Now let’s talk about what everyone is focusing on: the lyrics.
I don’t think a kid who buys a Lynard Skynrd t-shirt at Target has any idea about the cultural baggage that is attached with the Confederate flag on that shirt. I also don’t think most kids when they where baggy pants have any idea what message that sends people. It’s not just kids, most adults have issues understanding the messages they are putting across.
Should we know better? Yes, but do we? Not always.
Brad offended a guy with his t-shirt when he went to Starbucks. It wasn’t his intention. But he realizes that maybe there’s something wrong and instead of blowing off this “can of worms” he takes it as a opportunity to have a conversation.
The chorus is all about understanding and accepting who you are which is the first step in having any kind of meaningful dialogue about race. He is Caucasian, and he’s from the south. He has no personal responsibility for slavery, Jim Crow laws and the sins of people who came before him. This line of thinking sometimes leads to people not taking responsibility for the past but Paisley does, acknowledging that they are still “picking up the pieces” and that he is torn between “southern pride and southern blame.”
Atticus Finch had it right. You have a walk a mile in another person’s shoes but you can’t in practice. I will never know what it’s like to walk down the street as a woman and I will never know what it’s like for my son to be mixed-race. We can try but we’ll never know and Brad points this out in the second verse.
LL’s angle is different. He brings up some stereotypes and how he thinks that we shouldn’t judge too quickly because of the clothing someone's wears. Like the point Brad makes in the chorus, he says that he wasn’t there during Sherman's march but that he also takes responsibility for the pre-judgment that he makes.
Then LL says that he wants to buy him a beer to have a chat to clear the air. Some people have criticized this line for trivializing racial issues with such a simplistic solution. LL isn’t saying that all issues can be solved this way but some can. And reaching with a gesture of good will to someone who is projecting things that you are uncomfortable with like the confederate flag is an enormous and powerful way to make progress.
At the end Brad and LL throw lines back and forth at each other. They aren’t trying to equate chains of slavery with gold chain necklaces or do-rags with the confederate flag. They are explaining their perspective. Some of this isn’t pretty and some of it is a little unsettling but that’s okay. “RIP Robert E. Lee, but I gotta thank Abraham Lincoln for freeing me. . . ” can be interpreted as a loaded or simply an acknowledgement of differences which must be acknoledged in order for a dialogue to be meaningful.
What’s concerning is that these two artists Brad Paisley and LL Cool J did something that was brave and important and instead of being praised they got heat.
My son is coming into this world in about a month. He’s coming into a society where we aren’t comfortable talking about racial issues and we don’t feel able to address the tensions within ourselves. Brad and LL bucked the trend through trying to make a world where we can move forward without forgetting the past. Through acknowledging the tensions and the the misunderstandings we can find common ground to reach a higher level of shared humanity.
Even though this song may be mediocre, the spirit of what Brad Paisley and LL Cool J expressed in "Accidental Racist," gives me hope for my son, myself and all of us.
Showing posts with label Rap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rap. Show all posts
Monday, April 15, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Accidental Racist by Brad Paisley (feat LL Cool J) - Part 1: What The Critics Got Wrong & The Music
Somewhere between the people in our society who don’t think racial issues are clear and present in our society and the people who fight racial issues as a war are the rest of us well-intentioned and self-aware individuals who do the best we can to understand each other.
Brad Paisley and LL Cool J are two of these people.
I understand why “Accidental Racist,” has received criticism. People are uncomfortable talking about race, especially when the discussion is as honest and up front as in this song. While I’ve read some well thought-out analyses of this song, most people are missing the mark and the point.
I’m going to steer away from addressing critics of this song but I got to say a couple things in reference to the many criticisms Brad Paisley and LL Cool J have received for their work together. These are two musicians reflecting how they feel about an issue in their lives. They are not sociologist, they are not experts in racial relations, they are musicians. Their responsibility is not to address and unpack the complex racial issues in America.
Much of the criticism of this song comes from people who have little expertise in the hip-hop or country genre and many of these people are not even experts in music. Whenever something in our society stirs up controversy it’s interesting how many people jump into the fray to criticize something they don't consume or understand. It’s like the person protesting a video game for being violent when they don’t play video games themselves or another person they will never buy a Tiger Woods product when they never bought his merchandise to begin with.
If you take away the critics who:
1. Take the lyrics out of context
2. Place inappropriate responsibility on Brad Paisley and LL Cool J’s shoulders
3. Don’t understand the genre of music they are addressing or the nature of pop music itself
. .. you aren’t left with a lot of legitimate critiques. Think about the larger context, stick with what you know and don’t jump on the criticism bandwagon.
First off, let’s take a look at the musical part of this song. It’s not great but it’s not horrible. Melding rap into other genres can be tough. Springsteen it tried with “Rocky Ground,” it was okay but again wasn’t great.
Brad leads in with this slick and bluesy guitar licks. The slow pace allows for a level of reflection and Brad as he usually does a nice job moving through simple but interesting harmonies. After varying through more sung and then spoken lines the chorus opens really nicely. LL Cool J’s verse isn’t as dynamic as other ones. My favorites LL Cool J verse is at the beginning of this song “Curious.”
His verse doesn’t have the swagger or aggressiveness that we are used to with LL but he moves through the verse with skill has some interesting rhymes (“gangled, DJango,”) while weaving historical context of Sherman’s march. Maybe it’s because we’re not used to rap being calmer, but it doesn’t feel right. Part of it is that rap over a non-hip-hop beat doesn’t sit well in the ear. It’s not a logical thing, but it doesn’t feel like it fits.
Musically this combination feels a little awkward when LL ad-lib's towards the end. I’m not sure what would have made it better but maybe a musical compromise or a hip-hop beat coming in during a break down would have smoothed it over a little. Regardless it’s a really pretty song but it lacks a certain energy and momentum that Paisley and LL characteristically have in their music.
It's hard for people to divorce their musical tastes from the lyrical content. If you're not a fan of country music, you are going to be turned off from this song regardless of the lyrics.
Next week I'm going to analyze the lyrics which are where most of the scorn is being directed. In the mean time, really think about what they are saying. Don't just hook onto a single phrase.
We limit ourselves in racial discussions if we don't dare to look deeper not only into what is said but also how our reactions to these words reflects our own feelings and insecurities.
Brad Paisley and LL Cool J are two of these people.
I understand why “Accidental Racist,” has received criticism. People are uncomfortable talking about race, especially when the discussion is as honest and up front as in this song. While I’ve read some well thought-out analyses of this song, most people are missing the mark and the point.
I’m going to steer away from addressing critics of this song but I got to say a couple things in reference to the many criticisms Brad Paisley and LL Cool J have received for their work together. These are two musicians reflecting how they feel about an issue in their lives. They are not sociologist, they are not experts in racial relations, they are musicians. Their responsibility is not to address and unpack the complex racial issues in America.
Much of the criticism of this song comes from people who have little expertise in the hip-hop or country genre and many of these people are not even experts in music. Whenever something in our society stirs up controversy it’s interesting how many people jump into the fray to criticize something they don't consume or understand. It’s like the person protesting a video game for being violent when they don’t play video games themselves or another person they will never buy a Tiger Woods product when they never bought his merchandise to begin with.
If you take away the critics who:
1. Take the lyrics out of context
2. Place inappropriate responsibility on Brad Paisley and LL Cool J’s shoulders
3. Don’t understand the genre of music they are addressing or the nature of pop music itself
. .. you aren’t left with a lot of legitimate critiques. Think about the larger context, stick with what you know and don’t jump on the criticism bandwagon.
First off, let’s take a look at the musical part of this song. It’s not great but it’s not horrible. Melding rap into other genres can be tough. Springsteen it tried with “Rocky Ground,” it was okay but again wasn’t great.
Brad leads in with this slick and bluesy guitar licks. The slow pace allows for a level of reflection and Brad as he usually does a nice job moving through simple but interesting harmonies. After varying through more sung and then spoken lines the chorus opens really nicely. LL Cool J’s verse isn’t as dynamic as other ones. My favorites LL Cool J verse is at the beginning of this song “Curious.”
His verse doesn’t have the swagger or aggressiveness that we are used to with LL but he moves through the verse with skill has some interesting rhymes (“gangled, DJango,”) while weaving historical context of Sherman’s march. Maybe it’s because we’re not used to rap being calmer, but it doesn’t feel right. Part of it is that rap over a non-hip-hop beat doesn’t sit well in the ear. It’s not a logical thing, but it doesn’t feel like it fits.
Musically this combination feels a little awkward when LL ad-lib's towards the end. I’m not sure what would have made it better but maybe a musical compromise or a hip-hop beat coming in during a break down would have smoothed it over a little. Regardless it’s a really pretty song but it lacks a certain energy and momentum that Paisley and LL characteristically have in their music.
It's hard for people to divorce their musical tastes from the lyrical content. If you're not a fan of country music, you are going to be turned off from this song regardless of the lyrics.
Next week I'm going to analyze the lyrics which are where most of the scorn is being directed. In the mean time, really think about what they are saying. Don't just hook onto a single phrase.
We limit ourselves in racial discussions if we don't dare to look deeper not only into what is said but also how our reactions to these words reflects our own feelings and insecurities.
Monday, March 11, 2013
Express Yourself by N.W.A.
Before creating Beats ear phones, before discovering Eminem, before revolutionizing Gangsta Rap at Death Row records, Dr. Dre was one of the boldest and most controversial rappers in America.
Along with the late Eazy-E, Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, MC Ren and Ice Cube (yes, the same Ice Cube who is in the family comedy Are We There Yet?), Dr. Dre created the rap group N.W.A. This group created a firestorm of controversy with the explicit language and content in their lyrics.
