by Kameo Chambers
The playlist “Synchronicity” correlates with seven, the number of completion and perfection. Synchronicity is perfect, or better yet, divine, timing. The idea for this playlist was inspired by a saying my grandmother always used to repeat before she passed: “Everything has its time under the sun.” That means everything that is meant to happen will happen when the time is right. There is a silver lining in divine timing. This is why I chose for this playlist to be about identity and self-efficacy. It takes divine timing to really find out your path to uncovering your true identity. Identity to me is more than just who you are. Just like Maslow, this playlist comes with its very own hierarchy of needs: introspection, core values, self-worth, and reflection. This playlist is intended to motivate listeners to figure out their identity and what it would take for them to reach self-fulfillment.
The first two songs cover the realm of introspection: who are you, what do you want, when do you want it, and where do you want to be?
Solange’s “Binz” is about being able to live life lavishly and enjoy leisure. Her lyrics, “I just want to wake up on CP time,” promote this luxurious lifestyle. Her statement is simply groundbreaking. CP time stands for colored people time. It is a well-known stereotype that black people tend to be late. Solange takes this idea to another level, elevating a negative stereotype into a positive easygoing regimen. Listeners should want to embody this model: enjoy what life has to offer, take a break, and relax.
“Where’s the Fun in Forever” by Miguel featuring Alicia Keys is in sync with Solange’s regimen. He poses the introspective hypothesis, if tomorrow isn’t promised, then what is the purpose of everything? His lyrics, “never feel like time is borrowed, ‘cause it’s all the same,” tackle an idea that a lot of people think about. It is human nature to question reality and try to define it, but this causes some to feel down and sometimes even depressed. Miguel teaches his audience to not get caught up in the idea of time and how much of it you have. No one knows when their final moments are so, instead of stressing, enjoy what moments you do have and celebrate.
The next two songs cover core values, a vital part of identity. Lil Uzi Vert’s “Diamonds All on My Wrist” and “Kid That Didd” by Trippie Redd featuring Future and Doe Boyare two dynamic tracks played back-to-back with core values that align with success through the accumulation of money and power. Although these two values are not inheritably bad, they do come with issues.
In “Diamonds on My Wrist,” Lil Uzi Vert starts off the song with the lyrics “living life like a dream but I don’t get no rest.” This statement refers to the hardships of success which he got “out the mud.” Success is a marathon; it is a hard, long race and to win, you have to be in it for the long haul. It is important for listeners to align themselves with values that balance with their identity.
“Kidd That Did” attributes true power to being able to disrupt your enemies. He credits Christopher Nolan’s Inception with the lyrics “it was all your inception, it was all just a message.” This line is about getting into an opponent’s head as a way of getting ahead, gaining notoriety and status. Actively defeating your enemies is a part of being in power; in order to rule you must remain ahead of your opponents and that is one of the tricks of the trade. It is essential for listeners to understand that not all that glitters is gold, that there is good that comes with bad, and in all choices your outlook is what makes core values into an identity.
The next three songs discuss self-worth, better known as self-esteem. When you truly value and love yourself, you do not take slack in any area that has potential to lessen your self-worth. It is mandatory for listeners to know their self-worth because it is a critical part of identity. If you stand for nothing, you will fall for everything.
This section begins with the ultimate dance hall track “Wasteman” by Jada Kingdom and Stalk Ashley. This song is about not wasting time with people who are no good. When you have self-worth, you can recognize what’s good and what’s bad for you. Whenever you come into contact with what’s bad, recite this lyric: “move away from me, go away gweh.”
Tierra Whack articulates her self-esteem in “Fruit Salad.” She states in her chorus, “They want to rob me, they can’t deny me, you can’t define me, don’t need no ID.” When you know yourself, there will always be someone trying to disprove and discredit you. When you know who you are there is need no for an ID.
“Consideration” by Rihanna featuring SZA is not so considerate. This song is about being taken seriously in the music industry as an artist. Rihanna’s lyrics, “let me cover your sh*t in glitter, I could make it gold,” illustrate her self-worth. She can turn a flop song into a hit. She understands who she is, what she wants, and what she can do. Listeners should heed this example and embrace this mindset when it comes to self-worth.
The last song is about reflection; being able to reflect is what can set a person apart from a crowd. When you reflect, you are not reliving past experiences but learning from them. Learning from your past is vital to having a better future. Reflection is introspection, core values, and self-worth combined into one. Reflection ties it all in a pretty bow.
Drake’s “Over” is the perfect bow to end this playlist. Throughout this song he is reflecting on his rise to stardom. This song came out in 2010 with his debut album Thank Me Later. He starts the song’s chorus off, “I know way too many people, here right now that I didn’t know last year, who the f*ck are y’all?” When you are on the rise, there will always be an influx of new things, new people, and new experiences. Inasmuch, Drake notes that he does not even recognize who these people are; introspectively, he poses a repetitive question, “what am I doing, what am I doing?” This is his self-analysis into trying to understand who he really is. Subsequently, he states, “I’m doing me, I’m living life right now and this is what I’ma do til it’s over, til it’s over, but it’s far from over.” This is self-efficacy when Drake actually identifies his core values and self-worth. Whatever goals he has surpassed are just stepping stones for the future: “it’s far from over.” Listeners must heed this example in order to reach synchronicity; to do so, you must be able to be introspective, recognize core values and self-worth, and be able to reflect.
Kameo Chambers is from Philadelphia, PA. She is a sophomore at Pitt-Bradford majoring in interdisciplinary arts, specializing in writing and graphic design. She has a passion for art, music, and fashion. She aspires to be an art director.