Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

Carmelo Anthony Reveals the Songs He's Keeping on Repeat During Black History Month

21/02/2023

While Carmelo Anthony is best known as a professional basketball player, there are many dimensions to the star. In recent years, Carmelo has been hard at work launching his STAYME7O clothing brand, which culminated with the release of the label's first collection in December.

But in addition to being a legendary hooper and fashion entrepreneur, he can now add playlist curator to his accomplishments. As part of our Black History Month celebration, we tapped Carmelo to create a Spotify playlist of the songs that inspire him every day.

Drawing from a blend of hip-hop, Afropop, and R&B from the likes of Future, Lil Baby, Tems, Wizkid, H.E.R., and more, the STAYME7O playlist strikes the perfect balance between high-energy bangers and mellow jams.

For the Record talked to Carmelo about his approach to the playlist, the role music plays in various aspects of his life, and the importance of supporting Black creatives.

Can you tell us a little bit about your playlist? The mood that I tried to create with this playlist revolved around the question, what do I want the STAYME7O tribe to vibe to? So I give you songs that bounce, and I give you the trap music, and the songs with the big, big drums. But I also mellow it out for listeners and take them on a spiritual journey a little. I've sat and really listened to the playlist a few times now, and it's just a vibe. I also tried it out in different environments, too, like when I was watching the game last weekend with people. I like to look and listen to see who's nodding their head and who's not. So I took all of that into consideration.

What is it about music that inspires you? I just love the art of music, and the craft that goes into it. I love the way that music can make a person-or a group of people-feel. And I love to see artists and creatives in their element. I love how they take their worlds, their feelings, their stories, and shape them into a rhythmic flow.

What role does music play in reflecting your own identity and place in culture? Well, music is a way of actually telling the story. I think everybody can identify with different genres of music or different artists or different sounds and different ways of digesting music. For me, it's a way of telling my story. I find music that I can relate to. I find music that uplifts me. I find music that I enjoy. But also I get a chance to learn about the artist, go through their journey, and understand what they're actually feeling. So if I can connect with artists on that level, that's a plus.

How does music factor into the message and mission of your brand, STAYME7O? STAYME7O is a mindset. Everything is based off of a mindset. The mantra of the STAYME7O community is When in doubt, stay mellow. And music ties into that because music feeds the soul. It is food for the soul. It's a mix of vibrations and sounds that have the power to change our mood, whether it uplifts us or makes us feel sad. And ultimately, that's what the STAYME7O community is also about . . . vibrations and sounds coming from people in real time. So you get a chance to get into that mindset and put this rhythmic sound together, and you have a community there. You get a chance to survive, you get a chance to tell your story, you get a chance to be confident in what you're speaking about. And so it offers some of the same things that music does and what music creates.

How did music fit into your life growing up? So much of what I've done, and what my family has done, and what we've witnessed was soundtracked by music. Music was always there in the background, whether it was cleaning up on the weekends, having breakfast together, or playing cards together.

Back in the '80s, there was a lot of rhythmic music, like Teddy Pendergrass, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye playing in my house. At the time, I didn't yet know what my mom was playing, but that's the cadence and bounce that I picked up.

In what ways do you feel like music and basketball are similar? Basketball shares a lot in common with jazz. To some people that may seem unorthodox, but I always used to have Miles Davis playing during my workout. And some people would come in and be like, What is he doing listening to Miles?

But listening to the notes of Miles Davis is my way of catching that cadence as I'm on the court. When you listen to Miles, you don't quite know what he's going to do, but you know he's going to do something special. I think playing with that rhythm in my head gives me an edge because nobody knows if I'm going to drive to the basket or when I'm going to shoot the ball.

Like what you heard on the STAYME7O playlist? Check out more of the hottest rap hits featured on RapCaviar.
LINK: https://newsroom.spotify.com/2023-02-21/carmelo-anthony-reveals-the-so...
See more stories from spotify

More from Spotify

11/07/2025

Superman' Filmmaker James Gunn Reveals the Playlists Inspired by Your Favorite Characters

If you've ever wondered what might be playing in Clark Kent's headphones...

10/07/2025

A New Report Puts Aussie Artists in the Spotlight

Spotify is turning up the volume on Australian music with a multipronged initiative designed to highlight the dominance of Australian artists on the global stag...

10/07/2025

Spotify Toasts Oasis's Return With Exclusive Ways for Fans to Get Closer to the Music That Defined a Generation

This is not a drill: Oasis is back on the road-marking its first live performanc...

10/07/2025

Spotify and Youth Music Open Doors for Future Artists

The music industry depends on fresh ideas, bold voices, and emerging talent. Yet across the U.K., too many young musicians lack the space to develop their craft...

08/07/2025

Spotify's Our Game, Our Sound' Campaign Champions Community and Joy in Women's Football

This summer, as the energy builds for one of the biggest moments in women's ...

