13 More Songs Driven by the Power of BE | Playlist 🎧

13 More Songs Driven by the Power of BE features songs by Gunna, Jerry Butler & Betty Everett, Jordan Suaste, The Spinners, War, and Yeat. 

As previously stated, be is a powerful verb. It fuels the fire of the musical compendium, 13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE. 13 More Songs Driven by the Power of BE is the follow-up to the playlist, 13 Songs Driven by the Power of BE (2024). The criterion is simple for the second be-driven list: the song title must feature the word, be. No further explanation is necessary. 13 More Songs Driven by the Power of BE features songs by Gunna, Jerry Butler & Betty Everett, Jordan Suaste, The Spinners, War, and Yeat. So, copying and pasting once more, don’t BE lame, aim to BE awesome like these 13 More Songs Driven by the Power of BE!

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~ Table of Contents ~

1. Yeat, “BË QUIET” (Ft. Kodak Black)	2. Cardi B, “Be Careful”	3. The Spinners, “I’ll Be Around”	4. Jordan Suaste, “Scary to be loved”
5. Snoh Aalegra, “Be Careful”	6. Gunna, “time reveals, be careful what you wish for”	7. Jerry Butler & Betty Everett, “Let It Be Me”	8. ETHAN, “he’s all I wanna be” – Tate McRae Cover
9. William DeVaughn, “Be Thankful for What You Got”	10. War, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”	11. The Main Ingredient, “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely”	12. Gil Scott-Heron, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”
13. James Brown, “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”

 

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1. Yeat, “BË QUIET” (Ft. Kodak Black)

LYFESTYLE // Field Trip Recordings / Capitol // 2024

“Way too rich, LYFESTYLE / Off with what? Off with your head (Head, yeah),” Yeat raps in the chorus of “BË QUIET.”  “BË QUIET” is the eighth track from his 2024 album, LYFESTYLE, which he referenced in the chorus’ opening lyrics.  He continues rapping, “Diamond on me, blind ‘em like they seein’ black, huh, ha / Whole car matte black and the windows tinted, huh.” Yeat is rich, along with being unapologetic in the lengthy chorus. Featured guest Kodak Black is responsible for the sole verse. Does he say much? Nope: “I don’t want weed, I’m on a bean / I’m a roller, not a stoner / Even rehab gon’ hurt / You can’t even pay me to be sober.” Woo! Dream Awake, Chef9thegod, and Cloud produced the malicious-sounding, minor-key joint.  “BË QUIET” is not deep, but it is a vibe.  Oh, the powers that BE!

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2. Cardi B, “Be Careful”

Invasion of Privacy // Atlantic // 2018

“Be careful with me / Do you know what you doin’ / Whose feelings that you’re hurtin’ and bruisin’? / You gon’ gain the whole world / But is it worth the girl that you losin’?” Cardi B had a gargantuan year in 2018.  Her Grammy-winning, multiplatinum debut album, Invasion of Privacy, spawned five top 40 hits including “Be Careful”.  “Be Careful” secured at top 15 spot on the pop charts, peaking at no. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. That’s impressive! Also impressive, “Be Careful” is a multiplatinum single. Initially, I found “Be Careful” to be a bit underwhelming when it was released as a single.  Since then, “Be Careful” has grown on me as one of many songs that make Invasion of Privacy a special rap album. Cardi B exhibits ferociousness with her rhymes and edgy, ‘in-your-face’ vocal tone.   

“I coulda did what you did to me to you a few times

But if I did decide to slide, find a nigga

Fuck him, suck his dick, you would’ve been pissed

But that’s not my M.O., I’m not that type of bitch.”