They rapped about their own lives and the problems they faced everyday. Mainstream American culture was simply not ready for the realism within their music. N.W.A. sparked a musical revolution still felt today not only in rap music but in all of pop music.
Most of my middle school students know Dr. Dre for his headphones. When I was growing up I knew him as producer mainly creating the background beats for Snoop Doggy Dog and Eminem. It was only recently that I discovered N.W.A.’s music and was floored by Dr. Dre’s skills on the microphone.
“Express Yourself,” the last single off of N.W.A.’s 1989 album Straight Outta Compton featured Dr. Dre rapping about the power of self-expression.
N.W.A. sampled Charles Wright & the Watts 100 Street Rhythm Band’s 1971 hit of the same name.
On top of this infectious sample Dr. Dre explodes in the beginning of the first verse:
While the song has a softer message the video links together the character slave driver, policeman and executioner. N.W.A. also evokes imagery of Kennedy being shot. All of this juxtaposed against this light-hearted song reminds us what N.W.A. is really all about.
There is freedom and joy in genuine self-expression, even if what you are expressing are darker parts of the human experience. "Express Yourself," walks this line carefully encouraging others to be who they are while calling out the problems that keep people from being genuine.
It's amazing to see how far these artists have gone. Dr. Dre is still around and when he hits the mic he still does it better than most of the younger guys out there right now. There is something special about hearing him rap more than twenty years ago. There's an energy and excitement that makes you not only want to rap along but create your own music to express yourself.
Along with the late Eazy-E, Arabian Prince, DJ Yella, MC Ren and Ice Cube (yes, the same Ice Cube who is in the family comedy Are We There Yet?), Dr. Dre created the rap group N.W.A. This group created a firestorm of controversy with the explicit language and content in their lyrics.
They rapped about their own lives and the problems they faced everyday. Mainstream American culture was simply not ready for the realism within their music. N.W.A. sparked a musical revolution still felt today not only in rap music but in all of pop music.
Most of my middle school students know Dr. Dre for his headphones. When I was growing up I knew him as producer mainly creating the background beats for Snoop Doggy Dog and Eminem. It was only recently that I discovered N.W.A.’s music and was floored by Dr. Dre’s skills on the microphone.
“Express Yourself,” the last single off of N.W.A.’s 1989 album Straight Outta Compton featured Dr. Dre rapping about the power of self-expression.
N.W.A. sampled Charles Wright & the Watts 100 Street Rhythm Band’s 1971 hit of the same name.
On top of this infectious sample Dr. Dre explodes in the beginning of the first verse:
I’m expressing with my full capabilitiesHe goes on to call out hypocrisy with the way other people talk about drugs, and the way rappers change what they do to get on the radio. Throughout the song he has entertaining and clever similes and rhymes like “moving like a tortoise, full of rigor mortis." Like Smokey Robinson’s classic Motown lyrics, there’s a sense of fun in the rapping and the wide vocabulary on words the Dr. Dre utilizes.
And now I’m living in correctional facilities.
Cause some don’t agree with how I do this,
I get straight, meditate like Buddhist.
While the song has a softer message the video links together the character slave driver, policeman and executioner. N.W.A. also evokes imagery of Kennedy being shot. All of this juxtaposed against this light-hearted song reminds us what N.W.A. is really all about.
There is freedom and joy in genuine self-expression, even if what you are expressing are darker parts of the human experience. "Express Yourself," walks this line carefully encouraging others to be who they are while calling out the problems that keep people from being genuine.
It's amazing to see how far these artists have gone. Dr. Dre is still around and when he hits the mic he still does it better than most of the younger guys out there right now. There is something special about hearing him rap more than twenty years ago. There's an energy and excitement that makes you not only want to rap along but create your own music to express yourself.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Gettin' Jiggy Wit It by Will Smith
“That’s not really rap music. It doesn’t have any swearing.”My students seem to have the most misconceptions about the music they like the best. One of those genres that many of my students talk about with some authority is rap music. When I teach about rap music I usually open up the conversation to get some ideas about what kids think about rap music. Some common misconceptions they tell me are that rap artists are only men, all rap music is about being a" gangsta" and that all rap needs utlizes explicit language.
-8th grade student
I dispute all of these things and use The Beastie Boys to teach about rap (which I talk about in this post ). The thing that astounded me this year was that some of my students argued that The Beastie Boys were not actually performing rap music. I patiently explained to them the The Beastie Boys were in fact one of the most important and influential rap groups of all time, though I’m not sure they believed me.
I wonder what they would say if I told them about how Will Smith used to be the Fresh Prince and how he still rocks the mic with mad skills (while keeping it clean).
When teaching about rap music, I often consider using some of Will Smith’s works, but the problem is that he work is too complex. Unlike “Intergalactic,” Smith places his rhymes of different beats, changes rhymes schemes quickly and adjusts phrase lengths within verses. One great example of this is with his 1998 smash “Gettin' Jiggy wit It.”
He immediately his the first verse with a clever phrase with rhymes almost every other word.: “Let’s go, dance floor pro, I know, you know, I go psy-cho.” He throws the accents on the off beat and come out of this pattern as easily as he get into.
The beginning of the second stanza is just a slick:
Everybody lookin' at me,Instead of creating pauses when he hits a rhyme, he goes straight into the next line rapping between the phrases as opposed to simply landing on them. When you analyze the different ways he places rhymes on beats, it’s dizzying.
Glancin' the kid,
wishin' they was dancin' a jig
Here with this handsome kid
It’s amazing how well Will Smith performs. He’s moving around the stage with so much energy and personality. Smith is a rapper that makes what he does seem so easy, but when you try to do it just like him, you might fall trying to do what he did.
I grew up watching Will Smith on television and listening to him as a rap artist. I respect his success as a film actor, but I can’t wait for him to pick up the mic and return as rap’s most important royalty.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Intergalactic by The Beastie Boys
Yo MCA, thanks for helping me teach my students about rap music.
Rap music is a difficult thing to teach 5th graders. The vast majority of rap music contains lyrics that are not age-appropriate and is about subject matter that holds no place in a school classroom. I’m not complaining about the use of language in rap music. Some of the best rappers use language that reflects their experience and surroundings, which I appreciate on an artistic level. It’s just that I can’t bring those words into my classroom.
Last year I taught two rap songs, “Keep Ya Head Up” by Tupac Shakur to my 6th graders and “Intergalactic” by The Beastie Boys” to my 5th graders. Both units went well by the latter really connected with my students and taught my students many great things about the artistry and the depth of rap music.
The Beastie Boys have always been part of my musical life. I grew up watching these guys on MTV and marveled at the musical growth through the years. The album Hello Nasty really captured my imagination and their hit single “Intergalactic” is one of my favorite songs.
Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA do their thing. They boast and brag about their skills using references to other music, science fiction with clever rhymes. I have my students analyze the back up vocals, the rhyming scheme and teach about poetic devices like alliteration. The students analyze the lyrics and look up words they don’t know. Then we learn how to rap the verse.
Does this song have any deep meaning? No, but it does teach something very important about our culture and what rap music truly is all about. My 5th graders have more illusions about rap music than facts. Most of them don’t see the connection between poetry and rap, and the science of working in and around the beat.
Most of all they don’t see rap music as a genre filled with diversity. For many of them, rap music is simply about African-Americans raised in the ghetto talking about gangs violence and drugs. The Beastie Boys are something very different.
Here we have three Jewish boys who went to private schools. These are guys who are married and have kids. And the Late Adam Yauch (MCA) is more famous for fighting for the human rights and the freedom of the Tibetan people, than hanging out in a club.
Adam Yauch didn’t die from a gang-related shooting, he died of cancer.
Look, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that my students have a view of rap music that is African-American-centric that reflects life in the lower-class neighborhoods, but for them to think that it is only that does not accurately reflect the diversity in the wonderful world of rap music.
It’s going to be different teaching about the Beastie Boys speaking about the late MCA, Adam Yauch. I don’t really know how much I will go into his death, but I think I am going to spend more time on who the Beastie Boys were not so much as rappers but as men. Adam Yauch opened up my eyes not only to the possibilities of rap music but the injustices in Tibet and I think it’s time to pass that along to my students.
Rap music is a difficult thing to teach 5th graders. The vast majority of rap music contains lyrics that are not age-appropriate and is about subject matter that holds no place in a school classroom. I’m not complaining about the use of language in rap music. Some of the best rappers use language that reflects their experience and surroundings, which I appreciate on an artistic level. It’s just that I can’t bring those words into my classroom.
Last year I taught two rap songs, “Keep Ya Head Up” by Tupac Shakur to my 6th graders and “Intergalactic” by The Beastie Boys” to my 5th graders. Both units went well by the latter really connected with my students and taught my students many great things about the artistry and the depth of rap music.
The Beastie Boys have always been part of my musical life. I grew up watching these guys on MTV and marveled at the musical growth through the years. The album Hello Nasty really captured my imagination and their hit single “Intergalactic” is one of my favorite songs.
Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA do their thing. They boast and brag about their skills using references to other music, science fiction with clever rhymes. I have my students analyze the back up vocals, the rhyming scheme and teach about poetic devices like alliteration. The students analyze the lyrics and look up words they don’t know. Then we learn how to rap the verse.
Does this song have any deep meaning? No, but it does teach something very important about our culture and what rap music truly is all about. My 5th graders have more illusions about rap music than facts. Most of them don’t see the connection between poetry and rap, and the science of working in and around the beat.
