I opened with N.E.R.D not just because of sound, but because of energy. That early N.E.R.D era sits in a rare space where Hip Hop, rock, funk, and soul all coexist without trying to impress anyone. It felt like the right way to step into the session. Forward moving but grounded.

From there the show softened into soul.

Musiq Soulchild. Amel Larrieux. Goapele. Aya. Amerie. Kem. These records live in emotional honesty. Late night reflections. Windows down moments. Songs that don’t rush you but don’t let you sit still either. This part of the mix was about breathing room. Letting melodies stretch. Letting lyrics land.

Miguel sits at the center of the show as a bridge. Modern soul with classic weight. That track marks the moment where the set starts leaning forward again. Not louder. Just more focused.

The transition into Hip Hop was intentional and unforced.

Little Brother brings balance and intelligence. Their music always feels like conversation rather than performance. Black Star follows with purpose and legacy. That era of Hip Hop still matters because it never talked down to the listener.

As the set moves forward, the energy tightens. Rae Sremmurd and 21 Savage represent a different generation, but placed here they make sense. Rhythm driven. Minimal. Direct. No over explanation needed.

Lupe Fiasco closes the session by bringing reflection back into the room. A reminder that Hip Hop at its best always circles back to thought, intention, and message.