Summary

The author reflects on the profound impact three albums by Black artists—SZA's "CTRL," Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange," and J Cole's "2014 Forest Hills Drive"—have had on their life, shaping their understanding of the Black experience and personal vulnerability.

Abstract

The article delves into the personal significance of three influential albums to the author. SZA's "CTRL" resonated with the author's experience of anxiety as a Black woman, challenging the stereotype of the "strong Black woman" and embracing a full spectrum of emotions. Frank Ocean's "Channel Orange" is praised for its raw emotional storytelling, which inspired the author to embrace their own artistic expression. J Cole's "2014 Forest Hills Drive" is seen as an invitation to share personal stories, highlighting the importance of vulnerability and the power of shared experiences. The author concludes by emphasizing the transformative role these albums have played in their life, suggesting that the media we consume can significantly influence our personal growth and self-expression.

Opinions

The author initially felt that experiencing anxiety was incompatible with being a Black woman, a perspective transformed by SZA's candid expression of vulnerability in "CTRL."
"Channel Orange" by Frank Ocean is celebrated for its unapologetic display of emotion and complex storytelling, which motivated the author to openly pursue their passion for writing.
J Cole's "2014 Forest Hills Drive" is appreciated for its authentic narration of personal experiences, encouraging the author to embrace the strength found in vulnerability and openness.
The author believes that these albums have not only provided a soundtrack to their life but have also been instrumental in teaching valuable life lessons and shaping their identity.
The article suggests that reflecting on past media consumption can reveal how it has positively shaped one's life trajectory and personal development.

3 Albums By Black Artists That Changed My Life

Featuring SZA, Frank Ocean, and more

These albums compose the soundtrack to my life. Their lyrics spoke words that were on my heart before I had the confidence to speak them myself.

The following three albums are some of my favorites ever. Each opened me to another realm of the Black experience — and taught me valuable life lessons that still ring true today.

SZA — CTRL

Before listening to SZA’s CTRL, I thought that being a Black woman and having anxiety were mutually exclusive experiences.

I have dealt with anxiety all my life. I never admitted it to myself or anyone else until recently. I felt compelled to live up to the stereotype of being a “strong Black woman.” I didn’t know of anyone else, especially someone Black, who dealt with such intense worries.

I marveled at SZA’s vulnerability throughout CTRL. The track “Normal Girl” hit a particular soft spot for me, as she sang, “I wish I was a normal girl.”

CTRL taught me that it was okay to have a galaxy of emotions inside of you, whether that was insecurity, anxiety, desire, pride, or jealousy. It doesn’t make you weak. It makes you human.

Favorite songs: Drew Barrymore, Normal Girl, Garden (Say it Like That)

Frank Ocean — Channel Orange

In Channel Orange, Frank Ocean wasn’t afraid to rip his heart out of his chest, slam it on the table, and let you watch it beat. I admired how he wore his emotions on his sleeve.

The 2012 album is a tale of opulence, desire, and drugs. By its end, you learn the many ways that a tale with that many legs can run amok.

I had always been a writer. It was my emotional outlet. But, it was something I did behind closed doors.

I got bullied as a kid. Writing just seemed like another reason for the kids to make fun of me — so I never shared it.

I didn’t understand the impact Black art could have until I listened to Channel Orange. From the moment I pressed play, I was immersed.

“Super Rich Kids” took a camera into the lives of the rich and famous — and showed its dark side. “Bad Religion” was a heart-wrenching tale of unrequited love. “Pyramids” is a 10-minute epic about dishonor, love, and pride.

To this day, I’m overwhelmed with emotion whenever I turn on Channel Orange. Frank Ocean’s masterpiece showed me the possibilities of my own art. To this day, it’s one of the many influences that keep me writing.

Favorite songs: Bad Religion, Super Rich Kids, Thinkin Bout You, Pyramids

J Cole — 2014 Forest Hills Drive

2014 Forest Hills Drive is an audio scrapbook documenting J Cole’s youth in Fayetteville, NC. I loved listening to each song, from the insecurities of childhood in “03’ Adolescence” to his journey towards gratitude in “Love Yourz.”

J Cole invites the listener into his life whether he’s rapping about something empowering, embarrassing, or awkward.

Growing up, I always was told you shouldn’t tell everyone your business. Some things are meant to be kept secret. But, 2014 Forest Hills Drive taught me that it’s okay to let people in — it’s okay to be vulnerable.

Telling those stories, especially those you thought you’d never tell the world — can lessen the burden you carry.

Favorite songs: January 28th, Fire Squad, No Role Modelz, Love Yourz

Takeaways

We are the media we consume — but that doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. CTRL, Channel Orange, and 2014 Forest Hills Drive will always have special places in my heart.

Take a trip down memory lane and look back at the media you loved in years past. At first glance, they may just be albums, television shows, or movies.

When you take a closer look, you may find that what you consumed made a key difference in the trajectory of your life.

Nia Simone McLeod is a writer, content creator, and pop culture enthusiast from Richmond, Virginia. She runs a weekly newsletter focused on inspiring creators of color.