Hey Bodyspace,
I was just doing some stuff on here the other day, and I decided to add my workout playlist under the favourites section, but I just thought to myself, "Why not tell you guys why those songs are there?" So here you go.
"Inches" Speech by Al Pacino - Any Given Sunday: This speech, given by Pacino prior to the last game, is what IT’s (Life, Football, etc.) is all about. Those who are at the top of the food chain all fought their way there. The will to win is crucial, but the will to fight, and die for the victory is even more important to have. Everyday, I, "kill," myself in the gym, on the field, or the track.
"A Dream" - Common feat. Will.I.Am: Dreams are what fuels the spirit of mankind, without them, where would we be? My dream is to play pro football, and this song helps me to put my training into perspective. It’s a step towards realizing that dream.
"I Don’t Care" - The Roots: Deep down, I know that people say that there are others who ultimately have a say in whether or not I make my dream a reality, but I disagree. I DON’T CARE about over players, scouts, agents, GMs, Player Personel Reps, whoever. I WON’T be stopped.
"Get By" - Talib Kweli: This song is a wake-up call. Somedays, I feel lazy and uninspired, but when i hear this song, mainly the hook, it gets me right back on track.
"Dance, Dance" - Fallout Boy: This song’s got a great rhythm, and and the drive in it gets my mind in the frame of, "let’s go, whoever’s on the field can’t touch me…."
"Higher Ground" - Stevie Wonder: I’ve always been a fan of Stevie Wonder, and when Converse made that Dr. J commercial a while back, it brought this song back to my memory. The last line of this song is so pertinent to me, "I’m gonna to keep on tryin’, ’til I reach my highest ground." Keep pushing, keep training, and my goal will be met.
"Hosanna" - Kirk Franklin: This song’s ending is what really put it on this list. There is so much passion and drive, I used it on an old highlight reel….and I used to listen to it before games to get in the zone. Football for me, is another opportunity to worship God and thank him for the gifts that he’s given me.
"I Got A Name" - Jim Croce: "Like the pine trees lining, the winding road. I got a name, I got a name…..And I’ll carry it with me like my Daddy did, but I ‘m living a dream, that he can’t see….." This song is another that inspires me to keep working towards my goal. Even though others around me may not see it as obtainable. But I press on…..
"1-9-9-9" - Common feat. Sadat X: This song has a hip-hop beat that grew up loving, and it reminds me that I’m still getting mine….Who else is getting their’s?
"Play Your Cards Right" - Common feat. Bilal: "If you play, your cards right. Everything’s, gon’ be alright….." This song is what really gets my swagger back in check. When I hear this song, I become, cool, smooth, and flow easy: all the things that great receiver’s need to be great.
"Act Too (The Love of My Life)" - The Roots feat. Common: Football is my first love, it’s no longer my only love, I have a beautiful wife-to-be, and a wonderful daughter, but it’s still my love. It has always been there for me. Most of the time, I’m listening to this song right when I’m getting winded, and the pace starts to slow down some for me. This song helps me to keep it all in perspective, and let’s me know just what I’m working so hard for….
"Dreams" - The Game: This song, is all about it’s title. Dreams of making it happen, not just for me, but those around me. And sometimes, in order for dreams to be realized, one must make sacrifices…..
"Eye of the Tiger" - Survivor: Heck, if it’s good enough for Rocky Balboa, it’s good enough for me….
"E=MC2" - J Dilla (R.I.P.) feat. Common: The dopest beat-maker and the illest MC. This song will be the theme music for my website when I get it online. The beat makes me turn it up a notch, no matter what I’m doing….lifting, running, plyos, jumping rope….whatever. When this song comes on, I know it’s showtime.
"I Am Music" - Common feat. Jill Scott: This is another swagger song. The beat gets me hyped and keeps me mellow at the same time. Just like Common says, "I am music," I feel like, "I am football."
"Ghetto Heaven" - Common feat. Macy Gray: This song, although, I’m not from the hood, reminds me that I can find heaven in the little things in life. It makes me enjoy the workouts truly, no matter how grueling….
"I Slept With Someone In Fallout Boy And All I Got Was This Song Written About Me" - Fallout Boy: Aside from it’s long title, this song’s drive and heavy rock guitar sound put it’s on the list for helping me to keep up the intensity.
"Less Than An Hour" - Nas feat. Cee-Lo: Usually, I put this on when I’m running long distances. It’s moderate tempo helps me to keep a steady pace while running. Plus, there’s only an hour’s worth of time in a football game, so I gotta do what I gotta do.
"The New Workout Plan" - Kanye West: Hey, it’s Kanye’s workout plan. How can you NOT have this on your workout mix????
"Oh My God" - Jay-Z: "Nights I felt like dying, but I’m not crying. What didn’t kill me, made me strong as iron." This sums me up to the fullest. I’ve been through some tough times, but and I’m on the come-up…..so don’t stand in my way.
"Victory" - P. Diddy feat. The Notorious B.I.G. and Busta Rhymes: This beat has been a mainstay in my workouts since high school. It’s a sample from Rocky…..so it’s screams, "maximum effort in the gym."
"Hurt" - T.I. feat. Alfamega and Busta Rhymes: This song puts me in an aggressive mindframe, because let’s face it, football is a sport of aggression. So you have to be willing to bring the pain!
"Pump It Up" - Joe Budden: YEAH! This joint is it! I get so hyped-up when I hear it, I’m ready for whatever….
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