Most of all they don’t see rap music as a genre filled with diversity. For many of them, rap music is simply about African-Americans raised in the ghetto talking about gangs violence and drugs. The Beastie Boys are something very different.
Here we have three Jewish boys who went to private schools. These are guys who are married and have kids. And the Late Adam Yauch (MCA) is more famous for fighting for the human rights and the freedom of the Tibetan people, than hanging out in a club.
Adam Yauch didn’t die from a gang-related shooting, he died of cancer.
Look, I don’t think it’s a bad thing that my students have a view of rap music that is African-American-centric that reflects life in the lower-class neighborhoods, but for them to think that it is only that does not accurately reflect the diversity in the wonderful world of rap music.
It’s going to be different teaching about the Beastie Boys speaking about the late MCA, Adam Yauch. I don’t really know how much I will go into his death, but I think I am going to spend more time on who the Beastie Boys were not so much as rappers but as men. Adam Yauch opened up my eyes not only to the possibilities of rap music but the injustices in Tibet and I think it’s time to pass that along to my students.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Beware (Jay-Z Remix) by Punjabi MC
Recipe for great song:
Fist let’s start with a 1980s TV theme song:
Now let’s take the bass line from that and add in some vocals. How about we use “Mundian To Bach Ke” by Punjabi artist Labh Janjua. This Indian song warns a young girl that now that she is grown up she needs to be careful of boys, perfect.
Ok. . . this ought to be good, let’s see what happened when Punjabi MC mixes these things up.
That’s a party right there, maybe we should add a little of the “H to the Izzo” and see what we get:
My mind is officially blown.
This is one of those things that on paper seems like it would never work but it comes together in a way that is unbelievable. I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised with Jay-Z, this guy did sample a song from Annie (which I wrote about in this earlier post).
Every once in a while a Western pop artist deeps into what people call “world music” for influences like Sting’s song “Desert Rose” which featured Algerian singer Cheb Mami.
I came across this song for the trailer for new Sacha Baron Cohen film The Dictator.
While the song seems to fit the vibe of this film it doesn’t really make sense. The trailer portrays this fictional dictator as being from a Middle Easter country and well, “Beware” is clearly of Indian origin. It’s like using “La Bamba” for the movie trailer for New Year’s Eve, which is set in New York City.
Besides being a pleasing mix of sounds what does this all add up to. The bass line from a show about a talking car makes sense in the way its about protection and so is the warning about men. Jay-Z’s lyrics start with typical boasting in the first verse talking about how he’s the “black Brad Pitt” but he gets decidedly political in the second verse.
Jay-Z takes this palate of sounds to talk about issues in the Middle East. He talks about screaming, “leave Iraq Alone” and wanting the troops to have a safe return. Then we get a deeper look at Jay-Z’s world view.
Jay-Z starts talking about the attacks on 9/11 as well as referencing speculation that the Reagan administration had partial responsibility for the distribution of crack cocaine. He goes into his experience selling drugs out of a cab with his distributor. Then he wraps the verse up basically saying that it’s time to party. Like most Jay-Z lyrics there’s a lot crammed in here and he puts it across while effortlessly rapping through a variety of rhythmic patterns.
This song represent diversity in the best way. There's layers of meaning in all of the ingredients involved and each group of people these separate parts represent are invited through this song to explore cultures outside of their own.
This song isn't created for the sake of being "diverse." It's not a lesson in "diversity training," rather it's a celebration of how great a time we can have by coming together.
Fist let’s start with a 1980s TV theme song:
Now let’s take the bass line from that and add in some vocals. How about we use “Mundian To Bach Ke” by Punjabi artist Labh Janjua. This Indian song warns a young girl that now that she is grown up she needs to be careful of boys, perfect.
Ok. . . this ought to be good, let’s see what happened when Punjabi MC mixes these things up.
That’s a party right there, maybe we should add a little of the “H to the Izzo” and see what we get:
My mind is officially blown.
This is one of those things that on paper seems like it would never work but it comes together in a way that is unbelievable. I guess we shouldn’t be too surprised with Jay-Z, this guy did sample a song from Annie (which I wrote about in this earlier post).
Every once in a while a Western pop artist deeps into what people call “world music” for influences like Sting’s song “Desert Rose” which featured Algerian singer Cheb Mami.
I came across this song for the trailer for new Sacha Baron Cohen film The Dictator.
While the song seems to fit the vibe of this film it doesn’t really make sense. The trailer portrays this fictional dictator as being from a Middle Easter country and well, “Beware” is clearly of Indian origin. It’s like using “La Bamba” for the movie trailer for New Year’s Eve, which is set in New York City.
Besides being a pleasing mix of sounds what does this all add up to. The bass line from a show about a talking car makes sense in the way its about protection and so is the warning about men. Jay-Z’s lyrics start with typical boasting in the first verse talking about how he’s the “black Brad Pitt” but he gets decidedly political in the second verse.
Jay-Z takes this palate of sounds to talk about issues in the Middle East. He talks about screaming, “leave Iraq Alone” and wanting the troops to have a safe return. Then we get a deeper look at Jay-Z’s world view.
Before Bin Laden got Manhattan to blow
Before Ronal Reagan Got Manhattan the blow
Before I was cabbing it there back and forth
Raw we had it all day, Papi in the hallway
Cop one on consignment give you more yay
Yea, but that’s another story
But for now, Mami turn it around and the let the boy play.
Jay-Z starts talking about the attacks on 9/11 as well as referencing speculation that the Reagan administration had partial responsibility for the distribution of crack cocaine. He goes into his experience selling drugs out of a cab with his distributor. Then he wraps the verse up basically saying that it’s time to party. Like most Jay-Z lyrics there’s a lot crammed in here and he puts it across while effortlessly rapping through a variety of rhythmic patterns.
This song represent diversity in the best way. There's layers of meaning in all of the ingredients involved and each group of people these separate parts represent are invited through this song to explore cultures outside of their own.
This song isn't created for the sake of being "diverse." It's not a lesson in "diversity training," rather it's a celebration of how great a time we can have by coming together.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Area Codes by Ludacris featuring Nate Dogg
Sometimes music is meaningful because it speaks emotions that we feel deep inside in a way that no other form of human expression can. “Area Codes” is not one of those songs. It’s meaningful because our reaction to it tells us about ourselves.
Ludacris’ chauvinistic dedication to the many “hoes” that find him irresistible around the country provides a reflections, a kind of Rorschach test. Our reaction to this song reveals our own views on promiscuity, romance and the illusions that unfortunately too many of us have about the meaning of sexuality.
Ludacris isn’t the first artist to write a song boasting about his conquests. The earliest one that comes to mind is “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson.
Nelson in this early 1960s hit sings about five different girls who he is in love with. While this song has a more romantic spin it doesn’t feel great. He talks about owning girls hearts and uses cultural allusions to characterize these woman.
Ludacris takes this approach further describing forty different women he is involved with.
Forty. Let that sink in for a second, forty different women. Maybe a list of all the area codes will help you imagine what we're talking about here.
770 - Atlanta, Georgia
404 - Atlanta, Georgia
718 - New York, New York
202 - Washington D.C.
901 - Memphis, Tennessee
305 - Miami, Florida
312 - Chicago, Illinois
313 - Detroit, Michigan
215 - Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
803 - Columbia, S. Carolina
757 - Tidewater, Virginia
410 - Baltimore, Maryland
504 - New Orleans, Louisiana
972 - Dallas, Texas
713 - Houston, Texas
314 - St. Louis Missouri
201 - Jersey City, New Jersey
916 - Sacramento, Califonia
415 - San Francisco, California
704 - Charlotte, N. Carolina
206 - Seattle, Washington
808 - Hawaii
216 - Cleveland Ohio
702 - Las Vegas, Nevada
414 - Milwaukee, Wiscounsin
317 - Indianapolis, Indiana
214 - Dallas, Texas
281 - Houston, Texas
334 - Montgomery, Alabama
205 - Birmingham, Alabama
318 - Monroe, Louisiana
601 - Meridian, Mississippi
203 - New Haven, Connecticut
804 - Richmond, Virginia
402 - Omaha, Nebraska
301 - Silver Spring, Maryland
904 - Jacksonville, Florida
407 - Orlando, Florida
850 - Tallahassee, Florida
708 - Northern Alberta, Canada
While Ricky Nelson gave each girl a couple lines, Ludacris limits the references most of these women to simply a number. Ludacris describes a sense of innocence about his circumstance like a guy in an Axe Body Spray commercial. As Nate Dogg sings, these woman just won’t let Ludacris be, what is he suppose to do about this?
I don’t full understand the cultural etymology of the use of the word “ho” to describe women. All I know is that in my circle of friend that’s not really a term we use to describe woman, ever. We’ll use prostitute to describe well, someone who actually is one, but “ho” eh. . . no. The different that Ludacris uses this word adding it on as a prefix is kind of entertaining, I’ll give him that much. My personal favorite “hor-derves.” Are these like snacks that area really easy to make or something? I don’t know, and I guess that's what makes this song so . . . ludicrous.
No one could possibly take this song seriously. Actually let me try that again. No one should ever take this song seriously. If you think that you will travel to different cities and find woman who drawn to you without you doing anything you clearly have never interacted with a woman. And while it may be “okay” to carry on with forty different woman when if it’s clear to all these woman your intentions to treat them like a “ho” and they are ok with it, it’s still disgusting. C’mon, people that’s unbelievably gross. I understand guys bragging about their sexual conquests. Once upon a time I was a teenager, but there’s limits.
