Welcome to Soundbytes by J., an audio scrapbook that captures the small, vivid moments that make life worth archiving. In this entry, I share my experiences from April 2025 — a month full of travel, connection, and unexpected insights. Crawfish critiques and car meet surprises, and family stories from South Carolina to Louisiana.

This is a space for memory-keeping, storytelling, and building a community through audio frequency. Feel free to join the conversation in the comments, share your takeaways, or simply vibe out. Thanks for listening.

Entry Highlights:
– "You will only ever exist here and now. Don’t live in the past or the future — happiness lives in the present."
– "Remember that it takes confidence to be stupid. Change takes time, but through consistency, you’ll begin to see it."
– "You live your best life when you do exactly what you want and stop apologizing for it."
– "Behave in ways that make you happy, and how you’re perceived will naturally filter out misaligning energies."
– "I’m at the crossroads of all the best qualities of my past and present, working toward my future self."

Features:
- Uncle Calvin
- Uncle Pop
- Mama Shirley
- Isiah Carey
- Roach & Day-Day - played by Justin Pierce & Mike Epps
- Chris H.

Credits, Full set & Extras
 📲 Connect with me: @mrgrier.pdf @j.s.grier
 🗣️ Drop a comment — this is a community.

Let’s archive something real. Pocket the little moments — they’re the seeds that grow into giant memories.

Set:
Soule - Okvsho
Hold Me Close - Nali
Only Human - SiR
Back - SiR
You're Stuck - Odeal & Summer Walker
Bone 2 Pic - Angie Stone
The Fall - Maxwell
Tam Tam - Venna
Me at The Zoo - S. Fidelity & Abase
Higher Plains - Clever Austin
Music - Cleo Sol

entry one - ep. one - april 2025

Welcome to Soundbytes by J., an audio scrapbook that captures the small, vivid moments that make life worth archiving. In this entry, I share my experiences from May 2025 — a month of fellowship, celebration, and blessings. 

This is a space for memory-keeping, storytelling, and building a community through audio frequency. Feel free to join the conversation in the comments, share your takeaways, or simply vibe out. Thanks for listening.

Entry Highlights:
– "Life keeps moving — plan or no plan. So take the chance; that moment may never come again."
– "You already have everything you need. Open your aperture. Pay attention. Be grateful."
– "Gratitude prepares you to receive what you’ve been praying for."
– "Don’t think chicken thoughts. You’re an eagle. Fly accordingly."
– "Know the difference between loving someone and being in love with them."
– "No misery is worth complaining about. Lead every day like it’ll go in your favor."

Features:
- Jasmine
- Granny Laurette

Credits, Full set & Extras
 📲 Connect with me: @mrgrier.pdf @j.s.grier
 🗣️ Drop a comment — this is a community.

Let’s archive something real. Pocket the little moments — they’re the seeds that grow into giant memories.

Set:
a FEW songs - Saba
Reciprocity - Saba
Come Unto Me - Take 6
Rooftop Summer - E. Jones
Blessed Like That - threetwenty
Abusey Junction - Kokoroko

make sumn - ep II - may 2025

In this June entry, I’m moving with meaning. I’m learning to take up space with purpose, to chase the things that light me up, and to lean into the messiness of caring deeply. This month is all about patience, clarity, and showing up with intention—whether that means standing firm on what I believe, redefining failure as a foundation, or remembering that my regular life is someone else’s dream.

This is a space for memory-keeping, storytelling, and building a community through audio frequency. Feel free to join the conversation in the comments, share your takeaways, or simply vibe out. Thanks for listening.

Features:
Amita Tao - Issa (Adults)
Grandma Martha
Uncle Chris
Saba - (Atlanta Concert)

Credits & Extras:
 📲 Connect with me: @mrgrier.pdf @j.s.grier
 🗣️ Drop a comment — this is a community.

Let’s archive something real. Pocket the little moments — they’re the seeds that grow into giant memories.