Damn! Her cadence and flow are on point, no cap! She keeps it a buck: “Between a rock and a hard place, the mud and the dirt / It’s gon’ hurt me to hate you, but lovin’ you’s worse.”  Ooh-wee! Boi-1da, Frank Dukes, and Vinylz ‘cook up’ a compelling backdrop that features colorful synths and glorious, bass-heavy moments. “Be Careful” is a winner.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Extremely Careful Songs (2025)

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3. The Spinners, “I’ll Be Around”

Spinners // Atlantic // 1973 

“Whenever you call me, I’ll be there / Whenever you want me, I’ll be there / Whenever you need me, I’ll be there / I’ll Be Around.” Grammy-nominated 😏, iconic R&B group The Spinners are responsible for some of soul’s greatest hits, PERIOD. “I’ll Be Around” is one of those beloved, iconic songs. It hails as the fifth track from the collective’s 1973 album, Spinners.  It was a big success on the pop charts, peaking at no. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Phil Hurtt and Thom Bell composed “I’ll Be Around.” Bell produced it. So, what makes “I’ll Be Around” the sugar honey iced tea? There’s lots of excellence! The chorus, excerpted above, is the centerpiece.  In the end, the chorus features additional variations, all built on the availability of the suitor (“Just call me on the phone, I’ll be there”).  In the first verse, the listener is informed that the relationship has ended.  “This is our fork in the road / Love’s last episode,” lead vocalist Bobby Smith sings, adding, “Now it’s up to me / To bow out gracefully / Though you hold the key…” Smith seems to be leaving the door open, at least from his perspective.  The sentiment is similar in the second verse, where he asserts, “There’s always a chance / A tiny spark will remain, yeah / And sparks turn into flames / And love can burn once again.”  Beyond memorable lyrics and top-notch singing from Smith and the rest of the collective, the musical accompaniment is sensational.  Electrifying guitars, marvelous keys, rhythmic drums and percussion, a fat bass line, and a gorgeous orchestra.  “I’ll Be Around” is a surefire vibe – the best of the best of the 70s catalog regardless of music genre.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Spinners, I’ll Be Around: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 205 (2024)

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4. Jordan Suaste, “Scary to be loved”

maybe I already am // Jordan Suaste / Position Music // 2024 

“Maybe one day / You’ll spread your / Wings and fly / And break the chains that tie you to the ground.” Living in fear, in a box, can make you feel chained down.  It is more liberating to be fearless and take the plunge, as Jordan Suaste sings expressively, with the utmost sincerity in his ballad, “Scary to be loved”. Suaste adds, “You’ll shed your fears and meet me in the clouds.” Matters of the heart can be pesky.  They can be even peskier when queer and not heterosexual or heteronormative. Suaste delivers the pitch-perfect ballad about embracing love with “Scary to be loved.”  It takes courage, but it’s well worth it.  He encourages this anxious, scared being to “let your guard down” and asserts, “I’ll help you get back up.” Notably, secrecy is mentioned in the final verse, which makes me wonder if being uncomfortable with sexuality plays a role.  Regardless of what the fear is, in the chorus, the centerpiece, Suaste vows to ‘hold them down.’

“You, you

Let me wrap my arms around you

You, you

Keep you safe, these arms were made for you

You, you

Let me wrap my arms around you.”

Preach, Jordan! “Scary to be loved” is utterly gorgeous. It may indeed be scary to be loved but it is well worth the try.

Appears in 🔻:

• Jordan Suaste, Scary to be loved: Beaming with Pride 🏳️‍🌈 69 (2024)

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5. Snoh Aalegra, “Be Careful”

– Ugh, those feels again // Artium Recordings, LLC / AWAL Recordings America, Inc. // 2019

“There are people to blame for people in pain / I hurt somebody, too, I’m so ashamed, I’m so ashamed.” Grammy-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Snoh Aalegra is a whole vibe, PERIOD.  “Be Careful” is the eighth track from her 2019 album, – Ugh, those feels again.  She and Malik Yusef composed “Be Careful” while Maneesh produced it. The interlude (it clocks in under two minutes) features enigmatic, nebulous, and wavy musical accompaniment. Eventually, the backdrop grows even more adventurous and rhythmic. The percussive touches are ear-catching like the keys, pads, and synths. Snoh Aalegra serves up beautiful and refined singing.  She perfectly conveys the theme of hurt people hurt people. In the chorus, she urges us to be careful: “Try to be careful in a land full of mines / Try to be careful, these are the, these are the bad times.” “Be Careful,” albeit short, is incredibly sweet!

