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