“You may feel 2020 was bad and next year is going to be better,” E.SO, rapper and leader of hip-hop group MJ116, tells Apple Music. “But if it isn’t, there’s nothing to be afraid of—you’ve already gotten through this terrible year.” Before the pandemic, the artist spent time focusing on his first solo album, Outta Body, marking a transition from the tougher style he’s known for. A solo trip to El Nido, a Filipino municipality known for its white-sand beaches, allowed him time to enjoy the little things in life. “I was having a beer on the beach, not spending a dime, and I felt as happy as anyone. I even made a song called ‘Something I Don’t Need’. We’re so obsessed with chasing after someone else’s success, and that gives me a lot of thoughts.” E.SO’s Chinese New Year playlist is inspired by that very carefree, reflective philosophy. “To me, playlists are something you listen to when you’re driving,” he says, “because it’s just you in that space. Your emotions tend to expand. But you sort of let your train of thought run through.” These tracks provide a glimpse into the rapper’s personal influences, which range from Jaden Smith, Rich Brian and Wale to Leonard Cohen and Peter Frampton. “All the artists I like have very specific expressions—you can instantly tell who they are. And that’s my idea of making music.” It’s music made for deep thought and peaceful reflection ahead of a new year—one that E.SO hopes will be filled with excitement. “I’m really excited to put up a solo show,” he says. “And I need to improve my freediving and surfing.”