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Extremely Careful Songs (2025)

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6. Gunna, “time reveals, be careful what you wish for”

One of Wun // Young Stoner Life / 300 Entertainment Inc. // 2024

“Should have been done by now / But you better go your way, go your way.” “Time reveals, be careful what you wish for” concludes One of Wun, the 2024 album by Gunna. The two-part song is lengthy, clocking in north of six-and-a-half minutes. It commences with a warm, reflective piano. I love the vocals that are mixed in the background as part of the musical accompaniment. The production is top-notch, featuring eight producers: Turbo, Aviator Keyyz, Omar Grand, Kristian Rosendal, LukasBL, Gray Toomey, Gabe Lucas, and Segrate Martell Price. As always, Gunna is true to self, delivering a melodic, rhythmic rap performance.

“You ain’t gon’ really see me comin’ like a comet

I’m one of one, I’m rich and humble, they payin’ homage

She like and watch how I’m on time right when it’s clutchin’

I’m in her spine, shootin’ cum inside her stomach.”

Word. Following “time reveals,” “be careful what you wish for” begins before the four-minute mark. Expectedly, there is a change of pace. With the production switch / second part of the song, the vibes continue to be smooth, if slightly more overt. Notably, there is no percussion during “be careful what you wish for.”

“Life is special, gotta be careful what you wish for, yeah

It ain’t much left, but you still got breath, ain’t gon’ always be fair

It ain’t take me long way before I got on, Wunna always would share

Get rich so I could take care of my fam, it’s what I wished for, yeah.”

“Time reveals, be careful what you wish for” is an intriguing listen.

Appears in 🔻:

• 11 Extremely Careful Songs (2025)

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7. Jerry Butler & Betty Everett, “Let It Be Me”

Aware of Love // Concord Music Group, Inc. // 1961

“I bless the day I found you / I want to stay around you / And so I beg you, let it be me.” “Let It Be Me” is a timeless, often-covered pop classic. The original version was named “Je t’appartiens” by Gilbert Bécaud.  Transformed and translated into “Let It Be Me,” it was written by Bécaud, Pierre Delanoë, and Mann Curtis.  One of the finest interpretations of “Let It Be” is by Jerry Butler and Betty Everett.  The cover appears on Butler’s 1961, album, Aware of Love.  This predates Butler’s “Only The Strong Survive”, his biggest hit. “Let” is one of three top 10 hits by Butler.  It peaked at no. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Among the most elegant features of “Let It Be Me” is the production, specifically the gorgeous, lush strings.  The orchestration is delightful.  The main attractions are Butler and Everett, who exhibit superb vocal chemistry. They duet consistently in the verses. Each delivers commanding lead vocals when singing separately in the bridge. “Each time we meet, love / I find complete love,” Everett sings, drawing first blood. Butler responds soulfully, “Without your sweet love / What would life be?” Ultimately, Jerry Butler and Betty Everett ‘put their foot’ into this unforgettable classic.  Where love is so much more complicated and explicit in the 21^st century, this 20^th-century oldie is refreshing because love feels easy.  “Let It Be Me” will always be the ‘bomb diggity!’

Appears in 🔻:

• Jerry Butler & Betty Everett, Let It Be Me: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 204 (2024)

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8. ETHAN, “he’s all I wanna be” – Tate McRae Cover

“he’s all I wanna be” // ETHAN // 2022

“He’ll wear his tight black singlet / With all his friends around.” Oh, snap! Hmm, funny, ETHAN, I don’t recall that lyric appearing in “She’s all I wanna be” by Tate McRae. That’s because that lyric appears in the Australia-based (New Zealand-bred) musician’s 2022 cover, “he’s all I wanna be”.  ETHAN changes the pronouns to ‘he’ throughout “he’s all I wanna be” providing a refreshing, queerer perspective.  The handsome and talented musician is openly gay, contributing ample bops to the queer music collection.

