MUSIC
JAN 27, 2026
🕒 6 min read
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Sharing music is one of my "love languages". I enjoy sharing my music taste with others, and I truly appreciate those that have put me on to great music throughout the years.
Check out what has been heavy in my rotation for the month of January.
Enjoy!
1. Some Girl by GoldLink ft. Steve Lacy
[Rap]
This song and damn near this whole album have been on repeat this month. It's just a good throwback almost nostalgic album. Steve Lacy also did his thing on this track.
I still listen to Crew and it gives me the same feeling I had when I first heard it. GoldLink is such a talented artist and such a humble, chill guy.
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2. Can't Help Me by H.E.R.
[R&B]
I remember one Saturday earlier this month right after the New Years when I went to the library to print out some important documents. As I sent my files to the printer, I heard someone blasting their speaker that was in their backpack as he made his way throughout the library. I'm not gonna lie, I was annoyed at first, but when I actually listened to the song he was playing, I was like hold on I gotta Shazam that real quick!
I did recognize that the artist was H.E.R. by the voice, but I wasn't sure the song. Ever since I Shazamed the song that day, it's been on repeat!
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3. Bad to The Bone by A1 Hunna, Jedz
[Afroswing]
This is a "I'm feeling myself" type song. It just makes you feel good about yourself. I think as we get older, our self image should be more positive. Less self depracating talk and more "I'm one of them onesssss!!" haha.
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4. Agama by Kiko, Folidjanta, Conii Gangster
[Afrosounds]
I can't even tell you how I discovered this song, but when I first heard it I was like hold on I gotta run this backkkkkk. It's just so authentic and real. I checked out some of his other songs too and he has some other bangers as well.
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5. Days by Ravyn Lenae
[R&B]
Ravyn Lenae to me is synonymous with talent. She just doesn't miss! When I first heard this song couple years back, I loved it. It came back in my rotation this month because I stumbled upon an interview she did describing the inspiration for this song, and it caused me to relisten to see if it sounded any different. It definitely did and I'm glad she talked about how the song touches on her relationship with her dad because like many other relationships, familial relationships are complicated.
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6. Static by Ari Lennox
[Neosoul]
Ari annouced that she was dropping a new album this month and my heart filled with joy. When I saw her in concert in Grand Rapids, I was amazed by how true her voice sounded to the track on her previous Shea Butter Baby album. In preparation for the new album Vacancy, I ran that album back. At the time, "BMO" was my favorite off the album, but now I resonate more with "Static".
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7. YAYO by Rema
[Afrobeats]
Ever since Rema came on the scene with "Dumebi," he has been giving us nothing short of bangers! This song specifically has been on rotation cause it's such a feel good song and just uplifts my mood whenever I hear it.
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8. honeymoon by GIOVANNA
[alternative R&B]
This is a song that gives me I'm in love vibes so the title is fitting. Sometimes you just need a good love song like this to remind you that love is so sweet haha.
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9. Mother by UMI
[Neosoul]
I can never listen to this song without crying. It just pulls on the heart strings. The lyrics are so beautiful and so deep. I heard this song years ago and it still hits the same. UMI is such a talented artist. I hope she goes far and gets her accolades!
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10. Ça va aller by Elysée
[French Gospel]
Man with it being a new year, it's great to listen to gospel songs to remind me of my faith that everything will be okay. Last year, I looked forward to 2026. 2025 had many revelations. Some that were unexpected but I kept going. I'm leaning on my faith this year that things will go in my favor and I look forward to it.
This song is beautiful but it also touches on some great life lessons. All and all, don't ever be afraid to put yourself first. It might just be what you need!
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Thanks for listening. Be on the lookout for February's rotation!
-Léonella
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