Today’s playlist includes a few tracks from Janelle Monáe, who celebrates a birthday today.
Tunes Du Jour Presents Eminem
Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, has been a dominant force in hip-hop for over two decades. Rising to fame in the late 1990s with his major-label debut The Slim Shady LP, Eminem quickly became known for his rapid-fire delivery, complex rhyme schemes, and controversial lyrics. His subsequent albums, including The Marshall Mathers LP and The Eminem Show, solidified his status as one of the best-selling artists of the 21st century.
Throughout his career, Eminem has produced numerous chart-topping hits. Tracks like “Lose Yourself,” “The Real Slim Shady,” and “Without Me” showcased his ability to blend catchy hooks with sharp lyricism. His storytelling abilities, evident in songs like “Stan” and “Mockingbird,” have set a high bar for narrative rap. Eminem’s impact on the genre extends beyond his solo work. His collaborations have often resulted in memorable tracks, from “Forgot About Dre” with Dr. Dre to “Forever” alongside Drake, Kanye West, and Lil Wayne. His work with D12 on songs like “Purple Pills” and “My Band” demonstrates his ability to work within a group dynamic.
Despite his undeniable success and influence, Eminem’s career has been marked by persistent controversy and criticism. Many critics point to the misogynistic and homophobic content in some of his lyrics. Songs such as “Guilty Conscience” and “97′ Bonnie & Clyde” have been criticized for their graphic depictions of violence against women.
The problematic aspects of Eminem’s work extend beyond specific themes. Some listeners find his humor juvenile and distasteful, citing songs like “Just Lose It” as examples. Critics argue that despite his technical prowess, Eminem’s core themes and style have remained largely unchanged over the years, suggesting a lack of artistic growth.
These ongoing debates around Eminem’s content raise important questions about artistic expression, social responsibility, and the expectations placed on artists as they progress in their careers. Despite the criticisms, Eminem maintains a significant fanbase and continues to be a prominent figure in hip-hop. Whether Eminem can continue to evolve and remain relevant in a rapidly changing music industry remains a topic of discussion among fans and critics alike.
Tunes Du Jour Presents Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick Lamar, the Compton-bred rapper, has cemented his place as one of the most influential and acclaimed artists of his generation. With a discography that spans multiple critically acclaimed albums and a slew of awards, Lamar’s impact on popular music is undeniable.
From his breakthrough album good kid, m.A.A.d city to his Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece DAMN., Lamar’s music has consistently tackled complex themes of race, identity, and social injustice with raw honesty and lyrical prowess. His signature blend of West Coast hip-hop, jazz, and funk influences has earned him widespread recognition for pushing the boundaries of the genre.
Lamar’s accolades speak volumes about his artistic achievements. In addition to his 17 Grammy Awards, including Best Rap Album for DAMN., To Pimp A Butterfly and Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, he has received numerous other accolades and honors throughout his career, further solidifying his status as one of the most celebrated rappers of his generation.
One of his most significant achievements was receiving the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2018, becoming the first non-classical or jazz artist to be awarded this prestigious honor. The Pulitzer board praised his album DAMN. for its “virtuosic song collection unified by its vernacular authenticity and rhythmic dynamism that offers affecting vignettes capturing the complexity of modern African American life.”
Lamar has also won several BET Awards, including Album of the Year and Best Male Hip Hop Artist multiple times. He has been recognized by the American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and MTV Video Music Awards, among others.
In 2016, Lamar received the prestigious Generational Icon Award from the California State Senate and the State’s Celebratory Commendation, honoring his artistic achievements and positive influence on the community.
Additionally, Lamar has been celebrated by various publications and organizations for his contributions to music and culture. He has been named one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, and his album To Pimp a Butterfly was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest album of the 2010s.
Beyond his musical triumphs, Lamar has also been celebrated for his philanthropic efforts. Through his foundation, he has supported various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of youth in his hometown of Compton, including funding for academic programs and community development projects.
With his thought-provoking lyrics, innovative sound, and commitment to using his platform for positive change, Kendrick Lamar has solidified his position as a cultural icon and one of the most important voices in modern music. His impact transcends the boundaries of hip-hop, inspiring generations of artists and listeners to embrace authenticity, creativity, and social consciousness.
As Lamar continues to push the envelope and redefine what it means to be a rapper in the 21st century, his influence on popular music and culture will undoubtedly resonate for years to come.
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 5-5-24
Adele was born on this date in 1988. Lots of songs from her on today’s playlist.
