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.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Jeff Lake illuminates the melodic soul of nightlife with “Midnight Sun”

Jeff Lake’s latest single, “Midnight Sun,” is a masterful blend of diverse musical influences interweaving to create a timeless and refreshing sound. The song features a rhythmic, rap-infused vocal hook that draws inspiration from 80s rock anthems, paying homage to the legendary Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song,” while adding a unique touch.

The lyrics of “Midnight Sun” delve into universal themes of detachment, displacement, and the struggles artists face in navigating a rapidly changing world. Lake’s introspective lyrics resonate deeply, touching on the raw emotions of depression and the quest for belonging.

Jeff is an accomplished songwriter and performer with a rich backstory that adds depth to his musical prowess. The song “Midnight Sun” has gained popularity as a universal anthem with its captivating and melodious tune. Jeff has had the privilege of sharing the stage with esteemed members of bands such as Styx and Trans Siberian Orchestra. Jeff’s love for music has driven him to perfect his skills in the vibrant music scene of Brooklyn. He inspires budding musicians with his unwavering commitment to his art. Jeff performed his first professional gig at 17 and subsequently pursued music as a full-time career, demonstrating his determination and resilience.

“Midnight Sun” represents a sonic exploration of Lake’s unequivocal passion for music and his remarkable ability to encapsulate complex emotions within a melodic embrace. The song’s infectious energy and thought-provoking lyrics establish it as a true masterpiece that merits attention from even the most discerning music enthusiasts who appreciate music’s artistry and innovation.

“Midnight Sun” by Jeff Lake shines bright, dispelling the darkness and illuminating the listener’s soul with its radiant melody. Its enchanting vibes transcends boundaries and inspires one to dance, inviting the audience to revel in its boundless creativity.

For more information about Jeff Lake, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Jeff Lake’s “Midnight Sun“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Jeff Lake | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Music

SZA Takes Stand Against Concert Chaos, Threatens Shutdown Over Flying Objects

SZA Takes Stand Against Concert Chaos, Threatens Shutdown Over Flying Objects

In recent times, a disturbing trend has marred concert experiences worldwide: fans hurling random objects at their beloved performers during live shows. This reckless behavior not only poses serious safety risks but also undermines the enjoyment for everyone involved. Despite the alarming consequences, artists like Drake, Coi Leray, GloRilla, and Latto have found themselves dodging unexpected projectiles on stage. Joining this unfortunate list is SZA, who recently faced a similar ordeal during a performance in Australia.

A viral clip circulating online captures the “Kill Bill” songstress directly addressing the unruly crowd in Australia, calling out individuals for tossing objects at her. With unwavering determination, SZA firmly warns that she won’t hesitate to halt the concert if the misconduct persists. “I will leave,” she asserts, emphasizing her stance against such dangerous antics. “Do not throw up any cell phones, I’m a person. That’s cr*zy.”

Unsurprisingly, fans have rallied behind SZA, commending her for standing up against the hazardous behavior. Comments flooding platforms like The Jasmine Brand echo the sentiment, condemning the trend of object throwing at concerts. “Y’all need to stop this weird trend of throwing things at people at concerts,” urges one Instagram user, reflecting the collective frustration. Another commenter echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the disruption caused by such antics: “Stop the whole show, ain’t nobody got time for that.”

SZA’s bold response to the incident mirrors a growing intolerance among artists towards such disruptions. Just last month, Nicki Minaj retaliated during her Pink Friday 2 tour, flinging an object back into the crowd after narrowly avoiding a collision with her head. The incident even drew parallels to Cardi B’s infamous reaction, where she tossed a microphone at an audience member last summer for dousing her with a drink.

The question arises: Should this bizarre trend of hurling objects at performers come to an end? SZA’s decisive action in Australia serves as a resounding call for concertgoers to respect the safety and dignity of artists on stage. Share your thoughts on SZA’s stance and the need to curb this concerning trend in the comments below. Stay tuned to Honk Magazine for further updates on this evolving story.