Music and family

 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, reflecting on how their music spoke to her growing sense of self.

As her relationship with my dad deepened, my mom discovered Kem, an R&B artist known for his love of ballads. Songs like “I Can’t Stop Loving You” became the soundtrack to their romance. “His music feels like a love letter,” she says.

Over time, my mom’s focus shifted to her relationship with God, and gospel music became a central part of her life. She especially loved Marvin Sapp’s music, mainly "Never Would Have Made It." "His songs spoke to my struggles and triumphs in faith,” she recalls. Maverick City Music has recently become her go-to for contemporary worship, helping her feel more connected to her spirituality.

From Frankie Beverly & Maze to Maverick City Music, my mom’s musical taste has evolved alongside her life experiences. Each phase of her musical journey reflects a different part of her—her love, growth, and faith.