Best Reminiscing Records
My Mixtape’s A Masterpiece is a weekly feature in which a guest compiles a 12-song playlist around some theme. This week, B. Eveready presents his mixtape accompaniment for days gone by.
Peace - my name is B.Eveready, I’m a Hip-Hop artist from Boston, spent some time in Pittsburgh, & now residing in Baltimore. To get through these dog days of the pandemic, I like to think about the good ol’ days of my youth, and these 12 records will have you recalling the best of times, the worst of times, and all of the times in between. Hit me up on Twitter, IG, or at BEvereadyRap.com.
1. “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” by Roy Ayers Ubiquity
Classic record that just sets the mood.
2. “Life’s A Bitch” by Nas (feat. AZ & Olu Dara)
If you don’t get transported by the beat (sampling the Gap Band classic, “Yearning For Your Love”—which could’ve had its own spot) or the verses, then Olu Dara’s horn work at the end will definitely do it.
3. “Back In The Day (remix)” by Ahmad
The bass line. That’s it.
4. “Sugar Hill” by AZ (feat. Miss Jones)
On his first solo single, AZ spits so vividly about the good life, it feels like a memory.
5. “Welcome Home” by The Game (feat. Nipsey Hussle)
The beat (supplied by producer Bongo) just takes you to your best sun-drenched memories while the hook—provided by the late, great Nipsey Hussle—reminds you of the long struggle.
6. “Never Too Much” by Luther Vandross
This is a BBQ soundtrack staple and is just attached to so many great memories. If that’s not the case for you, start making them now.
7. “Int’l Players Anthem (I Choose You)” by UGK (feat. Outkast)
DJ Paul & Juicy J from 3-6 Mafia produced this Southern classic, in which the sample immediately takes you to the 1970s Oakland underground world of The Mack, is the business. Trust me.
8. “Soul Stories, Pt. II” by B. Eveready
Shameless plug - I dropped this track in 2012, and with the kids in the background, and the horns & drums provided by Alex Goose, it literally feels like you’re walking through my city in the middle of the summer.
9. “Stay” by Nas (feat. J. Cole)
Both of these emcees got their hands on this No ID - produced gem, with Nas’ version getting an official release since he bought the beat first. But they both did something special to it. (Editor’s Note: not on Spotify but it is in the YouTube playlist below)
10. “Address” by Curren$y (feat. Stalley)
Spitta is the master of chilled out vibes, and this throwback is from when he was just perfecting his style. The soundtrack comes courtesy of the legendary Ski Beatz.
11. “Babies & Fools” by Freddie Gibbs & The Alchemist (feat. Conway The Machine)
The Alchemist has dropped so much heat over the past few years it’s been hard to keep up with. But this standout from the Grammy-nominated project with Freddie Gibbs (who’s been on a similar tear) is one that will have you looking for your record player just to hear the vinyl pop.
12. “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
Similar to the earlier record from Luther, this song is just attached to my youth, and it’s so well produced & performed - it’s what sunshine sounds like.
**Bonus: “Holding Back The Years” by Simply Red
One last one for you youngins who think you introduced the sadboy aesthetic to the culture - there’s nothing new under the sun!
YouTube playlist for B. Eveready’s “Best Reminiscing Records” mixtape.
