To hip-hop:

In the news alot recently have been several pleas to hip-hop music to clean up the lyrics they have. I think that this is a step in the right direction, mainly because it is something that needs to be done for the good of all communities.

But once again on the flip side i think that this attempt is a useless one. I doubt that just asking them to clean up their lyrics is going to allow them to come under realization such as "Wow. I can benefit from what's being said" or "Yea i really should clean up my lyrics." They are just going to keep doing what they are doing, because they are making money, and people enjoy the music that they make.

But should the fact that young, impressionable minds are at stake if rappers choose to keep rapping about drugs, sex, and violence? Even if it is not any of those things in particular, just the expilcit lyrics that are used, can incite children to talk to adults that way?

This is a rough choice on all sides. On one side, you have your freedom of speech at stake, the other young minds, and the mindsthatg are easily influenced, and on the third side, which probably matters most to all of them, is the money they make from keeping the lyrics the way most people like it.

I am so glad I'm not a rapper...

Music and Women

Okay so let me ask you a question: If you were a woman, would you want to be called a slut, hoe, whore, prostitute, or anything like that? I'm sure that there are not a ton of women waiting in line to be called any of those, and other things that have become very common of hip-hop, rock, and many other popular artists of these days.

Why is this done? I mean do people think that women don’t care whats being said about them in music? It is similar to the use of the N-word. The use of such terms in music, and objectification of women that exists in music videos, and that sort of mentality that exists is what “waters down” the hurtfulness of such words in the minds of some. It boils back down the influence that people let music have in their lives. If people really want to believe that every woman is a hoe, then that’s their business. But if you call me a hoe, then we are going to be fighting.

And if women want to believe that the only way that they can get attention from anybody is to dress as such, then sorry to say ladies...we do nothing to help the stereotype and become no better than the people who say it to us.

The "N-word"

Although I already addressed the use of vulgar language in music, I think that the use of the N-word enters an entirely different category in the sense that the word has a great amount of bad blood and history behind it. As I said before, musicians have that right coming into the industry, to express themselves freely, and they do so. But in the sense of using this word is that still okay? The words use is quite common not only in music today, but in everyday life for many people in New York. But I think that the N-word, when it is used goes into a hateful use of speech, which I believe to be is an abuse of our rights to use free speech, just like any song with lyrics that are too vulgar is also an abuse of free speech.

Recently there has also been a lot of controversy surrounding that word. For example in Texas a mayor wants to fine anyone caught using the word $500 dollars. In New York the word has been banned to try and help kids (and entertainers) remember the history and the hatred that stems from that word. Personally I think that it is a good idea. But people shrug it off like its nothing, like pain and suffering isn’t some part of that word.

This comes from an article posted on the MSNBC website. It relates to rappers using the word: “Hip-hop artists in particular have been singled out for weaving the term into music and entertainment, which some say waters it down and convinces younger audiences that the word is acceptable.”

A councilmember that supported the banning of the n-word says that by using this word people are “Disrespecting their history, and putting themselves into a negative light and it needs to be corrected”.

It’s a shame that music plays a part in resurrecting something so horrible.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17382727/

What The $#@&!

Foul language is something that really plagues a lot of music today. Now my question is that, is all of the language necessary? Or do they just curse like that because of the plain and simple fact that they can? The way some songs come off it sounds like the singer or rapper fell down a flight of stairs, and every time they hit a stair the yell out another curse word. Now granted, everyone curses, it kind of is a part of everyday life no matter how much we would like to admit it or not, it happens. When does music reach the limit as to when the cursing or even just inappropriate subject matter, becomes too much, or surpasses a certain line of common decency that should be shown to the listener? And should I, as a musician even care, since I am ENTITLED to a right to say whatever I want on MY record at any time? Who cares about the PMRC and the people, as long I enjoy MY music? Right? Well I guess we could say that.

I am not a real musician, I only write occasionally, but I do feel as a musician I can express myself in the way that I want to. Freedom of speech as I have said several times before is relative to the situation. It is a two sided coin. I can say what I want to a degree, but I guess I am not allowed to fully express my feelings, because some people might find it offensive. But I like the way these song lyrics put it. This song was written by an Irish rock band named mrnorth.

Speak No Evil
Freedom of choice to use your voice, not something that I've ever seen enforced, but I'm free to be meek, but not to speak, free to watch all of your rhetoric repeating. Free to decide to just let things slide, I'm free to be however you want me. Bad news today sorry to say, you've been declined an open mind so you can

Shut your mouth, shut it down, has the point gotten through? Shut your mouth yeah keep it down.

When you're not here t'would seem so clear, be what you like say what you like and have no fear.But like big kids at school consumed by cool, trained to spit on all exceptions to the rule. Inside your mind you feel so confined it's hard to breathe and you can't get no release. So boxed in and left out, you wanna shout, you wanna rant, you know you can't so you just

Shut your mouth, shut it down, has the point gotten through?

