Its been great

With the semester coming to an end, I think its only right that I reflect on my blogging experience. It wasn't the easiest thing to do, but I can defiantly say that I have learned a lot. Blogging on a weekly basis kept me in check, so procrastination wasn't an option. Although I did procrastinate a couple of times. But hey, what college kid doesnt?

Coming into this assignment, I was slightly nervous. Simply because I had never actually blogged before. Also, as my professor listed everything we had to do, it seemed as if the class would be a heavy workload that I wouldn't have been able to handle. The primary motivating factor in me doing the blogs, is the fact that we got to choose our own blog topics. A light bulb went off in my head when I heard this news. Instantly I thought about my love and appreciation for music.

I didn't want to just create a blog doing music reviews, no; that would be too easy. So after thinking about it for a while, I decided to do my blog on music of different genres, and analyze the lyrics and tone to the songs. This way I wouldn't just be saying if the music was good or not. I'd be taking it in depth and actually defining lyrics. There is already a lot of blogs out there doing music reviews. I wanted to be somewhat different.

As the posts went on, they got somewhat easier to do. I was getting extremely comfortable with blogging. Its almost as if it was coming natural to me. And the fact that I was getting research practice at the same time as blogging was just a plus.

I can definetly say that this was a great experience. Blogging about your favorite songs, and practicing research skills. What could possibly be greater than that? Sadly, I know for a fact that this blog will not continue. Being a working college student, my schedule is always hectic so I most likely wont be able to post. But if I do find time and a song that urges me to post about it, I will possibly consider it.

As a farewell, I'm going to leave you with a music video of one of my favorite artists out now; Casey Veggies. The song is called "Faces", and its off of his newest mixtape called "Life Changes".  Vibe to it.

Drake ft James Fauntleroy - Girls Love Beyonce

Drake is at it once again with another well thought out and put together song. In this track he completely exposes the double standards of love. He uses singer Beyonce as a perfect example. In the majority of her songs she bashes men and says how they're players and sneaky. Pretty much giving men a bad rep. She may not be doing it intentionally; because everyone goes through their own personal problems. As an artist she has a right to share those problems through her songs and videos. But being the superstar she is, almost every female looks up to her. So her problems become theirs.

Drake decided to take heed to this double standard. He used the song "Say my name" by Destiny's Child as a sample. Its sort of a spin off song. Or more like the male version to the song. The lyrics aren't confusing or mind boggling. But they are certainly powerful and hit home. Simply because so many can relate to the problems displayed in the song. This is why Drake has gained so much stardom. In a lot of his songs, he speaks about the daily problems of many. Everyday situations for many such as relationships, family, and trying to make it in life.

The idea of love nowadays is certainly tainted. Due to artists like Beyonce. They just scold men. But in reality men and women do the same thing. What men do is just glorified because females aren't afraid to speak about their feelings. But men are, because they don't want to seem soft. This may be the reason why drake is heavily admired. He isn't afraid to speak on his feelings.

"Say my name say my name, when no one is around you say, baby I love you, if you ain’t running games". Drake used the chorus from the original song as his chorus. This is substantial in proving the whole double standard. "You got your fair share of admirers that call your phone. You try to act like it’s just me, but I am not alone". Just like how females are nervous about women on the side calling their loved ones phones, men are nervous about it too. As you can see, there is a clear standard here. Women play the victims, and men are seen as the problem. But in reality its all the same. It just depends on who does what. Drake brings light to this problem

.

Rappers Overstepping their Boundaries?

Rapper Jay-z released a track on Thursday called "Open Letter". The title is pretty much self explanatory. In this track Jay-z is basically venting about recent accusations and investigations that are currently swirling around the media. A big buzz has certainly been created due to the boldness of this song. Which leads to one question. Are rappers overstepping their boundaries?

The "diss" track takes shots at politicians criticizing Jay-z and his wife's trip to Cuba as well as many other accusations presented their way."Politicians never did shit for me except lie to me, distort history". Since Cuba and the United States are currently not on good terms, the government probably felt the need to investigate why they went there. Could they have went there to partake in illegal activities? Nonetheless, Jay-z is ticked off with the accusations. "They wanna give me jail time and a fine, fine, let me commit a real crime". Jay-z toys with the accusations by saying that he'd actually commit a real crime if they push him too far. Jay-z even takes it as far as mentioning President Barrack Obama. "Obama said, chill you're going to get me impeached, you don't need this shit anyway, chill with me on the beach."

Taking shots at politicians is one thing, but when you get the President involved its a whole new story. This could potentially lead into a serious problem because Jay-z apparently put words in the Presidents mouth. This is proved when Jay Carney, a White House Official, discusses the lyrics in "Open Letter". Jay Carney says, " I am absolutely saying that the White House and the President had nothing to do with anybody's travel to Cuba". "Its a song, the President did not speak to Jay-z over this trip".

One doesn't need a crystal ball to see that this will stir up trouble in the media for weeks. Is this a good thing or bad thing? In one hand, you could look at it as freedom of speech and self defense. And in the other hand, you could look at it as being a trouble maker and using instances like these to boost relevance as well as popularity in the entertainment  and music scene. Isn't that why people release "diss tracks"? Either because they actually have beef with the opposite person, or just to flat out stay relevant.