Set:
It’s Love - De’leon rmx
Swallow My Pride - Budgie
It Is What It Is - THundercat
Sicily Box - Venna
Portrait Of Tracey - Yussef Dayes


move with meaning - ep. three - june 2025

In this July entry, I’m tending to the maintenance—checking in on how I’ve been moving through life, and making space to adjust the things that no longer fit. Halfway through the year, I’m learning to move with more discernment: being intentional about the energy I carry, the people I keep close, and the goals I choose to chase.

Turning 30 isn’t far off, and that milestone has me thinking about where I’m headed—not with pressure, but with clarity. This episode is a mid-year tune-up. A reminder that consistency is care, that rest is resistance, and that the road ahead is only as smooth as the work you’re willing to put in now.

This is a space for memory-keeping, storytelling, and building a community through audio frequency. Feel free to join the conversation in the comments, share your takeaways, or simply vibe out. Thanks for listening.

Features:
- Alicia Bordeaux
- Grandma Martha
- Granny Nancy (The Gemini)
- Aunt Sharon
- Uncle Dean

Extras: 
 📲 Connect with me: @mrgrier.pdf @j.s.grier
 🗣️ Drop a comment — this is a community.

Let’s archive something real. Pocket the little moments — they’re the seeds that grow into giant memories.

Set:
Love to The World Prayer - LTD
Flight of the Blackbyrd - Zo! ft. Phonte
Liberation - Outkast
Bigger Picture - Big KRIT
Do Wop - Lauryn Hill
I Try - Angela Bofil
Hereditary - Isaiah Rashad
LMK - Ambre
Pick It Up - Nayomhi, jamie.stew, gracel
B.A.B.E. - Sault
Idea 5 (Call My Name) - Kokoroko

service due - ep. four - july 2025

August has been a month of sharpening edges and softening where it matters. In this entry, I reflect on what it means to grow in the quiet—measuring myself not against others, but against yesterday’s version of me, and showing up better today.
This episode is about becoming: about learning patience, trusting timing, choosing decisions over hesitation, and letting actions speak louder than words. It’s about understanding that sometimes the quiet work shifts more than the loudest effort ever could.

Through music, reflection, and voices of wisdom, I share what this season has taught me: that fear can sharpen your strike, setbacks can become training, and what was meant to break you often prepares you for what’s next.
If something here resonates—hold onto it, share it, and pass it on. Soundbytes is about connection, reflection, and becoming the best version of ourselves, one day at a time. Thank you for listening. This is Soundbytes.

🎶 Featuring music by Freddie Gibbs & Anderson .Paak, NxWorries, Flwr Chyld, Bevie Hill, prodThina, and more.
 🗣️ Featuring voices of wisdom from TJ Hunt, Alicia the Seamstress, and others.

 📲 Connect with me: @mrgrier.pdf @j.s.grier
 🗣️ Drop a comment, like, repost.

Features:
TJ Hunt
Alicia (@aliciatheseamstress)
TJ Hunt (@tjhunt_)
Bashar (@basharchanneling)
Myles Munroe (@mylesmunroe)
Fooli (@foolithechemist)
David Sabastian (@davidsabastiananti)
Granny Nancy (the GEMINI)

Set:
Ensalada - Freddie Gibbs (ft. Anderson .Paak)
a good man with a broken heart - LoVibe.
ThankU - NxWorries
Break Me Down/ Here with You - Flwr Chyld
Picasso Jazz (Intro) - prodThina
jaz sayvyuh - Bevie Hill
Ahh - Athletic Progression


becoming - ep. five - august 2025

September was a month of pruning, patience, and presence. I found myself learning to let go of what doesn’t serve me, making space for what does, and trusting the quiet process of growth. Even the spiders covering Georgia this month reminded me that persistence weaves beauty over time.

