About me: I collect moments just as much as I collect music. Whether I’m exploring a new city, digging through record bins, or listening to an album on my turntable, I’m always chasing experiences that stay with me.
I’m a traveler, music lover, and proud mother who believes every record has a story and every collection reflects the person behind it.
Favorite genres: 90s R&B, Soul, Funk, Hip Hop, Disco, Quiet Storm, and Neo Soul.
Favorite musicians: Choosing favorites is never easy, but the artists I return to the most are Marvin Gaye, SWV, Mobb Deep, Mary J. Blige, Donna Summer, and Anita Baker.
Q&A:
When and why did you start collecting vinyl?
I started collecting vinyl in 2017, but my journey as a collector actually began in 2006 with CDs. Growing up, my dad had an incredible collection of records and CDs, so I was always surrounded by music. Watching him build his collection inspired me to start my own.
Vinyl gave me an even deeper appreciation for music. I love the artwork, liner notes, sound quality, and the experience of listening to an album from beginning to end. Collecting is my way of preserving music history and honoring the artists who created the soundtrack to our lives.
What was the first record ever in your collection?
I Want You by Marvin Gaye. Before I started collecting vinyl, I was the kid buying mixtapes from DJs like DJ Clue and J-Love. Then, I built a huge CD collection. When I finally started collecting records, I Want You felt like the perfect album to begin my vinyl journey.
What’s the most recent addition to your collection?
It’s About Time by SWV. I had been waiting a while for this album to be repressed because original copies had become so expensive. I couldn’t have been happier when it was finally made available again.
Where are your favorite places to crate dig and/or buy records?
I love crate digging at independent record stores, record fairs, and thrift stores, but my favorite part is finding record shops whenever I travel. Every city has its own music culture, and I love bringing a piece of that experience home with me.
What have you been spinning non-stop lately?
Lately, it’s been Mary J. Blige’s What’s the 411? and My Life. Those two albums never get old. I keep coming back to them because they’re honest, timeless, and remind me why there is only one MJB!
What’s your favorite album of all time?
Rapture by Anita Baker. Choosing one favorite album is almost impossible, but this one never leaves my rotation. The blend of jazz, soul, and R&B is simply beautiful.
Anita Baker’s voice is so warm and expressive that every song feels like an experience. It’s an album that has stayed with me through different seasons of my life, and I never get tired of hearing it.
What era of music are you currently exploring or re-discovering?
Lately I’ve been diving into ‘90s house music. I didn’t grow up listening to a lot of house, so it’s been exciting discovering artists and mixes that I missed the first time around. I’ve been listening to artists like Crystal Waters, Robin S., Frankie Knuckles, Jocelyn Brown, Degrees of Motion, Alison Limerick, and LNR.
There’s something about the energy, soul, and emotion in ‘90s house that just speaks to me. It’s become one of my favorite genres to explore, and I feel like I’m only scratching the surface.
What’s an album you consider flawless from start to finish with no skips?
It’s difficult for me to name just one because there are so many albums I consider masterpieces for different reasons. To me, a flawless album is one that tells a complete story, where every song has a purpose, and nothing feels out of place. If I can listen from the first track to the last without wanting to skip a song, that’s a flawless album.
What’s on your wishlist for 2026?
I’m always looking for clean original pressings of ’70s soul and ‘90s R&B, rare promotional releases, and albums that have become difficult to find. I’m also hoping to continue growing a collection that reflects the history and evolution of Black music.
Any advice for fellow collectors?
Build your collection around your interests. Don’t collect just to have a lot of records or to impress other people. Buy the music that speaks to you because, at the end of the day, you’re building your own personal music library. Years from now, every record should remind you of why you wanted it in the first place.
***Beautifully said! Khadijah’s collection carries memories, musical history, travel stories, and pieces of the eras she loves most.
Follow her, @songsinmymirror, to keep up with her collecting journey, and DM @soultaurean on Instagram if you’d like to be featured next!