I grew up in a household that seemed to have music playing constantly in the background... we didn't have cable tv until I was a teen so that is probably why I still prefer music over tv to "zone out". As a result of being raised by music lovers, my brother enjoyed playing instruments… I didn't like reading music or practicing so I didn't (though if you ask some of my close friends they'd say it's because I lack rhythm – I strongly disagree hahaha). When we built our house, G-Unit geared me up with a sound system in my studio so then I can work with music on all day (which I do). I'm a day dreamer, so I find having music on keeps me focused on my work. There is no question, music also keeps your mood positive, singing even more so. The first couple times I tried running I didn't have music on, then I started running with music and it took the experience to the next level! There is no doubt that I ran faster and harder.

With exception to country and thrasher rock I listen to a lot of different beats BUT when it comes to working out... it's gotta be fast. I spend a few minutes every day on You Tube trying to find new music for my iPod so then my exercise music stays fresh. Some songs come and go… but here are some songs that have remained on my iPod for more than a couple rotations…

For running:

Live Your Life (TI)
Knock You Down (Keri Hilson)
Man I Used to Be (KOS)
Last Night (P Diddy)
Next Episode (Dr Dre & Snoop Dogg)
You Can Do It (Ice Cube)
Promiscuous (Nelly Furtado)
The Way I Are (Timberland)
If You Seek Amy (Britney Spears)
Cross My Heart (Mariana Trench)
Kiss Me Thru The Phone (Soulja Boy)
Party Up (DMX)
4321 (KOS)
Whatever You Like (TI)
Just Dance (Lady Gaga)
Let it Rock (Kevin Rudolf)
One More Drink (Ludacris)
Shut Up (The Ting Tings)
Disturbia (Rhianna)
Damaged (Danity Kane)
American Boy (Kayne West & Estelle)
Hot & Cold (Katy Perry)
Poker Face (Lady Gaga)
Give it 2 Me (Madonna)
Sexy Can I (Ray J & Yung Berg)
Closer (Ne-Yo)
Pocketful of Sunshine (Natasha Bedingfield)
U & Ur Hand (Pink)
Girlfriend (Avril Lavigne)
Forever (Chris Brown)

Slower Songs for Cooldown:

Please Don't Leave Me (Pink)
Africa (Karl Wolf)
Heartless (Kayne West)
I Hate This Part (Pussycat Dolls)
I'm So Paid (Akon)
I'm Yours (Jason Mraz)
MIA Paper Planes
Dangerus (Kardinal Offishall)
Body on Me (Nelly)
Leavin' (Jesse McCartney)
Love Song (Sara Bareilles)
No Air (Jordin Sparks)
1234 (Feist)
New Soul (Yael Neim)
Don't Call Me Baby (Kresha Turner)

If there are any songs you think I should check out let me know.