DJ Khaled‘s “Shining” featuring talented power couple Beyoncé and Jay Z is my feel-good, get-on-my-grind-and-get-this-money song. All of us have one, so I’m glad to share mine for this week’s Inspirational Jam!
Several of us have already heard the track, I’m sure, but it moves me to keep going and to not let the circumstances of life or people try to slow me down. I’m determined to continue to win out here, and keep a smile on my face throughout it all. I don’t know about you guys, but I feel like my life is on the up and up, and I want to keep that momentum going into the New Year. This song is definitely a push that I need!
This old town can slow you down…people taking the easy way. But I know exactly where I’m going…I’m getting closer and closer every day…”
—Anika Noni Rose (The Princess and the Frog)
I’m digging back into my Disney bag for today’s Inspirational Jam, so please just roll with it!
“Almost There” by Anika Noni Rose as Princess Tiana (yes, from The Princess and the Frog) is definitely a go-to motivational song for me. For those who’ve seen the movie, Princess Tiana is my favorite Disney princess, not because she’s African-American, but because I could see a lot of myself in her. She had big dreams of owning her own restaurant, and was working her tail off to try to get there before that whole turning-into-a-frog nonsense. Of course, along the way, she learned that there was more to life than just work, but she also knew that she had to put in serious effort to get to where she wanted to be! I could relate!
So this song surrounds her explaining to her mom that’s she on the grind, and she’s so close to achieving that dream of hers! Yeah, she may have had to sacrifice some things, but, in the end, she just knew it would be worth it. That’s exactly where I’m at right now!
Watch Anika performing the song below…
And, just because I love this movie, here’s the original!
“I might be young….I know who I am
So I don’t follow like a marching band, so give it up…” —Little Mix
Little Mix has some strong and empowering music, especially for the ladies, and I truly respect that about them. One of their tracks, “A Different Beat,” falls right in line with their motivational lyrics, which is why it’s perfect for today’s Inspirational Jam!
Like the title suggests, the song focuses on standing out from the rest of the crowd, instead of just following behind what other people do. That’s not only inauthentic, but it’s boring as hell to just be the same as folks around you, copying their looks, their opinions, and their way of doing things. “A Different Beat” celebrates being unique, and standing strong in your opinions and how you make moves in your life. I’m all for it!
“Who is this I’ve tried so long fight?
Filling my heads with lies that I’m not good enough
Then I heard something in my ear
Tell I’m perfect, now that I know the truth
Time to show and prove…”
—Jazmine Sullivan [“Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)”]
I LOVE Jazmine Sullivan! She’s an incredible talent, and also seems like a cool person in real life. Today’s inspirational jam, “Masterpiece (Mona Lisa)” is one of my favorite songs by her, and I hope you enjoy it as well.
This song is about finally seeing the beauty and abilities within yourself, realizing that every part of you is beautiful. I know I lose confidence in myself, not only physically, but in terms of my skills as well. There’s this small voice in my head that I have to constantly fight, telling me that I’m not good enough or I’m not pretty enough. That I’m simply not enough. Hard as it is, I have to shake off those lies, and believe in myself regardless.
That’s what I want and hope for each of you! We’re all truly perfectly imperfect, and that’s fine. We should each stand confidently in what we bring to the table! Beyond just our appearance, but also our individual gifts in life.
“And I ask myself
Who do I wanna be?
Do I wanna throw away the key
And invent a whole new me?”
—Aly & AJ (“No One”)
Sister duo Alyson and Amanda Joy Michalka (known together as Aly & AJ) had some great success back in the mid-2000s under the Disney banner. I definitely enjoyed some of their music as a young teen, but their song “No One” always stood out for me.
The acoustic track was the second single from the group’s debut album, Into The Rush, and was also featured on Disney’s Ice Princess soundtrack. “No One” has a simple message, really. It’s about reflecting on who you are and who you want to be, canceling out outside voices or circumstances that may tempt you to be someone different.
I share this song, because the battle to not compare myself to others is a constant struggle. Some days I do pretty good, but, other days, I find myself wanting to be like other people and tempted to even conform my ways. However, who I am, just as Brittany Shawnté, flaws and all, is just fine. I have more growing to do, but, whatever I do right now and in the future, I want to be completely myself.
So, if you’re struggling with finding or truly listening to your own voice, this song is for you. Know that who you are and what you bring to the table is unique and great, and walk confidently in that! Watch the music video below…
Imperfectly B 