Critique # 5: (Chapter 10) "Nobody talks about the positive in Hip Hop"

Joel Milian                                                                                                                                     12/14/12

Critique # 5: (Chapter 10) “Nobody talks about the positive in Hip Hop”

Critique:

This chapter of the Hip Hop Wars interestingly describes the positive things that Hip Hop rappers have done such as set up foundations and charities. Tricia Rose also cleverly notes how the media makes note of a lot more negative events involving individuals who are black rather than positive ones that are left in the dark without recognition. The most common headliner in the news is crimes or shooting particularly when the criminal is of African American decent. “Rather, my point is that the shortage of affirmative coverage for already widely popular black celebrities contributes to an overemphasis on negative black actions, conflicts, and misdeeds.” (204) Rose tries to make the point that due to the lack of actual addressed positive actions, leads to the rise in the negative actions addressed. Rappers such as Ludacris, Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Nelly have all set up organizations, charities and programs that are built for such things as educating  children from urban areas, addressing sicknesses and even providing scholarships and opportunities for those unfortunate children. The issue raised here is whether or not these celebrities and artists are doing these things for popularity reasons, or just to do some good to the community. Nelly for example set up what he called the “Jes 4 Us Jackie Foundation” which is aimed to educate African Americans to donate bone marrow donors. He was supposed to promote the Foundation at a drive in a school but because he degraded countless of woman in his video “Tip Drill”, it angered numerous women who simply wanted to question him about it and so the drive was canceled. Tricia Rose finally brings about the issue regarding rappers use of charities to promote good while they continue to rap about negative issues in their songs, so in sense they are “hypocrites”.

Critique # 4 (Chapter 9) " Where not Role models"

Joel Milian                                                                                                                           12/14/12

Critique # 4 (Chapter 9) “We’re Not Role Models

Critique:

In this chapter of The Hip Hop Wars, Tricia Rose importantly notes how rap music negatively influences its listener’s particularly younger audiences. She states, “This deflection takes place through three oft-repeated phrases: (1) Were not role models; (2) Parents are responsible for their own kids; and (3) If you don’t like what you see, turn it off.” (188) Noting responses from rappers like 50 Cent and LL Cool J who say that because they've personally experienced the topics and issues which their music is centered on, they have the right to rap about it. Rose also discusses how rappers such as Snoop Dogg, T.I. and Lil Kim have gotten into trouble with the law and that act has gotten them more credibility and respect as members of the rap game, and therefore more of an authentic vibe when compared to other rappers. The controversy behind on how rap influences younger audiences includes parents and their responsibility to monitor the things that their children view on television. Networks like MTV and BET state that they do not force anyone to view the content displayed on their channels because anyone can merely “turn it off”. Because of this Rose once again raises another question regarding those working parents who are unable to keep constant watch of their children and the things they see on television because they are busy maintaining their family by making money to pay the bills, buy groceries, etc. Clearly whether it’s the Rappers, the Big-time Network stations, or the parents of the younger audience; it is a blame game that will never be resolved unless we work together to change the values and issues detailed in hip hop for the positive benefit of everyone. 

Critique # 3 (Chapter 8) "There Are Bitches & Hoes"

Joel Milian                                                                                                                             12/10/12

Critique # 3- (Chapter 8) “There Are Bitches and Hoes”

Critique:

In this Chapter of The Hip Hop Wars, Tricia Rose discusses the use of the words “bitch and hoes” in Hip-Hop, and how they have been at the center of much outrage and controversy. The spawn of these terms used to label woman in rap was brought about by the popularity of rappers labeling themselves as “Pimps.” Pimps are individuals who are high in power and along with that the fame, respect, money and woman that compliment that position. Many of today’s most popular rappers such as 50 Cent, Nelly, Jay-Z, Snoop Dog and Lil Wayne commonly use these terms in their music, and that has led towards the vast degradation and common use of the word bitch and hoe. Because they've had personal experience with these types of woman that they refer to in their music, rappers feel like they have the right to use these terms and feel like they are not doing anything wrong. In interviews, they've stated that they are not referring to all African American women and that there are other important matters going on in the world than the use of these words in their songs. Rose also mentions the event involving Radio Host Don Imus and his use of the term “nappy headed hoes” to describe a Rutgers woman’s basketball team. The use of the word caused a lot of stir in the media and a backlash between Imus and Snoop Dog over the words usage. The fact that Sexism thrives in America is also brought about, and the fact that rap which is highly commercialized spreads these songs using these terms everywhere causes a huge problem. Rose concludes the chapter saying that we have to work together and understand where these words derived from in order to reduce their impact.

