So You Call Your Self a Prophetic Rapper?
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, November 24, 2008
John's Words of Wisdom Week 8 (Nas = "Untitled Album")
Hey crew,
Recently, one of my favorite artist, Nas was on the Tavis Smiley show speaking about the current affects of media and his latest album titled "Untitled". There was a lot of controversy surrounding the release of the album. A lot of people was upset with the original title and the controversial content display on the album because it displayed a lot of fact that modern day American's are afraid to address on a daily bases. I feel that , a great deal of the content taught me more about myself, and that the information will help me to better understand why there is so much negative media being promoted today.
In a few paragraphs, I would like for you all to respond to controversy surrounding Nas's latest "Untitled" album. Response Directions:
1. Create a gmail account (if you haven't already)
2. Reply to this post via blogger.com
3. Type in a 2 paragraph response in the reply section
4. Feel free to embed video or audio codes to assist your response.
5. Post Response
6. Ask for help if you are having trouble understanding the activity.
7. If you are having trouble viewing video on blog search for them on this link:
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200801/20080109.html
Also, Check out this interview Tavis Smiley did with Lupe Fiasco. He tells Tavis how he sneaks difficult, social subject matter into his music.
John
Recently, one of my favorite artist, Nas was on the Tavis Smiley show speaking about the current affects of media and his latest album titled "Untitled". There was a lot of controversy surrounding the release of the album. A lot of people was upset with the original title and the controversial content display on the album because it displayed a lot of fact that modern day American's are afraid to address on a daily bases. I feel that , a great deal of the content taught me more about myself, and that the information will help me to better understand why there is so much negative media being promoted today.
In a few paragraphs, I would like for you all to respond to controversy surrounding Nas's latest "Untitled" album. Response Directions:
1. Create a gmail account (if you haven't already)
2. Reply to this post via blogger.com
3. Type in a 2 paragraph response in the reply section
4. Feel free to embed video or audio codes to assist your response.
5. Post Response
6. Ask for help if you are having trouble understanding the activity.
7. If you are having trouble viewing video on blog search for them on this link:
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/tavissmiley/archive/200801/20080109.html
Also, Check out this interview Tavis Smiley did with Lupe Fiasco. He tells Tavis how he sneaks difficult, social subject matter into his music.
John
Monday, November 17, 2008
John's Words of Wisdom Week 7
Hey Crew, A buddy of mine happen to be flicking the channel a few days ago and ran across a Missy Elliot song that she released in 1999. Am I missing something is the video She A B%$#& supposed to be good. She was wearing the sacred Ankh (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ankh) while spouting the horrific lyrics.
Ankh
See the lyrics to the song below. We just selected a Black president. Now we have a new song by a top artist hitting the airwaves. Is this what young Black girls will be singing and dancing to tomorrow in schoolyards and playgrounds...
Video 1: She's a B!@#@
Artist : Missy Elliot
Album : Da Real World
Song : She’s A B!@$@
To the M-I prrrrrrrr, cat like a semi
Nigga stole my car, why’nt you get my
Give yo’ ass a black eye
Oh, say bye-bye
I’mma give your body to the sky
Run through your clique
Nigga, you pissed on trip
I’mma have to bust you in your lips
And the whips better have a whole lotta chips
Cuz I ain’t for no nigga givin’ tips
Nigga stole my car, why’nt you get my
Give yo’ ass a black eye
Oh, say bye-bye
I’mma give your body to the sky
Run through your clique
Nigga, you pissed on trip
I’mma have to bust you in your lips
And the whips better have a whole lotta chips
Cuz I ain’t for no nigga givin’ tips
She’s a bitch
When you say my name
Talk mo’ junk but won’t look my way
She’s a bitch
See I got more cheese
So back on up while I roll up my sleeves
When you say my name
Talk mo’ junk but won’t look my way
She’s a bitch
See I got more cheese
So back on up while I roll up my sleeves
1 - She’s a bitch
You can’t see me, Joe
Get on down while I shoot my flow
She’s a bitch
When I do my thing
Got the place on fire, burn it down to flame
You can’t see me, Joe
Get on down while I shoot my flow
She’s a bitch
When I do my thing
Got the place on fire, burn it down to flame
Roll up in my car, don’t stop, won’t stop
I’mma keep in rockin’ til the clock don’t tock
I’mma keep it hot, light my ass on fire
I’mma grab a philly, go and roll it at the bar
Whatcha talk ? Whatcha say ? Huh ?
