...Nafees Bost Professor Jordan-smith English 112 15 April 2013 Nasty Nas Quite possibly the only man to indirectly steal my attention with sheer words alone, such a man would have to be non-other than Nas, or Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones. Born the son of jazz musician Olu Dara, Nas dropped out of school in the eighth grade, trading classrooms for the streets of the rough Queensbridge projects, long fabled as the former stomping ground of Marley Marl and his Juice Crew as immortalized in "The Bridge." Despite having dropped out of school in the eighth grade, Nas developed a high degree of literacy that would later characterize his rhymes. At the same time, though, he delved into street culture and flirted with danger, such experiences similarly characterizing his rhymes. His synthesis of well-crafted rhetoric and street-glamorous imagery blossomed in 1991 when he connected with Main Source and laid down a fiery verse on "Live at the Barbeque" in which earned him instant respect among the East Coast rap scene. Not long afterward, MC Serch of 3rd Bass approached Nas about contributing a track to the Zebrahead soundtrack. Serch had been the soundtrack's executive producer and, like much of New York, had been impressed by "Live at the Barbeque." Nas then submitted "Halftime," and the song had impressed Serch enough for him to make it the soundtrack's leadoff track. Columbia Records meanwhile signed Nas to a major-label contract, and many of New York's finest producers offered...
Words: 874 - Pages: 4
...The impact of religion is sometimes apparent in many different forms of art. One type of artistic expression that religion is sometimes expressed in is music. Whether it is specifically Christian-based music or secular, musicians of all genres may eventually write a song or sing about their religious beliefs at some point. There is a very broad spectrum of diversity in music. People from all around the world with different backgrounds, race, religion, and style can express themselves in this form. Growing up I was exposed to many different genres of music. Hip-hop, which is classified as a subculture that originated from an African American community in the 1970’s, has always been intriguing to me and is a huge part of who I am. There are four elements of Hip-Hop; rapping, DJing, break-dancing, and graffiti. I will be focusing on the music aspect of Hip-Hop and the large impact religion has on some of these artists that perform Hip-Hop music. Over the years, Hip-Hop music has gained a bad reputation. Many people find the lyrics to be offensive, obscene, or even racist. A very small portion of it is, but most of it is the complete opposite. Matthew Paul Miller, better known by his Hebrew stage name Matisyahu, is known for the positive messages he delivers through his reggae-rap style music. Matisyahu says his Jewish spirituality has most, if not everything to do with the way he writes music. In his song “Jerusalem”, he raps about ancient history and religious acts that took...
Words: 914 - Pages: 4
...Iqnambir Singh ENG 1s Brian Lewis Feburary 3rd, 2015 HIP HOP: MORE THAN JUST A MOVEMENT. In our everyday lives, we always see art in some form, which involves our senses. For example, we see visual art by using our eyesight. Another famous form of art, which involves our sense of hearing, is music. Music is vast that it has so many genres and subgenres. One genre, that is quite popular in today’s world, is hip-hop. Most people view hip hop as a movement, but i consider that its more than just a movement. Hip Hop is a median to express yourself. The shared ideology of Hip Hop is that it is a platform to portray art and beliefs through lyricism, abstract art, clothing, etc. Hip Hop is a subcultural movement, which was formed in the 1970s in South Bronx, New York. African Americans mainly started this movement, but now it is diversified. It has various components, such as “DJing”, rapping, graffiti art, and break dancing. Hip Hop gained a lot of popularity for its fashions. Its authorial power and influence highly impacts the fashion world. Many rap artists have successful cloth lines, which are quickly adopted by the followers. Language, in Hip Hop, plays a vital role. Slang terms gained its popularity after it was being used in raps. Some say that rap is the modern day poetry. Rapping also known as “MCing”, is basically a mixture of rhymes and beats to produce a meaning or even a message. Many rappers incorporate historic events or figures in their raps...
