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Music and Us

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Exploring music from other cultures was a surprisingly interesting experience. I usually stick to R&B, rap, and similar genres, so stepping outside of my comfort zone felt refreshing. As I listened to different styles and sounds, I found myself drawn to the unique rhythms, instruments, and emotions that each culture expressed through music. Some of the songs I discovered were so good they made it into my personal playlist, which I didn’t expect at all. This process really opened my ears to how diverse and powerful music can be, no matter where it comes from or what language it’s in. I don’t truly have a favorite Spanish artist, but I’ve grown to like Spanish music and Latin rap a lot. Cris MJ, and Floyymenor seem to pop up in almost every track I turn out to be playing, so they’ve clearly stood out to me. I genuinely began listening to Spanish tracks once I met my girlfriend; she introduced me to it, and at the beginning, I’d play it simply to make her feel more comfortable. Over t...

Music and family

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  A Conversation with My Mom: Her Evolving Love for Music Music has always been a significant part of my mom’s life. I had the chance to sit down with her and learn about her musical journey—from the soul tunes of her childhood to the gospel songs that fill her heart today. Growing up, my mom, Tokeshia Rice, was surrounded by the soulful sounds of Frankie Beverly & Maze . “Their music was always playing in the house,” she recalls. Their smooth melodies and meaningful lyrics became the soundtrack of her childhood, especially hits like "Before I Let Go." This song was played at every cookout and still is lol.  After marrying my dad, my mom's musical tastes expanded to include Nas and Lauryn Hill . The deep lyrics of Nas's "If I Ruled the World" and Hill's iconic "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" resonated with her as she navigated adulthood. "Nas during that time was different, and Lauryn Hill’s album was everything," she says...

Music and Traditions

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As an Afro-American, I’ve been to countless family cookouts and gatherings, and I can always predict the songs that will be played. Classics like Before I Let Go by Frankie Beverly & Maze, New Edition’s greatest hits, Boyz II Men’s, and plenty more are staples at every event. It’s more than just music—it’s a part of our culture, a tradition passed down through generations that instantly brings people together. The moment those first few notes drop, everyone knows what time it is, whether it's time to groove, sing along, or get up for the electric slide. These songs hold memories, reminding us of family, love, and the deep-rooted connections we share through music. Joy and Pain by Frankie Beverly & Maze isn’t just a feel-good anthem; it’s a cultural staple. Released in 1980, it speaks to life’s ups and downs, a theme that deeply resonates in the Black community. The moment that beat drops, uncles nod, and aunties sing, the younger generation gets a lesson in soul. More tha...

Music and me / Raehzekeil Rice

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Hi, my name is Raehzekeil Rice, and I am a freshman (class of 2027) majoring in computer science. I was born in Greenville, South Carolina, but I grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. Basketball has been a big part of my life—I’ve been playing since I was about 8 years old, and it has taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. I also come from a large family with six siblings, all of whom (except one) have "Rae" in their names. While I’ve never been deeply into studying music, I do have some experience with the djembe, recorder, and ukulele. I used to play the ukulele more regularly, though I haven’t picked it up since 9th grade. As a computer science major, I’m excited to develop my programming skills, gain hands-on experience, and explore different areas of technology. My goal is to build a strong foundation and work toward a career in software development or IT. In the latter part of 2024, I began my "walk with God," a journey that has deeply transformed v...