Critique # 2- Chapter 2 "Hip Hop Reflects Black Dysfunctional Ghetto Culture"

Joel Milian                                                                                                                              12/5/12

Critique # 2: (Chapter 2) Hip Hop Reflects Black Dysfunctional Ghetto Culture

Critique:

In this Chapter of The Hip Hop Wars, Tricia Rose describes how Hip-Hop has negatively portrayed its community. These rappers who are idolized for their music by countless of fans portray an image where it is ok to live a life committing crimes, demeaning women, being violent, and doing drugs. Having these issues as the common topics in their songs makes their audience believe that these are the ways to live a successful life. Tricia Rose states that, “The power of these songs is not only reflective (mirroring the actions and points of view of those who are already invested in street culture and criminality) but seductive as well (in that they encourage young people to emulate the facets of underground street economies”) (71) Rose also makes note of how older forms of music generated by African Americans such as Jazz and Rock & Roll where precursors to many of the common forms of music today. During its introduction, Jazz was also seen as evil music although it is not nearly as seductive as Hip Hop. Importantly noted is also the fact that the topics mentioned in Hip Hop music come from the communities and lifestyles that are prevalent in practically every poor/urban African American community. Because of how common these communities are and how commercialized the songs that talk about these issues are, is causing the audiences to see these things as a normal part of life and not see anything wrong with the injustice taking place.

Imitation # 7 (2011) J.Cole - Lost Ones

Joel Milian                                                                                                                      12/1/12

Lost Ones

By- J. Cole (2011)

She said nigga you got the nerve
To come up to me talkin’ bout abortion
This my body nigga so don’t think you finna force shit
See I knew that this is how you act, so typical

Said you love me, oh, but now you flipping like reciprocals
It figures though, should’ve known that you was just another nigga
No different from them other niggas
Who be claiming that they love you just to get up in them draws

Critique:

This powerful song by newcomer J.Cole describes a situation involving abortion and teenage pregnancy; both very important topics that are extremely prevalent in today’s society. This song details these topics in an event centering on a guy and the girl he’s impregnated. J.Cole raps and talks as if he’s both persons arguing to one another. Although the song is somewhat of a story, I believe it to be a critique on many events that occur every day similar to the one told in the song. In this sample of the song, the pregnant girl is talking to the guy and is extremely upset and angry at the guy’s interest in abortion. The girl is not so surprised that he told her he loved her, only in an attempt to sleep with her.  In the end the guy is no different than any other guy interested only in sex. The audience of this song can be Cole’s fans and anyone who’s dealt or knows of someone who has gone through unplanned/unwanted pregnancies which are common among the teenage communities, especially in urban areas. The tone in these bars is somewhat tense and angry. Also present is simile, which in a very clever way, J.Cole uses the line “but now you flipping like reciprocals” to show how the change in the guy’s mindset is similar to that of a reciprocal which is a fraction which is inverted, thus flipped. “Lost Ones” is a very powerful and relevant song which should be definitely listened to.

Imitation # 6 (2000's) Eminem - Till I Collapse

Joel Milian                                                                                                                              12/1/12

Till I Collapse

By- Eminem (2002)

Music is like magic there’s a certain feeling you get when you're real

And you spit and people are feeling your shit.

This is your moment and every single minute you spend trying to hold onto it

'cause you may never get it again.

So while you’re in it try to get as much shit as you can

And when your run is over just admit when it's at its end.

'Cause I'm at the end of my wits with half this shit that gets in.

I got a list here's the order of my list that it's in.

Critique:

One of my personal favorite Eminem songs, “Till I Collapse” is a very inspirational and thought provoking song about not giving up. Eminem also makes references to his career, his status in the rap game and how he will continue to rap and not let anyone put him down. In these 8 bars from the song, Eminem refers to how rap gives him a sensation because it’s true and his audience loves and respects his music. He also knows that though it may be temporary, he has to enjoy and make the most out of his current position. The verse in this song definitely has some aspects of a confessional when Eminem list his favorite rappers and how he will not be fazed by the media. The rest of the song is a critique on not letting people put you down and trying your best, even when you feel like quitting. What’s great about this song is that is can apply to anyone in any situation where they need to be inspired. Eminem is speaking to his fans, himself and anyone whose potential is questioned and second guessed. The most common literary device in these lines from the song is simile; when Eminem says “Music is like magic.” The tone in these bars is definitely inspirational and compelling, using words like “real, feeling, moment and wits.” There is also End Rhyme in the second and third line ending with “shit” and “it.” 

Imitation # 5 (1990)- Mary Barnett, Endless Journey

Joel Milian                                                                                                                 10/21/12

Endless Journey

By- Mary Barnet (1990)

Some journeys, I believe, are endless
for what the mother does not find
One hundred years later
the great-grandchild discovers.

Such is the nature of the animal.
Within the soul there is an endless journey also:
In search of love that lasts;
trying to find forever in one moment.

Critique:

These first 8 lines from the poem titled “Endless Journey” by Mary Barnet talks about the journey of life. Life is a journey that everyone will embark on and Mary Barnet mentions that it is an endless journey. What questions someone had 100 years ago will be answered as time progresses and the next generation comes about. I believe Mary Barnet is attempting to detail the struggle that everyone goes through in life. She also connects it to the life of an animal who although is not as complex as human beings live their life looking for a mate to continue reproducing and thus a new generation that will encounter the same obstacles. Mary’s audience in this poem is people but no particular specific group. I believe this poem is a critique about life in general from Mary’s perspective. Mary does make good points that caused me to evaluate and think about life so I believe this is a very well written poem.