Changes in rap music over the years

American Blues Music is a distinctive art form that encapsulates many complexities of culture and race in American society. Throughout the 20th century, the impact of the blues on music and culture has transformed and reacted to a changing landscape of musical culture and perspectives on race. The preservation of blues music has been difficult due to many factors, including limitations of technology, mass media bias, and our narrow definition of what makes the music and the culture of the blues…

The Bangin’ 80s The 1980s was a social metamorphosis for America. People’s ideas of what was proper began to change, and empowerment and recreation became the core of American life. As social values changed, so too did American fashion and entertainment; one’s power and affluence was reflected in how they looked and the way they lived. This transformation is where we begin to see ideas of modern day society take hold. Fashion Power dressing was the central fashion for yuppies, young urban…

I can still recall being eight years old kid; I went to the art exhibition that was in the house made out of bamboo and thatches. It was about 150 square feet, there was not much space to put artwork, however, every single piece there were, made me so delightful at the same time sorrowful, also inspiring. As an eight years old girl, I wondered, how could paint on canvas, and sculptures made me feel so emotional, and could it…

The nature vs nurture argument has been argued by many. Some may be in the middle or be loyal to one issue over another. The nature is made up of hereditary factors that influence who we are such as our physical appearance or personalities. The nurture is how the environment affects who we are and can include early childhood experiences, how we were raised, our relationships with others, and the culture around us. Two women were gracious enough to give me their opinions on the nature nurture…

the prestigious private school of CROSSROADS. I remove my ear buds and continue my role to honor my people. I remember a specific time period that would forever change my life. It all occurred during my English class. The 19 student class was predominantly made up of white students with the exception…

negativeperceptions. The culture industry would not yield as much influence over racial perceptions ifthe hip hop artists did not accept the demands of the culture industry and reflect negativeimages of Blackness through hip hop music. However, the artists and the culture industry wouldnot continue to perpetuate…

Melodies of the Mind: Music That Inspires Do you have a song stirring around in your head that you just can 't seem to expunge? This is certainly due to the emotional pull and thoughts that the song resonates when played. Some one-hit singles are raved about for a few months but are forgotten because they lack the ability to emotionally attach themselves to the audience. The songs that are replayed and loved have emotional appeal by the relatable lyrics, personal connecting media, and unpleasant…

From the onset of his now illustrious career with the release of his legendary debut, Reasonable Doubt, in 1996, Jay-Z to this day has remained a fixture in the music industry longer than just about anyone. Though Jay-Z has found immense success, not just as a rap artist, but also as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, he presents himself more so in an apologetic, lamenting, and humble manner in his newest release, 4:44. Contrary to most lyrical themes in his previous work, Jay-Z spends a…

China’s various restrictions on expression, specifically in regards to music, are too myriad to denote in one essay. This writing will simply aim to discuss several separate egregious instances of Chinese censorship and briefly evaluate some possible reasons behind this oppression. Our first example of artistic censorship…

artist and actor from Queens, New York. LL Cool J is also known as one of the forefathers of pop rap. It is known that James Todd Smith was creating demo tapes in his grandparents' home. Just like so many artist, LL had some form of motivation from a musical family member. LL Cool J signed with Def Jam Records,…