Player Playlist

Player Playlist: DC's Bill Hamid on what gets his mind right before a game

JLab - Player Playlist - Bill Hamid

Bill Hamid's outspoken personality and passionate play have made him almost as famous as his goalkeeping. His unique energy and signature emotional play has brought so much to the pitch since first debuting for D.C. United in 2010.


It's no surprise that Hamid is just as emotional about his music choices as he is on the field. We caught up with him to see what he listens to before matches, music experiences that shaped his life, and most importantly, who should never be in charge of the AUX cord in the D.C. United locker room.



What type of music do you listen to before games?

Right before a match, I'm listening to trap music. Music from Atlanta, anything that originates in the south. That's artists like Migos, Future, 21 Savage, Drake and The Weeknd ... The Weeknd isn't really trap. He slows it down a bit, which eases my nerves.


What does music do that gets your mind right for a match?

Early in the day, I listen to R&B and soul music, more than anything else, to ease my nerves and calm my senses before a game. I try to walk into a game with the right mindset and focus so I can stay calm. Music does a lot for me spiritually and helps me have the right thoughts and get into the right mindset. Music is a great key to unlocking what your soul is really about ... how you feel, think, operate and treat people. All that can be altered by the right song.


In the D.C. United locker room, who's in charge of the AUX cord?

I am the one in charge of the aux cord in the D.C. United locker room. They already know. If they want the good music, I got it. If you need music in D.C., I'm your guy.


Who should definitely NOT be in charge of the AUX cord?

Wayne Rooney should not have the aux cord. Definitely not. One, he can't dance. And two, his music is just... not that good.


What's your guilty pleasure song? A song that you wouldn't to come up when your playlist is on shuffle.


I ... I'm not going to tell you that. (Laughs) ... let's move on to the next question.


What's the best concert you've ever been to?

I went to the best concert of my life when I was a young guy in love. So if I were to consider everything together as an entire experience, it was Alicia Keys and Miguel. I was young and in love with my (now ex) girlfriend. For me, the vibrations and energy just all came together and made it the best concert in my life.


Nicki Minaj or Cardi B?

Nicki AND Cardi.


What's your favorite new song?

Care, by a group called Sonder.


The entire stadium blasts a song as you walk onto the pitch. What is that song?

BM J.R. by Lil' Wayne.


Finish this sentence. Music is ?

Love.