Pride can be a dangerous thing. However, being proud of oneself—and wanting those close to us to be just as proud—is the oil that keeps most human-based “machines” going. We strive to be better than we were yesterday, not only for ourselves but for our loved ones.

For example, I’m the type of friend/lover/homie/bestie/whatevertheheck who wants to see everyone win. I know that, at times, others can’t win as much without a little push. I’m also the type who wants to, well, make my mother proud of the man I’ve become. So, I often give that push to others and it makes me feel good to help others. It also makes me proud of where I am and how I couldn’t have done it without my family and those who were/are happy for my wins and proud of them. Simply put, the SOTB you see/read right now is a much-better version of me than what I presented at 16 or even 26.

Getting back to “Making You Proud,” Chistopha’s song speaks on these wins, these good times and beautiful moments that make us who we are. After all, without taking an appropriate amount of pride in ourselves and our journey helps grow those around us. The song is a mix sonically between boombap and alt-rap vibes. It’s kind of like a mix between early Cole and early Cudi with a Neptunes-like twist on the beat. What helps this one succeed is that the song itself is energetic without being hyper and positive without being cloying. I also love the second verse of the track and the rhyme schemes he employs here.

Check out the track above and support dope music in all its forms.