04/07/2025

Spotify Partners With The Reading Agency to Bring the Summer Reading Challenge to Life Through Audio

The Summer Reading Challenge has inspired children across the U.K. to embrace a ...

30/06/2025

Discover Weekly Turns 10: Celebrating 100 Billion+ Tracks Streamed and a Decade of Personalized Discovery

There's nothing quite like the magic of finding music that feels made just f...

30/06/2025

Spotify's Editors Pick Their Best Songs of the Year (So Far)

When it comes to new music, Spotify's team of editors across North America is always on the hunt for songs that make them feel, think, and move. They're...

27/06/2025

Spotify Launches K-Pop Performance Video Series . . . Next Up, TWS

K-Pop remains one of the biggest genres globally, and many fans just can't get enough of it. That's why Spotify has launched a new series of K-Pop perf...

25/06/2025

VidCon 2025: Top Creators Join Spotify to Discuss the Impact of Video Podcasts

Last week, content creators from all over the world flocked to Anaheim for VidCon 2025, one of the largest creator conferences in the U.S. As an official sponso...

24/06/2025

Spotify at Cannes Lions 2025: The Week's Unmissable Highlights, Star Power, and More

Last week, Spotify returned to the Croisette for our 11th year at the Cannes Lio...

20/06/2025

Glastonbury 2025 Is Calling: Discover Your Next Favorite Artist With Our Personalized Experience

In just a few days, the pilgrimage to Worthy Farm begins. Glastonbury, the legen...

19/06/2025

Miley Cyrus Brings the Party to Paris for Spotify's Billions Club Live-And a Concert Film Is Coming Soon

On Wednesday, Spotify and Miley Cyrus tangoed in Paris during an unforgettable e...

18/06/2025

RADAR Italia Celebrates 5 Years of Success With a New Class of Rising Stars

Since popping up in 2020, RADAR Italia has not only supported emerging artists but also reflected the cultural and musical richness of Italy. Over the past five...

17/06/2025

How South Africa's Gen Zs Are Reshaping Maskandi Culture for a New Era

In South Africa, the rebirth and resurgence of the vibrant folk genre Maskandi has captured the attention of music fans, becoming the country's fastest-grow...

16/06/2025

Spotify's Brian Berner on Creativity, Connection, and What's Next for Advertisers at Cannes Lions

The Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity is officially underway for...

16/06/2025

Francophone Content on Spotify Continues to Thrive Around the World

On Spotify, francophone content continues to cross borders at an unprecedented rate. In 2024 alone, more than 123 million listeners worldwide streamed audio con...

13/06/2025

Materialists' Director Celine Song Reveals the Inspirations Behind the Film's Soundtrack

Photo credit: Atsushi Nishijima If you're a true lover of rom-coms, chances...

12/06/2025

Spotify's Heart & Soul Initiative Brings Mental Health Support to Artists and Creators Worldwide

In 2018, Spotify launched Heart & Soul, a mental health initiative developed to ...

11/06/2025

Spotify Rolls Out Playlist Cover Art Tool in More Markets and New Languages-Plus, Summer Stickers Are Here

When a music fan creates a playlist on Spotify, it's not just for listening-...

11/06/2025

Spotify i Almedalen 2025: AI, kultur och framtidens kompetenser

Hur s krar vi Europas konkurrenskraft i en tid av snabb teknikutveckling? Och hur rustar vi samh llet f r framtidens kompetensbehov inom AI, tech och kultur? Un...

11/06/2025

ENHYPEN and Spotify Unleash DESIRE' With Immersive Pop-up Experiences in Seoul, Tokyo, and Jakarta

Spotify and ENHYPEN are inviting fans to step inside the world of DESIRE : UNLEA...

10/06/2025

Spotify Ushers in a New Era of Moroccan Pop With 6 Artists Influencing the Scene

A new generation of artists is redefining Morocco's pop music scene, blending their deep-rooted heritage with contemporary influences to create sounds that ...

10/06/2025

Spotify Delivers Growth for the Publishing Industry: Audiobooks Sales Continue to Grow

Since Audiobooks in Premium launched on Spotify in 2023, we've seen strong g...

09/06/2025

Addison Rae Shines Bright at Spotify's Addison' Release Party in NYC

It was Thursday night in New York City and The Box was buzzing with excitement. The edgy nightclub, known for its lavish theatrics, provided the perfect backdro...

06/06/2025

GLOW With Pride: Amplifying LGBTQIA+ Voices on Spotify

Spotify is dedicated to lifting up the voices and contributions of all artists, creators, and authors. This Pride Month and beyond, we're also taking a mome...

06/06/2025

Spotify Beach Is Back for the Annual Cannes Lions Festival

Spotify is heading back to France for the annual Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, and this year we'll showcase how Spotify is more alive t...

