The Plug’n Play: November (‘22)

November 30, 2022

You can listen to the complete playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal

Below are a few thoughts on music from the month, and a bit about some of the songs we selected. Songs 1 - 14 were selected by Kevin, while songs 15 - 26 were selected by me, Stanley. As always, we hope you find a song you like and check out the larger body of work!

Recession Proof — Nas

Following Nas’ latest release, the third installment in his King’s Disease series, I’ve been thinking about what it looks like to age in music; Hip-Hop in particular. I’ve also been thinking about how the music industry, at large, treats Black musicians, rappers in this case, as disposable once they cross a certain threshold. Or maybe even how rappers are treated in the broader discourse of music— once you do a thing at a particular point in time, that’s it and it can’t be undone (would we even entertain the idea that Nas could have made a better album than Illmatic this late in his career, or is it just set in stone?). This is to say Nas sounds as sharp as ever, and his last three albums are some of his best work.

Laundromat (Close) — Brik.Liam

Brik.Liam’s one of my favorite voices in music — I’ve said this before — so much texture and tone and control. Though, what I love most about his latest single is his remarkable patience with phrasing, his placement and feel for the groove; his approach as a vocalist is exciting and fresh. And of course, the production, and session musicians all shine bright on the record— Remey Williams on drums, Marcaelis Sanders on Bass, Sharod Virtuoso on Guitar, Earnest Tremle on Keys.

Yesterdays — Brothertiger (Featuring Spencer Chamberlin)

Brothertiger’s Yesterdays was one of the first songs I added to the playlist for November. The production and sonic space the album occupies is real a treat — the synthesizers, drum machines, and laid back vocals all make for these dream-like tunes; it’s sort of like an 80s synth-pop thing going on, but much more relaxed. I’m also a sucker for any song that includes a minor 3rd key change, that’s really what makes this song to me.

PBJ — Devin Morrison

You know, after listening to Devin Morrison’s new tune, I realized how rare it is for people to be funny in their songs(?) Like, when I heard him say the line about bell hooks, I audibly laughed out loud. Also, the song’s funky.

Oh, and you smell good (Smell good)
Is that Thé Noir? (Thé Noir) Is that Bell Hooks?
Damn, you read books, so you ain't dumb
Though I can't say I know, all about love
But I'm hungry for a little, can you save some? (Save some)