I’m back! I haven’t written a blog in a few months and think it’s due time that I express some of my thoughts with you. Yes, you!
As many of you know music is a very important part of my life, I cannot go a couple of hours without listening to a favorite artist or song. Music is with me everywhere I go, on my way to work, on my way to class, while doing homework and even at this very moment as I write this blog. I love all types of music, as long as there is seductive or head knocking beat and meaningful lyrics, but more specifically I love Hip-Hop music. My love for Hip-Hop is because I can relate on many different levels. I am Hip-Hop, mind, body & soul.
Hip-Hop is more than just a genre of music to me, it’s a way of life and more importantly it motivates me. Whenever I am feeling unproductive and I need a boost of energy I play a Hip-Hop track that inspires me to do what I need to do. For example, if I need a boost of energy while doing homework I may play the song “Go Getta” by Young Jeezy. “Go Getta” has a head nodding beat and a catchy hook, “trap all and play all night, this is the life of a go getta.” Although, Young Jeezy clearly makes numerous drug and fast life references throughout the song, that’s not what I relate to. I flip the true meaning of the song and interpret it to fit my lifestyle and situation. As a college student “Trap all day and play all night” can mean go to class and excel academically during the day, but at the same time enjoy the college experience and hangout with friends during the night. This is what the artist intends for listeners to do with their songs, relate it to themselves.
I have been interpreting Hip-Hop songs to fit my lifestyle and situations as long as I can remember. I remember back when I was in the 7th grade Jay-Z released the song “Change the Game” and at the end of the song he said a phrase that will always stand out to me, “I will not lose.” Ever since I heard that phrase at the end of the song, it became embedded in my memory. Whenever I wanted to conquer something I remember reciting the words “I will not lose” over and over in my mind. Me reciting “I will not lose” boosted my confidence and kept me motivated. Although I don’t recite those words anymore, there is no need to because “I will not lose” has become a part of my everyday life.
I can reflect and write a blog now that I don’t have any assignments due and I’m not thinking about carbonyl compounds.
Finally, the spring semester of my sophomore year of college is over. It was a long and bumpy ride, but I completed it victoriously. I am happy of the semester’s events and wouldn’t change anything. I learned a lot about myself this semester. I learned to manage numerous activities, my social life and my academic life. But, the most important thing that l learned this semester is that you need confidence in order to complete any difficult or challenging task.
"If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated in the race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started"
-Marcus Garvey
This semester was my most challenging semester academically, but with the support of all my wonderful friends I was able finish with my head up high. I built a stronger bond with my “brooooos” n “sis” and always had their attention when needed. Although, we may argue over whose better, or whose group had the best presentation, or even the whereabouts of one another I still consider you all my second family. You guys are there in the trenches with me when the “guns” need to be drawn and I’m the same for you guys and wouldn’t have it any other way. I have met many great people this semester and cannot wait until next semester to build strong relationships that should last a life time.
To my mentors, you guys have inspired me in ways unimaginable. When there was no more push or fight in me all I had to do was give one of you a call for a refill of energy. Emdin, we don’t talk much, but you always catch me at a time when I need some much needed words of wisdom. JW, although I always have to make an appointment to talk to you, you always give me something new to consider and think about. Angle, you’re always reminding me to “go in” and sending me positive energy when needed. Thank you all for your positive influences and support. Next step is to take over the world.
Although the semester is over there’s still this concern that has me feeling like Drake. What if I don’t like up to all the expectations people have of me and that I have for myself? Part of me uses it as motivation to strive for success, but a small part of me worries everything isn’t going to go as planned. But, I don’t mind “I’m nervous but I’m about to kill it.”
What if I don’t really do the numbers they predict/considering the fact that I’m the one that they just picked/to write a chapter in history this shit has got me sick/….I’m nervous but I’m about to kill it cause they about to let the realist team in.
-Drake “9 AM in Dallas Lyrics Freestyle”
Good Times of Spring '10:
My RA Team!