Words: 1321 - Pages: 6
...Culture Wars Culture wars; there have always been a variety of music to listen to such as Country, Pop, Latin, Hip Hop and Rap. The meaning of culture wars to me is people who dislike a certain genre for instance rap music. Some people are against rap music because of the controversial meaning that songs have. In this paper you will be reading on an interview for Foxx 11 news with O’reily interviewing rap icon Cameron and CEO producer Damon Dash. Principal Salome Thomas-EL asked a couple of questions stating that gangster music is a terrorizing impact on his students, On my opinion you can never tell a rapper they have a negative effect on the youth. It’s their work and their art and what they do as a musician. For example when you hear the stories of kids shooting up a school, was it the rap music they listen to? No, it is the parent’s responsibility to moderate what their kids listen to, it’s wrong for people to blame rappers for the actions that people make. O’reily interviewed rap icon Cameron and CEO producer Damon Dash. During this interview there was also a principal from an elementary school who had questions for the rap stars. The principal complained that the kids at his school look up to the rap star and he thinks Cameron is showing a bad example. He confronted Cameron asking him why his music is so negative when there are little kids listening to his music. Cameron replied that his music is just what he see’s and what he goes through as a person. ...
Words: 629 - Pages: 3
...Writing Assignment Grading Form |Content and Organization |Percent Earned: |Comments: | |70 Percent | | | | | 25 |See comments below | |All key elements of the assignment are covered in a substantive way. | | | |Define the major DSM IV-TR categories of eating, substance abuse, | | | |sex/gender/sexual, and personality disorders within matrix | | | |Examine various classifications within matrix | | | |Analyze biological, emotional, cognitive and behavioral components of above | | | |stated disorders | | | |The content is comprehensive, accurate, and/or persuasive. | | | |The paper develops a central theme or idea, directed toward the appropriate | | | |audience. ...
Words: 480 - Pages: 2
...men say, especially black rappers on how they feel about their fathers, on them being fathers, on their mothers, and the mothers of their children. The key question the author is addressing happens to be “The Black Family”. Specifically how rappers represent or show through their music how it is. This author breaks it down into smaller parts but throughout all the research this is the common thread. For example he references many artists like Nas, Kanye West, Rick Ross and many more, lyrics they have used in songs. The researcher defined these lyrics and explained what these artists were saying through their music about baby mamas, their fathers, their kids, and so on. The most important information in this article is lyrics that rappers have said in their songs addressing different aspects of the black family. For example when it comes to baby mama’s research shows among majority of rappers a negative connotation on how they feel toward them or disappointment of what they could have been if they weren’t such hard obstacles. In “War,” Nas (2004) mourns over his...
Words: 1143 - Pages: 5
...Life is like a diamond By Jay Demol Many people in this world have a problem, they don’t take heed in their lives or their youth while they have it. They waste their young years and then complain when their gone. Sometimes they think its easy to live but in the end they complain. In this reality people waste their youth and take good use of it when their old, normally is that. People don’t know how much life is? Sometimes in their youth they drinking alcohol, sometimes taking drugs if they can, and lot more but in the end they complain about what they do. I can prefer that life is like a diamond cause diamonds are precious, hard to find, millions are spend to find, millions of heat it need just like life, life is precious, life is hard to find, needs money and many more I cannot imagine that many wasted it because its like a diamond. many people wants to die because of problems and hindrance to their life but it is wrong sometimes we fell we couldn’t pass this challenge but we can pass it by thinking that life is like a diamond it precious. Many people are hard to find just like the diamond sometimes diamonds are cost a million to buy because of its hard to find so many people find you but we find you. Today, many people dying without justice this is the problem of...
Words: 337 - Pages: 2
...The Effects of hip hop/rap Music on The Younger Generation Today The dynamic era of hip hop emerged in the 1970s through the streets of Bronx, New York City. Now twenty five years old and still counting, the world of hip hop is at a new level. Lil’ Wayne, Kanye West, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, and Plies are just some of today’s biggest icons in the world of hip hop. Having record hitting tracks that jump off the charts, these rappers are definitely the image the younger generation looks up to. Though, having these amazing tracks, these same iconic figures are said to be the cause of our teenagers heading down the road of destruction. The effects of these lyrics on the teenage society are said to provoke violence, foul language, and enhanced sexual behavior. To begin, the effect of hip hop or rap music on the younger generation today has encouraged youth to become more violent and aggressive. Ever since the rise of rap music, teens have been turning to music to help solve their problems. However, this music cannot be helpful but very destructive. Encouraging raging acts of violence, these lyrics influence and damage the minds of children, teens and young adults. For instance, rapper Plies states, “Don't tell me shit about what them niggas said, Them niggas just raping, Fuck niggas be bluffing, Killers make shit happen,” in his track called Naan Nigga. The breakdown of these lyrics: It does not matter what another individual states about one, if a person is “real” one must make violent...
