Albums That Made Quarantine Bearable

by: Habib Apooyin

While I usually have Travis Scott, Lil Uzi Vert and Young Thug on blast, the music I listened to during the whole quarantine period changed to mellow music that would keep me going. For me, there were some rough moments in quarantine where it didn’t seem sight; so these songs honestly kept me motivated to just take things day by day.

Victory Lap, Nipsey Hussle

I went back to this album every week during quarantine. Nipsey Hussle had a way about motivating his audience through his music, while at the same time talking about real things that Black people go through, and pushing for better. His title song "Victory Lap" and "Young Nigga" in particular kept me motivated to do home workouts and stay on top of schoolwork at times when I questioned the importance of everything that wasn’t my family’s health. This album, in my opinion, is a true classic album from an artist taken too soon.

Circles, Mac Miller

I had a micro-fandom for Mac Miller in middle school that resurfaced during quarantine. I was hesitant to listen to his posthumous album - mostly because in those situations you never know what you’re getting since it's not the artist's vision being put out, but somebody else's. I was quickly proven wrong; the music on that album was nothing short of beautiful. Some of the messages on songs like "Good News" and "Everybody" left me floored, because the message of the songs were almost as if he was talking to his audience from the next life, and telling us he’s ok.

Free 6lack, 6lack

6lack has been my favorite artist for some years now, and my fandom started with listening to his debut album. His R&B sound is unique to me just because his tone is so monotone, but effective as his gloomy type beats match his presentation. The fact that he can also rap is a plus- which shows on the debut track "Never Know". But when he is knee deep in his R&B music, like the song One Way is almost therapeutic for me. The fact that I could play the album to help workout and be productive, and also listen to it alone at night to think made it more enjoyable as I could play it in any setting.

The Juice, Volume II, Emotional

Emotional Oranges is a duo R&B group that I learned about a couple years ago on a trip to LA, and revisited during quarantine. Their west coast alternative R&B vibe was always uplifting, and that was something I needed at times in quarantine. My favorite song from them named ‘Not Worth It’ always lifts me out of any type of mood, with the upbeat west coast style music. It also takes me back to simpler times pre-COVID where we could travel. My favorite track (in addition to "Not Worth It") is "West Coast Love" – it reminds me of my LA trip and an overall better time.

Born Sinner, J. Cole

With J. Cole being my favorite rapper of this generation, Forest Hills Drive’s status as a classic is unquestionable. But Born Sinner from top to bottom is a more preferable listen for me. "Power Trip" gets me every time, and "Crooked Smile" provides me with serotonin no matter my prior emotion. The album as a whole provided me with pre-COVID nostalgia that was much needed.