Peer Feedback Post C

Hello Yanika,

Your first statement regarding 2Pac, shows the magnitude of the star of how everyone knew him prior to his death.  You made a statement regarding his lyrics, do you think his lyrics had an influence on how the generation?  I know often times we listen to music and think it’s just music but how many people actual listen and want to perform the actions?  I know being in the music business we must be open to many types of genres.  Rap is not one of my first genres to produce but I know it’s essential to be educated.  2Pac went on to singing with R&B groups and expanding his audience.  I also like how you compared the Hip-Hop generation to Rock.  We can look back on all music and see that it is somehow related together.  Overall you made a good comparison for each artist and showed how each had an influence in the music game.

https://yanikascotton.wordpress.com/2015/05/31/hpm2_week4_blogpost7/

Thank you,

Bernard Holman Jr.

Peer Feedback Post B

Hello Theo,

I must say overall very well written post. In the beginning paragraph you give meaning behind what Stevie Wonder stands for, any adversity he had to overcome and how he became blind. I know most people focus on the fact that he is blind but does not take the time to tell the story and give a complete picture. Another interesting point is stating how Stevie begin his career with having minimal artistic control but as time goes on and he learns the business, he is able to venture out on his own. If you did not know his background story, do you think it was wise for him to leave at only 21? I also agree that there are many different genres in which he is known. I don’t believe any genre is easy but to be able and put a spin on reggae to perform shows his versatility. Overall I think you have great points, regarding his music style, how he begin his career & the impact he continues to make in the music industry.

Thank you,
Bernard Holman Jr.

https://theobibbs.wordpress.com/2015/05/18/blog-post-4-stevie-wonder/comment-page-1/#comment-1

Blog Post 8

The 90’s was a new age of different music and included in this different age was country.  Country was not first established in the 90’s but it was more seen throughout the years.  Clint Black was one of the country singers during the 90’s.  To be involved in music, you must enjoy all genres and be able to relate to different types of music.  His background included “western swing, honky-tonk, country blues and folk.”  Black was able to perform in any of his backgrounds and showed his versatility.  This allowed him to reach a larger audience and not be confined to one particular audience.  One of the characteristics that set Clint apart is that he writes his own music.  This characteristic has also made an impression on me.  It shows that he can perform different forms of music and he sets the stage by writing his own lyrics.  This gives him the freedom to sing about what is passionate to him and when you can sing with passion, the audience gets a better vibe and show.  He received criticism and feedback for writing his own lyrics but he continued on and stayed to what was true to him.  Clint also does not seem to be in the music just for money but for the love.  He started a shoe donation and is willing to help others.  I think this state his character about how he wants to help others.  Along with Clint making country music, another country favorite is Alan Jackson.  One characteristic that sets Alan out is that he first begins singing gospel music in church.  Alan singing in the church is where he has made an impression with me and I can relate.  I begin the love of music and instruments when I was in the church.  When you think of others who started out in church, they would sing jazz, gospel or R&B.  He was a songwriter and made his beginning in Nashville.  In an article with Maverick, Jackson states that his style has not changed.  He has remained constant with his music.  Like Black, he was not interested in the fame and fortune but his love.  He decided to cut back on his touring to focus on his family and life outside of singing.  Although we have fans that we would like to please, the most important thing in his life was family.  Both singers had a love for music but they were always willing to help others, remember what was important to them, and kept the love for music alive.

Lay, K., Gorney, M., Stever, K., Ruddy, M., Pierce, C., Haryln, P. (2011) Music History, 243-245.

Rizzo, M. (1998) Talking with…Clint Black.  Vol 50, Issue 9 retrieved from

web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

 

Cackett, A. (2013). Alan Jackson.  Issue 123 retrieved from web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

Blog Post 7

Over the years, I can say that music has truly changed.  In the 1990’s Hip-Hop was making a come on the scene and one of the music mogul’s that were prominent in that time was Dr. Dre.  Dre did not begin his career as only a solo artist but he has performed with various other rap groups.  When Hip-Hop began, Dre was rapping and writing lyrics; this was one of the characteristics that set him and groups he was apart from everyone.  They were able to rap about the drugs and guns.  This was not normal to have rap groups sing about this type of life.  Everything he has did not come as an easy task.  He has produced several albums and overseen the careers of several others that came into the rap game.  One of the impressions Dre has made is his ability to have multiple talents.  He began as a rapper but now has a huge empire being a producer and his entrepreneurial spirit.   Esquire conducted an interview with Dr. Dre and he stated that his biggest lesson learned was to prove people wrong.  He talked about how his mother had him at a young age and people begin to tell him that he was nothing and would never be anything.  Being a child and having that impression in your mind can deter your mindset.  That did not stop him from being anything but added that as a characteristic of his music; to let the world know where you come from.  Dr. Dre has talked about being well rounded and having the street smarts and book smarts; this is a recipe for success.  Also in the same era from which Dr. Dre evolved was N.W.A.  N.W.A was one of the first groups in which Dre was discovered and performed.  Those styles, lyrics and musical characteristics are very similar.  I believe that N.W.A. was a heavy influence on Dr. Dre and what he has become today.  The impression that they have made on me is the effort to become a group.  When the group was formed, they saw each member had a different talent that they could bring to the table and decided this would be the route to go.  When you can bring people together from similar backgrounds and have a common function, this made the group much better.  They all were interested in one thing and had the love for music.  Dr. Dre and N.W.A. both had many controversial things they were rapping about but at the end of the day fans loved and supported their music.  It was a rise for Hip-Hop and Rap.