In this entry, I reflect on choosing myself over distraction, listening to the heart over the noise of the head, and realizing that the “impossible” is often just waiting on someone brave enough to try. It’s about recognizing the habits we do out of muscle memory, asking if they really serve us, and having the courage to release what doesn’t. Through music, family wisdom, and a few lessons gathered along the way, I share how September taught me the power of patience, clarity, and courage.

If something here resonates—hold onto it, share it, and carry it forward. Soundbytes is about connection, reflection, and becoming the best version of ourselves, one season at a time.

🎶 Featuring music by Yussef Dayes, Venna & Jorja Smith, Musiq Soulchild, Potatohead People, Elmiene, Destin Conrad, and IDK.
 🗣️ Featuring voices of wisdom from Bashar, Abbot Elementary, my Uncle Pop, and others.

Thank you for listening. This is Soundbytes.

 📲 Connect with me: @mrgrier.pdf @j.s.grier
 🗣️ Drop a comment, like, repost.

Features:
- Uncle Pop
- Bashar (@basharchanneling)
- Abbot Elementary
- The Long Walk
- Highest 2 Lowest

Set:
- Cowrie Charms - Yussef Dayes, Leon Thoams, Barabara Hicks 
- Numero Uno - Venna
- Myself - Venna, Jorja Smith
- Momentinlife - Musiq Soulchild, CeeLo Green, Kindred The Family Soul
- Nightbird - Potatohead People, Slippery Elm
- Miss Hot July - Elmiene
- wHIP - Destin Conrad
- Superwoman - IDK, Musiq Soulchild

september webs – ep. six - september 2025

Meet the host episode of Philotropical Vibes, hosted by Peace Maker Grier. Purpose: Bridge the gap between the adult and teenage language and understanding of things. Making uncomfortable conversations comfortable again.

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier:
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter: @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Quote:
"The only think holding you back is yourself." -Unknown

Background Music:
Vacation - Julian Avila

Thanks for your support. Please like and share.

Meet The Host

The very first episode of Philotropical Vibes! Just a short little chat with host, Peace Maker Grier about procrastination, not letting perfecting get in the way of completion, a new concept of time, sleep and enjoying life without worrying about the various forms of measurements in the world.

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier:
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter: @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Quote:
"You’re not your salary, your house bedroom and bathroom count, and no matter how big your bank account is, your grave is 6ft under just like everyone else’s." -Unknown

"Time is one thing that comes and goes every single day but it is also something that we can never get back." -Jaylin Grier

"Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored." -Earl Nightingale.

Background Music:
Sing About Me (Instrumental) - Kendrick Lamar

Thanks for your support. Please like and share.

Episode 001

Life is Not Short

A conversation I had with my Uncle over the summer. Just a little backyard talk about youth and our sense of entitlement, respect, growing up, and anything else. 

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Quote:
“It is easy, when you are young, to believe that what you desire is no less than what you deserve, to assume that if you want something badly enough, it is your God-given right to have it.” 
― Jon Krakauer

Background Music:
Happy Feelings - Frankie Beverly & Maze

Thanks for your support. Please like and/or Subscribe

Episode 002

Youth and Entitlement

A little something different. Instead of a conversation, this episode is the start to a new segment; The Student Study Set List. Music for the road, studying, reading, cleaning or whatever else you do that requires you to stay focused or pass time.

Set List:
1. On The Map | Mick Jenkins (ft. BADBADNOTGOOD)
2. Tokyo | FKJ
3. Losing My Way | Fkj & Tom Misch
4. Orbit | Sue Lily
5. (No One Knows Me) Like The Piano | Sampha
6. Incomplete Kisses | Sampha
7. Cranes In The Sky | Sampha
8. Man Like You (Cover) | Patrick Watson
9. Tom Misch | Follow
10. Tom Misch | I Wish
11. JMSN | Power
12. Love Again | Ta-Ku (ft. JMSN & Sango)
13. Brazilian Blowjob | Mr. Carmack
14. Tadow | FKJ & Masego
15. Learning For Your Love | Marcus Marr & Chet Faker
16. Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition) | Teedra Moses
17. Out Of My Head | Steve Lacyy head
18. Only One | Lido & Jaden Smith
19. Fallen | Jaden Smith
20. Terrified (Zikomo Remix) | Childish Gambino
21. C U Girl | Steve Lacy
22. Saywhat | Jay Robb