Good Friends
"Your groups presentation was cool, but my group had the best presentation of ALL TIME"
I'm off on my journey to the motherland (Ghana). I am excited to reconnect with my roots and have a good time. Besides, It's cold in New York. I shall return with many pictures, stories and maybe some gifts. But for now I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The fall 2009 semester is finally over, midway through I thought I wouldn’t survive it. This was definitely a memorable semester with many lessons learned. The semester started off great on the social end, but as it continued I noticed my social life beginning to overshadow my academic life. It also didn’t make it any better that I was taking all major courses. Midway through the semester I became mildly depressed because the grades I was receiving weren’t up to my standards. A part of me began to give up on the semester and look forward to doing better in the spring semester. I began taking the L (loss) giving up on some assignments, even quizzes and exams. Then, I got very valuable advice. The advice was to focus all my energy on finishing the semester strong and do not think about the upcoming spring semester. My mind began to clear up and I recalled ADJAPONGS don’t give up. Got back on the grind and knocked out the last couple of weeks of classes and all my finals. I ended the semester strong and made organic chemistry my bitch, but I still wasn’t expecting my final grades to be as great as they were in the past. To my surprise I made the dean’s list ..again.. only thanks to the curve in my physics class, at least I was at the top of the curve. Hey I made it.
This semester I was focused on unimportant people, events and some drama which fueled my downfall. But I’m happy I experienced everything I did because it only makes me a stronger person. I can say I learned a lot about myself and the people around me this semester. Some may say my mouth gets me into trouble, but I beg to differ. If I said I meant it (sober of course). I know there are things I need to work on personally and through constant thought and reflection I am.
Next semester is going to be a challenging one and I have many goals to accomplish, but I’m ready and focused. Who’s stopping us?
Through it all I learned from many mistakes and have become a more rounded person.
“Ladies and Gentlemen/I ain't trynna be politically correct/But I won't rest till I'm givin my respect” – Wale (Triumph)
"All I got is dreams nobody else can see/Nobody else believes/Nobody else but me" - Jay - Z (History)
Haven’t blogged in a minute. Thanksgiving break was great!! It was just what I needed, a break away from Plattsburgh. I saw family that has been missing for years and friends that I love dearly. Although my break was very relaxing and satisfying in many ways I also had a lot of time to think (this tends to happen whenever I’m not in Plattsburgh). After some incidents that have happened in the recent past I’ve looked back at them and thought about the different ways they could have been resolved. I may have acted immature and maybe out of character, but I noticed that I let my pride get the best of me, when in my mind I know that man must put his pride to the side at times. Sometimes I know what is best for me, but I ignore it. I realized that I need to humble myself and be more loving toward all people.
For me this whole semester has just been a bust and isn’t going anywhere near the way I planned (but things never go as planned). I’ve lost some friends, but in that process I learned which friends I can truly trust. Nothing feels better than having a group of friends that you can be yourself around and tell anything. When I feel like the whole world is against I think “All I need is the love of my crew.”
At least after everything I can say I’ve learned and have become a better person from it. Life is a learning experience..
At times I still feel like a young child who needs to always be pointed in the right direction, that’s why I look up to the people that I do because they’ve never steered me wrong. I could use some of their positive energy right about now.
I’ve realized some of my problems, but have no idea how to resolve them. Why is it that we always know what the right thing to do it, but ignore it?
At times like these I use music for therapy: All I Need – Jay - Z
This blog has been past due. I haven’t had the free time or a surge of creative energy to write about anything lately, so I am just going to write about me.
Since I’ve come back to school I have participated in two community service events and I really enjoyed both of them. The first was a food drive and the second was a walk for children with down syndrome. The food drive was a great experience, I got the chance to go out into the community outside of the college campus and meet residents. The people of Plattsburgh are very giving and we collected two garbage bags of canned food for the Salvation Army shelter. Today was the Buddy Walk for children with down syndrome and it was such a rewarding experience. I got the chance to donate and show support for a cause which I believe is every important. Also, seeing many organizations such as sports teams, social clubs and Greek organizations take part in this community service event made me see how amazing it can be when many different people come together for the same purpose.
I haven't posted an new entry in months, I believe it's due time. I never posted an entry just about music and since I live, breathe, and excrete music, I think it's about time. Nothing serious, just my thoughts.