Changing pronouns and making male-specific lyrical adjustments is a big draw on “he’s all I wanna be.” ETHAN envies the boy with the boy who is the object of his affection, or something like that… The chorus, the most tuneful section of the original and the cover, sums up the love pain:

“Stupid boy making me so sad

Didn’t think you could change this fast

He’s got everything that I don’t have

How could I ever compete with that?

I know you’ll go and change your mind

Oen day wake up and be bored with mine

He’s got everything that I don’t have

And he’s all I wanna be, all I wanna be so bad…” 

Despite his feelings for this “Stupid boy,” ETHAN doesn’t let it stop him from kicking ass and taking names.  How does he do that? He serves up brilliant vocals. His runs are lovely, while his falsetto is ripe and warm.  He’s at his best on the centerpiece, the pop/rock-infused chorus, crying foul about that ole boy! “He’s all I wanna be” is the sugar honey iced tea.

Appears in 🔻:

• ETHAN, he’s all I wanna be: Covers No. 42 (2024)
• Tate McRae vs. ETHAN: Head 2 Head No. 43 (2024)
• Eye 👁 This List of Must-Hear “I” Songs, Vol. 2 (2024)
• 11 He, Him & His Songs (2025)

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9. William DeVaughn, “Be Thankful for What You Got”

Be Thankful for What You Got // Unidisc Music Inc. // 1980

“Though you may not drive a great big Cadillac / … You may not have a cart at all / But remember brothers and sisters / You can still stand tall.” How so, William DeVaughn? It’s simple: “Be Thankful for What You Got”! “Be Thankful for What You Got” was written by DeVaughn and produced by Frank Fioravanti and John Davis.  No, this is not a Curtis Mayfield classic – it’s all William DeVaughn! A memorable and ultra-successful soul classic, it peaked at no. 1 on the R&B charts.  It also gave William his sole hit on the pop charts, peaking at no. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. DeVaughn may only be renowned for this song and its remixes, but, it’s a whale of a song to be renowned for.

“Be Thankful for What You Got” is groovy to the nth degree.  It’s not only the drums and percussion, though.  The warm organ, rhythm guitar, and robust bass also contribute to the sheer excellence.  Even as dynamic as the instrumental is, the song lays back, never coming off as overwrought or too much.  DeVaughn sings gloriously, never forcing things, yet oozing with soul. The lyrics are positive and uplifting, promoting gratitude – counting your blessings.  Also, the chorus is cool and iconic: “Diamond in the back, sunroof top / Diggin’ the scene with a gangsta lean / Woo-ooh-ooh.” Indeed! DeVaughn also gets a lift from background vocals, who also maintain a sense of ‘non troppo’ (not too much). “Be Thankful for What You Got” is potent yet characterized by its cool energy.  This classic has often been sampled by others including songs by N.W.A. (“Gangsta Gangsta”), Ludacris (“Diamond in the Back”), and De La Soul (“Keepin’ the Faith”).

Appears in 🔻:

• William DeVaughn, Be Thankful for What You Got: 1 Hit WONDERful 42 (2024)
• 15 Ear-Catching FOR Songs (2024)

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10. War, “Why Can’t We Be Friends?”

Why Can’t We Be Friends? // Far Out Productions, Inc / Rhino Entertainment Company // 1975

“Why can’t we be friends? / Why can’t we be friends? / Why can’t we be friends? / Why can’t we be friends?” Woo! “Why Can’t We Be Friends?” marks one of the biggest hits by the Grammy-nominated funk band, War.  “Why Can’t We Be Friends” is the ninth and final cut from the collective’s 1975 album, Why Can’t We Be Friends?.  The classic, which peaked at no. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100, is credited to numerous songwriters, something rarer in the 1970s.  Do you know what else makes “Friends” unique? Numerous members of the band sing the verses! Can you say, “Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh!”