Capital STEEZ - Free The Robots

The passing of rapper Capital STEEZ of the collective rap group, "ProEra" was such a tragedy. A young mc on the bubble of being one of the top lyricists today. Speculation went around various social media websites stating that he had committed suicide, but no one was certain. Joey Bada$$, a friend and fellow member of ProEra later confirmed that his death was "self inflicted". Meaning that he did commit suicide. Joey Bada$$ confirms Capital STEEZ's death

Capital STEEZ & Joey Bada$$

This was definitely shocking to Joey and the rest of the ProEra simply because everything was going right for them. ProEra was on their way to stardom. There has got to be more to this death. Could there possibly conspiracy going on here?

Anyone that actually listens to STEEZ's lyrics in depth can easily notice that he is no stranger in taking shots at the government in search to expose them. In fact the whole "ProEra" movement is about enlightenment per say. The young men in this group are extremely intelligent and use their lyrics and youth as tools to reach out to young individuals and enlighten them on what is really going on in our country. This is exactly what Capital STEEZ did in this track called "Free the Robots".

The video starts off with him on a couch watching flipping through TV channels. This immediately represents culture in the United States now days. Television has had a major part in the brainwashing of minds. "Illuminati tryin' to read my mind with a eagle eye, and the haze got me thinkin' why? We killed Osama and plenty innocent people died, we should see the signs, but we Stevie blind". This is probably the strongest and most thought provoking way to start a song, with lyrics like these. Capital STEEZ is stating how the Illuminati, the new world order, is trying to take control of him. He also takes a pick at the Osama Bin Laden situation. Basically saying that we used all of our effort  for one man, when we lost so many in the process. We should all realize this, but the government is blinding us with patriotism. Could this have been done purposely?

Is it possible that the Illuminati could have taken his life because he spoke out about it? It is said that if you attempt to expose the Illuminati to the public, you will be taken out. Many artists or public figures died shortly after speaking out about it. Illuminati assassination list

Throughout the video, Capital STEEZ seems uneasy. Unsatisfied and disgusted by what is going on in the world. "It's a shame that flippin' crack will be the best alternative if you don't make it rappin'. These crack houses and trap houses are trappin' us in and in the end we're gonna remain stagnant, I ain't havin' it". Lyrics This lyric is directed towards the black community. STEEZ is fed up how blacks under poverty circumstances and living in the hood really only have two options to make money. Rapping and drug dealing.

Towards the end of the video you finally see how stressed he is. Capital STEEZ is reaching his limit. He moves towards the TV, and at this point he wants to escape the life he is in now; too much stress. A close up on his eyes are shown which probably represents death. Then video of him walking up stairs and opening a door of illuminating light is shown. Now hes appearing on the TV, and we are now watching him. Maybe this symbolizes him finally escaping the stress and mess that is the world today? Nonetheless, the video and song has a strong message. You will certainly be missed STEELO!

RIP Capital STEEZ

2Pac - Changes

This was a very instrumental and important track to Tupac Shakur's career.  He went through phases, his music reflected those phases as well. Most of the time Tupac's lyrics were crude and promoted "Thug" activity as well as violence. After being released from his first prison sentence he took a more enlightened path with the messages he conveyed through his music.

This song touches on issues within society that hit close to home for people within the black community, those who are impoverishment, and those who are unjustly treated by the government or law enforcement.
"I see no changes all I see is racist faces misplaced hate makes disgrace to races," Tupac says. ("2Pac – Changes Lyrics | Rap Genius.") There are inequalities that he addresses, deliberating on them and trying to understand why things have not changed the artist targets racism.

"I'm tired of bein' poor & even worse I'm black my stomach hurts so I'm lookin' for a purse to snatch, cops give a damn about a negro pull the trigger kill a nigga he's a hero" are harsh lyrics that he uses to paint a picture of what people similar to himself have to go through on a daily basis. ("2Pac – Changes Lyrics | Rap Genius.") I think Tupac also used this song not only to shed light on what was wrong with society but to also bring about change by showing the listener the negative in hopes they would want the opposite for their futures.

The content of this song can forever remain relevant, which is what makes Tupac such a great artist and this song that much more of a reference for anyone going through the tribulations he spoke about.

Tupac has been a true inspiration throughout my entire life with everything he speaks, he calls it like he sees it and this is the product of it. We all are one together in this thing called "Life" and this new generation has to learn from the past in order to strive forward.

Take A listen and try to diversify your thinking in order to take yourself away from any form of bias or opinion. This way you will be able to get the true understanding of what change is, and why Tupac believed in it so firmly that he decided to dedicate a whole song to it. I believe this is one of his most influential songs in his catalog and it humanizes the influential rap star.

Works Cited

"2Pac – Changes Lyrics | Rap Genius." Discover the Meaning of Rap Lyrics | Rap Genius. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013.

