupé Bibamba; Karolina

Fally Ipupa 

*My Personal Faves: Original; Sweet Life; Un Coup

Hip-Hop, Rap, and RnB Alternative

Teezo Touchdown: Over the past couple of years, I have heard of Teezo Touchdown, but it wasn't until recently that I dove into his disorganization. Teezo Touchdown is a Texas-based artist known for his unique hairstyles, clothing, lyrics, and melodies. If you like Black alternative artists with a quirky vibe, you will definitely like Teezo Touchdown. 

*My Personal Faves: I'm Just a Fan; Familiarity; Social Cues

DEAN: Dean is a well-known artist amongst K-pop fans and RnB lovers for his soulful voice and mesmerizing melodies. He has worked with artists like Jeff Bernat, Sid from The Internet, Eric Ballenger, and various K-pop artists. 

*My Personal Faves: Instagram; D (Half Moon); NASA

Kpop

EXO: A K-pop group with amazing vocals, led by songs produced by the legendary TeddRileyly from the 90s group, Blackstreet; EXO is well-known for their elaborate concepts and vocals. Although there have been a few shifts, this senior group still delivers as if it were the 12-member group it was in 2012. EXO's lengthy discography (both group and solo) is filled with RnB. Hip-hop, ballads, and even rock. This group is definitely worth listening to, especially their older album. (Please ignore the dramatic visuals for some of their older music videos.  

*My Personal Faves: Monster; Tempo; Overdose

New Jeans: Sadly, activities have halted, and two members are rumored to no longer be in the group. When they first debuted, they caused a lot of buzz, which has shifted the image of K-pop girl groups. New Jeans is notably recognized for their fresh, tomboyish, Y2K aesthetic at a time when many girl groups were striving for loud, aggressive aesthetics. In a short time, they have performed at Lollapalooza, sold out stadiums, and achieved record-breaking streams. Since their hiatus, I have seen upheaval among K-pop companies as they attempt to recreate youth and concepts. Yet, they have not been as successful as New, which Jeans provided a more organic aura that can't be replaced or duplicated. 

*My Personal Faves: Super Shy; Ditto; Attention

Honorable Mentions:  Paris, Texas (An alternative hip-hop group); Baekhyun (from the Kpop group, EXO)

After listening to my recommendations, tell me which ones you liked, and what artists I should listen to next?