Words: 347 - Pages: 2
...From the controversial lyrics to the aggressive and unapologetic attitude, rap music is the voice of urban culture. Rap music gives people the confidence to do and say how they feel. It pushes boundaries, even in uncomfortable situations. It expresses the harsh reality in urban and rural cities in such a artistic and realistic way. It is not just about the energetic instrumentals or the catchy metaphors , it’s about the content. Rap music touches on subjects like politics, sexual exploits, and personal uniqueness. It is considered to be the perfect example of postmodern music. It’s affect on American culture is phenomenal. Rap is not just a genre of music, it is a lifestyle. From the clothes people wear, to the way people talk, rap is more than the music. It is a movement. Rap music started in the 1970s in the city of Bronx, New York by Clive Campbell or formally known as Dj Kool Herc. It all started when Clive Campbell and his sister hosted a party that celebrated going back to school. They called it “The Back to School Jam”. Clive Campbell was the DJ of the event. For his set, he used two turntables to play the same break beat section of James Brown “Clap Your Hands” and “Give It Up or Turnit A Loose”. When one turntable would finish playing the section he would switch to the other turntable and play the same section. This technique is now referenced to as looping or breakbeats. What he did was something that was never done before. With Clive’s fast growth of popularity...
Words: 1605 - Pages: 7
...APPENDIX C PART 1: NOTES TO TAKE FROM INTERVIEWS: Answer the following questions for each interview. • What problems do the different characters in the scenario describe about his/her department? • What suggestions do they have for improvements? Stan the Resort’s Manager: The Resort’s profit margin has been diminishing so they need to figure out a way to boost profits. The owner would like all the departments to be interconnected. Event Planner: They don’t have a database to store their customer’s information or feedback. They also do not advertise their meeting or banquet rooms for rent, which could help generate income and boost profits. Front Desk: They manually enter in all reservations, they need a reservation system to allow customers to reserve rooms online themselves to make the reservation process smoother. They also suggest a database to store their information, this way all of the other departments can access the information at any given time. Accountant: Accountant has to go and collect receipts from every department and then manually enter them into their accounting application, they also suggest a database where all of this information could be stored. If the other departments filled out their own reports and submitted them to the accountant then the accountant could just verify the info is correct and update the reports and balance sheets. Housekeeping: If the housekeeping department could be connected to...
Words: 1173 - Pages: 5
...English Born Sinner In today’s era, as more artist become mainstream an entire Rap culture is diminishing before our eyes. Rap music was at its all time high in nineteen-nineties when young African Americans sought out a new way to become something or someone great. The Rap Industry began to fall after the death of the Notorious Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur and As of today, many artists are competing to live up to the standards of legends in the rap industry. Although, these shoes won’t be the easiest to fill rap artist J. Cole in particular, challenges this new era to set new pinnacles to reach. Proving to not remain stagnant within his career and giving the rap industry versatility while being true to rap culture. Having to prove he his worth and dedication through his mix-tapes, “The Come Up,” “The Warm Up” and “Friday Night Lights” he was finally signed to Jay-Zs’ Roc Nation. Shortly after, J.Cole released his freshmen album “Cole World: The Sideline Story” in 2011. The Sideline Story was more than just an album, it is the story that many of his fans experienced in their everyday lives, including myself. Every one of us could relate to a song on his album. J.Cole had many obstacles to go through before he made his way to the top. His introduction was so these obstacles are clearly explained in his lyrics “Still at Aleia Anderson! it, Villmatic, what a life we chose. I'm sending this out to those who fell down, but then rose. I'm hot, I'm...
Words: 690 - Pages: 3
...Rap games! A Wittgensteinian analysis of modern hip hop culture and language! Running Head: RAP GAMES! 2 Rap games - a Wittgensteinian analysis of modern hip hop culture and language! Introduction For new listeners many hip hop songs will be almost incomprehensible due to the language used. Yet seasoned listeners will be able to explain new songs without much thought. I take this to suggest that the language of hip hop resembles language games as per Wittgenstein’s view. In this short essay, I set out to explain this statement. Firstly, the hip hop culture is discussed together with the characteristics of the language used in hip hop culture. Next the explained culture is analysed using Wittgenstein’s theory as based on his Philosophical Investigations.! In order to analyse the culture properly, it is necessary to somewhat limit the scope of this essay. The “rap games” mentioned in the title refer (in this case) to the communicative aspect of rap music. More so than other music, rap songs refer and react to other rap artists, songs and expressions. The ways in which these reactions manifest itself in rap music and language are the focus of this essay. ! Hip hop culture and language Hip hop consists of different types of expression, but this essay only looks at the one most relevant to our discussion, namely rap. Rap consists of “the aesthetic placement of verbal rhymes over musical beats” (Alim, 2001, p. 272). In essence it is similar to musically spoken poetry, but...