Gotta flow, gotta move it slow, huh ?
Better you runnin’ out the door, huh ?
You gon’ be a long lost soul, whacha say ?
I’mma keep in rockin’ til the clock don’t tock
I’mma keep it hot, light my ass on fire
I’mma grab a philly, go and roll it at the bar
Whatcha talk ? Whatcha say ? Huh ?
Gotta flow, gotta move it slow, huh ?
Better you runnin’ out the door, huh ?
You gon’ be a long lost soul, whacha say ?
Yippe yi yo, yippe yi yi yay
Put me on stage, watchin’ niggas feel me
Put my shit on wax, watch it blaze like May
Go yippe yi yo yippe yi yi yay
55, 65, hike
75, 85, test the mic
95, Missy wild for the night
105, I’mma keep the crowd hyped
Put me on stage, watchin’ niggas feel me
Put my shit on wax, watch it blaze like May
Go yippe yi yo yippe yi yi yay
55, 65, hike
75, 85, test the mic
95, Missy wild for the night
105, I’mma keep the crowd hyped
2 - She’s a bitch
When they say my name
Talk mo’ junk but won’t look my way
She’s a bitch
See I got mo’ cheese
Back on up while I roll up my sleeve
When they say my name
Talk mo’ junk but won’t look my way
She’s a bitch
See I got mo’ cheese
Back on up while I roll up my sleeve
She’s a
What ? What ? What ? What ?
What ? What ? What ? What ?
What ? What ? What ? What ?
What ? What ? What ? What ?
Whatchu know about Timothy, lemme know
Eat an MC like Cease, lemme know
If he get drunk lean on me, lemme know
I’m about to bust like pee, feel me now
Anybody know my skills, what the deal
Anybody feel my skills, it’s the real
Anybody wanna come fuck wit us still
Anybody gotta get the hoe by they pill
Video 2: Ladies First
Also, if you all are having a little trouble finding directions for John's Words of Wisdom check out the video and Lyrics below to one of the most powerful and influential hip-hop tracks of all time. "Hip-Hop is reflective of our larger society, where sexism, albeit more covert than older versions, still lurks, For females, the very act of pursuing their dreams and desires, even for an aspiration like dressing up Santa Claus for Halloween, can be groundbreaking and barrier shattering. Gender shouldn't stop anyone from following her heart. When I see Queen now receive an Academy Award nomination, represent lovely on cosmetic commercials, or release a jazz album, she doesn't have to say one word. I already know. Ladies." ( The Message, by Felicia Price 10/07)Eat an MC like Cease, lemme know
If he get drunk lean on me, lemme know
I’m about to bust like pee, feel me now
Anybody know my skills, what the deal
Anybody feel my skills, it’s the real
Anybody wanna come fuck wit us still
Anybody gotta get the hoe by they pill
Video 2: Ladies First
Artist : Queen Latifah f/Monie Love
Album : All Hail The Queen
Song : Ladies First
[queen latifah]
The ladies will kick it, the rhyme that is wicked
Those that dont know how to be pros get evicted
A woman can bear you, break you, take you
Now its time to rhyme, can you relate to
A sister dope enough to make you holler and scream
[monie love]
Ayo, let me take it from here, queen...