Esquire (2014).  The Music Men: Dr. Dre… Vol 161 Issue 1 retrieved from

                web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

 

Christian, M.  (2011) Parental Advisory: The History of N.W.A.  Vol 66, Issue 8 retrieved from

web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

 

Lay, K., Gorney, M., Stever, K., Ruddy, M., Pierce, C., Haryln, P. (2011) Music History, 243-245.

Multimedia Presentation 4

http://prezi.com/ujh0hs2eyck5/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

Multimedia Presentation Brian Eno

http://prezi.com/qfgnwg8b4own/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy&rc=ex0share

https://prezi.com/qfgnwg8b4own/brian-eno/#

Post 6

Normally when one thinks of rap genre in the 80’s, mostly men come to mind.  There have been trendsetters over the years and still coming along today.  Some of the female artists from the years have been MC Lyte, Queen Latifah and one of the most notorious female groups Salt-N-Pepa.  Female rappers were starting to appear on the scene with the help of Lyte & Latifah.  The female rappers made an impact as their release of The Showstopper; this was an answer to a record from Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick.  The women were making themselves heard by answering the call back from previous album.  Not only did you see the women rapping but they also had their own DJ, Spinderella.  So not only did you have the women providing lyrics but they were providing their music as well.  According to DiPrimi and Kennedy when the group first begins their lyrics were written by men.  Although this wasn’t frowned upon but the women didn’t have any control their music.  As time evolved, so was the group.  They were able to write their own lyrics and make it more personable to their life.  It didn’t include degrading women or trying to becoming something that you aren’t.  The ladies were proud of the success they made and ability to have artistic control over their music and used their lyrics in the music.

Keeping it focused in people who have been different and trendsetters in the rap game, is The Beastie Boys.  One characteristic is they were trendsetters for becoming a Caucasian rap group and earning their first major-label contract with Def Jam.  The group was featured in “Rolling Stone” and had the headline of “Three Idiots Create a Masterpiece.”   Again the group was one that was against times and dealing with religion.  According to Stratton, “The Beasties can be placed in a long history of Jewish entertainers reworking black music for white American audiences.”  Their music wasn’t only for the white audience but they were responding to the call to say that a particular type of music wasn’t only for a particular type of audience.  We have discovered that time again with Tina Turner involved in rock.  The group never tried to deviate or portray to be something they weren’t; it was all about doing something they have a passion and love to do.  Music History describes The Beastie Boys that begin as a rock group but were well on the way to becoming in the second wave of hip-hop.

The artists have both made a mark in the music industry by expanding different audiences to different types of music.  The artists were not characterized by their looks but by their sound and what they were able to bring into the music world.

Lay, K., Gorney, M., Stever, K., Ruddy, M., Pierce, C., Haryln, P. (2011) Music History, 204.

DiPrimi, D.; Kennedy, L. (1990). Beat the rap. Vol 15, Issue 6, Retrieved from

web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

Stratton, J. (2008). The Beastie Boys: Jews in whiteface. Vol 27, Issue 3 Retrieved from

web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

Post 5

When reviewing the artist for this week’s assignment, it was very difficult to choose.  Each list did have wonderful artist but once entering into this genre it defines and gives an understanding to music that I listened to growing up; some of the songs are still “throw-backs” or popular hits today.  The one artist that gives me inspiration is Tina Turner!  Tina is considered a legend in my book and still has that sound she had over 30 years ago.  According to Music History, “The bittersweet songs encompassing pair, redemption, and rebirth were rebellious.”  Tina sung about her life and although it was rough, she was not ashamed of who she was.  This is one of the many characteristics that set her apart from others and also provides a major impression on myself.  Not many people can sing about their life nevertheless the rough times.  As entertainers, they think your life is supposed to be private and paint this pretty picture for listeners.  I think once you sing and make music about your life, it gives more meaning and purpose.  The audience has a better connection because you are transparent and telling your story.  This did not happen to Tina overnight.  Another characteristic that set her apart was the age when she was still on top and making music.  “Turner, then in her mid-40s, presented herself as energetically as almost any act on video.” (Music History).  She was not concerned with the fame but again wanted to tell her story and do what she loves best: singing and performing.  In an interview with Larry King, he claimed Tina “the goddess of rock.”  Her style and being an African-American female set her apart in the rock world.  I can agree with Larry’s statement regarding Tina and her style.