Is “Area Codes” offensive? Taken seriously, yes. To describe a woman by a number and imply a level of sexual servitude is a statement not only about the woman who is a “ho” but also a statement about our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters. If you think about think this song seriously and get that out of that reflection. Good for you. If you don’t and feel a level of respect for Ludacris and enjoy the fantasy of his conquests and are over the age of 16, you seriously need to seek some psychological help.
Taken as a novelty song, "Area Codes" has some clever lyrics, but even as a joke, it still makes us questions the way we feel our own sexuality and what it really means to share one of the most meaningful parts of ourselves with just one person, or more.
Our reaction to art sometimes reveals things we are proud of and other times feelings that necessitate reexamination.
What does your reaction to "Area Codes" say about you?
Ludacris’ chauvinistic dedication to the many “hoes” that find him irresistible around the country provides a reflections, a kind of Rorschach test. Our reaction to this song reveals our own views on promiscuity, romance and the illusions that unfortunately too many of us have about the meaning of sexuality.
Ludacris isn’t the first artist to write a song boasting about his conquests. The earliest one that comes to mind is “Travelin’ Man” by Ricky Nelson.
Nelson in this early 1960s hit sings about five different girls who he is in love with. While this song has a more romantic spin it doesn’t feel great. He talks about owning girls hearts and uses cultural allusions to characterize these woman.
Ludacris takes this approach further describing forty different women he is involved with.
Forty. Let that sink in for a second, forty different women. Maybe a list of all the area codes will help you imagine what we're talking about here.
770 - Atlanta, Georgia
404 - Atlanta, Georgia
718 - New York, New York
202 - Washington D.C.
901 - Memphis, Tennessee
305 - Miami, Florida
312 - Chicago, Illinois
313 - Detroit, Michigan
215 - Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
803 - Columbia, S. Carolina
757 - Tidewater, Virginia
410 - Baltimore, Maryland
504 - New Orleans, Louisiana
972 - Dallas, Texas
713 - Houston, Texas
314 - St. Louis Missouri
201 - Jersey City, New Jersey
916 - Sacramento, Califonia
415 - San Francisco, California
704 - Charlotte, N. Carolina
206 - Seattle, Washington
808 - Hawaii
216 - Cleveland Ohio
702 - Las Vegas, Nevada
414 - Milwaukee, Wiscounsin
317 - Indianapolis, Indiana
214 - Dallas, Texas
281 - Houston, Texas
334 - Montgomery, Alabama
205 - Birmingham, Alabama
318 - Monroe, Louisiana
601 - Meridian, Mississippi
203 - New Haven, Connecticut
804 - Richmond, Virginia
402 - Omaha, Nebraska
301 - Silver Spring, Maryland
904 - Jacksonville, Florida
407 - Orlando, Florida
850 - Tallahassee, Florida
708 - Northern Alberta, Canada
While Ricky Nelson gave each girl a couple lines, Ludacris limits the references most of these women to simply a number. Ludacris describes a sense of innocence about his circumstance like a guy in an Axe Body Spray commercial. As Nate Dogg sings, these woman just won’t let Ludacris be, what is he suppose to do about this?
I don’t full understand the cultural etymology of the use of the word “ho” to describe women. All I know is that in my circle of friend that’s not really a term we use to describe woman, ever. We’ll use prostitute to describe well, someone who actually is one, but “ho” eh. . . no. The different that Ludacris uses this word adding it on as a prefix is kind of entertaining, I’ll give him that much. My personal favorite “hor-derves.” Are these like snacks that area really easy to make or something? I don’t know, and I guess that's what makes this song so . . . ludicrous.
No one could possibly take this song seriously. Actually let me try that again. No one should ever take this song seriously. If you think that you will travel to different cities and find woman who drawn to you without you doing anything you clearly have never interacted with a woman. And while it may be “okay” to carry on with forty different woman when if it’s clear to all these woman your intentions to treat them like a “ho” and they are ok with it, it’s still disgusting. C’mon, people that’s unbelievably gross. I understand guys bragging about their sexual conquests. Once upon a time I was a teenager, but there’s limits.
Is “Area Codes” offensive? Taken seriously, yes. To describe a woman by a number and imply a level of sexual servitude is a statement not only about the woman who is a “ho” but also a statement about our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and daughters. If you think about think this song seriously and get that out of that reflection. Good for you. If you don’t and feel a level of respect for Ludacris and enjoy the fantasy of his conquests and are over the age of 16, you seriously need to seek some psychological help.
Taken as a novelty song, "Area Codes" has some clever lyrics, but even as a joke, it still makes us questions the way we feel our own sexuality and what it really means to share one of the most meaningful parts of ourselves with just one person, or more.
Our reaction to art sometimes reveals things we are proud of and other times feelings that necessitate reexamination.
What does your reaction to "Area Codes" say about you?
Monday, November 7, 2011
Just A Friend by Biz Markie
“Just A Friend” is one of most memorable raps songs of all time. It was one of those songs that you felt like you knew even if you only listened to part of it. I don’t remember the first time I heard this song and I can’t remember a time that I didn’t know this song.
One of the things people credit country music with is its ability to tell stories. Well, rap music does a pretty good job of this as well and “Just A Friend” is prime example.
Biz Markie - Just A Friend by rikma
This song is a cautionary tale, warning that if a girl tells you that another man in her life is “just a friend,” don’t trust her. Chances are, she’s just leading you on and probably cheating on this other guy with you.
In-between the verses which tells this tragic love story Biz Markie “sings” the chorus. Yes, the word sings is in quotes because like someone posted on youtube about Biz Markie, he is a cross between “Biggie and Tracy Morgan.” The singing part is definitely Tracy Morgan. After hearing him get through the verses of the song, well, he . . . um. . . . yeah, it’s one of the most hilariously awful vocal performances in pop music. The things is, that I wouldn’t have it any other way.
His delivery perfectly matches the tone of this song. Yes, this story is something that could make some sad and upset, but Biz’s reactions like the chorus is one of humor. He’s looking at this frustration circumstance and you can just imagine him in his retelling of this story laughing about it.
“Just A Friend” is a beautiful example of an artists abilities matching up with a type of song that creates something amazing. Biz Markie would not be as successful doing a more serious song and a different rapper like Eminem couldn’t really pull of this song without Biz’s unique charm.
While Biz’s song can definitely from an objective point of view be of a low quality, his rapping is different story. No, he doesn’t have the spit-fire delivery of 2pac or the lyric fluidity of Jay-Z. However Biz Markie, is able to rap around the beats is a casual and unpretentious way. If you rap along with him you definitely notice moments when things don’t initially seem feel right but fall into place moment slater. While his skills are subtle, they are definitely there.
1989 was a very different time for rap music. It hadn’t gotten deep into Gangsta Rap and while there was a lot of socially conscious Rap music that was serious, some of it was light-hearted. Biz Markie looked at his life with humor and his ability through this song to remind us to not take ourselves too seriously has created a place for this song in the canon of popular music.
One of the things people credit country music with is its ability to tell stories. Well, rap music does a pretty good job of this as well and “Just A Friend” is prime example.
Biz Markie - Just A Friend by rikma
This song is a cautionary tale, warning that if a girl tells you that another man in her life is “just a friend,” don’t trust her. Chances are, she’s just leading you on and probably cheating on this other guy with you.
In-between the verses which tells this tragic love story Biz Markie “sings” the chorus. Yes, the word sings is in quotes because like someone posted on youtube about Biz Markie, he is a cross between “Biggie and Tracy Morgan.” The singing part is definitely Tracy Morgan. After hearing him get through the verses of the song, well, he . . . um. . . . yeah, it’s one of the most hilariously awful vocal performances in pop music. The things is, that I wouldn’t have it any other way.
His delivery perfectly matches the tone of this song. Yes, this story is something that could make some sad and upset, but Biz’s reactions like the chorus is one of humor. He’s looking at this frustration circumstance and you can just imagine him in his retelling of this story laughing about it.
“Just A Friend” is a beautiful example of an artists abilities matching up with a type of song that creates something amazing. Biz Markie would not be as successful doing a more serious song and a different rapper like Eminem couldn’t really pull of this song without Biz’s unique charm.
While Biz’s song can definitely from an objective point of view be of a low quality, his rapping is different story. No, he doesn’t have the spit-fire delivery of 2pac or the lyric fluidity of Jay-Z. However Biz Markie, is able to rap around the beats is a casual and unpretentious way. If you rap along with him you definitely notice moments when things don’t initially seem feel right but fall into place moment slater. While his skills are subtle, they are definitely there.
1989 was a very different time for rap music. It hadn’t gotten deep into Gangsta Rap and while there was a lot of socially conscious Rap music that was serious, some of it was light-hearted. Biz Markie looked at his life with humor and his ability through this song to remind us to not take ourselves too seriously has created a place for this song in the canon of popular music.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Mo Money Mo Problems by The Notorious B.I.G. (feat. Mase & Puff Daddy)
Yes, Mase’s rapping skills were suspect, yes, Puff Daddy comes across as a shameless
self-promoter but man this song was fun.
“Mo Money Mo Problems” was the second single off the Notorious B.I.G.’s second and final album Life After Death. Released posthumously after his murder, this song was a huge success topping the Billboard charts for two weeks and saturating MTV and radio stations.
This song comes from a quote from Notorious B.I.G. stating that with more money came more problems in life. And while this song warns of this adage the many of the lyrics and the sample feel more like celebration then a warning.
The sample which comes from 1980 Diana Ross hit “I’m Coming Out,” which features the greatest (and one of the only) trombone solos in popular music history.
Let’s not talk about that jacket she’s wearing . . .
This song really could not have been more perfect for a rap song sample and Puff Daddy arranged it so well that people hardly cared about the skill or the content of the raps in this song. I know I didn’t when I was listening to this song as a teenager.