Nas - Daughters

Nothing can ever get in the way of the love a father has for his daughter. From the early days that she is born to her late teens, she will be known as "daddy's little girl". Its evident that Nas feels the same way about his own daughter, Destiny Jones, who was born in 1994. The song "Daughters", is off of his newest album "Life is Good", and is basically a shout out to all of the fathers with daughters. Telling the common story of raising a daughter, and how extremely hard it is to do so.

Nonetheless, its not easy to raise child in general but its the psychological aspect that makes it different to raise a girl. In the mind of males, females are thought of as vulnerable. Which is why fathers are so protective of them. They don't want anything bad to happen to them. "When he date, he straight, chip off his own papa; When she date, we wait behind the door with a sawed off." ("NAS LYRICS - Daughters.") There is a clear double standard here. Fathers are in constant worry about their daughters because they know what its like out there. They know how young men act, because they were once that young man. And they've seen women that have been victimized. They don't want that for their daughters.

The fact that Nas is a world renown rapper makes it even tougher. "Never tried to hide who I was, she was taught and raised like a princess, but while I'm on stage I can't leave her defenseless, plus she's seen me switching women, pops was on some pimp shit, she heard stories of her daddy thugging" ("NAS LYRICS - Daughters.") Nas has gained a bevy of wisdom through his rap career and experiences growing up in Queens bridge New York. But the thug part of his persona is whats distancing him from his daughter. He cant find the time to spend with her like he should. Nas simply feels that he isn't setting a good example. Which in result leads to a girl making decisions on her own without the strict but with more of the lenient father. "Although you real, plus a honest kid, don't think I'm slow I know you probably had that chronic lit" ("NAS LYRICS - Daughters.") Nas trusts his her, but doesn't want to be taken as a fool. He knows that she has smoked weed before, because alot of kids her age have. With the social networking era in full swing, it can be a dangerous outlet for people her age. As Nas has had an incident with his daughter destiny posting something on the internet that she probably shouldn't have. "She planted a box of condoms on her dresser then she Instagrammed it"

Towards the end of the song Nas even points to religion. "They say the coolest playas and foulest heart breakers in the world, god gets us back, he makes us have precious little girls" ("NAS LYRICS - Daughters.") Indirectly saying that its almost payback. All you do as a young man is brought back to by gods will you in your older days, as you have to deal with all of the stress and worrying of raising a daughter.

Works Cited

"NAS LYRICS - Daughters." A-Z Lyrics Universe. N.p., n.d. Web. 21 Mar. 2013. Website

Outkast - Elavators

This weeks post analyzes a historic track from the great hip hop duo, "Outkast". Outkast consists of rappers Andre 3000 and Big Boi. The track is called elevators and it comes from their sophomore album called "A TLiens". A TLiens was such a groundbreaking album for Outkast. The album ventured you to outerspace with the sounds as well as the duo embracing their abnormality.("20 Photos of "ATLiens" Era Outkast | Complex.") It proved that southern rap was much more than the flashy stuff. There was also an intellectual side to them. Outkast has always seen themselves as being different. Which is why I think they chose the name "A TLiens". Showing that yes they are from Atlanta, but they are completely different like nothing you've seen before. Which is what an alien is.

Lil Wayne

Andre 3000

The song itself sounds extremely futuristic. And now when we look back on it and listen to some of their older songs, we realize how much Outkast was ahead of their time. In terms of lyrics, production and even their sense of style and fashion. You can easily say that Outkast has had a huge influence on hip hop.

Within the first couple of seconds of the song, the instrumental puts you in a state of relaxation, almost bringing you into a trance. Then boom, the sophisticated/simple lyricism of the duo hits you in rapid form. Which is whats fascinates me the most about them. They can say the most simple words, but tie them together so you really have to think to find the meaning. "Now everyday we look up at the ceiling" says Andre 3000.("Outkast – Elevators (Me & You) Lyrics | Rap Genius.") This lyric could mean actually looking up at the ceiling or you could take it a little deeper. Which is exactly what I did. When I hear that lyric, I think of Andre praying to god. Because heaven is known as being above us. So when he looks up at the ceiling, hes having a spiritual moment with god. "Watching ceiling fans go round, trying to catch that feeling off instrumentals".("Outkast – Elevators (Me & You) Lyrics | Rap Genius.") By "that feeling" Andre 3000 means a high. A natural high that occurs when he listens to beats and starts his music making process and creates his lyrics. You dont always have to use a physical drug to get high. For Andre 3000, music is his drug.

To me, this whole song is about how far they've come as artists and how much more they have to go to become superstars. "We moving up in the world like elavators" lyric spoken by Big Boi.("Outkast – Elevators (Me & You) Lyrics | Rap Genius.") That lyric simply sums up the entire song. A simple rags to almost riches story. Two young men trying to make it in the game, brainstorming what they could possibly do to push themselves to the next level.

Works Cited

"Outkast – Elevators (Me & You) Lyrics | Rap Genius." Discover the Meaning of Rap Lyrics | Rap Genius. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.

"20 Photos of "ATLiens" Era Outkast | Complex." Complex | Style, Music, Sneakers, Entertainment, Girls, Technology. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Feb. 2013.