Another great icon during this time is Prince Rogers Nelson, better known in his musical career as “Prince.”  One great characteristic for Prince is that he was a one man band during his first major label album.  He was “the long songwriter, producer, instrumentalist, and vocalist.”  This speaks volume for an artist to be able to have many talents and be able to perform each section.  He having so many talents is an inspiration to me.  You should not stop at only wanting to be a producer, play an instrument, be a writer or whatever it is but exploring your possibilities.  I believe the more you can contribute to a company the more valuable of an asset you become.  You put yourself on the market and everyone can see what you bring to the table.  Prince is also not ashamed to sing about things important to him.  In an interview with Ebony Magazine, Prince tells “the inspiration for his references to God and sexuality in his music.”  Those concepts normally do not go together when discussing a topic.  You have those that are very religious and will not speak of sexuality and vice versa.  Prince had no problem placing them both together as that was the music he wanted to make.

Both artist have been phenomenal over their career and still making a stride in today’s music world.

Lay, K., Gorney, M., Stever, K., Ruddy, M., Pierce, C., Haryln, P. (2011) Music History, 204.

Passero, K.  (1997). The incredible tale of Tina Turner. Vol 1, Issue 8, Retrieved from                 web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

Norment, L. (2008) “Prince: Entertainer Extraordinaire, Trendsetter.” Vol 63 Issue 10 Retreived                   from web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

Cole, Harriette. (2010). Prince writes. Vol 65, Issue 9 Retrieved from             web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

Peer Feedback Post A

Hello Terry,

What a great comparison to take two of the greatest bands of all times: The Eagles and The Bee Gees.  You provided interesting facts of each artist including their awards, singles, chart toppers, etc.  When reading your blog, you make it easy for an audience to understand the genre of music and what the group’s composition consisted of.  You state that the songs inspire you to create different blends.  Have you composed any new blends since beginning the class or does the creative process come in with you trying to blend different genres?  Within the Bee Gee’s segments Staying Alive is still one of the most requested songs in the club settings today.  How many artists can say that music created years ago is still alive and active today?  Yes, there are plenty different samples of music that stem from earlier artists but it’s the Bee Gee’s original still playing.  Overall I agree with your blog and post you made regarding each group.  You gave the audience simplicity which inclines them to read future posts.

Thank you,

Bernard Holman Jr.

https://terryjlemon.wordpress.com/2015/05/17/fusion-of-love/

Post 4

Bob Marley names speak for itself in the Reggae world.  He stands out as the emblem for reggae music on a worldwide basis (Music History).  Being able to standout worldwide makes a strong statement.  One characteristic that sticks out about Marley is his involvement in the religion of Rastafarianism.  This is one factor that stood out significantly for him.  Not many people freely speak out about their religion but Marley had no shame in letting people know his background and where he came from.  According to Jensen and King “Marley’s use of powerful metaphors assisted in expressing and popularizing Rastafarian ideas.”  Bob was never one to beat around the bush or not tell the listeners directly how he was feeling through lyrics but some people would relate better by comparing and contrasting ideas.  The Rasta community appreciated Marley for his music and letting the world know what the religion was about.  Marley’s style of reggae and singing about the Rastafari world are the main two characteristics that he is known for.  He has left an impression on me by letting me know success does not come over night.  Once Marley was married, he worked in a warehouse and car-assembly plant.  I think this is very important in today’s world; everyone wants to be an overnight or microwave success that happens instantly.  This was not in Bob’s case-he worked for what he wanted and once at the place he needed to be, he continued to strive for his dreams.

Another great Reggae center during the same time was Jimmy Cliff.  Music History states that “Had it not been for Bob Marley’s star ascendance worldwide, the role reggae’s spokesman might have been filled by Jimmy Cliff.”  Both artists could be considered musical geniuses of their time.   Cliff has been criticized stating that Marley stole his spotlight.  This did not stop Cliff from making music and becoming what he wanted.  It only made his lyrics stronger and let the people know that he had his own style.  Just a few years ago, Cliff was still making music and in 2012 released another album “Rebirth.”  The title of the album is self-explanatory.  Cliff let’s his viewers know that he is back and birthing new music.

Cliff and Marley share very same interest in the Rastafari religion and singing about their life in the reggae world.  Each artist’s shows that people are going to talk no matter what you do or sing about.  You may as well be yourself and show the world who you truly are.

Lay, K., Gorney, M., Stever, K., Ruddy, M., Pierce, C., Haryln, P. (2011) Music History, 172-180.

King, S., Jensen, R. (1995). “Bob Marley’s “Redemption Song”: The Rhetoric of Reggae and Rastafari.   Vol 29, Issue 3 Retrieved from web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu

 Ringen, J.  (2012). The Cosmic Journey of Jimmy Cliff.  Issue 1160 Retrieved from

web.a.ebscohost.com.oclc.fullsail.edu