My fellow people. Music plays such a role in our lives, we don't realize it. It gives us energy. It relaxes us. It empowers us. It does it all. Music exists in the form of many genres: from classical to rock to hip-hop, all the way to pop. You could be walking to an 8 a.m. class and decide to put on some Paramore. You could be up in the gym and listen to some Zedd or Drake. You can be in a dandy mood and dance to some Michael Jackson. OR you can be jazzy and put on some Louis Armstrong. Music has no race. It evokes emotions. That's its job. Get over IT!

I have been asked so many questions about my taste in music. From strangers to friends and family. They would tell me, "Turn that white stuff off. You're not them. Stop with that screaming. That isn't you. Shouldn't you be listening to black artists like Drake, Young Thug or Big Sean. You're an African-American man." My response to this is: Yes. I listen to Drake. I'm a fan of Young Thug and Big Sean. They're black artists. "...But you're also a fan of 'white music' like Motorhead, Rage Against the Machine, Two Door Cinema Club and Katy Perry?" Motorhead and Rage Against the Machine are two of my three favorite rock bands. Here's a little history lesson: did you know that rock and roll music originated from multiple African-American genres during the 1940s and '50s? (By the way, Katy Perry is just awesome, catchy and fun!)

Everyone expects me to be the "normal" African-American guy when it comes to music preference, blasting arrogant rap music that says the N-word in every song. Rap music that talks about wearing the newest Rolex watch. Rap music that demeans women in each and every sense. Yes, I listen to that. But just because I am an African-American that listens to all sorts of genres besides rap, that doesn't make me "white, an Oreo or The Whitest Black Person You Know." That makes me exactly who I am. Me.

I can sit here and complain that, "All blacks should listen to rap. White people should stick to their pop music," but that would make me ignorant, closed-minded, egotistical, pompous. People should be open to experimenting with their music. If you listen to the Beatles or the Rolling Stones, attempt to listen to some Kendrick Lamar. If you think Drake is emotional, listen to a different kind of emotional and plug into metal band Killswitch Engage. For those who like electronic dance music (EDM), instead of "turning up," relax and jam to the one and only Bob Marley. It's 2016. We are all growing up and living in an era where it is okay to be different. Music is no exception. We need to look at the world in multiple lenses. Not just one. Just plugging in your headphones and listening to something different can make you look at the world differently. You'll feel better.