what's our gen's bop?

We each have our own life soundtrack, especially those of us who are growing up in the Z Generation. Mine is heavily influenced by growing up in 2005 east New York with an older sister (a baby boomer) who was working with 'Impractical Jokes' at truTV in New York, New York. Individual soundtracks pull from a combination of ingredients, including when you were born, where you lived and which radio stations you listened to. But there were some songs that became part of our collective, generational playlist. Nowadays, the Internet is our radio, and the songs the DJs spin connects us to the world and to one another.

Here, in order, are the top 3 songs that this Generation Z damsel ranks among the best that spoke to and defines our generation. Yes, my list tilts more urban, R&B and late 2000's. And I realize that, like every time one person tries to represent the millions of individuals who make up the Z Generation, there will be a discussion. In fact, I’m looking forward to comparing notes. Tell Next Avenue which songs you would put on a list of music that make us who we are, in the comments section below.

1. Bodak Yellow

Cardi B has become a household name. Her number one single beat out Taylor Swift's "Look What You Made Me Do" on the Billboard charts and while there are lots of accolades on the way for Cardi B at the Hip Hop Awards — and beyond, surely, she represents our generation. So while the song's title might not have much in terms of "deep meaning", it certainly holds a new meaning for its audience. "Bodak Yellow" is now synonymous with the surprising rise of a female artist of color.

2. Sunflower

After weeks in the Billboard Hot 100’s top ten, the bright, sweet and melodic ode to love, sunflowers and other clichés dethroned Halsey’s “Without Me.” We're first introduced to Miles Morales as he mumbles his way through Swae Lee’s verse while drawing at his desk. Sunflower has become a beneficiary of our momentum.

3. 7 Rings

Writing about popular music is lousy with obnoxious words. Much of this language is also subject to a generational divide—words coined by the young are understood to be off-limits to older writers. But there is one musical term that has cropped up in post-millennial parlance because, best as I can tell. Ariana Grande’s “7 Rings” is a bop.

What do you think Z generation's bop is?

XOXO,

Personage