Listening to this song, the beat is infectious but the variation of the rapping styles comes across very clearly, illustrating how great the Notorious B.I.G. was a rap artist. Mace just barely gets through his verse. I could deal with his monotone and unaffected delivery if he rhythms of his rap were so monotonous. Every phrase has the same cadence and his lack of momentum and energy juxtaposed over the sample is pretty painful.
Puffy does bring it with his verse. There’s variations in the phrase lengths, he sues alliteration and check out how he flows when he starts “team much stronger than yours . . . “ (2:40). He works through the beat placing accents against the what you expect before landing back down later in the verse.
Then Biggie comes in and blows both Mase and Puffy away. From the initial spell-out of his name, his superior skills are immediately clear. There is a rhythmic energy and punctuation with every syllable he says. His words are by-far the most meaningful illustrating the theme of the song and the struggles that come with wealth. What’s interesting is that it doesn’t really come across as bragging so much as an honest expression of insecurities.
Puff Daddy makes a great choice to clear the top layer of the instrumentals to let Biggie rap over the base line. It not only provides a great moment of space in the song but really highlights what Biggie is doing with his verse and how he uses his rhymes to create momentum in the song.
"Mo Money Mo Problems," while not coming across as the deepest song is a fascinating reflection about the life and times of the Notorious B.I.G. This song is a party song but on another layer, it's a statement about the flaws and the misconceptions of having lots of wealth. I can't help but wonder if it's these problems that led to the death of Biggie, one greatest rappers of all time. With every positive thing in life, there's a potential for something bad to happen. Like this song the good feelings can't last forever and eventually with have to deal with out lives.
Unfortunately for the Notorious B.I.G. when the party stopped so did his life.
self-promoter but man this song was fun.
“Mo Money Mo Problems” was the second single off the Notorious B.I.G.’s second and final album Life After Death. Released posthumously after his murder, this song was a huge success topping the Billboard charts for two weeks and saturating MTV and radio stations.
This song comes from a quote from Notorious B.I.G. stating that with more money came more problems in life. And while this song warns of this adage the many of the lyrics and the sample feel more like celebration then a warning.
The sample which comes from 1980 Diana Ross hit “I’m Coming Out,” which features the greatest (and one of the only) trombone solos in popular music history.
Let’s not talk about that jacket she’s wearing . . .
This song really could not have been more perfect for a rap song sample and Puff Daddy arranged it so well that people hardly cared about the skill or the content of the raps in this song. I know I didn’t when I was listening to this song as a teenager.
Listening to this song, the beat is infectious but the variation of the rapping styles comes across very clearly, illustrating how great the Notorious B.I.G. was a rap artist. Mace just barely gets through his verse. I could deal with his monotone and unaffected delivery if he rhythms of his rap were so monotonous. Every phrase has the same cadence and his lack of momentum and energy juxtaposed over the sample is pretty painful.
Puffy does bring it with his verse. There’s variations in the phrase lengths, he sues alliteration and check out how he flows when he starts “team much stronger than yours . . . “ (2:40). He works through the beat placing accents against the what you expect before landing back down later in the verse.
Then Biggie comes in and blows both Mase and Puffy away. From the initial spell-out of his name, his superior skills are immediately clear. There is a rhythmic energy and punctuation with every syllable he says. His words are by-far the most meaningful illustrating the theme of the song and the struggles that come with wealth. What’s interesting is that it doesn’t really come across as bragging so much as an honest expression of insecurities.
Puff Daddy makes a great choice to clear the top layer of the instrumentals to let Biggie rap over the base line. It not only provides a great moment of space in the song but really highlights what Biggie is doing with his verse and how he uses his rhymes to create momentum in the song.
"Mo Money Mo Problems," while not coming across as the deepest song is a fascinating reflection about the life and times of the Notorious B.I.G. This song is a party song but on another layer, it's a statement about the flaws and the misconceptions of having lots of wealth. I can't help but wonder if it's these problems that led to the death of Biggie, one greatest rappers of all time. With every positive thing in life, there's a potential for something bad to happen. Like this song the good feelings can't last forever and eventually with have to deal with out lives.
Unfortunately for the Notorious B.I.G. when the party stopped so did his life.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Confusing Old Navy Commercials
Old Navy bringing back "Sister Christian"!!
Awesome.
And then there's:
which is a version of this:
This just feels kind of wrong. I really can't explain why, but it just doesn't . . . um . . . sigh
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Tonight Is The Night I Feel Asleep At The Wheel by The Barenaked Ladies
More often than not the subject of a song directly reveals what the song is about. For example the subject of “Love Story” by Taylor Swift is well, a love story. The meaning of a song is the glory of falling in love against adversity. But every once in a while a song reveals a meaning that is very different then the subject.
"Tonight Is The Night I Feel Asleep At The Wheel" by the Barenaked Ladies is pretty much about what you think. It tells the story of car crash but it's meaning is something that you don't really expect.
The Barenaked Ladies are best known for their 1998 rock/rap song "One Week."
While this fun song was kind of silly, other songs on the album revealed a level of depth and musical maturity like "Call And Answer."
Barenaked Ladies - Call and Answer by popefucker
Two years later the Barenaked Ladies released their second album Maroon. Insightful and witty, the songs in this album covered a wide variety of themes while creating one of the greatest albums in popular music.
The album built up to the second to last song "Tonight Is The Night I Feel Asleep At The Wheel," a first-person telling of the experience of a car crash.
The song opens as the driver describes driving home to be with "you" who we assume is his love. It's a night just like any other and his love, as he expresses "you're the last thing on my mind." This phrase is usually used to describe things that we don't care about or don't think about very often. In this same way this is the last thing on our mind as the car crash ensues.
There's an almost eerie level of peace as he describes the car flipping over and the firefighters trying to get him out of the car. When he concludes that it's over because he sees so much blood it isn't so much alarming but glorious. Right after that crescendo the music pulls back and he reveals to us why he feels so serene through this entire thing: "you're the last thing on my mind."
This line from the beginning of the the song that describes his love as an afterthought is transformed to a line of love and devotion. In his final moments as he dies it's his love that comes to mind. It's this thought that brings him peace and in this way he finally is able to describe the way that feels.
The subject of this song is simple. It's a guy who falls asleep at the wheel and get in a car crash. The meaning is harder to describe. In pain we seek comfort. In people we find that comfort and it is in the love that people bring to us that we find peace.
"Tonight Is The Night I Feel Asleep At The Wheel" by the Barenaked Ladies is pretty much about what you think. It tells the story of car crash but it's meaning is something that you don't really expect.
The Barenaked Ladies are best known for their 1998 rock/rap song "One Week."
While this fun song was kind of silly, other songs on the album revealed a level of depth and musical maturity like "Call And Answer."
Barenaked Ladies - Call and Answer by popefucker
Two years later the Barenaked Ladies released their second album Maroon. Insightful and witty, the songs in this album covered a wide variety of themes while creating one of the greatest albums in popular music.
The album built up to the second to last song "Tonight Is The Night I Feel Asleep At The Wheel," a first-person telling of the experience of a car crash.
The song opens as the driver describes driving home to be with "you" who we assume is his love. It's a night just like any other and his love, as he expresses "you're the last thing on my mind." This phrase is usually used to describe things that we don't care about or don't think about very often. In this same way this is the last thing on our mind as the car crash ensues.
There's an almost eerie level of peace as he describes the car flipping over and the firefighters trying to get him out of the car. When he concludes that it's over because he sees so much blood it isn't so much alarming but glorious. Right after that crescendo the music pulls back and he reveals to us why he feels so serene through this entire thing: "you're the last thing on my mind."
This line from the beginning of the the song that describes his love as an afterthought is transformed to a line of love and devotion. In his final moments as he dies it's his love that comes to mind. It's this thought that brings him peace and in this way he finally is able to describe the way that feels.
The subject of this song is simple. It's a guy who falls asleep at the wheel and get in a car crash. The meaning is harder to describe. In pain we seek comfort. In people we find that comfort and it is in the love that people bring to us that we find peace.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Jack Sparrow by The Lonely Island featuring Michael Bolton
No, I didn’t see the new Pirates of the Caribbean film last weekend. Honestly, the last film confused me so much that I am particular eager to revisit that universe right now.
Don’t get me wrong, I thought the first three films were a lot of fun specially the first one. It was a fresh take on the pirate genre and Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow is one of the greatest characters in film. Apparently I’m not the only person who feels this way.
Andy Sandberg came onto the musical landscape with his SNL digital shorts. First there was the epic “Lazy Sunday” and of course “I’m On A Boat.”
With the release of their new album Turtlenecks And Chains, they premiered the video to “Jack Sparrow” on SNL a couple weeks ago. I immediately thought this was the funniest thing Sandberg’s group The Lonely Island came up with but it left my wife slightly mystified and I understand why.
First off, you have to understand what is awesome and not so awesome about Michael Bolton. This 1990s adult contemporary singer was probably the furthest thing from “cool” growing up. He hit the charts with covers of classic soul songs like “When A Man Loves A Woman.”
So to have to him appear nonsensically with The Lonely Island is pretty weird but funny at the same time. When SNL does impressions of people often they create characters that do not even vaguely resemble the person they are trying to imitate, like Jimmy Fallon’s Barry Gibb. They add random aspects to their personality that may not make logical sense but somehow work just like Bolton being a geeky film fan.
The Lonely Island switched things up and play the straight man role pretending to be legit rap stars talking about clubbing. For once they are not making a fool out of themselves and their reactions to Michael Bolton are hilarious.