When Nas dropped his "Hip Hop is Dead" album late 2006, I couldn't agree any more with the title. Hip Hop has been in a comatose state for a moment. Every time I would turn on the radio I would hear the same generic sound that most Hip Hop songs have, and whenever I would turn on the TV I see a generic dance that goes along. I would ask myself, is this what Hip-Hop has come to? Everyone sounding the same. But the year 2009 has been a great year for Hip-Hop, there are many lyrical and original freshman (an artist who has a buzz and has an album set for release soon) to the game. My favorite freshmen are Wale, Big Sean, Kid Cudi, J. Cole and Drake. All these artist have great mixtapes out right now that are better than many rappers albums. Wale is my favorite because his sound original, his lyrics are above par and his metaphors are slick. I think Wale = Hip-Hop.
A freshman that I think gets too much attention is Drake. He is undoubtedly a great lyricist, but he doesn't have swag and he cannot sing despite numerous attempts. Sure he has put out a great mix tape, but what about Big Seans mixtape "UKNOWBIGSEAN." I found “UKNOWBIGSEAN to be better than every mix tape Drake has released. I think Drake is riding off of a couple hit songs and the little power Young Money Ent. has... (Please do not compare Young Money Ent. to the early 2000 Roc-A-Fella, they are nowhere near). I think that he still has some growing to do, but I am still looking forward to his album. [No Hate]
Newly released artists are also putting out quality albums. Some of my favorite albums of 2009 are: Ryan Leslie - Ryan Leslie, Keri Hilson - In a Perfect World, Chrisette Michele - Epiphany, all debut albums. I am glad that I can actually listen to new quality music. I’m upset that the generic Hip Hop songs get more attention from the media than original ones, but that’s the business.
**I’m also waiting on The Blue Print 3, which I believe will be the best album of the year (just a prediction).**
To end this entry here are the mix tapes I discussed. Enjoy and thank you 2009 for being so kind to Hip Hop and my eardrums.
[CLICK PICTURE TO DOWNLOAD MIXTAPE]
Favorite Song - Good Girls
Favorite Song - Desire, Want & Needs
Favorite Song - Sky Might Fall
Favorite Song - I Get Up Favorite Song - Uptown
FEEL FREE TO COMMENT, I WOULD LIKE TO HEAR OTHERS OPINIONS!
I remember my mom always telling me to be grateful because there's someone who has it worse than me, but I always thought that was her way of making me feel better. After this first week back from college I finally understand what she means. Today I went back to Soundview, a block where I use to hang out regularly while in high school, and I saw a lot of old friends. I was good seeing and talking to these old friends, but while talking to them and hearing the stories of their life of the past year I began to think. My friends and I are all the same age and I am the only one enrolled in college, one has just gave birth and two others are expecting children. What shocked me the most was that the same people were outside since the last time I was on the block, a year ago. Nothing has changed.
After seeing this I immediately thought about what my mom would always tell me, there is someone who has it worse than me. Sometimes I get upset and think that I have it tough or that I wish I had something better, but at the end of the day I have to realize that I have a great life. There are people who struggle way more than me and I wish I can help them all, but there is only so much one person can do.
I talked to my friends and gave them some words of inspiration. I stressed how important it is to go back to school and get an education.
"Born to lose, raised to win" "My life is sweeter than a honey bun"
“Now that all the smoke is gone and the battle is finally won, victory is finally ours,” these are lyrics from Jay-Z’s song “History.” This was released November 5, 2008, the day after, the first African-American, Barack Obama, was elected President of the United States. These lyrics can be interpreted as progression for racism in America. “History” is my favorite rap song because the lyrics reveal a story that most people can relate to while expressing deep passion and emotion. The message is that there would be struggles in life, but we must continue, never give up trying to be successful, and that after success is gained one needs to continue working towards the next level, which is the level of victory. Through these lyrics, Jay-Z portrays the elusive allure of attaining success, and the beauty of reaching new possibilities.
