This new monthly column dives into the albums, tracks, podcasts, and other audio projects the Boardroom team can’t stop playing.
If you’re looking for something new to listen to, the Boardroom team has you covered.
Welcome to our new monthly column spotlighting what’s been on repeat in our headphones. From albums and mixtapes to podcasts and playlists, consider this your dose of listening inspo. And if you’ve been following along, this is the sister column to our monthly roundup highlighting what we’re watching.
I’ve been binging The Summer I Turned Pretty ahead of the series finale, and honestly, my music library shows it. Yes, I still use Shazam — and the soundtrack has put me on to some real gems. Des’ree’s “I’m Kissing You” (a haunting ’90s ballad that still gives goosebumps), Artemas’ viral hit “i like the way you kiss me,” Olivia Rodrigo’s raw “1 step forward, 3 steps back,” and Kim Petras’ shimmering “Can’t Do Better” have all landed squarely in my rotation.
What makes this soundtrack so special is how wide-ranging and deliberate it feels. It swings from throwback classics to the most current pop drops, all in service of amplifying the emotions on screen. Creator Jenny Han even went as far as handwriting letters to artists like Taylor Swift to secure the perfect songs, and that kind of intention is why the music feels less like background noise and more like a heartbeat for the story.
And while I’ve been wrapped up in Cousins Beach drama, the rest of the Boardroom crew has been building their own eclectic playlists. Here’s what everyone else has been listening to this month.
Subscribe for the biggest stories in the business of sports and entertainment, daily.
Boardroom’s Picks
Andrea Masenda, Senior Director, Video
Every Wednesday, Andrea is tuning into the Keep It! podcast, where host Louis Virtel blends sharp humor with cultural commentary, often joined by guest co-hosts to dissect the week’s biggest moments in pop culture and politics. On the reading side, she recently picked up Nightbitch, though she admits it may not be a book she finishes.
Audrey Blackmore, Video Producer
Audrey is listening to Khamari’s To Dry a Tear album. She says the rising R&B artist channels a Frank Ocean–like sound, pairing soulful vocals with meaningful lyrics that make his music stand out. She’s also got Elmiene’s new mixtape on repeat, especially the track “Damage Control.” Although young, Elmiene draws from classic R&B influences and delivers heartbreak songs with a maturity that feels both timeless and fresh.
Bernadette Doykos, Senior Director, Partnership Marketing and Strategy
“Barry Can’t Swim is releasing more music than I can keep up with, but somehow it’s mostly good? Good vibes, fun beats. Currently cannot stop streaming “All My Friends,” both the original and Spotify Live Room versions.
Also, been popping on Olivia Dean‘s soulful vibes into my headphones to provide the perfect soundtrack when I want to pretend that I’m the main character in a rom-com while strolling the streets.”
Damien Scott, Vice President, Content
“Fergie Baby, Harlem River Drive.
What does New York rap sound like in 2025? A quick perusal of the Hot 100 would lead you to believe it sounds like some permutation of drill as delivered by stylists like Ice Spice or Cash Cobain. But, if you were to ask Harlem rapper Fergie Baby, he’d likely say it sounds the way it’s always sounded. That’s because the uptown upstart has taken his cues from past Harlem legends like Cam’ron and Max B. His latest project, Harlem River Drive, which dropped in February, is backed by adeptly chopped and sped-up soul samples with drums that nod to the boom bap era without actually booming and bapping. You may hear him approximate a drill flow here and there, but those feel more like concessions than a permanent aesthetic. The album shows him as a nimble practitioner and student of the game. Whether telling heart-wrenching stories (“Beautiful Day”), getting lit with friends and women he would like to be friends with (“Drive Da Boat”), or just putting on for his city (“Harlem River Drive”), Baby proves himself ready to be NYC’s next star.”
Griffin Adams, Manager, Content Operations
“I’m a converted Belieber and I’m not ashamed to admit it. Could never deny his talent, but the young Justin wasn’t really for me. This new stuff, though, on SWAG and SWAG II? That’s right up my alley. I really dig the funky guitar and raspy production throughout, and honestly, it just feels like he’s actually putting out music that HE wants, no corporate influence. Be free, Biebs, be free. And one more note: He even brought back Hurricane Chris — yes, the genius behind the 2007 classic “A Bay Bay” — for a feature.
Elsewhere, I’m a mixed bag, man. When I’m at the gym, I could be listening to anything from “Since 6ix” by Key Glock to “Untouched” by The Veronicas, and everything in between. And whenever I’m doing chores, I kind of revert back to the same songs I’ve been listening to for years. Not really a podcast guy, but maybe should get into that more. I’ll check out this here editorial to see what’s hot!”
Michelai Graham, Entertainment Reporter and On-Camera Talent
“I’ve been binging The Summer I Turned Pretty ahead of the series finale, and honestly, my music library shows it. Yes, I still use Shazam — and the soundtrack has put me on to some real gems. A few favorites: Des’ree’s “I’m Kissing You,” Artemas’ “i like the way you kiss me,” Olivia Rodrigo’s “1 step forward, 3 steps back,” and Kim Petras’ “Can’t Do Better.”
I’ve got a lot more to say about this soundtrack, but for now, just know, it’s giving what it needs to give.”
Shlomo Sprung, Staff Writer
“Things have been heavy this week in the world, so keeping things light with a new jazz album from Destin Conrad, a few smooth grooves from Justin Bieber‘s SWAG II, and Pablo Torre‘s multi-part podcast series investigating the Los Angeles Clippers.”
Vinciane Ngomsi, Reporter and Digital Creator
“One of my favorite albums this year was Mayhem by Lady Gaga, and I truly can’t end the day without listening to “Vanish Into You.” I’m also listening to a lot of BigXThaPlug; his style is so beyond catchy and perfect for my running playlist. Finally, the new Burna Boy and Davido records have been on repeat since they came out. Afrobeats has been having a moment, but these two continue to push its boundaries with new sounds. Davido’s “Awuke” with YG Marley will likely be my most-listened-to song of 2025, calling it now!”
Yoni Mernick, Senior Director, Social Media
“Jon Bellion’s Father Figure.
The title track is a genre-bending masterclass (see for yourself), while features from Pharrell, Jon Batiste, and Luke Combs stretch the album across sounds few others could seamlessly tie together. A deeper dive into his catalog only reinforces that his fingerprints are on some of the biggest hits of the past decade. One of the most brilliant songwriting minds in music today.”
Read More:
Paolo Banchero & Chet Holmgren Go Head-to-Head in NBA 2K26
Studbudz Are the Real Thing
Boardroom and Under Armour Spotlight Top-tier MLB Talent in ‘King of Diamonds’ Content Series
Kroenke, Harris Blitzer, & Jerry Jones: Sports’ Most Valuable Ownership Empires
In DC, the Washington Spirit Create Space for Everyone