Excuse me but I think Im about do
To get into precisely what I am about to do
Im conversating to the folks that have no whatsoever clue
So listen very carefully as I break it down for you
Merrily merrily merrily merrily hyper happy overjoyed
Pleased with all the beats and rhymes my sisters have employed
Slick and smooth throwing down the sound totally a yes
Let me state the position: ladies first, yes? (yes)
(yeah, theres going to be some changes in here)
[monie love]
Believe me when I say being a woman is great, you see
I know all the fellas out there will agree with me
Not for being one but for being with one
Because when its time for loving its the woman that gets some
Strong, stepping, strutting, moving on
Rhyming, cutting, and not forgetting
We are the ones that give birth
To the new generation of prophets because its ladies first
[queen latifah]
I break into a lyrical freestyle
Grab the mic, look into the crowd and see smiles
Cause they see a woman standing up on her own two
Sloppy slouching is something I wont do
Some think that we cant flow (cant flow)
Stereotypes, they got to go (got to go)
Im a mess around and flip the scene into reverse
(with what? ) with a little touch of ladies first
Who said the ladies couldnt make it, you must be blind
If you dont believe, well here, listen to this rhyme
Ladies first, theres no time to rehearse
Im divine and my mind expands throughout the universe
A female rapper with the message to send the
Queen latifah is a perfect specimen
[monie love]
My sister, can I get some?
[queen latifah]
Sure, monie love, grab the mic and get dumb
[monie lovie]
Yo, praise me not for simply being what I am
Born in l-o-n-d-o-n and sound american
You dig exactly where Im coming from
You want righteous rhyming, imma give you some
To enable you to aid yourself and get paid
And the material that has no meaning I wish to slay
Pay me every bit of your attention
Like mother, like daughter, I would also like to mention
I wish for you to bring me to, bring me to the rhythm
Of which is now systematically given
Desperately stressing Im the daughter of a sister
Whos the mother of a brother whos the brother of another
Plus one more; all four
Have a job to do, we doing it
Respect due, to the mother whos the root of it
And next up is me, the m-o-n-i-e l-o-v-e
And Im first cause Im a l-a-d-i-e
[queen latifah]
Contact and in fact, the style, it gets harder
Cooling on the scene with my european partner
Laying down track after track, waiting for the climax
When I get there, thats when I tax
The next man, or the next woman
It doesnt make a difference, keep the competition coming
And Ill recite the chapter in verse
The title of this recital is ladies first
Overall, I would like for you all to explain in 2 to 3 paragraphs your thoughts on this track?
Remember to Click on the John's Words of Wisdom link and comment to the post. If you can't view the video on the post navigate to my Profile, click on view all videos and watch the 2 videos titles JWW7.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
John's Words of Wisdom Week 6
Hey Crew,
I hope you all are enjoying your time off but still, keeping the overall goal of Digital Media in mind. Which is to create positive and conscious media for all. This week in John's Words of Wisdom I would like for you all to take a look at the videos below.
Video 1: Market for Ni$$gas Videos and Poems by Taalam Acey
Taalam Acey is considered by many to be the central Spoken Word artist of the current generation. He's published a novel, a comprehensive collection of poems, an award winning memoir and 9 Spoken Word CDs. Taalam has been a full time traveling poet since 1999. Tens of thousands of people own his work and hundreds of thousands have watched him live or via television and the internet. Acey performs regularly in more than 50 cities in the US and abroad. On average, he is on a plane once every 3.5 days. That's 100 flights per year to promote Spoken Word. (CDBaby.com)
Video 2: A friend of mine ask we to come view a live video shoot where one of his buddies was producing a talk show to shop to the new Tyler Perry television network. I though this was a pretty interesting event and decided to share some of the footage with you all. I don't have the current name of the poet speaking in the video below but I know the theme of what he does is called "Disco Poetry".
Overall, I would like for you all to explain in 2 to 3 paragraphs your thoughts of the most effective footage and why?
Remember to Click on the John's Words of Wisdom link and comment to the post. If you can't view the video on the post navigate to my Profile, click on view all videos and watch the 2 videos titles JWW6.
I hope you all are enjoying your time off but still, keeping the overall goal of Digital Media in mind. Which is to create positive and conscious media for all. This week in John's Words of Wisdom I would like for you all to take a look at the videos below.
