#128: The game keep callin' my name
On Fridays, we listen to music!
If this is your first Friday e-mail, welcome! On Fridays, we listen to music.
MUSIC THINGS:
SLS 30 Days is my favorite song on Larry June’s Out the Trunk, my favorite album of 2019. Apparently, I’m not the only one!
Produced by Julian G. Avila, it’s yet another example proving my conspiracy that California-born rappers and producers are genetically predisposed to making funky music that sounds good in the headphones and even better in the car.
Out the Trunk is absolutely smacking, listen to it right now.
NEW PLAYLISTS!
Scenario: You were supposed to be at a cool hotel pool right now getting some sun while drinking a cocktail that’s essentially a Solo cup’s worth of Dole fruit juice, half a White Claw and a shot of Effen Black Cherry, but somehow costs $17? Instead, the only glow you’re getting these days is from your laptop screen.
Playlist: Hotel Pool VIBES
Apple Music/Spotify
Scenario: You miss live concerts and music festivals. You don’t miss the crowds.
Playlist: Saturday Mainstage at 4:30.
A playlist full of bands and groups (Bloc Party, Hot Chip, Run The Jewels) that it feels like no matter what festival you’re at, it feels like they're always playing on Saturday at the Mainstage at 4:30 PM.
Scenario: Look, you started with good intentions. It’s not your fault. There’s a lot going on, nobody can be expected to keep a fiddle-leaf fig alive right now. In this economy?
Playlist: Songs to Kill Your Plants To
Also makes a great “clean the house up right quick” playlist!
UPDATES:
Last round of updates for July, August updates on the way. Thanks to everyone who’s reached out and showed love on the playlists!
Cool Men’s Boutique
Cool Dive Bar
Cool but Overpriced Sushi Fusion Restaurant
Stoned in the Shower
Older Millennial Instant Party Starter
HOW TO HELP BLACK LIVES IN 30 MINS OR LESS:
When it comes to taking the steps needed to create a racially equal America, I’ve heard from many well-intentioned non-Black people over the last two months that one of the most daunting things for them is trying to figure out what they can personally do make things better.
Some folks see these massive issues as a significant problem that cannot be defeated, so they struggle to figure out what one person can do, which leads to them not doing much other than posting to IG. Some of that is not wanting to seem like you’re doing too much, some of that is fear your intentions will be misunderstood.
What if I told you that for only 30 minutes a week, you can help black lives no matter where you are or how much money you make? Here’s how:
Carve out 30 minutes in your calendar this week. Call it “Being A Better Person Time” or “Set a Good Example for my Kid” Time, whatever works.
Click a link and make a call or donate or sign a petition. Just do one thing in that 30 min window.
This weekend, share the above link with your three closest friends and say, “Hey, I’m (calling/donating/signing a petition). I’m worried about how things will be for future generations, so I’m doing something about it. If you’re interested, here’s the link!” If you have a group chat, drop it into your group chat!
Repeat the following week for as long as you can. Do it while you online shop, do it while you’re on an annoying call, hell, you can do it while you poop, I genuinely don’t care! Whatever it takes! It is the absolute least that you can do, but you’ll get a sense of accomplishment and the knowledge that you at least did SOMETHING to help. You have a vision of who you want to be, right? That ideal version of yourself that does the right thing when given a chance and leads by example? This is that chance. You can do it!
BONUS: You won’t have to lie to your kids or grandkids about being on the right side of history! You can be all like, “Children/Grandchildren, we don’t tolerate that racist shit in this house. If anyone says otherwise, send them to me.” and you’ll sound all tough and cool, and your kids or grandkids will respect and love you and not want to be racists…guess what? That means less racist people in the future!!!
Look at that. It turns out you had a bigger impact than you thought the whole time!
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