Ford Ent Magazine Joins the Writing Sessions America Playlist Challenge

Fifty songs. One tough job: picking the best 25.

Ford Ent Magazine was honored to be invited to the latest Writing Sessions America (WSA) Playlist Session. A group of us gathered to listen to 50 songs together, then were assigned to choose our top 25 for a personal playlist. Listening together makes a difference. You feel the room react when a beat drops or a lyric lands, and you hear other people’s takes in real time.

The night was a strong batch of artists. Each song was as impressive as the one before it, and trimming the list was a really tough call.

Our Standouts

“Who Dat” by Candance was our early favorite. It’s very “Mother Earth,” lyrical, and it sounds like poetry. It’s #1 on our playlist.

“Only You” by Sharese Janay opens with strings and builds into a powerful vocal performance. Sharese also delivered with “Single Mama,” which we loved for its vibe and lyrics.

“Youaholic” by Country Boy SangIt has the vibe of an old-school love song, and we loved it. We are way overdue to bring back vulnerability into music.

“Nene B.” by SoulTies and “Close 2 U” by Layaloanz are both smooth and sexy, and they rounded out our top five.

Standout Talent: Mia Hunt

One name dominated our playlist: Mia Hunt. She made her mark as both an artist and a writer, landing three songs on our playlist. That kind of range, in front of the mic and behind the scenes, is what this challenge is about.

More Highlights

• “Night Life” by Myra Jower is the perfect get-ready song before a night out with the girls.
• “Up the Lake” by MJ has a great vibe, and the guitar solo takes it over the top.
• “Pop That!” by StarzWitBarz is a fire beat made for a sweaty club night with strobe lights, flowing drinks, and moving bodies. Starz also appears on “Play Wit Me” with Rocki Boulis, a track with real potential and nice flows.
• “Said What I Said!!” by Jazzy J comes from a seasoned artist, and you can tell. It’s very confident and the perfect anthem for standing on business.
• “Stand On It” by Josh Banton & Jazzy J is a real vibe, the kind of song you’ll shout in the car at max volume for a boost of motivation.
• “The Top” by Ruthed brings vacation vibes with an islandy beat and flow.

The Full Playlist

1. Who Dat – Candance
2. Only You – Sharese Janay
3. Youaholic – Country Boy SangIt
4. SoulTies – Nene B.
5. Close 2 U – Layaloanz
6. Night Life – Myra Jower
7. Stand On It – Josh Banton & Jazzy J
8. Up the Lake – MJ
9. Pop That! – StarzWitBarz
10. Play Wit Me – Rocki Boulis ft. StarzWitBarz
11. Said What I Said!! – Jazzy J
12. The Top – Ruthed
13. Single Mama – Sharese Janay
14. Hood Chic – Heather Elaine
15. Want You All To Myself – Ben One
16. Give Me Grace – Angelique Moore
17. Make Room for Me – Candace Harris
18. You Belong 2 Me – Sammie Spice
19. You Got It – K Melodi
20. Close Your Eyes – Blacc Licorish
21. Ex (Favorite Drug) – Meetch & Essence
22. Breathing Room – Mia Hunt
23. Best With You – Sammie Spice
24. You Gon Be Mine – Mia Hunt
25. Get It Right – Mia Hunt

What’s Next: UME 2026

The final playlist will be revealed at the 13th Annual Unplugged Music Experience & Conference (UME 2026), November 12–15, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia. The theme is “Old School Rules with New School Tools.” The four days include:

• Thursday: Kickoff Party/Mixer at Atlantucky Brewing, with a keynote from platinum producer Darrell “Delite” Allamby
• Friday: Conference programming at Rolling Out Magazine, including a Music Indipreneur workshop, a Film & TV “Panel and Pitch” session, and an MLC workshop, followed by the 13th Annual Icon Awards at Morehouse College’s Ray Charles Performing Arts Center
• Saturday: Workshops, live radio listening sessions, a fireside chat, and the Hitmaker’s Academy forum, then the Closeout Party/Mixer
• Sunday: Closing workshops and the UME 2026 Closing Event

We’re looking forward to being there to see who makes the final cut.

Join the Playlist Challenge

The challenge continues next Sunday. Listen to all 50 songs, pick your top 25, and send your personal playlist to syncandmusicwsa2026@gmail.com.

For more information, contact wsaume2026biz@gmail.com, visit writingsessionsamerica.net, or follow @writingsessionsamerica on Instagram.

#UME2026 #SquadUp2026 #WritingSessionsAmerica #FordEntMagazine