Music
Joe Biden And Kamala Harris’s Sprawling Inauguration Playlist Was Curated By Issa Rae’s Record Label
Getty Image From Sounds of Blackness to Steely Dan, the list has something for everyone. …
Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s inauguration will be one of the most hopeful days many of us have had in a long time. To acknowledge the optimistic outlook of their first term, the president and vice president-elect have commissioned a sprawling inauguration day playlist full of hopeful songs from across seemingly every genre imaginable. To help curate the list, the duo’s team brought on DJ D-Nice, whose Home School quarantine streams offered a warm distraction from the stress of the early pandemic, and Issa Rae, whose record label Raedio presents the playlist.
There are 46 songs on the list, nodding to the 46th President of the United States, ranging from underground rap like Kota The Friend’s “Lupita Interlude” to all-American rock legends like Bruce Springsteen. There are also some not so subtle messages to the American people in the titles of the song choices, as in the aforementioned Springsteen selection “We Take Care Of Our Own.” The incoming President wants to “Give The People What They Want,” courtesy of the O’Jays and promises to “Pick Up The Pieces” via Average White Band.
And while the feel-good vibes extend throughout the playlist, it’s probably also going to be fun to imagine Joe bopping along to the late MF Doom‘s “Coffin Nails” or SZA’s “Good Days.” Fortunately, there are plenty of well-tread classics for the older set, including Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Curtis Mayfield’s “Move On Up,” Jackie Wilson’s “Higher And Higher,” and Sounds Of Blackness’s “Optimistic.” To put it bluntly, it’s a way better list than anything we could have expected from the other guy, and a smart move on the inauguration committee’s part to nab a purveyor of tastemaking cool like Issa Rae to select a collection of songs that speaks to the needed tone of the Biden-Harris presidency: One of unity, diversity, and hope.
Check out the list above.
Some of the artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Album Review
R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album
In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.
“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.
Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.
The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.
Artist Spotlight
“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings
While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.
“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.
The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.
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