I wanna start by saying music means a lot to me. No matter what I’m feeling or going through, I always have music to fall back on. Music is there for the bad times— I’m talking rock bottom shit, but also the good times. The highs of life—the dancing, the singing, joy, euphoria. Some of our greatest memories are accompanied by specific songs, so much so that we begin to associate those moments with those songs. And I think that’s a beautiful thing.
And I love Spotify Wrapped because looking back on our year of music allows us to look back on our lives in general. Music isn’t just the background noise of our lives; in a lot of ways, it is our lives. Our experiences, moments, emotions, memories, and so much more. So here I am—taking Spotify Wrapped—what many people may think of as “not that deep”, and making that shit “deep as hell”. I also think it’s interesting that for the musicians and artists, their music is a raw, real reflection of their thoughts and feelings, and we see that vulnerability and are moved by it. Because each experience isn’t unique to just us. Music shows us that other people have gone, and continue to go through the same shit we’re in the middle of struggling with. And when we overcome that and move on, some more shit will hit the fan, and lucky for us, there will be a song for that too.
And because, without a doubt, music means the world to me— I want to share my Spotify Wrapped with you all. For whoever may give a fuck. So here it is:
My Top Songs
ST. CHROMA- Tyler, the Creator
This song genuinely means so much to me. Not even to be dramatic. I think Chroma is my favorite character that Tyler has represented in any of his albums, and the whole energy of this album is unmatched. It’s by far my favorite album of his, and honestly, of all time at the moment.
But this song specifically means so much to me because it’s a story of self-becoming. It’s about realizing who you are, living authentically, and not letting others put you down or dim your light. It’s about our potential and realizing that the person the world needs you to be is who you already are. No more, no less. Sometimes it just takes work to get there. And a whole lot of not giving a fuck about the misconstrued perceptions that others have of you.
It expresses the importance of defeating self-doubt, believing in your dreams, and not living in a misaligned way to impress others. We all have passions, shit that lights us up, and it’s in our best interest to follow that; to go do those things. And that’s what this song is about.
DENIAL IS A RIVER- Doechii
At some point in the year, this was every bitches anthem. And of course, I was not immune to that. I may be a basic bitch. But a basic bitch with taste, that is.
Darling, I- Tyler, the Creator
As we can now see, Chromokopia was this year’s anthem. Darling, I was just another song that I found relatable and played on repeat. This specific song stuck with me because it’s good as fuck obviously, but also because it’s about the cycle of “falling in love” over and over again. It also mentions loving being alone and on your “own time”. And honestly, that’s how I live my life. Lastly, one lyric really hits home for me that I want to share here: “But when that grey hair finally come, at least I felt something if I ain’t find the one, nobody could fulfill me like this music shit does.” I find that lyric especially relatable.
Rah Tah Tah- Tyler the Creator
This is another Chroma song, but one I listen to more for the energy rather than the relatability. Some songs are just for dancing and goofing. This is one of those songs.
wacced out murals- Kendrick Lamar
This is from Kendrick’s GNX album, and it stuck with me for so many reasons. First of all, the lyricism is crazy. It goes feral. It feels like such a classy revenge anthem with the most thoughtful lyrics. That’s how I’d describe it in a nutshell.
My Top Albums
CHROMOKOPIA- Tyler, the Creator
I’ve shared my love for this album already, so we know how I feel about it. It’s honestly my favorite Tyler album and possibly my favorite album ever. ST CHROMA as the opening anthem is beautiful, and I love how this album is the perfect balance of storytelling (Judge Judy, Take Your Mask Off, Like Him, Darling I, Hey Jane, etc.) and fun (Sticky, Balloon, Rah Tah Tah, Thought I Was Dead). This is a no skip album with elements of meaning, depth, and fucking rhythm. Listen to Chromokopia.
GNX- Kendrick Lamar
Another 2024 masterpiece. GNX was a brilliant surprise album, and my lucky ass got to see all these songs live. Again, the lyricism of this album has so much depth, but the melodies and rhythm are so upbeat and unique. I think that’s ultimately what makes an album so great—the lyrics have to have meaning, but the songs also need to make you want to get up and dance. Or shake a little ass or something. My absolute favorite from the album is dodger blue, and some other notable mentions are wacced out murals, squabble up, reincarnated, luther, hey now, tv off, and gloria.
Hurry Up Tomorrow- The Weeknd
Hurry Up Tomorrow was such an elusive album, and it honestly impressed the hell out of me. I didn’t think The Weeknd could ever top his After Hours album, yet here we are. He did that. And while the album was dark, there was so much beauty. It had such an ethereal feel to it, which is different than what I can say about the two previous albums I’ve mentioned. Of course, The Weeknd has a different genre and music style than Tyler and Kendrick, but this album was incredibly special— and I think that was ultimately the intent, as it was the last album being made by The Weeknd. At least under his name, “The Weeknd”.
It’s genuinely a no skip album— listen to the entire thing—but a few of my favorites were Wake Me Up, Cry For Me, Baptized in Fear, Reflections Laughing, São Paulo, Enjoy the Show, I Can’t Wait to Get There, Timeless, Niagara Falls, Take Me Back to LA, The Abyss, and Give Me Mercy.