Words: 1912 - Pages: 8
...How far do you agree the sources suggest that Attlee was not a very effective political leader? To a certain extent Sources 1, 2 and 3 all show evidence that would agree with the statement that Attlee was not a very effective political leader. For example all 3 sources suggest that he lacked authority and power, some of the qualities that would produce a great leader. Both sources 1 and 2 describe Attlee as a ‘small’, ‘shy’ man, giving off the impression that Attlee was a very timid character, not capable of running a country and unable to hold a position of power. Source 1 was written by a supporter of Attlee opponents, so may be untrustworthy, as Kingsley Martin opposed Attlee. Although source 2 was written by a left-of-centre newspaper, adding credibility to the source as the criticisms where from a supporter of Attlee. Meaning that the evidence was not be over exaggerated. However the source was written the day after Attlee resigned meaning that the source could be seen as over-generous, as it is looking back over Attlee’s ruling. Both sources 1 and 3 describe Attlee as a school master who is able to ‘restore order’, but ‘did not teach very much’ this displays that Attlee was unable to change or offer opinion. This reinforces the statement that Attlee was not an effective leader. Source 3 also states that Attlee’s summing-up in meetings was often incomplete and he barely produced constructive ideas. This further suggests that Attlee was there to listen, but not to give his...
Words: 669 - Pages: 3
...How to Become a Rapper It starts out early, the beginning of middle school when you start to form your likings in music. You live in a place wwhere Rap is looked at as inappropriate and vain in the music world. Somehow though, you turn to like rap and hip-hop. All your friends listen to metal and rock and pop. Not you however, you always loved listening to rap music. The beginning of high school flies into existence and you are still the hip-hop rap lover you were in middle school. If anything, you love it more! Your parents denounce rap and say it distracts you from your sport, and your grades. I mean look at your clothes, they scream ghetto. Blow the hate off and continue listening to it when your parents aren’t around. Begin to wonder if they were right all along. Research lyrics of your favorite songs only to find it is infested with sex, drugs, violence, and hate. It’s your sophomore year, and you are just a normal kid that is starting to listen to rock and metal like your friends. The normal bland school scene filled with nerdy kids who wear the same “hip” clothing and wear rock band t-shirts as if they actually went to their concerts. Classes are filled with boring lectures and nothing to do but doodle in your paper. You still yearn to listen to rap, and so much so you get an idea to start rapping yourself. So in class you start writing lyrics, and basic rhymes to pass the time. This is fun but never goes anywhere. Junior year hits, you start listening to rap...
Words: 1505 - Pages: 7
...After reading Joan Morgan’s article “From Fly-Girls to Bitches and Hos” we can evidently say what she was trying to tell us. She certifies that women are not respected in rap music. Joan makes a valid point saying “It’s extremely telling that men who can only see us as ‘bitches’ and ‘hos’ refer to themselves as ‘niggas’” referring to the simple truth that one can not love or respect another if they do not first love and respect themselves. This is not an excuse for rappers to degrade women. It is Morgan’s way of trying to understand where the black rapper is coming from and the reasoning behind the misogyny. She points out that by demeaning black people in rap songs, the vocalists encourage racism and stereotypes. She also claims that if women want to be respected they have to start giving men opportunities to do so. For example, half-naked girls in music videos are not doing a good job in stopping men from calling them b-words. Furthermore, Joan mentions the bad state in which rap music is. The lyrics are focused on self-destructive behavior. As she says, rappers show their inner anger, personal problems and even depression through these shocking lyrics. It is their way of presenting themselves. Morgan introduced these propositions by relying on hip-hop music. She gave a couple examples from songs, their structure and main aspects of lyrics. The article also contains declamations of people not related with rap music which gave the whole work truthfulness. She also point out...
Words: 502 - Pages: 3