Video 1: Market for Ni$$gas Videos and Poems by Taalam Acey
Taalam Acey is considered by many to be the central Spoken Word artist of the current generation. He's published a novel, a comprehensive collection of poems, an award winning memoir and 9 Spoken Word CDs. Taalam has been a full time traveling poet since 1999. Tens of thousands of people own his work and hundreds of thousands have watched him live or via television and the internet. Acey performs regularly in more than 50 cities in the US and abroad. On average, he is on a plane once every 3.5 days. That's 100 flights per year to promote Spoken Word. (CDBaby.com)
Video 2: A friend of mine ask we to come view a live video shoot where one of his buddies was producing a talk show to shop to the new Tyler Perry television network. I though this was a pretty interesting event and decided to share some of the footage with you all. I don't have the current name of the poet speaking in the video below but I know the theme of what he does is called "Disco Poetry".
Overall, I would like for you all to explain in 2 to 3 paragraphs your thoughts of the most effective footage and why?
Remember to Click on the John's Words of Wisdom link and comment to the post. If you can't view the video on the post navigate to my Profile, click on view all videos and watch the 2 videos titles JWW6.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
John's Words of Wisdom Week 5
Hello all,
I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween. Now it's time to get back to busy. The next installment of John's Words of Wisdom is below. I'm going to make this one short and to the point. There will not be a video to watch this week. However, I would like for you all to blog about today and how you feel about the current elections. By the end of the day we know that their will be a new president of the United States. I would like for you all to explain in 2 to 3 paragraph your thoughts.
Remember to to Click on the John's Words of Wisdom link and comment to the post.
John
I hope you all had a safe and fun Halloween. Now it's time to get back to busy. The next installment of John's Words of Wisdom is below. I'm going to make this one short and to the point. There will not be a video to watch this week. However, I would like for you all to blog about today and how you feel about the current elections. By the end of the day we know that their will be a new president of the United States. I would like for you all to explain in 2 to 3 paragraph your thoughts.
Remember to to Click on the John's Words of Wisdom link and comment to the post.
John
Monday, October 27, 2008
John's Words of Wisdom Week 4
Hey Dv Team,
I hope you all was able to get some rest this weekend. I sure didn't. lol This week in John's Words of Wisdom I would like for you all to take a close look at this documentary about the Freedom Rides of the civil rights movement I found on youtube.
In 1947, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) planned a "Journey of Reconciliation," designed to test the Supreme Court's 1946 decision in the Irene Morgan case, which declared segregated seating of interstate passengers unconstitutional. An interracial group of passengers met with heavy resistance in the upper South. Some members of the group served on a chain gang after their arrest in North Carolina. The Journey of Reconciliation quickly broke down. Clearly the South, even the more moderate upper South, was not ready for integration.
Also, I would like for you all to provide your thoughts on the second video I found on youtube as I was searching for videos. I thought it would be a good discussion topic for John's Words of Wisdom this week. Let me know what you all think?
The steps to completing John's Words of Wisdom are below:
1. Read Articles Below and check out this website: http://www.watson.org/~lisa/blackhistory/civilrights-55-65/freeride.html
2. Watch the videos below.
Video 1
Video 2
3. Click on the John's Words of Wisdom link above.
4. Reply or Comment to the Blog and Explain in 2 paragraphs your thoughts.
Monday, October 20, 2008
John's Words of Wisdom Week 3
Hey Crew,
I hope your weekend was fun and productive. This week's John's Words of Wisdom is Below:
I met an influential and outstanding poet this past weekend at the Book it Back To Bronzeville Book Festival at the Afrocentric Bookstore on the Southside of Chicago. The wonderful Poet's name was Nikki Giovanni click link to read more about her. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikki_Giovanni
I took some of the footage and decided to turn it into John's Words of Wisdom this week.
Nikki Giovanni touched on a little bit of everything at the book fest. She spoke about her new books (Hip-hop Speaks to Children, Lincoln & Douglass), politics (Alaska Governor / Republican Vice President Nominee Sarah Palin) , and Tupac Shakar. Meeting Nikki Giovanni was one of the best things that ever happen to me. I went into the the book store empty and confused and left full and ready to help change the world.
What I would like for you all to do for John's Words of Wisdom this week is watch the Video below and paraphrase the video in 2 or more paragraphs. From the paragraphs I would like for you all to try to develop an article for the next version of the iSwagg magazine. So please take your time and make sure that you watch the entire video. After you watch the video let me know what you think about Nikki Giovanni and her impact on America.
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