05/06/2025

Dua Lipa's Service95 Book Club Podcast Is Launching on Spotify, Plus Her Summer Reading Picks

Whether she's in the studio, on a tour bus, or traveling the world, there...

05/06/2025

Spotify Takes In-Flight Entertainment to the Skies With New United Airlines Partnership

Spotify and United are teaming up to deliver an even more entertaining in-flight...

05/06/2025

Fans Vote Mexico's Top Podcasting Stars at Spotify Mexico's Inaugural Podcast Awards

On Wednesday, Spotify brought together Mexico's vibrant podcast community fo...

05/06/2025

Watch Travis Scott's Historic Barcelona Concert Exclusively on Spotify

Last month, Spotify brought Travis Scott to Barcelona to play his first-ever show in the city and celebrate the release of his Spotify x Cactus Jack x Bar a jer...

04/06/2025

Canadian Artists Are Thriving on Spotify-And the World Is Listening

Today, Spotify launches its Loud & Clear report-our annual deep dive into the economics of music streaming-in Canada, and with it, a powerful story of how Canad...

29/05/2025

Japan's Music Finds the World: How Streaming and Fandoms Are Powering a New Global Chapter

Japan's music scene is entering an exciting new chapter. Long known for its ...

28/05/2025

All the Ways It's Even Easier To Discover Your Next Favorite Podcast on Spotify

Spotify is all about bringing you closer to the voices and stories you love. Tha...

28/05/2025

Como o Spotify continua impulsionando a indstria musical brasileira

A ind stria musical do Brasil est passando por uma transforma o hist rica - e o Spotify segue iluminando esse caminho. A vers o mais recente do relat rio Loud...

28/05/2025

How Spotify Continues To Supercharge Brazil's Music Industry

Brazil's music industry is in the midst of a historic transformation-and Spotify continues to help illuminate the path. Our most recent Loud & Clear report,...

28/05/2025

The Latest Spotify Data Shows EU Artists Generated a Record-Breaking 1.7B in 2024

Spotify's commitment to transparency and artist empowerment continues to res...

21/05/2025

Spotify Electrifies CMA Fest 2025: Here's All You Need To Know

When CMA Fest springs to life in Nashville each year, Spotify House is always one of the top destinations-and 2025 was no different. For the sixth year, Spotify...

21/05/2025

A New Way for Fans To Get Hyped for New Albums Is Here-Meet the Upcoming Releases Hub

Marking a first, Spotify has launched the Upcoming Releases hub-a destination so...

20/05/2025

Six Captivating Audiobooks Amplify Asian and Pacific Islander Artists

Throughout the month of May, Spotify is celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month by amplifying the many artists, creators, and authors who share th...

20/05/2025

Songs of Summer 2025: Spotify's Global Editors Predicts the Anthems That Will Soundtrack the Season

It's officially summer on Spotify and, once again, our team of best-in-class...

19/05/2025

Fresh Finds Turns 10: Cheers to a Decade of Indie Artist Success

For the past decade, Spotify's Fresh Finds playlists have served as a launchpad for emerging independent artists, helping them break through and connect wit...

17/05/2025

Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month With Music, Podcasts, and Audiobooks That Illuminate a Wealth of Cultural Diversity

Globally, Asian and Pacific Islander (API) artists, creators, and authors contin...

16/05/2025

Celebrate Beyonc's COWBOY CARTER Tour With Exclusive Cover Art Stickers

As Beyonc s COWBOY CARTER Tour sparks excitement around the world, Spotify is helping the BeyHive get concert-ready with a limited-edition collection of playli...

14/05/2025

Travis Scott Electrifies Barcelona With Exclusive Live Show and El Clsico Appearance

Spotify and FC Barcelona's partnership saw its sixth jersey takeover this we...

14/05/2025

A Conversation With Spotify's New Chief HR Officer, Anna Lundstrm

At Spotify, we believe that our incredible bandmates (that's what we call our team) are the driving force behind our success. Longtime Spotifier Anna Lundst...

13/05/2025

Spotify Releases 51 Audiobooks From Bloomsbury's Popular 33 Series

Spotify aims to bring compelling audiobooks to as many consumers as possible, and we're eager to give fans even more options as they discover their next gre...

13/05/2025

Spotify's DJ Now Takes Requests, Enhancing Real-Time Music Discovery

People all over the world love DJ. At the gym, at home, whenever and wherever you want a deeper experience with great music, DJ is the answer. In fact, DJ liste...

09/05/2025

Spotify Data Reveals Eurovision 2025 Fan Favorites, With Sweden's KAJ Leading the Pack

As excitement builds for the annual Eurovision Song Contest, Spotify data offers...

07/05/2025

Experience a New Dimension of Music Discovery With More Controls and Enhanced Tools

Discovering music should feel effortless and fun. That's why Spotify continu...