Sincerely, – Kali Uchis
The first time I listened to this album was unreal. Angelic is the best way I know how to describe the feel of this album. And I think writing an album about your baby puts so much love, vulnerability, joy, and nuance into the music. The love you can have for a child is really a different thing, and nobody writes about that. The themes I really get from this album are compassion, empathy, and humanity. And that’s very different than what I normally listen to—but I connected to this album so much. Kali really is such a beautiful artist—because of her art, and she’s just fucking gorgeous. But some of my favorites from the album were Heaven Is a Home, Fall Apart, All I Can Say, Daggers, Angels All Around Me, Breeze, Sunshine & Rain, and ILYSMIH. An incredible album—go listen.
SWAG- Justin Bieber
Justin made a comeback this year. Not with just one, but two albums. And they were both fire. But yeah, Bieber is so back, baby. I recommend listening to both albums straight through, but my favorites from SWAG were DAISIES, YUKON, WALKING AWAY, DEVOTION, and SWEET SPOT. And call me a hater, but the Sexy Red part is garbage, yet somehow it’s growing on me.
My Top Podcasts
Don’t Salt My Game
This is a solid podcast for my anti-diet radical left girls. This podcast is hosted by a registered nutritionist named Laura Thomas, who works at the London Center for Intuitive Eating. In this podcast, she talks to experts in intuitive eating, Health at Every Size, body positivity, non-diet nutrition, mental health, and anyone else in the wellness world in favor of evidence-based health and nutrition information. If this is your flame, I definitely recommend listening.
Girls With Goals
This is an alright podcast for girls in the health, fitness, and wellness spaces of the world. In this podcast, they share their own honest stories and dive deep into questions about health, happiness, relationships, and fitness. They share advice to help people overcome personal struggles, live their best lives, and build the confidence needed to pursue all their goals.
Make Fit Simple
Another fitness podcast I enjoy. I like that it has a very homey and personal feel to it as well. In essence, though it’s a podcast designed to help navigate women’s health and fitness. With the fitness industry being complicated and there being so much conflicting information, this podcast helps simplify health and fitness while creating a welcoming, realistic, and empowering space for like-minded women.
Healthy But Human
This is yet another health and wellness-focused podcast, but it also has some spiritual elements. Not every episode resonates with me, but I’ve found some to be very helpful. The episodes typically center around faith, fitness, relationships, mental health, and navigating your twenties. It’s always helpful to hear relatable moments and struggles, showing you that you don’t have to live a perfect life to still be the best version of yourself that God designed you to be.
The Rebecca Leigh Podcast
So I actually only listen to wellness-based podcasts, this being yet another one. This one has more of a natural/holistic feel to it, though, which is different than the other ones I listen to. It’s also heavy on the self-development side of things with episodes designed to guide and empower you to grow into the best, most authentic version of yourself. It’s hosted by Rebecca Leigh, obviously, and she intends to help the audience reach their full potential and become the most aligned version of themselves. It’s the perfect blend of positive mindset, self-development, and holistic wellness. The episodes leave you feeling empowered, uplifted, and ready to embrace your journey with confidence. And I love that.
My Top Artists
Tyler, the Creator
Year after year after year. Am I surprised? No. Not at all. I love Tyler. Seen this man 5 times live, and hopefully after next year, I can make that 6. His energy is just so attractive to me, and that reflects in the art he makes. His music is a reflection of him, his experiences, and his ideas. And I think when you’re such an authentic no bullshit person, the music you make radiates that. And I love that shit. The art and music I consume have to be genuine or serve some kind of purpose. And for Tyler— his music is incredibly authentic, but also has so many purposes. Shaking ass, contemplating life—whatever it be—Tyler’s got it.
Kendrick Lamar
I love Kendrick. I’ve seen him live three times, which is also really fucking cool. I’m a big fan of where rap and pop meet in the middle, but also lyrics and rhythm are essential, in my opinion, when it comes to taste. So obviously, I love Kendrick. All of his albums are top-tier. He’s a lyrical god and such a gift to this world. I can’t even fathom a world without his art or music. I’m dramatic, I get it, but honestly, I mean it. The Big Steppers— Father Time, especially— my life wouldn’t be the same without it.
SZA
I love this bitch. She is her. And I love love love her music. Fucking Love Galore, Normal Girl, Another Life, Used, Forgive-less, Broken Clocks, Love Language, Kill Bill, Gone Girl, Anything. Are you fucking kidding me? I love this woman. Her voice is insane, and she’s also fucking gorgeous. SZA is that bitch.
Kali Uchis
I can die happy and fulfilled because I’ve seen Kali live twice. And I’m fucking jealous of all you Camp Flog Gnaw skanks of 2025. Fuck you for that. I should’ve gotten a damn ticket. Of course, her newest album was a gift from God himself, but her old shit rocks too. Dead to Me, Moonlight, See You Again, Cry about it!, Pretty Promises, telepatia. She’s that bitch.
The Weeknd
Last but not least, we have the man I’d like to marry someday soon. The Weeknd. I saw him live this year for the first time ever for the Hurry Up Tomorrow tour. It was unreal. But The Weeknd isn’t literally the most streamed artist in like the entire fucking world for no reason. His shit be fucking hitting like that for real. Love you, Abel.
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Ok divas. That sums up my 2025 Spotify Wrapped. So yeah, that’s fucking cool, I guess. Also, if you’re curious about my 2024 Spotify Wrapped, check that out here!