How it represents a type of social-consciousness
How words can have an impact on a minority community
How lines can be a comment towards justice and education
Themes and ideas
Specific lines
New Slaves - Kanye West
In this song, Kayne made many historical references to slaves and racism. I thought the line about his his mother growing up in a time when only the whites got clean water was really powerful. I think it gives the listener something to think about regarding racism. Instead of just presenting the song as empowering to african americans, it really emphasizes slaves. I think it also has a hopefulness to it. It talks about now everyone being on the same playing field and being able to buy the same things because they are equal.
99 Problems - Jay Z
I think this part of the song discusses a police stopping him because he's black. I think this really relates to what has been occurring in the media lately. To me, Jay Z really shows how still people are questioned due to their race. The most powerful par to me was when the cop questions about weapons in the car because he thinks a lot of "them" do. Also though, Z impacts the minor by saying he knows his rights. His words really speak about the justice or lack their of today.
Black Rage -Lauryn Hill
This is a genius way to get across life in the ghetto and how it is not necessarily easy to just think of your favorite things to get out of it. It is a very true story with no sugar coating. I thought it was really bold and powerful when she says "Old time bureaucracy drugging the youth." I think that was extremely socially conscious. It is kind of a dig at the privileged white children depicted in the Sound of Music, only fearing silly things. Instead, Lauryn Hill discusses actually terrifying parts about growing up an African American person in the ghetto. For example, beatings, lies, and abuse. I think it also kind of touches on the miseducation of black youth. But it is also strong saying she can not "fear so bad."
Hell - Talib Kweli
I think this poem/song speaks about confusion toward religion. I thought it was extremely powerful when he said "faith is blind like justice when you facing time." I think that speaks toward the sometimes unjust system we live in, no matter who you are. Also i think it talks about how many grow up thinking very specific things about Christianity, Judaism, Islam, etc. and it may not be true. I think when he says, "Heaven and hell exists right here on earth" he means that the judgmental and predjuice mentality creates something worse than people realize, something as horrible as hell. He also is hopeful and empowering when he says "those looking for god know to look inside" i think meaning that the "correct" answer about religion can only be found when looking at yourself inside, not about ones ethnicity. I also thought it was really powerful when he said, "If you ever been to any ghetto you know it well."
True Blues - The Last Poets
I think this is about finding yourself or something to keep you going, aka the "blues" when experiencing oppression. The last poets talk about slaves being abused and accused for things. I this very socially conscious in a historical sense. The words are empowering and enlightening about the African American oppression and injustice. As well i think it touches on the miseducation in the time period and how truly unfair it was.
Mathematics - Mos Def
This song talks about the "numbers" in many of the injustices in the world. It talks about how many people are unemployed, murdered, living in the ghetto, are sick with incurable disease, etc. It says the world needs to be "power lifting the powerless up." And how unfair it is that the "streets too loud to ever hear freedom ring." This song discusses injustices and education by showing the statistics or facts. It is very socially conscious about all of the worlds, talking about many ethnicities and social classes. It shows that everyone has been or can be mistreated. But not many step up to the plate to make the change
I Can - Nas
This song shows kids singing that they can be anything they want to be. It is very hopeful toward everyones, no matter their background. It also talks about young women getting caught up in drugs or men. But says that everyone, even women, have the opportunity to be strong and powerful people. As well, it discusses the history of minority oppression. I thought it was really powerful when he said "if the truth is told, the youth can grow." This song, like many of the others, show that anyone can have a "rags to riches" type of story if they work hard and stay out of trouble. Nas is being a role model in this song to youth everywhere. He is teaching young men and women respect.
I think it's interesting that you noted modern day society in Jay-Z's song 99 Problems because I never thought about the stuff that was going on today when listening to it. Going against justice is clear here. You mentioning modern day issues immediately makes me think of the Ferguson issues and such and I believe it would be interesting to discuss how they relate.
ReplyDeleteI like the way that you speak about Talib Kweli's opinion about religion and what his rap meant. The quote you used means a lot, and I agree with how you described what the quote meant to you.
ReplyDeleteI like that you included "even women" in your post about "I Can," because I kind of overlooked the significance of that when listening it to. Although it was clear that he was encouraging girls to follow their dreams, I think that part is really underrated. Very few hip-hop artists have a lot of respect for the female population. Subtly, or even overtly, they are often misogynistic (ex: Jay Z's line "I got 99 problems and a bitch ain't one.")
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