As surprising as it may be, especially to clients who have already seen me, I'm actually quite reclusive. I love being around people, but it takes a lot out of me. So these playlists are very, very different (almost polar opposites), because this time of year requires me to effortlessly transition between professional party girl and certified hermit.
At home I'm super mellow and in recharge mode, so December's playlist is overwhelmingly laid back, at times super chill, maybe a little bit in my feelings, followed by a burst of energy! I am so happy to see talented women like Jhene Aiko, SZA, and Camila Cabello dominating R&B again.
Ty Dolla $ign, who I've been a long time fan of, has an outstanding body of work in Beach House 3. I listened from beginning to end when his album was released back in October, and it seems like every time I listen again a new track stands out.
The penultimate of feels comes with Syreeta and Smokey Robinson "First Time on a Ferris Wheel", a love song that I feel is grossly underappreciated. Syreeta's voice is so soothing. This song always reminds me of the movie The Last Dragon, since it was featured on the soundtrack. My dad had a huge crush on Vanity (totally fair, as my mom had a huge crush on Prince), so The Last Dragon was one of his favorite movies! "Someday We'll All Be Free" by Donny Hathaway is uplifting and very necessary this time of year for people like me who are subject to random bouts of moodiness during the holiday season.
I've got #Lit Off the Nog to help you out if someone hands you the aux cord and you've no clue what to do. No better way to show your credibility as the DJ than to start off with a song with an incredibly captivating beat drop - "Plain Jane" by A$AP Ferg does exactly that.
Be warned: this is the playlist you want to play with your friends... don't turn this on at the company holiday party unless you work in a club. You might get called into the office on the following business day. Especially if that Big Sean track "So Good" comes on first (side note: Kash Doll really kills her verse, it's a nasty nod to Hard Core era Lil' Kim).
This is a playlist for you if you like hip-hop and rap music, with a little bit of EDM thrown in to give your glutes a break from twerking. I tend to get dressed, do my make up, pre-game, and roll up to the club (or date) with these songs in the background.
If we're being a hundred percent honest, you could use this playlist to measure how cool and hip you and your friends are... and how lit your party is. If Notorious B.I.G.'s classic "Hypnotize" comes on and everyone can't recite the entire first verse? Ya'll not hip. If "Bodak Yellow" by Cardi B starts playing and the girls aren't mugging their dates? Yea, it's not poppin'.
I hope you enjoy either or both of these playlists! If you do, let me know your favorite songs on Twitter or next time we meet!