This is something to keep your game on track. It’s not all about the club, show love to the household. Appreciate the moment and the people you choose to share it with. Love yours. Not his, not hers. Love yours. Live and love, don’t be bitter. Don’t harp on past situations. Live in the moment. Love yourself. Enjoy this specially curated Valentine’s Day playlist featuring some newcomers as well as some legends in the Bay Area music scene.
Capolow
Capolow usually comes with the party bangers you can move and cut up too, but “Own It” is strictly for you and honey. This that “just knocked some fresh game” let’s paint the city vibe. From the beat to the chorus, to the “AYE AYE’s” this will for sure turn you up a notch. “How can I give you the world if you own it?”, kudos to Capolow for giving the ladies what they really want, reassurance.
goapele
Everyone remembers their first love. The first time you felt that feeling. The cupcaking on your minute phone, free after 9pm. Goapele captures that magical moment in “First Love”, an ode to not just a person, but love as an experience. Her voice is smooth and soothing. The beat is hypnotizing. This is the one you play when it’s time to unwind. Everyone’s definition of a first love might differ, but Goapele’s love through song is eternal.
h.e.r
Sometimes you can get too ahead of yourself and pass the game up. Direct your energy in one place and watch it bubble. Focus. Focus on what’s important, not what’s convenient. H.E.R reels the busy mind in on “Focus”, and treats listeners to a sultry lullaby that serves as a call to action. This is what you play when it’s time to put your phone down. The piano, the lyrics, and the background vocals all work in unison to deliver a truly beautiful song. Focus on yourself and you’ll find it easier to focus on others when the time calls for it.
iamsu!
This fun, upbeat joint from Iamsu! is a perfect car banger when you and honey want to get out and bend some corners. Iamsu! brings back the art of courting and encourages effort with a heavy dose of persistence on “By My Side”. Original, innovative, and fresh. “I got respect for ya”, is the song in a nutshell. It’s ok to be respectful to women, its ok to show appreciation, it’s ok to want someone by your side.
kehlani
I was sold from the Ginuwine sample in the opening sequence, but then again I’m a simple man. “Get Away” is one of those songs that makes you an instant fan of someone. Kehlani gives listeners layers of great vocals mixed with breathtaking notes that not many can hit. This song is about taking risks. It’s about not letting things slip away because of self-doubt. It’s about getting what you deserve, this is not a self sabotaging song. Don’t let your true love get away.
too short & lil kim
I feel like this one needs a parental advisory warning before posting it. Too Short & Lil Kim vividly describes a series of sexual encounters shared with each other. “Call Me” doesn’t give off the vibe of commitment, it sounds more like hotel sex with consensual recording. This is for the Za, Tequila, and candle nights. The beat, the lyrics, and the chorus are all polished to perfection, but what takes this song to next level is the chemistry. When it’s genuine, you don’t have to force anything.
Keyshia Cole
“Love”. When it’s good it’s great. I can only speak from personal experience, but being in love with a girl from Oakland sounds better in songs. Nonetheless, Keyshia Cole delivers a classic performance using her distinct tone as an instrument. She takes the listener on journey of fun and runs all wrapped up in the spirit of love. Inspirational. You know how many people used to think they weren’t fine enough? Good enough? Self love is the best love, but it’s always good to feel it from someone else.
tony! toni! Toné!
Tony! Toni! Toné! is a legendary group that made timeless hits that still get played today, and sampled just as much. I could have easily set aside some time for “Me and You” to enjoy a nightcap and play a game called “Whatever You Want” as you “(Lay Your Head on My) Pillow”, but “Anniversary” encompasses all emotions in one. This ain’t the radio version, this the 9 minute “let’s reflect on the good times” version. The vocals on this song share a perfect union with the instruments. The message is pure. Not for the conditional lovers, but the ones who stood the test of time long enough to reap the benefits. Make everyday feel like an anniversary.
Larry june
Larry June consistently drops bangers for the car rides, gym sessions, or just a chill day cleaning the house. On “Organic Adjustments” he slows the game down to really analyze his situation and prioritize what’s important. “We met the same time I lost a friend, we should try again” is a bar because sometimes you gotta take yourself out of certain situations to really gain clarity. This song feels like therapy through conversation and understanding. Life will always require you to adjust, but the most successful ones happen organically.
tess so original
It’s the falling in love that makes us high. On “Fallin'” , Tess So Original takes listeners through the motions of love and lets us know the difference between falling and being. The contrast between the first and second verse is immaculate and honestly underrated. She sings in a higher pitch on the first verse as she expresses her expectations in an ideal love affair. The falling. Then she goes down a few octaves on the second verse as the reality of love sets in. The being. Tess So Original gracefully captures the feelings of love that aren’t always pretty. It’s the being in love that makes us cry.
mac mall
Mac Mall etched his name in Bay Area stone with “Wide Open”. Between the piano and the catchy hook, “Wide Open” has become one of the most recognizable songs to come out of Northern California. Mac Mall finds the perfect balance of player and gentleman. Every word is genuine creating a vibe that’s unmatched. This song is generational. It has become synonymous with Bay Area culture because “who got you wide open”? There’s nothing wrong with being head over heels for someone.
Rnbrii x UglyMarco
“My Turn” is a beautiful combination of sounds and harmonies that come together perfectly to create this vibrant, catchy tune. RNBRII delivers a wonderfully peculiar performance as she effortlessly exercises her vocal attributes over guitar strums placed perfectly by producer UglyMarco. There’s no cracks in her falsetto, everything is crisp. But more importantly, the lyrics are the hidden gem. “Its gone happen on its own” and “Could it be the stars aligned? I’m wishing”, pull together this story of manifestation. We’re all grown and sometimes you indeed have to wait your turn.
erk tha jerk
Erk Tha Jerk made “Right Here” for the people who have sex outside of bars because home seems like a stretch. The radio version of this song is actually very endearing. The dirty version switches gears and drops you off on Pornhub Island. If nothing else, this is definitely a feel good song. Erk Tha Jerk was able to capture the essence of a time and the energy of a generation. When the DJ plays this song you gotta order an Adios.
Kamaiyah
It’s cool to be a hot girl. It’s cool to be a city girl. But the best you is the real you. Kamaiyah slides on “Swing My Way” giving listeners a dose of raw emotions on a funky west coast beat. The contrast between the verses and hook balance the overall energy of the song. This song just makes you wanna smile, move, take shots and vibe out. This is what a good night in the ghetto sounds like.
wantmoren8 ft. girlnxdoor
Good energy and positive affirmations, what more can you ask for? In a world where social media topics plague our real life interactions, WantmoreN8 stresses the importance of meaningful conversations. On “Candlelit Conversations”, he’s accompanied by GirlNxDoor and their musical chemistry is reminiscent of TWENTY88. Communication has become a lost art in today’s society, so appreciate the ones who make the effort. It’s ok to talk.
messy marv
Messy Marv in his prime was an unstoppable force. For this playlist I could have chose “Thug Love” or “Wanna Be Yours”, but “Sei Luv” is just a cut above the rest. The relationship between rappers and singers needs to be restored because bangers of this caliber simply don’t exist anymore. The nostalgia in this song brings me back to the ringtone days on MetroPCS. Smooth and player, this is the perfect Bay Area vibe. As the kids would say, this is “Him”.
go dav
“For me you’ll ride or die, I look in your eyes. I’ll see the sun set tonight, forever forever”. That’s it, that’s all.