Tied For First
Tied for First was my college newspaper creative writing column that pursued the answer of an eternally unanswerable question: what is the best song of all time? My answer? Well, any song — you just have to make your case for it. Tied for First is my collection of cases.
“Haenim” by Kim Jung Mi
Reflections on the inextricable link between music and memory — backed by a song that feels like pure nostalgia.
Songs to be Better
A dedication to a friend.
“Tell Him” by Lauryn Hill
One of the greatest bonus tracks ever made. An ode to faith, love, and keeping the engine moving forward.
“Penitentiary Philosophy” by Erykah Badu
Perhaps the greatest album intros of all time. Erykah Badu has always pushed boundaries, but here, she snaps them in half & into quarters.
“Gade Papi” by Emeline Michel
A celebration of musical exploration, back-tracked by a once-in-a-lifetime tune from the empress of elation.
“Sold Out Dates” by Gunna & Lil Baby
The humble beginnings of a dissertation in the defense of the new generation of rap.
“Cinquante Six” by Ali Farka Touré
A quiet reflection on the condition of our United States.
“She’s Leaving Home” by Syreeta
THIS is how to do a cover!
Foo Fighters — “Walk” But It’s “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire
I did indeed write about a mashup I found on YouTube. Artwork by Anisha Hossain!
“If You Knew” by Jeff Buckley
Jeff Buckley at his most haunting — and that’s saying a lot.