Most of these people are underground. I purposefully did that. If you knew the song, you would be tempted to sing along, defeating the purpose of keeping you attentive. A lot of great segments are coming soon. Keep on listening! 

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Thanks for your support. Please Like, Share and/or Subscribe

Episode 003

Study Music I

A dumb decision that turned into a good little conversation. Hope you enjoy. Reach out to me with the information below. I respond!

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Background Music:
1. Long Way | Roach Beats

Quote:
"He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life."
― Muhammad Ali

Source/Inspiration:
David from Curry Honda

Thanks for your support. Please like and/or Subscribe

Episode 014

Weird Situations To Great Conversations

Set List:
1. Best Part | Daju
2. Get You | Coastal Conversion
3. Get To Know You | Kaytranada
4. On My Mind | Jersey Club
5. Where Did I Go | Govi
6. Cruel Intentions | JMSN ft. Snoh Aalegra
7. Know What I Want | Esta
8. Finesse | Beau Collins
9. Lost | Yung Heat
10. Tender | Illuid Haller Beats
11. Get You | Krs
12. On My Mind | Tera Kòrá
13. Friday Morning | Khruangbin

Study/ Sleep Set List

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Thanks for your support. Please Like, Share and/or Subscribe

Episode 021

Study Music XI

Study Music XII (Inspiration)

A good conversation with a good friend @kaldezx_ (Kimontae Martin) about the different experiences students have at an HBCU vs. a PWI and more. He came through and dropped some gems. Good pieces of wisdom. Listen! More content from us coming soon. 

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Thanks for your support. Please like and/or Subscribe

Episode 030

PWI Vs. HBCU (ft. Kimontae Martin)

Here is a set of all of my favorite NPR Tiny Desk Performances. Enjoy! Also, listed below are all of the songs featured in order from start to finish. Let me know which ones were your favorite!

Songs:
Tom Misch
- It Runs Through Me
- I Wish
Daniel Caesar
- Get You
Jorja Smith
- Blue Lights
Erykah Badu
- Green Eyes
H.E.R
- Focus
Anderson Paak. 
- Heart Don't Stand A Chance
Tyler the Creator 
- Boredom 
- Glitter
Mac Miller
- Small Worlds
- What's the Use?
Saba
- Heaven All Around Me
- Life
Jidenna
- Trampoline
Noname
- Reality Check
- Casket Pretty
- Bye Bye Baby

Contact Information:
philotropicalvibes@gmail.com
Twitter: @phivibespodcast

Peace Maker Grier
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Thanks for your support. Please Like, Share and/or Subscribe

NPR Tiny Desk Favs

Here is a very interesting conversation between me and the host of Creative Universe (Create A Universe on Youtube)about how to pick the right people around you, the Ideal relationship setup, A power balance in relationships, mentor & mentees, and when to find a partner.

Quotes:
"The only peak is death."

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Hope you all enjoy!

Hope you all enjoy!

Relationships & Mentors ft. Creative Universe

Sneak Drop: A conversation about Education ft. Create A Universe (Kimontae Martin)

Links:
https://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/schools-tale-two-fultons/wKdUFX2cYqPsUVgl6Gah7O/

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Hope you all enjoy!

Education

Here is a set of all of my favorite COLORS music performances with Maya Angelou and Oprah inspirational transitions. Enjoy! Also, listed below are all of the songs featured in order from start to finish. Let me know which ones were your favorite!