The chorus, excerpted above, is the section to beat in all its friendliness.  However, the brief verses are also a blast.  In the first verse, “I’ve seen you ‘round for a long, long time / I remember you when you drank my wine.” Bonded by wine.  Word. Later, in the third verse, “I paid my money to the welfare line / I see you standing in it every time.” Hmm, is the singer judging this person for relying too heavily on welfare? It doesn’t stop there whether it is, “Sometimes, I don’t speak right / But yet, I know what I’m talking about” (verse six), or the wordplay of “I know you’re working for the C-I-A / They wouldn’t have you in the Ma-fi-A” (verse seven).  The songwriting is entertaining from start to finish, and all singers put their spin on their part.  Beyond the vocals and lyrics, the music is fabulous – F-U-N-K-Y.  Brilliant, “Why Can’t We Be Friends” fuses funk with a stellar reggae groove.  The rhythm section is tight, while the jubilant horns bite.  This ‘70s gem will forever be awesome!

Appears in 🔻:

• War, Why Can’t We Be Friends?: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 189 (2024)

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11. The Main Ingredient, “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely”

Euphrates River // RCA // 1974

“I don’t mind when you say / That you’re going away / I just don’t wanna be lonely.” Indeed, The Main Ingredient. Later, “Let the stairs find you there / Waiting at the end of the room / I just don’t wanna be lonely.” Noted! “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” is one of the soul collective’s most popular songs. It’s the eighth track from the soul collective’s sixth album, Euphrates River, released in 1974. A pop hit, it peaked at no. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. John C. Freeman, Bobby Eli, and Vinnie Barrett penned the oldie, originally recorded by Ronnie Dawson. A big bass line is one of the best features of the song. There are also terrific guitar riffs and a mean groove established by the drums and percussion.  The rhythm section is tight. In addition to the rhythm section, the orchestra sounds sweet – the strings soar. From a music theory perspective, the harmonic scheme is sweet, with some distinct moments that catch the ear.  Beyond the instrumental and technical aspects, Cuba Gooding Sr. excels as a frontman.  His vocals are buttery smooth. Even before singing one note, he exhibits plenty of personality in the intro (“Hey, say, wait a minute / Where you going with that suitcase”).  Besides bringing the melodies to life, Gooding Sr. also drops some great vocal ad-libs.  He gets epic support from The Main Ingredient, who lock into celestial vocal harmonies.  The songwriting is electrifying too, as the emphasis is on love and avoiding loneliness.  The chorus is the centerpiece:

“I’d rather be loved and needed
Depended on to give a love
I can’t give when you’re gone
When you’re gone
I just don’t want to be lonely
I’d rather be loved.”

Word. “Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely” is The Main Ingredient at its best.

Appears in 🔻:

• The Main Ingredient, Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely: Covers No. 3 (2024)
• The Main Ingredient, Just Don’t Want To Be Lonely: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 185 (2024)
• 11 Lovely, Lonely Songs, Part 1 (2024)

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12. Gil Scott-Heron, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”

Pieces of a Man // Ace // 1971

“You will not be able to stay home, brother / You will not be able to plug in, turn on and cop out,” Gil Scott-Heron (1949 – 2011) recites, continuing, “You will not be able to lose yourself on skag and skip out for beer during commercials, because / The revolution will not be televised.” “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is a key highlight from the Scott-Heron musical catalog.  The opener from his 1971 album, Pieces of a Man, is a revolutionary protest song – a call to action.  If you want change, you’ve got to fight for change – you can’t merely be a spectator and expect it to materialize.  Scott-Heron penned the record while Bob Thiele produced.  Notably, Gil is accompanied by a sickening group of musicians, including Ron Carter (bass) and  Hubert Laws (flute and saxophone).

