The song gives the feeling of promise and hope. I don't think there are many actual written words at all. This song changes throughout the entire duration of the track. I chose these songs for this playlist because they deeply resonate with my beliefs and promote positivity despite all the wrong that exists in this world. To face opposition, to search for more, to hope and strive for change, to love, to become more centered as human, and heartbreak. The instrumentation in these songs drew me closer to the universal message that was/is present in all soul music. All of the music I ingested as a child heavily shaped my interest in my pursuit to become a producer and artist. Her favorites ranged from: James Brown, Sam Cooke, The Isley Brothers, Ray Goodman & Brown, Joe Tex, The Temptations, Etta James, Quincy Jones, The Supremes, Issac Hayes, Lionel Richie, and the list goes on.

My mother showed me music from the 60’s Motown era as a young man, and told me the stories of how she would go to record stores to buy her favorite songs on vinyl. I adopted this music from a young age, and was taught to appreciate it as 'real music.' One of the first forms of music I was introduced to by my parents was soul music/R&B. Amidst the fight for human rights currently happening in the United States, we're talking positivity and shining light into the darkness with a playlist curated by Erick the Architect, of Brooklyn hip-hop trio, Flatbush Zombies. Facebook Twitter Email Editor’s note: We’ve always stood by our belief that music is a universal language that speaks to everyone from all walks of life.

Erick the architect