Sets:
00:00 | Justine's Interlude
- Goldlink

02:14 | 69 Camero
- Kyle Dion

05:12 | It Runs Through Me
- Tom Misch

09:41 | ShipTrip
- KYLE

12:26 | Rough Soul
- Goldlink

15:06 | Time
- Rexx Life Raj

19:19 | There You Go
- Saba

22:48 | Toast
- Koffee

25:52 | Tropicana
- Topaz Jones

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Hope you all enjoy!

A COLORS SHOW Favs

Study Music (ft. Maya Angelou)

I wanted to share the thoughts I had after watching the new Netflix mini-series When They See Us. There is a lot more I could say so I may record a part 2. Comment your thoughts or reach out to me to further discuss. Thanks for the support!

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker

When They See Us

Study Music

Hi guys,
Enjoy this conversation with Dasia about Homophobia in the African American community. I attempted to combine the music element of the podcast within the interviews. Let me know what you think about this. Keep them separate or together. I may not be a great interviewer but those mixes tho!? 

Pardon the sounds of trains, planes, and nature. This is what it's like living in the south side of Atlanta and I wanted to capture this conversation regardless of what it took. Thanks for listening and supporting as usual!

Homophobia in the African American Community

Here's a short Study List with Lofi type reverbs of some of my favorite songs this week. Enjoy

Mix List:
00:00 | Supermodel - Sza

03:30 | Roll Some Mo - Lucky Daye

09:00 | Entropy - Daniel Caesar

14:00 | Call - Lucky Daye

18:07 | Cyanide - Daniel Caesar

21:40 | The Palisades - Childish Gambino

25:10 | Yada Yada - Anderson. Paak

29:05 | Lost - Chance the Rapper (ft. Noname)

32:37 | Church Liquor Store - Saba (ft. Noname)

37:55 | Only If - Steve Lacy

39:50 | She My Girl (That's On Life) - Lil James Tucker

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Hope you all enjoy!

Study Music (Reverb Lofi Music)

Study Music (Sleep)

Study Music (Chill)

Hi Guys! Welcome to a new series I'm going to call Life Lessons where I release a life lesson that I've learned weekly for as long as I can. I hope you all enjoy and I want you to participate as well. Share your life lessons with me via the social media tags listed below. Thanks again!

Song: Purple Tuesday - Rejjie Snow

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Hope you all enjoy!

Life Lessons: Your Steps Are Ordered

According to the engagement, you guys really enjoyed my Colors Show Favs, so here is part 2. I hope you guys enjoy! Let me know what are your favorites. 

A Colors Show Set:
00:00 | This Side - EarthGang
04:32 | Bad Commando - Rema
06:18 | Attention - Tiwa Savage
09:40 | Fake Names - Freddie Gibbs
12:55 | Downers - Greentea Peng
16:28 | Mornin Dew - Sunni Colon
19:36 | John Redcorn - SiR
23:12 | Rose - YellowStraps
26:55 | Hell N Back - Bakar
30:24 | How You Feel - Swsh
33:19 | Morning Blue - Gaidaa
37:16 | Cashmere Tears - Kojey Radical
40:50 | Make Me Cry - Pip Millett
43:30 | Dang - Fatima
48:07 | Buying Time - Lucky Daye
52:00 | Orbit - Nao
55:50 | Matalib - Sammany
58:28 | Eleven - Kojey Radical
60:35 | Acalanto - Luedji Luna

Get Connected:
Twitter: @beingabetteryou

Host: Jay. G.
IG: @jaylin.grier
Twitter @thepeacemaker
Snapchat: @emperor_grier

Hope you all enjoy!

A COLORS SHOW Favs (Pt. 2)

NPR Tiny Desk Favs Pt. 2

Jam Session I

Jam Session II

Jam Session III: Classics

Jam Session IV

Welcome to Soundbytes by J. - An Audio Scrapbook.

Let’s archive something real. Pocket the little moments — they’re the seeds that grow into giant memories.

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