Of course this would never happen in reality. The song would stop and they would have a discussion but the idea that the song keeps going and they are trying to work it out while Bolton just can’t get on the same page is hysterical. He just doesn’t seem to get what is bugging the boys about this chorus (which is well done and creates a really cool musical juxtaposition with the verse).
"Jack Sparrow" is both well-crafted and silly. It's preposterous while somehow being logical and seriously seeing Michael Bolton dress us like Erin Brockovich, priceless.
Don’t get me wrong, I thought the first three films were a lot of fun specially the first one. It was a fresh take on the pirate genre and Johnny Depp’s Jack Sparrow is one of the greatest characters in film. Apparently I’m not the only person who feels this way.
Andy Sandberg came onto the musical landscape with his SNL digital shorts. First there was the epic “Lazy Sunday” and of course “I’m On A Boat.”
With the release of their new album Turtlenecks And Chains, they premiered the video to “Jack Sparrow” on SNL a couple weeks ago. I immediately thought this was the funniest thing Sandberg’s group The Lonely Island came up with but it left my wife slightly mystified and I understand why.
First off, you have to understand what is awesome and not so awesome about Michael Bolton. This 1990s adult contemporary singer was probably the furthest thing from “cool” growing up. He hit the charts with covers of classic soul songs like “When A Man Loves A Woman.”
So to have to him appear nonsensically with The Lonely Island is pretty weird but funny at the same time. When SNL does impressions of people often they create characters that do not even vaguely resemble the person they are trying to imitate, like Jimmy Fallon’s Barry Gibb. They add random aspects to their personality that may not make logical sense but somehow work just like Bolton being a geeky film fan.
The Lonely Island switched things up and play the straight man role pretending to be legit rap stars talking about clubbing. For once they are not making a fool out of themselves and their reactions to Michael Bolton are hilarious.
Of course this would never happen in reality. The song would stop and they would have a discussion but the idea that the song keeps going and they are trying to work it out while Bolton just can’t get on the same page is hysterical. He just doesn’t seem to get what is bugging the boys about this chorus (which is well done and creates a really cool musical juxtaposition with the verse).
"Jack Sparrow" is both well-crafted and silly. It's preposterous while somehow being logical and seriously seeing Michael Bolton dress us like Erin Brockovich, priceless.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Waterfalls by TLC
I was at a Thai restaurant with a groups of friends and someone asked if I knew the song “Creep” by TLC and as we discussed this song and TLC as a group I was reminded how important this group was in the 1990s.
TLC was the closest thing the 1990s got to The Supremes. This was a group of woman who were not afraid to utilize the power of their own sexuality however they also had a conscience. No, they weren’t doing Pete Seeger style protest music but they did music that empowered woman and touched on social issues in their lives. They sang about guys who were “scrubs,” girls who felt “unpretty,” spousal abuse and a disease called AIDs.
There was T-Boz and Chili who sang while Left-Eye provided the rapping. And it was their second album in 1995, which perfectly described the trio Crazy, Sexy, Cool with Left-Eye providing the crazy, Chllli, the sexy and T-Boz the cool. This album was a monster. It become the only album by a female group that sold more than 11 million copies in the United State alone.
While “Creep” the lead single was a great song and the perfect example of a rhythm and blues mid-tempo slow jam, “Waterfalls” really crossed over into mainstream and established TLC as a force in popular culture.
“Waterfalls” juxtaposed a funky and sensual slow-grind beat that is usually used to back up songs about sex (ala the Isley Brothers) against lyrics that discussed the consequences of the choices we make in our lives.
The first verse tells the story of a mother who has lost control of her son. He decides to deal drugs and ends up getting shot in a drug deal gone wrong. TLC comments on the love of the mom but also the thoughtlessness of the son and the tragedy of the situation. The second verse tells the story of a man who is sexually promiscuous. Because of his choices he contracts AIDs and suffers the consequences as his health fades.
The chorus urges us to not chase “waterfalls,” dreams and passions that aren’t good for us, whether its money or sexual pleasure without thinking of the consequences. TLC says that we are moving too fast in our lives and need to think about the how what we are doing affects the people in our lives.
This is heavy message. “Waterfall” is a song about gang violence and one of the most devastating diseases of our time. The catchy melody takes the intensity of the subject down a notch so that message can come through.
I’m not going to argue that people’s lives have been saved because of this song but I’ll never forget the images in this music video and the Left-Eye looking straight into the camera and rapping “believe in yourself.”
Whether or not TLC had the social impact that they desired is not as important as the fact they tried to truly say something with their music. It is because they tried that people gravitated to them and for a certain period, they were the biggest group in the world.
They did this not by chasing waterfalls but by sticking to their rivers and lakes: who they truly were on the inside.
TLC was the closest thing the 1990s got to The Supremes. This was a group of woman who were not afraid to utilize the power of their own sexuality however they also had a conscience. No, they weren’t doing Pete Seeger style protest music but they did music that empowered woman and touched on social issues in their lives. They sang about guys who were “scrubs,” girls who felt “unpretty,” spousal abuse and a disease called AIDs.
There was T-Boz and Chili who sang while Left-Eye provided the rapping. And it was their second album in 1995, which perfectly described the trio Crazy, Sexy, Cool with Left-Eye providing the crazy, Chllli, the sexy and T-Boz the cool. This album was a monster. It become the only album by a female group that sold more than 11 million copies in the United State alone.
While “Creep” the lead single was a great song and the perfect example of a rhythm and blues mid-tempo slow jam, “Waterfalls” really crossed over into mainstream and established TLC as a force in popular culture.
“Waterfalls” juxtaposed a funky and sensual slow-grind beat that is usually used to back up songs about sex (ala the Isley Brothers) against lyrics that discussed the consequences of the choices we make in our lives.
The first verse tells the story of a mother who has lost control of her son. He decides to deal drugs and ends up getting shot in a drug deal gone wrong. TLC comments on the love of the mom but also the thoughtlessness of the son and the tragedy of the situation. The second verse tells the story of a man who is sexually promiscuous. Because of his choices he contracts AIDs and suffers the consequences as his health fades.
The chorus urges us to not chase “waterfalls,” dreams and passions that aren’t good for us, whether its money or sexual pleasure without thinking of the consequences. TLC says that we are moving too fast in our lives and need to think about the how what we are doing affects the people in our lives.
This is heavy message. “Waterfall” is a song about gang violence and one of the most devastating diseases of our time. The catchy melody takes the intensity of the subject down a notch so that message can come through.
I’m not going to argue that people’s lives have been saved because of this song but I’ll never forget the images in this music video and the Left-Eye looking straight into the camera and rapping “believe in yourself.”
Whether or not TLC had the social impact that they desired is not as important as the fact they tried to truly say something with their music. It is because they tried that people gravitated to them and for a certain period, they were the biggest group in the world.
They did this not by chasing waterfalls but by sticking to their rivers and lakes: who they truly were on the inside.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Round 13: Aerosmith & Run-D.M.C. Vs. Aerosmith & . . .
In 1986 Run-D.M.C. with the help of producer Rick Rubin re-recorded "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith. This song was originally released eleven years earlier off of Aerosmith's Toys in the Attic. This duet with Run-D.M.C. revolutionized the music industry as the first mainstream melding of Rock and Rap music. "Walk This Way" helped legitimize Rap as a musical genre and revitalized Aerosmith's career.
Vs.
Through the years Aerosmith has tried to recreate the magic of their re-imagining of this song with Run-D.M.C. In 1989 Bon Jovi joined Aerosmith at a peformance in the UK.
Then in 1999 when Kid Rock joined Run-D.M.C. and Aeromsith at the 1999 MTV VMA's.
. . . then there was the Superbowl performance with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake . . .
. . . then there was Fergie. . .
And just last week . . . SIGH. . . Carrie Underwood joined Steven Tyler the lead singer of Aerosmith at the 2011Acadamy Of Country Music Awards Show (skip to 2:45).
The Winner:
Now I love "Walk This Way." It's a great song. The original version features one of my favorite guitar licks. It's got rapid-fire suggestive lyrics that are clever and hilarious. Run-D.M.C. really did bring new life to this song but the following performances well. . . it's just not the same. Frankly it's getting a little tiring. I mean Carrie Underwood? Really?!? It's not that it was a bad performance but how many time can you bring this song out and expect it to be fresh and exciting.
While the audiences almost always erupts in enthusiasm every time Steven Tyler whips this song out with a new artist, I feel it's a unsuccessful attempt to capture the magic of the original duet with Run-D.M.C.
This is where it all started live in 1977.
Vs.
Through the years Aerosmith has tried to recreate the magic of their re-imagining of this song with Run-D.M.C. In 1989 Bon Jovi joined Aerosmith at a peformance in the UK.
Then in 1999 when Kid Rock joined Run-D.M.C. and Aeromsith at the 1999 MTV VMA's.
. . . then there was the Superbowl performance with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake . . .
. . . then there was Fergie. . .
And just last week . . . SIGH. . . Carrie Underwood joined Steven Tyler the lead singer of Aerosmith at the 2011Acadamy Of Country Music Awards Show (skip to 2:45).
The Winner:
Now I love "Walk This Way." It's a great song. The original version features one of my favorite guitar licks. It's got rapid-fire suggestive lyrics that are clever and hilarious. Run-D.M.C. really did bring new life to this song but the following performances well. . . it's just not the same. Frankly it's getting a little tiring. I mean Carrie Underwood? Really?!? It's not that it was a bad performance but how many time can you bring this song out and expect it to be fresh and exciting.
