Five Songs to Keep You Motivated

As we head into our fourth week of the school year, us students have come to the realization of summer coming to an end; the weather is getting colder, the workload is piling up at a fast rate and accepting the fact for some (including myself) that seasonal depression is on its way. Some may wonder exactly how many students are affected by mental health issues? An article from ABC 6 News, by Ali Gordamn states how one in three college students battle mental health issues. That is an alarming number, as mental health issues are on the rise.

If you’re feeling down or feel yourself being swept into the motion of depression, music can help bring you back to your senses. Music is such a huge part of my life. It has helped me in so many ways (more than I think) to staying on track, feeling my best self, keeping me going when I feel like giving up, and overall just putting me in a better mood. It allows me to have a more positive outlook on life. I like to start my mornings blasting my music while preparing myself for the day.

An article from Lifehack lists fifteen different ways on how listening to music can provide benefits, such as…

• Lowers stress and improves health
• Helps you sleep better
• Reduces depression
• Keeps your brain healthy in old age
• Strengthens learning and memory

With that being said,  I share with you five songs that have never failed to keep me motivated and pushing through. While my music preferences consist of rap and hip-hop  for motivation, that is not to shut down any other genres that have the same effect. These are some of my all-time favorite songs to listen to when I’m in a rut. Take a listen, let the music digest, and get ready to feel pumped.

1. “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” by Kanye West

As a huge Kanye West fan, I would have put pretty much have chosen all of his songs in my top five, but I know that wouldn’t be fair. This song is empowering as you listen to the lyrics and hear what he’s saying. He’s talking about not letting anything stop him and disregarding the negativity around him. All of Kanye’s songs off of his album Graduation pushed me through the gym when I would be training for my pageant, which I later ended up winning. I honestly owe my success to listening to Kanye’s music. This song will have you feeling like you’re on top of the world.

 

 

2. “The Spiteful Chant” by Kendrick Lamar featuring ScHoolboy Q

Kendrick Lamar is another one of my top artists who I always listen to when I’m feeling down or uninspired. “The Spiteful Chant” has powerful lyrics that bring testimony to pushing through and coming on top despite what other people may think about you. The intro of the song starting off with the loud trumpets playing never fails to give me goosebumps and anticipation for the beat to drop. In an era where we are constantly comparing ourselves and trying to find our value, just believe in yourself and own it. Don’t let other people’s thoughts or actions hinder you from doing what is best for you.

 

 

3. ”If You Know You Know” by Pusha T

Whenever I listen to this song, I picture myself as a football player walking out to the stadium onto the field in slow motion, with the crowd getting riled up. That’s exactly what this song does to me. “If You Know You Know,” which came off of Pusha T’s awaited album that dropped back in May, “Daytona,” has many other phenomenal and hype songs that will leave you wanting to go out and conquer your day. He sets the tone of this album, being the first song, with his thrilling adventures of selling coke (as he talks about in many of his other songs). While I cannot relate to that activity, I still love how this song never fails to put me in a mood where I’m ready to grind and get to work.

 

 

4. “Started From the Bottom” by Drake

A little throwback song from Drake, but nonetheless still motivational. The lyrics will have you looking back to where you started, to where you are now. In the beginning, Drake talks about his humble beginnings and hardships that made him who he is today. It’s a constant reminder throughout the song that despite the struggles one may go through, you must keep fighting and going harder to come out on the top with your future success. It might not be easy, but like they say, “it’s the beauty within the struggle” that makes it all worth it.

 

 

5. “WIN” by Jay Rock featuring Kendrick Lamar

The title says it for itself. Jay Rock’s chorus for this song repeatedly says “win,” which makes you feel like you have no other choice but to win. This song will have you feeling like you’re ready to give it your all. The ensemble of the trumpets throughout the song provide consistent, strong energy. This song is perfect to play in the morning while you’re getting ready for school, work, or whatever it may be. Jay Rock breaks down the lyrics and his motives behind putting together this song on a video from Rap Genius.

 

Comment and let me know down below what are some of your favorite songs that keep you motivated? I would love to know!

Until next time,

Lurene.