The rhyme scheme in “History” is remarkable; Jay-Z uses imagery to describe victory and history. Jay-Z raps about three different females named defeat, success and victory, using personification to describe each of them. For example, when Jay-Z raps “I'll be stuck with [victory’s] sister, her name is defeat, she gives me agony... she brings me so much pain, so much misery,” he is describing defeat as a woman who causes him emotional suffering whenever she’s around. Defeat is the first woman Jay-Z meets, and he is not satisfied with her, he wants someone better. Victory is a sister to defeat, because one cannot exist without the other, and defeat is the failure associated with victory. Like a baby that falls before it learns how to walk; we fail before we become victorious.Later in the song Jay-Z introduces success by saying, “success is like lust, she’s good to the touch, she’s good for the moment, but she’s never enough, everybody has had her.” Success has similar attributes to victory, but her flaws come when he realizes that she is not satisfying enough and anyone can have her. Anyone can be successful, but only a few people are victorious and make history. Finally in the last verse, Jay-Z describes victory as the perfect woman for him. “Now victory is mine, it tastes so sweet, she’s my trophy wife coming with me.” Victory is better than success in all aspects because no one has been with her she almost untouchable, and she is the prize that he has worked so hard for.
The song “History” has visual imagery and numerous descriptions of victory, who Jay-Z describes in the song. Jay-Z begins the song rapping “In search of victory, [but] she keeps eluding me, only if we can be together momentarily, we can make love and make history” Jay-Z is chasing after a very attractive woman who goes by the name of victory. Victory is not any ordinary woman, and her standards are extremely high. She does not pay attention to any regular guy, and she only likes guys who are very successful, guys with money and prosperity. Jay-Z is climbing up the ladder of success and wants to leave his mark by having a child with victory who will then carry on his legacy of success.
Another example of imagery can be found in the chorus of the song, “Now that all the smoke is gone and the battle is finally won, victory is finally ours, history so long , so long.” The chorus represents the end of the struggles and failure and finally reaching the goal of victory. The battles are over, the weapons are down, and the smoke is clearing.Some sacrifices were made to get to this point, but the feeling of victory makes it worth while.
Since “History” was released the day after President Obama was elected into office a real life connection can be made between the song and reality. The imagery given in the chorus can be interpreted as a step forward from racism. “History, so long, so long” is Jay-Z saying good-bye to racism and welcoming in President Obama to be victorious and presenting other people of color with the opportunity to make history. We can look at the struggles that President Obama has been through before he reached the oval office. He had the challenge of running against Senator Hillary Clinton for the democratic presidential candidate and the ultimate challenge of running against Senator John McCain for President. President Obama has faced many struggles during his campaign from racist comments to false allegations by the Republican Party, but that did not stop him from running for presidency. He simply dusted off his shoulders, as Jay-Z would do, and continued his campaign. After facing these challenges he came out on top and won the election and made history as the first African-American President to be elected into office.
The tone of “History” is humble and compassionate. Jay-Z sounds like he is pouring out his heart and soul through his lyrics, doing all he can to make history while being confident and self motivated at the same time. He sounds compassionate and sincere throughout the whole song, and raps with a soft tone. He is known for his countless types of rhyme schemes. The beat and rhythm of the song is alluring while the smooth bass drums come in at the right time to blend in with the pleasant snare drum and the attractive rhythmic high hats and goes well with the imagery presented.
The meaning of “History” is deeper than the lyrics, and Jay-Z conveys this by using visual imagery to express what it takes to make history. His comparisons of history to situations we encounter in everyday life are relatable and provide listeners with an intimacy with the lyrics and the artist himself. “History” is my favorite song so I give it five stars, I recommend anyone who has failed, but still has the determination to continue to listen to it because it is extremely motivational. When I have pile of work up to my neck to complete and become stressed I listen to “History” because it gives me that push I need to continue and reminds me never to give up.
The song “History” is one that most people can relate to, especially me. In life a common goal that many people share is to be victorious. In order to attain victory one must never give up and stay focused. Everyone can relate to this song even if they are not comfortable with their level of success. Everyone has struggled at one point and these struggles represent the battles that are mentioned in the chorus of the song. As a college student, my success is in the distance I see it, but I just have not attained it yet.