While the audiences almost always erupts in enthusiasm every time Steven Tyler whips this song out with a new artist, I feel it's a unsuccessful attempt to capture the magic of the original duet with Run-D.M.C.
This is where it all started live in 1977.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Round 12: Beyonce Vs. Sir Mix-a-lot
Deep thoughts. . .
Is Beyonce too "Bootylicious" for Six Mix-a-lot?!?
I mean he does state his love, fascination and respect for ladies that have "back."
Can the Six Mix really handle Beyonce? I'm not sure if he's ready for her "jelly."
Pounder this important question today as you face the world and the challenges of your day.
-Tang
Is Beyonce too "Bootylicious" for Six Mix-a-lot?!?
I mean he does state his love, fascination and respect for ladies that have "back."
Can the Six Mix really handle Beyonce? I'm not sure if he's ready for her "jelly."
Pounder this important question today as you face the world and the challenges of your day.
-Tang
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Round 7: Stevie Wonder Vs. Coolio
In 1976, Stevie Wonder released Songs In The Key Of Life which featured the song "Pastime Paradise."
This beautifully and subtlety layered song reflects on people who are stuck in the past. These are people who have become compliant with the injustice in society and view the past, however flawed as paradise. Wonder urges them to work towards a "future paradise" and realize the past is not the paradise that it seems.
Versus:
In 1995, Coolio scored a huge crossover hit with "Gangsta's Paradise" featured on the soundtrack of Dangerous Minds.
Coolio passionately raps about what it's like to be raised and live as a modern "gangsta." The picture that Coolio paints isn’t a pretty one. It’s a life that some may idealize as a paradise but in reality is a frustrating and hopeless existence.
The Winner:
NEITHER! A third contender just swooped in and beat both songs out!
Next week: Buffy Vs. Angel!
This beautifully and subtlety layered song reflects on people who are stuck in the past. These are people who have become compliant with the injustice in society and view the past, however flawed as paradise. Wonder urges them to work towards a "future paradise" and realize the past is not the paradise that it seems.
Versus:
In 1995, Coolio scored a huge crossover hit with "Gangsta's Paradise" featured on the soundtrack of Dangerous Minds.
Coolio passionately raps about what it's like to be raised and live as a modern "gangsta." The picture that Coolio paints isn’t a pretty one. It’s a life that some may idealize as a paradise but in reality is a frustrating and hopeless existence.
The Winner:
NEITHER! A third contender just swooped in and beat both songs out!
Next week: Buffy Vs. Angel!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Round 5: Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers Vs. Pras, Mya & Ol' Dirty Bastard
Can you imagine if this was an actually fight? My money would totally be on Dolly Parton.
Anyways, in 1983 Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton released "Islands In The Stream." At this time Dolly and Kenny were two of the most popular celebrities in America. The idea of them singing a duet was a dream come true for many fans.
This love song written by the Bee Gees exemplifies the genre of Country Pop which permeated the 1980s. Wholesome, optimistic and catchy, "Islands In The Stream" may not be a well known song nowadays but for people who were around when this song first came out, they have never fogotten it.
Vs.
"Ghetto Superstar" by Pras featuring Pya and Ol' Dirty Bastard is my favorite rap song of all time. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying it's the best rap song ever recorded, there's just something about this song that has always stuck with me.
From the soundtrack of the film Bulworth, this song sampled the chorus of "Islands In The Sun" which Mya sings (not very well, mind you) and has rap verses from Pras of the Fugees, Wyclef Jean's breakout group and the late 'Ol Dirty Bastard from the Wu-Tang Clan.
Adding an awesome infectious bass line and an undeniably funky beat, this song really gets you grooving. Pras and 'Ol Dirty do their thing rapping about paranoia, power and life in the ghetto.
The Winner:
"Ghetto Superstar" is one the great examples of sampling done right. The chorus is not simply lifted but is re-interpreted to create a completely different emotion. "Islands In The Sun" is a beautiful song but it really sounds dated. While the lyrics of "Islands In The Stream" are universal and timeless, the raps in "Ghetto Superstar" are relevant even now in our society more than ten years after its release.
Next Week: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terell Vs. Amy Whinehouse
Anyways, in 1983 Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton released "Islands In The Stream." At this time Dolly and Kenny were two of the most popular celebrities in America. The idea of them singing a duet was a dream come true for many fans.
This love song written by the Bee Gees exemplifies the genre of Country Pop which permeated the 1980s. Wholesome, optimistic and catchy, "Islands In The Stream" may not be a well known song nowadays but for people who were around when this song first came out, they have never fogotten it.
Vs.
"Ghetto Superstar" by Pras featuring Pya and Ol' Dirty Bastard is my favorite rap song of all time. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not saying it's the best rap song ever recorded, there's just something about this song that has always stuck with me.
From the soundtrack of the film Bulworth, this song sampled the chorus of "Islands In The Sun" which Mya sings (not very well, mind you) and has rap verses from Pras of the Fugees, Wyclef Jean's breakout group and the late 'Ol Dirty Bastard from the Wu-Tang Clan.
Adding an awesome infectious bass line and an undeniably funky beat, this song really gets you grooving. Pras and 'Ol Dirty do their thing rapping about paranoia, power and life in the ghetto.
The Winner:
"Ghetto Superstar" is one the great examples of sampling done right. The chorus is not simply lifted but is re-interpreted to create a completely different emotion. "Islands In The Sun" is a beautiful song but it really sounds dated. While the lyrics of "Islands In The Stream" are universal and timeless, the raps in "Ghetto Superstar" are relevant even now in our society more than ten years after its release.
Next Week: Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terell Vs. Amy Whinehouse
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Young Forever by Jay-Z featuring Mr. Hudson
As the night defines the day, death defines life. It’s the limitations, the finite nature of experience brings meaning to our world. While we wish that moments in our lives would never end, we know in the back of our minds that the knowledge, the understanding that things will not last forever is what makes us cherish the time that we have.
If a song never ended how carefully would you listen to it? If a football game never ended, how would you know who won? If we stayed forever young, what would be the point of life?
Jay-Z’s fifth single “Young Forever,” from his album, The Blueprint 3 question the idea of immortality.
This song features the English pop artist Mr. Hudson who has worked as a producer for artist like Kayne West while having a successful solo career of his own.
Many rap songs find their footing in popular culture based more on the hook as opposed to the rapping itself. Many of my favorite rap songs while having quality rapping initially only appealed to me because of the vocal chorus like my personal favorite rap song of all time (not necessarily one that I would argue is the best) “Ghetto Superstar” featuring the melody from the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit “Islands In The Streams” (written by the Bee Gees!!)
It only took three seconds of the opening vocals by Mr. Hudson to catch my attention and convince me to get “Young Forever.” This choice was made easier by the fact that Jay-Z is one of the greatest rappers of all time who never fails to provide interesting and technically fascinating raps.
The opening vocals are a combination of youthful naivety and doubt. Mr. Hudson sings about wanting to have a great experience last longer stating that he would rather die young or live forever never growing old. In the next line he sings that he wants to be forever young but then asks himself “do you really want to live forever?”
Jay-Z provides his own perspective on life comforting us in the first verse that great memories will they never end because they never leave our memory and “all we have to do is hit rewind.” He encourages us to live in the moment and that being young is a state of mind. This is why at the end of it “when the director yells ‘cut’” Jay-Z says he’ll be fine. Maybe it's in memories that we find comfort or in living in the moment as Jay-Z describes in the next verse “fear not when, fear not why, fear not much while we’re alive” when thinking about the nature of death.
The one assertion Jay-Z discusses that I question is that he will live forever as his names is passed down in storied. I think about my grandfather who recently died and how many people a generation from now will remember him? A couple dozen, maybe more, maybe less. Does this make his life any less meaningful? I don’t think so but what I do know is that him being young forever or having immortality wouldn’t guarantee his life meaning either.
The idea of immortality and wanting to be forever young is a reflection of our own insecurities we have about the way that we spend our time in our lives. Are we doing something meaningful with this blessing of life? If your answer is no, you probably wish you could have some more time but if you feel like you do then you're living a life without regret, a life proud to have lived with no fear of death.
I'm not there yet, but one of these days I hope to be.
If a song never ended how carefully would you listen to it? If a football game never ended, how would you know who won? If we stayed forever young, what would be the point of life?
Jay-Z’s fifth single “Young Forever,” from his album, The Blueprint 3 question the idea of immortality.
This song features the English pop artist Mr. Hudson who has worked as a producer for artist like Kayne West while having a successful solo career of his own.
Many rap songs find their footing in popular culture based more on the hook as opposed to the rapping itself. Many of my favorite rap songs while having quality rapping initially only appealed to me because of the vocal chorus like my personal favorite rap song of all time (not necessarily one that I would argue is the best) “Ghetto Superstar” featuring the melody from the Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers hit “Islands In The Streams” (written by the Bee Gees!!)
It only took three seconds of the opening vocals by Mr. Hudson to catch my attention and convince me to get “Young Forever.” This choice was made easier by the fact that Jay-Z is one of the greatest rappers of all time who never fails to provide interesting and technically fascinating raps.
The opening vocals are a combination of youthful naivety and doubt. Mr. Hudson sings about wanting to have a great experience last longer stating that he would rather die young or live forever never growing old. In the next line he sings that he wants to be forever young but then asks himself “do you really want to live forever?”
Jay-Z provides his own perspective on life comforting us in the first verse that great memories will they never end because they never leave our memory and “all we have to do is hit rewind.” He encourages us to live in the moment and that being young is a state of mind. This is why at the end of it “when the director yells ‘cut’” Jay-Z says he’ll be fine. Maybe it's in memories that we find comfort or in living in the moment as Jay-Z describes in the next verse “fear not when, fear not why, fear not much while we’re alive” when thinking about the nature of death.