Throughout “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised,” Scott-Heron doesn’t hold back – he’s poetically honest.  “The revolution will not be brought to you by Xerox in four parts without commercial interruptions.” Noted.  Also, “The revolution will not give your mouth sex appeal,” or “make you look five pounds thinner.” Beyond teeth and weight, Gil speaks on NBC presidential election projections, popular 1960s television shows, “Women Liberationists”, and popular white male musicians: “The theme song will not be written by Jim Webb or Francis Scott Key / Nor sung by Glen Campbell, Tom Jones, Johnny Cash, Englebert Humperdinck, or Rare Earth.” Getting more socially driven, particularly regarding blacks, Scott-Heron states, “There will be no pictures of pigs shooting down brothers on instant replay.”  He also references several civil rights leaders, some of which he differs in opinions on civil rights and fighting racism (Whitney Young and Roy Wilkins).  Ultimately, in this spoken word classic, Gil Scott-Heron promotes active engagement, not sitting or being passive.  After all, “The revolution will be no re-run, brothers/ The revolution will be live.” “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” is no anachronism, as many of Gil’s points are more relevant than ever.

Appears in 🔻:

• Gil Scott-Heron, The Revolution Will Not Be Televised: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 188 (2024)

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13. James Brown, “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”

The 50^th Anniversary Collection // UMG Recordings, Inc. // 2003 

“Fellas, I’m ready to get up and do my thing (Go ahead, do your thing, then, get on up and do it) / …I want to get into it, man, you know /… Like a, like a sex machine, man, (Yeah, yeah!).” There will only ever be one James Brown.  Rightfully dubbed The Godfather of funk, he left an indelible mark on the soul sub-genre.  One of his best songs is “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”. Sex Machine” was written by Brown, Bobby Byrd, and Ronald Lenhoff.  Despite featuring sex in its title, it was a highly successful pop hit. It peaked at no. 15 on the Billboard Hot 100.  More than five decades after its arrival, “Sex Machine” remains the sugar honey iced tea – a timeless gem from James.

What makes “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine” so good? James Brown infuses ample personality into his performance, period.  Electrifying, the electricity begins with the infectious intro. After establishing the tone, the rhythm section enters and is firmly ‘in the pocket. The groove is badass – funky as hell! The drums, rhythmic guitar, and bass ‘bring the heat.’ Notably, The Original J.B.s back Brown. This includes  Bootsy Collins on bass and his brother, Catfish Collins on guitar.  Also, Brown provides some bluesy work on the keys.  Even with sex raising eyebrows, the lyrics are simple and generally, non-offensive.

“Get up (get on up) / Get up (Get on up)

Stay on the scene (Get on up)

Like a sex machine (Get on up).”

“Sex Machine” gives more of an attitude than bedroom talk. Notably, Brown quotes a past hit in the second verse: “You said the feeling you got to get / You give me the fever in a cold sweat.” Other notable moments include the unforgettable “Take ‘em to the bridge?” where Brown infectiously asserts, “Hit me now! / Come on! / Stay on the scene, like a sex machine.” “Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine”  is a certified classic.

Appears in 🔻:

• James Brown, Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine: Throwback Vibez 🕶️🎶 194 (2024)

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13 More Songs Driven by the Power of BE (2025) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; 300 Entertainment Inc., Ace, Artium Recordings, LLC, Atlantic, AWAL Recordings America, Inc., Capitol, Concord Music Group, Inc., ETHAN, Far Out Productions, Inc, Field Trip Recordings, Jordan Suaste, Position Music, RCA, Rhino Entertainment Company, UMG Recordings, Inc., Unidisc Music Inc., Young Stoner Life; Juan Pablo Serrano from Pexels; start2finish, Werner Moser from Pixabay]

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