https://open.spotify.com/embed/playlist/6QfWHrSbam16XdbSxHIDGz?utm_source=generator
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My Top Songs Of 2022
Congratulations to Megan Thee Stallion, who has placed a song in my year end top five every year since 2019. Her “Her” is my number two song of ’22, kept from number one by Beyoncé, who guested on the remix of MTS’s “Savage,” my number 4 song of 2020. 2022 was a year that left me wanting, so my top 100 has 92 songs. Here they are:
- BREAK MY SOUL – Beyoncé
- Her – Megan Thee Stallion
- About Damn Time – Lizzo
- As It Was – Harry Styles
- This Hell – Rina Sawayama
- Coconuts – Kim Petras
- Goodbye Mr. Blue – Father John Misty
- Wild – Spoon
- Sacrifice – The Weeknd
- All the Good Times – Angel Olsen
- BILLIE EILISH. – Armani White
- Measure of a Man – FKA twigs feat. Central Cee
- Meet Me at Our Spot – THE ANXIETY, WILLOW & Tyler Cole
- Burning – the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- CUFF IT – Beyoncé
- TV – Billie Eilish
- If I Was a Cowboy – Miranda Lambert
- Mistakes – Sharon Van Etten
- I Hate U – SZA
- Simulation Swarm – Big Thief
- Big Energy – Latto
- The Smoke – The Smile
- Bad Habit – Steve Lacy
- Boyfriend – Dove Cameron
- Hideous – Oliver Sim feat. Jimmy Somerville
- Gasoline – The Weeknd
- edamame – bbno$ feat. Rich Brown
- Lift Me Up – Rihanna
- Slide Tackle – Japanese Breakfast
- Don’t Let the Light Go Out – Panic! At the Disco
- MORE – j-hope
- Pressurelicious – Megan Thee Stallion feat. Future
- MAGIC – Vince Staples and Mustard
- Late Night Talking – Harry Styles
- Once Twice Melody – Beach House
- Edge of the Edge – Panda Bear and Sonic Boom
- Music for a Sushi Restaurant – Harry Styles
- Out of Time – The Weeknd
- Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) – Bruce Springsteen
- Another day in America – Kali Uchis & Ozuna
- Out of My Head – First Aid Kit
- Lost Track – HAIM
- Tonight – Phoenix feat. Ezra Koenig
- Beach House – Carly Ray Jepsen
- Tomorrow – Waxahatchee
- Funny Girl – Father John Misty
- Softly – Arlo Parks
- EDGING – Blink-182
- Cash In, Cash Out – Pharrell Williams feat. 21 Savage & Tyler, The Creator
- Falling Apart (Right Now) – Wilco
- Father Time – Kendrick Lamar feat. Sampha
- camera roll – Kacey Musgraves
- My Babe – Spoon
- Popular – M.I.A.
- Silent Hill – Kendrick Lamar with Kodak Black
- The Lightning – Arcade Fire
- The 30th – Billie Eilish
- The Curse of the Blackened Eye – Orville Peck
- Fractals – Beth Orton
- Should’ve Been Me – Mitski
- Ur Mum – Wet Leg
- Catch Me in the Air – Rina Sawayama
- new body rhumba – LCD Soundsystem
- Megan’s Piano – Megan Thee Stallion
- Sweetest Pie – Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa
- Die Hard – Kendrick Lamar feat. Blxst and Amanda Reifer
- The Ick – Panic Shack
- Get Inspired – Genesis Owusu
- Cheat Codes – Danger Mouse & Black Thought
- Postman – Toro y Moi
- The Only Heartbreaker – Mitski
- hollaback bitch – Mura Masa with Channel Tres & Shygirl
- Male Fantasy – Billie Eilish
- Stay Soft – Mitski
- Fruit – Oliver Sim
- Run the Credits – Oliver Sim
- B-Side – Khruangbin & Leon Bridges
- Down – Hot Chip
- Can I Get It – Adele
- No Decent Shoes for Rain – Dry Cleaning
- Unconditional I – Arcade Fire
- Fleez – Yeah Yeah Yeahs
- N95 – Kendrick Lamar
- Angelica – Wet Leg
- Rich Spirit – Kendrick Lamar
- 2 Be Loved (Am I Ready) – Lizzo
- One Right Now – Post Malone with The Weeknd
- Bam Bam – Camila Cabello feat. Ed Sheeran
- Love Me More – Mitski
- Change – The War on Drugs
- Strange – Miranda Lambert
- High Priestess – Santigold
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 11-26-22
Today’s playlist celebrates the November 26 birthdays of The Supremes’ Jean Terrell, Fleetwood Mac’s John McVie, Tina Turner, Garnet Mimms, DJ Khaled, Hashim, Rhythm Heritage’s Michael Omartian, The Fendermen’s Jim Sundquist, and Tom Archia; and the November 27 birthdays of Jimi Hendrix, The Streets’ Mike Skinner, Das EFX’s Skoob, 100 gecs’ Dylan Brady, Jam & Spoon’s Mark Spoon, Teri DeSario, Dozy, Eddie Rabbitt, and Ed O.G.
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Your (Almost) Daily Playlist: 10-24-22
Today’s playlist celebrates the October 24 birthdays of The Rolling Stones’ Bill Wyman, Drake, ANOHNI (nee Antony), Madlib, Lipps Inc.’s Steven Greenberg, The Big Bopper, Sanford Clark, Barry Ryan, Monica, Brenda & the Tabulations’ Brenda Payton, Neon Philharmonic’s Don Gant, and V.V. Brown; and the October 25 birthdays of Yes’s Jon Anderson, Bat For Lashes, Arrested Development’s Speech, Ciara, Art Brut’s Eddie Argos, Katy Perry, Trio’s Stephan Remmler, Helen Reddy, Kings of Convenience’s Eirik Glambek Bøe, Divinyls’ Christina Amphlett, Barenaked Ladies’ Ed Robertson, Starland Vocal Band’s Taffy Danoff, Smokie’s Chris Norman, The Simpsons’ Nancy Cartwright, and Pablo Picasso.
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