The one assertion Jay-Z discusses that I question is that he will live forever as his names is passed down in storied. I think about my grandfather who recently died and how many people a generation from now will remember him? A couple dozen, maybe more, maybe less. Does this make his life any less meaningful? I don’t think so but what I do know is that him being young forever or having immortality wouldn’t guarantee his life meaning either.
The idea of immortality and wanting to be forever young is a reflection of our own insecurities we have about the way that we spend our time in our lives. Are we doing something meaningful with this blessing of life? If your answer is no, you probably wish you could have some more time but if you feel like you do then you're living a life without regret, a life proud to have lived with no fear of death.
I'm not there yet, but one of these days I hope to be.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Hot In Herre by Nelly
It’s getting hot over here in Chicago.
A perfectly logical response to the warming of temperature is to take off articles of clothing, sweaters, hats, jackets, scarf.
Nelly took this a step further. Forget about taking of some of your clothes to cool, “it’s getting hot in herre so take of all of your clothes." This statement would be completely absurd except for the fact the response from the woman in this situation of rising temperature agrees, “I am getting so hot, I’m going to take my clothes off.”
What, is Nelly a hypnotist or something? Really, could he have said, “it’s getting hot herre, so give all of your money” and then the woman would response, “I am getting so hot, I’m going to give you all of my money!”
Okay, okay, I guess this whole “take off all your clothes,” is a natural sensual extension of the idea of one taking some clothes off because of heat. Hey you’re at a party things are getting crazy, why not flirt with the idea of getting naked? Lord knows it's better than what I could have come up with: “It’s getting hot in herre, so open all your windows."
I am SURE that some person who maybe had a little bit too much to drink heard Nelly’s suggestion on how to cool off and actually did take all of their clothes off. You don’t think so? Well, we are a pretty suggestible society; “Hot In Heere” sold over 500,00 copies.
I was in college when this song hit and it was played at every party I went to. There is a lot built into this song that makes it fun to dance to from syncopated bass line to the fascinatingly internal logic of the chorus. There’s plenty of “uh, uh,” Nelly asks for that a crowd can provide (maybe instead of repeatedly asking for a little he should have asked for a lot). Then there’s the lines set apart from the rhythm of the rap like “I think mah butt in there!!” that fun to sing along with.
My favorite part:
Stop pacing, time wasting
I gotta a friend with a fo' in the basement (What?)
I'm just kiddin like Jason (Oh)
Unless you gon' do it.
I don’t even know what he has in the basement but you know it’s something that the girl is kind of offended by but Nelly doesn't care.
Awesome.
One final note about this song apparently extra "R" in "Herre" is not a pronunciation thing but a rather an indication that is really hot. If this song was “Hot In Herrre” books would be igniting into flame.
Don't worry Chicago, no matter how catchy this song is and how hot it gets I will keep my clothes on.
What a song.
Now enjoy Weird Al's version.
A perfectly logical response to the warming of temperature is to take off articles of clothing, sweaters, hats, jackets, scarf.
Nelly took this a step further. Forget about taking of some of your clothes to cool, “it’s getting hot in herre so take of all of your clothes." This statement would be completely absurd except for the fact the response from the woman in this situation of rising temperature agrees, “I am getting so hot, I’m going to take my clothes off.”
What, is Nelly a hypnotist or something? Really, could he have said, “it’s getting hot herre, so give all of your money” and then the woman would response, “I am getting so hot, I’m going to give you all of my money!”
Okay, okay, I guess this whole “take off all your clothes,” is a natural sensual extension of the idea of one taking some clothes off because of heat. Hey you’re at a party things are getting crazy, why not flirt with the idea of getting naked? Lord knows it's better than what I could have come up with: “It’s getting hot in herre, so open all your windows."
I am SURE that some person who maybe had a little bit too much to drink heard Nelly’s suggestion on how to cool off and actually did take all of their clothes off. You don’t think so? Well, we are a pretty suggestible society; “Hot In Heere” sold over 500,00 copies.
I was in college when this song hit and it was played at every party I went to. There is a lot built into this song that makes it fun to dance to from syncopated bass line to the fascinatingly internal logic of the chorus. There’s plenty of “uh, uh,” Nelly asks for that a crowd can provide (maybe instead of repeatedly asking for a little he should have asked for a lot). Then there’s the lines set apart from the rhythm of the rap like “I think mah butt in there!!” that fun to sing along with.
My favorite part:
Stop pacing, time wasting
I gotta a friend with a fo' in the basement (What?)
I'm just kiddin like Jason (Oh)
Unless you gon' do it.
I don’t even know what he has in the basement but you know it’s something that the girl is kind of offended by but Nelly doesn't care.
Awesome.
One final note about this song apparently extra "R" in "Herre" is not a pronunciation thing but a rather an indication that is really hot. If this song was “Hot In Herrre” books would be igniting into flame.
Don't worry Chicago, no matter how catchy this song is and how hot it gets I will keep my clothes on.
What a song.
Now enjoy Weird Al's version.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Gold Digger by Kayne West
Marriage is a financial institution. Now I'm not trying to "bah humbug" the importance of love within marriage but the reality is that throughout human history most societies viewed marriage as an economic agreement. Think about it: dowrys, arranged marriages and even now fathers of brides still often pay for weddings. And we can't forget the widespread use of pre-nuptial contracts.
Entire the idea of a girl as a "gold digger." A girl who is only going out with a guy because he has money. While woman are often criticized for this and we forget the guy has a role in all of this enabling this behavior.
Kayne West with his 2005 smash hit "Gold Digger" explored the idea of a gold digger idea from different angles. Featuring a sample from the Ray Charles hit, "I've Got Woman," "Gold Digger" is fun, infectious and surprisingly insightful.
In the first verse Kayne describes how he met a girl who has high class tastes ("with a baby Louis Vuitton under her underarm"). He goes on to describe that she has four kids and he has to pay for all of their dinner. Towards the end of the verse he describes how she used to be with Buster Douglas and Usher but Kayne stands by his woman, " I don't care what none of y'all say I still love her."
The second verse is a hilarious cautionary tale of what could happen with a gold digger. Kayne tells the story of a football player who has a baby with a gold digging woman. Showing off his prowess as a rapper (which is impressive) Kayne tells about how she misuses the child support money.
She was supposed to buy ya shorty Tyco with ya money
She went to the doctor got lipo with ya money.
She walkin' around lookin' like Michael [Jackson] with ya money.
Shoulda' got that insured, GEICO for ya money.
What immediately follows is one of the funniest shout-out audience responses. Have you ever been at a dance party when Kayne says "holla' we want pre-nup" and a rooms full of guys response with "WE WANT PRE-NUP!!"? It's absolutely hysterical. Then the verse ends with a kicker: "And on her 18th birthday, he found out it wasn't his?"
The song ends with a message to the ladies. Kayne understanding that woman has needs but warns them that the guy has ambition and can "make it to a Benz out of that Datsun." He warns her that if she doesn't do right by her he'll leave her and she'll regret it.
All three verses are calls to look beyond money. The first verse is about a man's belief in his woman, the second verse is more about a man simply not being smart and letting a woman take advantage of him and the last verse is about looking beyond the material.
Money isn't just about money. The way people value money and the role money plays in their lives is a reflection of who they are. In this way, having a talk in a relationships about money and making an "economic agreement" in a marriage is more than just about money, it's about trust, values, communication and love.
Entire the idea of a girl as a "gold digger." A girl who is only going out with a guy because he has money. While woman are often criticized for this and we forget the guy has a role in all of this enabling this behavior.
Kayne West with his 2005 smash hit "Gold Digger" explored the idea of a gold digger idea from different angles. Featuring a sample from the Ray Charles hit, "I've Got Woman," "Gold Digger" is fun, infectious and surprisingly insightful.
In the first verse Kayne describes how he met a girl who has high class tastes ("with a baby Louis Vuitton under her underarm"). He goes on to describe that she has four kids and he has to pay for all of their dinner. Towards the end of the verse he describes how she used to be with Buster Douglas and Usher but Kayne stands by his woman, " I don't care what none of y'all say I still love her."
The second verse is a hilarious cautionary tale of what could happen with a gold digger. Kayne tells the story of a football player who has a baby with a gold digging woman. Showing off his prowess as a rapper (which is impressive) Kayne tells about how she misuses the child support money.
She was supposed to buy ya shorty Tyco with ya money
She went to the doctor got lipo with ya money.
She walkin' around lookin' like Michael [Jackson] with ya money.
Shoulda' got that insured, GEICO for ya money.
What immediately follows is one of the funniest shout-out audience responses. Have you ever been at a dance party when Kayne says "holla' we want pre-nup" and a rooms full of guys response with "WE WANT PRE-NUP!!"? It's absolutely hysterical. Then the verse ends with a kicker: "And on her 18th birthday, he found out it wasn't his?"
The song ends with a message to the ladies. Kayne understanding that woman has needs but warns them that the guy has ambition and can "make it to a Benz out of that Datsun." He warns her that if she doesn't do right by her he'll leave her and she'll regret it.
All three verses are calls to look beyond money. The first verse is about a man's belief in his woman, the second verse is more about a man simply not being smart and letting a woman take advantage of him and the last verse is about looking beyond the material.
Money isn't just about money. The way people value money and the role money plays in their lives is a reflection of who they are. In this way, having a talk in a relationships about money and making an "economic agreement" in a marriage is more than just about money, it's about trust, values, communication and love.
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