Shut your mouth yeah keep it down oh boy there's no telling you.Hot today, what you say ? Yeah well you've got your point made, well I think you made a mistake by leaving this up to fate, so you can say 'ok, ok, ok'

.Freedom of choice to use your voice, not something that I've ever seen enforced.So boxed in and left out, you wanna shout, you wanna rant, you know you can't so you just

Shut your mouth, shut it down, has the point gotten through? Shut your mouth yeah keep it down oh boy there's no telling you.Shut your mouth, shut your mouth now, d'you know who you're talking to? Shut your mouth yeah keep it down.

© 2005 - 2006 MRNORTH

Music

Alright this post is about what makes music good to me. I want this post to be a little interactive. I want to know how other people not only define music, but how people define good music. TO me music is an expression from the heart, an expression that allows you to feel what the song is saying, whether or not it makes you want to move. Music is the expression from the soul of anyone, which is what to me, makes it so appealing, and which is one of the reasons that I choose music and poetry as my release.

Music to me is truly one of the main embodiments of freedom to express yourself. I cant really put my finger on what makes good music good, and of course my opinion will differ from that of everyone else. Maybe that’s something about good music. You have so many different forms of expression, from different people, different walks of life, different reasons for going into this particular art form, and still they can express themselves in the way that they feel is right.

Digressing from my topic just a little bit, I don’t think freedom of speech is something that we treasure here in the United States. We are all so busy just living, we don’t take the time to appreciate things like this freedom that we possess. Not realizing the fact that others don’t have it, and they cannot express themselves in the ways that we can. But getting back on track with regards to music, the freedom we have there is not taken for granted, but poorly used. It is poorly used because the useless profanity, objectification of women, and the violence that is encouraged by such songs is such a sad use for such a wonderful gift. That being said though, that’s what freedom of speech entails.

But getting back on track even further, I think that good music makes you feel. And that’s what music is supposed to do. Whether it makes you think of the time you spent all night crying, or the time you spent at your happiest moment, music makes you feel. It makes you feel and makes you remember that you are one thing... human.

Music's Influence

Now all of us know about the power of music. It has the power to create, destroy, and bring out emotions that we may not have known existed inside of all of us. But does the influence that music has on the world mean good for all? I mean, granted music is awesome, and at the end of the day it can do a lot for us. I am talking about the things that music can incite us to do. Is it the fault of the music when violent things happen? Or is it the fault of the weak minded people that listen to music, and act on what they hear? Melissa, a student says this “[Music] somewhat is at fault because for example with rappers they glorify crime and then these teenagers thing that the "thug life" is cool. But it also has to do with the fact that weak minded people may be easily influenced but I think music plays its role.”

In my opinion, I believe that artists should take into consideration that their fan base may stretch out past the teenagers, and maybe some older people, and also take into account the fact that not just young minds are impressionable. Which means that some people may take some of the things said in a song literally, for example songs about having promiscuous sex, and taking drugs, and stuff like that.

BUT on the flip side I think that some people need to just use common sense in certain areas for example, in that same field of songs that say stuff like “Let’s get high and do drugs all day” or “fight the power”, people should not take that stuff literally. But the real responsibility comes as I said, upon the listener to not take certain things so seriously and just use common sense.
Until Next Time...

Revisiting World Issues and Politics

The effect of Music on Politics is something that is so important i though that it would be good to visit this topic a little more. There are somewhat mixed feelings among musicians and how they feel when it comes to talking about politics or world issues. Some feel that since they are popular artists they will be able to reach their fan base, and create a change or get support where it is needed. For example when it came to fighting AIDS in Africa, there have been many artists and musical television stations that have made live benefits to help. On the flip side though, there are some artists that feel what needs to be said can be said outside of music, in some way keeping music neutral of certain affairs. Let music be music, and let politics be politics.
Music has the ability to touch every aspect of a person’s life, which is why many musicians that actually care about world issues choose to make differences through commenting in Music. Depending on the issue, I find such music enjoyable, and inspiring, making me wonder and think and ultimately act on what I may hear, which also highlights how EASILY people can become influenced by music. Although this list is quite short, I would love to see what comments with initial music people leave. This is what I have, not all I found, I’ll make this a little interactive:

Instant Karma: the Campaign to Save Darfur- R.E.M. and Various artists
Give Peace A Chance- John Lennon

September 11 and Music

After September 11, 2001 there were MANY songs that were either edited for the purpose to make music lighter or even based on the fact that the Clear Channel Company (Owner of just about every radio station and/or television station in NYC) thought particular records were inappropriate to play after September 11. Even some songs that may not have seemed to say shocking anything at all were put on this list. For example, songs with titles that Clear Channel was skeptical about, or lyrics that were in anyway out of place to clear channel were “suggested” to not be played on any radio station that they owned. One Disc Jockey at a clear channel referred to these “suggestions” like this, “[if you don’t follow them] you will be fired.” That sounds like some great incentive to follow the rules. Despite that thought, some DJ’s still played some of those songs. Songs that were found to be offensive after 9/11 included:

All Rage Against The Machine songs
Notorious B.I.G- Juicy
John Lennon-Imagine
Louis Armstrong-What A Wonderful World
Elton John- Rocket Man
The Clash- Rock The Casbah
Third Eye Blind- Jumper
Phil Collins- In the Air Tonight
Chi-Lites-Have You Seen Her
Frank Sinatra-New York, New York
“What A Wonderful World” has to be one the least scary song running through my mind after September 11 aside from the SpongeBob theme song, well wishing or not some of the songs on this list are ridiculous.
http://www.freemuse.org/sw6621.asp

http://www.internalmemos.com/memos/memodetails.php?memo_id=179 (for full song list)

PARENTAL ADVISORY: This Album Contains Free Speech

Censoring in music may range from the fact that the lyrics are offensive, or have many uses of profanity, all the way to the fact that what is being said is in opposition to local authorities and the government. From my point of view I think it is a good idea to censor uses of profanity for artists that have a young fan base. But from the other side of the music, from an artist’s viewpoint I do have the right to say what I want, and to speak my mind about certain issues. My personal favorite example of a musician speaking out against what the government was doing was Jimi Hendrix during Woodstock when he used heavy distortion and feedback to simulate bombs dropping, when he protested the Vietnam War.

The side of music that puzzles me though is the side that music that says something profound, music that takes a stand against things that go on in our country and in the world may be censored at times. Most of the time not censored by the government in particular but certain radio stations or entire groups of people protest and boycott the release of particular songs. For example, when the country group the Dixie Chicks spoke out openly against President George W. Bush, their fan bases down south did not take too well to their comments. Their CD’s were burned and their songs were boycotted from a number of radio stations. Going back further, In 1939 Billie Holiday made a song entitled “Strange Fruit” which talked about blacks being lynched. It was censored on every American Radio station.

http://www.freemuse.org/sw15937.asp

The Dreaded Black & White Label

This label may look very familiar to all of us. To some it may stand out as a symbol that can prevent us from buying the album. To others it may draw them closer to it, somehow enticing them to purchase it. But this label where did it come from? Why is it of any particular significance to any of us? Well this label that many of us may see on certain CD's came about by a group of parents called the Parents Music Resource Center(PMRC) in 1984, formed by Tipper Gore, who thought that lyrics contained in certain songs, (rock and rap in particular) inspired youths engage in actions such as, rape violence, sex, and drugs. Later in 1985 with the help of a few record companies and the support of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) the sticker was placed on many albums that contained explicit lyrics at that time. In some cases stores refused to sell those explicit albums at their stores, in other cases the stores would just make sure those specific albums were not available for sale to minors. After this happened it wasn’t common for artists to express their “fondness” for the PMRC. Several artists such as Ice-T, Aerosmith, Pistol Grip, made songs speaking to Tipper Gore directly. In finding artists though, I found that the group Furnaceface put it the best way when they said censoring music “only makes us want to hear it that much more.”

http://www.lyricstime.com/furnaceface-we-love-you-tipper-gore-lyrics.html
http://www.riaa.com/about/default.asp

Free Speech?!

So all of us know what free speech means, but in case that some do not, let me just clarify free speech, and some of the aspects of free speech, as it relates to music. Freedom of expression includes our freedom of speech is one of our personal freedoms that are protected by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. There it is referred to as one of our “inalienable rights” given to us from God. Freedom of speech is the right to say just about whatever you want without having to worry about censorship and restraints. Freedom of expression reaches into every aspect of our lives, for example, our lifestyle expressions, our choices in our personal styles, and finally our music & film expressions. In the case of freedom of speech and expression, there are people who would like to make choices for people, by taking away this freedom of expression. In the past there have been debates and expressions of dissent for the actions taken against one’s free speech with regards to entertainment. Should we view these attempts as attacks on our freedom of speech and expression, or should we accept these attempts (i.e. rating systems, etc) as fair warning for the people?

http://www.spectacle.org/899/free.htmlspectacle.org/899/free.html

My Topic

Something that matters the most to me is music. My musical expression is essential to my true freedom. For me music has to stand for something, whether it is the deeper, personal meaning that exists within the song, or even if the music is a comment on the world that exists around us. Of course like everything free speech in music has its limits. Although I don’t enjoy the popular rap and hip-hop music that some of my peers do, I still think that everyone deserves to have the right to say what they want in music, the same way people have the rights to say what they want, by expressing their own personal style and lifestyle choices, and even by just speaking. Is there ever a point though, when this freedom of speech in music gets too far? For example, the foul language, and the degrading of women in many songs, is that too far? Even though I don’t like that kind of stuff i still believe that they have a right to say it.