HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY, Y’ALL!
Essence Fest was more than just a party, it was a family reunion. In fact, that’s what the DJs in the convention center kept saying. The weekend was full of fun, food, drinks and music. It was like I was at my granny’s house, eating and dancing with my cousins and aunts and I loved it! They kept it family friendly so it was more old school songs mixed in with a few current hits, but I think the crowd got down more to the older hits.
I can’t tell you how many times I would be singing along with a track that was playing in at a booth and would look up and spot someone doing the same thing. Smiles were shared as well as laughs when people tried and failed to hit Frankie Beverly’s note on “Before I Let Go”. We sang, shuffled, two-stepped with strangers who became friends and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
I wish I could say that I came across this playlist at the festival, but I actually found out about it when my sister posted the Apple Music version on Facebook. I don’t have Apple Music so I replicated it on Spotify while catching up on my DVR. It’s over 13 hours, and my playlist has a few more tracks than Dimitri’s but they’re both really good. Check out my Spotify playlist below and I’ll link the Apple Music one in case you have that. All you have to do is add some your favorite uncle on the grill in a straw hat, khaki shorts and brown sandals and potato salad made by your favorite aunt and it’s an instant family reunion! Or in today’s situation an instant holiday BBQ! I hope y’all enjoy the holiday with your loved ones!