Are you looking for a study music playlist? Are you a Hip-Hop head or Soul sister (or brother)? Or, perhaps you’re just looking to discover alternative music to help keep you going throughout this study period? Then this blog post is for you!
I was in this position a few years ago in my university days. Soundcloud was quite popular at the time and that’s where I discovered many of the tracks in this list. These are my top 13 songs to listen to when studying, for HipHop/ Soul Music Lovers:
27 minutes something – jmac
As hinted by its title, this track is 27.12 seconds long (to be exact). It is a mix of songs containing soothing, and bopping beats, mixed by a user called jmac. He has a few other tracks on his SoundCloud account that are also worth checking out. From Erykah Bau’s On and On, to TLC’s No Scrubs, there are a fusion of throwback 90s remixed tunes. It’s remixed to give more of a funky feel.
How Great – Anka
This remix of the well known Gospel song ‘How Great Is Our God’ is a motivating track to listen to, especially through study season. It’s a reminder that God is ultimately in control of all things, even in the, what can seem, trialling season of deadlines.
Tom Misch – High
This is a very easy listen. A remix of Erykah Badu’s song ‘I’m feeling High’, Tom slows down the track to give an ethereal vibe literally like your floating high on clouds. The chosen image of the track is exactly what it feels like when you listen to it. The beat drop at the beginning is one of those ones that will have you rewinding back several times to catch and fully appreciate it.
Maya – Kiran Kai x Jordan Rakei
This collab with producer Kiran Kai and Jordan Rakei is an electric listen, heavily influenced by soul. An easy listen when studying. Rakei’s melodies effortlessly ride the rhythm and the deep voice popping up occasionally in the background adds further to the depth of the song.
Curious – jmac
This is another track by jmac, but this one is just a short and simple 2min track featuring a sweet and upbeat saxophone rhythm throughout.
Horizon – GeeJay
This jazzy song I only discovered last year after university but thought it would be a good addition to this list. I think the uplifting lyrics and overall feel are worthy components of a top study song.
Her – Aches
This track is a fusion of high pitched melodies with a cool glitching effect echoing throughout. The clapping cadence and beat drop pair well with this.
U.N.I.T.Y – jmac
Another track posted by user jmac, this Queen Latifa U.N.I.T.Y remix has a bopping beat, reminiscent of Hip-Hop, yet halfway through, has a slowed down segment which catches onto more soulful vibes.
This is another track I discovered after university, but I think holds a well-deserved spot on this study music playlist. Made by new group SAULT, it is an incredibly easy listen and as cliche’ as it may sound, it pretty much is what it’s titled- a masterpiece, with the carefully crafted sounds.
Nakamarra – Hiatus Kaiyote
Hailing from Melbourne, Australia, this band has a diverse and eclectic fusion of sounds across their body of work. This particular song is on the soulful side. An ideal listen for a soul lover.
Valley – Tom Misch and Jordan Rakei
This collab with Tom and Jordan was produced on a project where Tom Misch had 4 days to make a track with 4 different artists. This beauty of a song was the result of his collab with Jordan Rakei on day 4. Jordan and Tom also have a podcast together, along with two other musicians. It is called Are We Live Podcast.
Although I’m not sure if they’re currently on a hiatus, all of their previous episodes are still up and helped me through my uni study time. On the podcast, they discuss music and share different songs each person brings to the episode. It’s an interesting listen and can help you discover even more music.
Firefly – Mura Masa ft NAO
Producer Mura Masa and artist Nao were two other artists who were upcoming in my uni days. This collab begins with a fun electronic mix and Nao’s radiant voice cozily dances with the rhythm.
Coming Home – Cohenbeats
This track displays a piano-like tone throughout, matched with a light clapping cadence and faint melodies in the background. It very much has a coming home feel. This is something you may look forward to when you’ve finished studying hard!
I hope this has helped you with a study playlist. I also have my own playlist that features some of these tracks, and others. It is linked below.
Happy studying and feel free to comment below any other tracks that have helped you during study season. Share this article with your fellow HipHop/ Soul loving students. From my personal experience, I know how much music can help with studying.
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