XXL’s Playlist For The Government Shutdown

XXL's Playlist For The Government Shutdown, Sam Valenti's nostalgic #PrivateJam, Darkside's "Paper Trails" and more

On 1 October 2013, almost everyone in America could empathize with rapper El-P, who in his authority-challenging track “The Jig Is Up” says, “You must be out of your goddamn mind.” The US government shutdown began Tuesday after Congress couldn’t reach an agreement on the Affordable Care Act, an asinine dispute that’s furloughed 800,000 people. Hip-hop magazine XXL takes listeners on journey of protest songs …

Wayne Wonder: No Letting Go

XXL's Playlist For The Government Shutdown, Sam Valenti's nostalgic #PrivateJam, Darkside's "Paper Trails" and more

This week’s #PrivateJam epitomizes its premise. Ghostly co-founder Sam Valenti delivered guilty pleasure gold with Wayne Wonder’s “No Letting Go.” Claiming it “was the fire” back in the day, Valenti further reminisces, explaining the Jamaican reggae artist’s song is “NYC 2000s radio pop with enough island and club feel to set it apart.” He adds he’s “also a sucker for Nina Sky for the same …

William Carl Jr: Over

XXL's Playlist For The Government Shutdown, Sam Valenti's nostalgic #PrivateJam, Darkside's "Paper Trails" and more

A soulful, synth-driven debut R&B single, “Over,” by Londoner William Carl Jr, thoughtfully reflects on the slow, lingering end to a transatlantic, long-distance relationship. The track bounces forward with a calm beauty in the face of regret and loss. After three years as the touring bassist for singer Holly Miranda, Carl Jr embarked on a solo project as a producer and performer. If this song …