LET THE SESH BEGIN!
Welcome to the first of what we hope will be many more playlists from Ukiyohi. This is an experiment and we'd love for you to be a part of it. In the months to come, we'll be compiling a catalog of curated Spotify playlists. Each one will explore a theme worth diving deeper into. We want these playlists to spark conversation and curiosity.
So let's get to it. Introducing Sesh Mix V2: Louder Than A Bomb!
This first playlist celebrates music of change. It's the protest music... the music that shines a light on injustice.. the music advances a message. And with the election right around the corner, it felt like we could use a few new anthems of challenge the establishment and fight for what's right.
Let's break down a few highlights.
"Children’s Story" – Slick Rick
An absolute classic. Slick Rick’s storytelling is unmatched, and this track is iconic.
"Nobody Speak" – DJ Shadow feat. Run the Jewels
This track has one of the most bombastic intros to any hip-hop song ever. Picture this: I’m a bag of dicks. Oh my gosh, it just hits right every single time.
"Louder Than a Bomb" – Public Enemy
Play this one loud. Then lift weights or something. It gets you going. And was the CIA really tapping Chuck D's phone? We need to Google that. It also inspired the mix cover art... which you can grab HERE for limited time.
"Mathematics" – Mos Def (Yasiin Bey)
"You wanna know how to rhyme, you better learn how to add."
"Sound of da Police" – KRS-One
Inteligence!
"Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved" – James Brown
Fun fact: This killer track served as the inspiration for the annual theme for the 1995 National Honor Society National Conference in Pittsburg, PA. And they had no idea.
"The Message" – Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five
If you don’t know this one, do your homework.
"Sign o’ the Times" – Prince
This song is timeless, and it opens arguably the best album Prince ever made. Fun fact: I think I was once recorded singing this song, in its entirety, directly to a VHS Camcorder and have been low-key terrified for years that it might resurface someday. Betsy might know the truth about that, but let’s not find out, okay?
"Renegades of Funk" – Rage Against the Machine
Mind currently blown: I didn’t know this was a cover
"Stand!" – Sly and the Family Stone
That groove that kicks in at 02:19... Na na na na na na na na na na.
"Gratitude" – Beastie Boys
Had to have a Beastie track on here. They’ve done some incredible work related to the Free Tibet movement and the Dalai Lama, but this track felt right to close things out. It’s about keeping hip-hop on the right track, respecting what came before, and paying homage to the culture.
Closing Thoughts:
Thanks to K1 for helping me pull this list together, and thanks to BK for helping bring the stories to life. We’re just getting started, and we’re excited to see where this journey takes us. See you at the sesh.
Got thoughts? Share 'em below. Please be cool.