Maggie Rawlins

Listening Journal Post 1

http:/ https://youtu.be/9jOqOlETcRU

After listening to “F the Police” by NWA, it is condemning police brutality and is an angry response to the systematic racism that black people have been facing since the beginning of this country.

It has a yelling and angry feel.  One of the most important attributes of “F the Police” by NWA is the feeling and emotion behind the text. NWA uses their attitude and voice style to show their anger throughout the song. They are clearly angry about how African American adolescent men are treated and portrayed. By showing anger in their voices, listeners are able to understand their frustration through the music.

At the beginning of the song when MC is acting as the court officer, he is clearly acting as a man with power. This shows the power the court system has over the common man.

“Order, order, order, Ice Cube, take the mother****** stand, Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothin but the truth so help your black ass?”

 

When Dr. Dre acts as the judge he also shows power within the song. His voice is angry but strong. He is not acting angry about the system itself, rather he is angry at the situation. His anger is placed upon the men that came into his courtroom. Dr. Dre demands order within his court system. This is very important to the songs meaning, but it is most important in showing how society has developed and how individuals are treated. African American men are seen as guilty and that they need to be controlled.

There is a clear attitude in which the artist takes on. the actual music and layers used are vital to the song. Obviously, they are needed to produce the song, but they are also needed to create passion behind the song. Lastly, the text of the song provides listener’s with the main idea of what NWA is saying. Also, the samples used in “F the Police” are vital to listeners when they are trying to understand the song.  Listeners can relate to their struggle or they will be educated as to what is happening in a different area.

 

Don’t Shoot” – The Game ft. DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Diddy, Fabolous, Wale, Swizz Beatz, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharaoh & TGT

http:/https://youtu.be/N-QWI-Iy1ns

This song is an amazing compilation of rappers using their platform to demand change from the people, as well as the government. They speak about Michael Brown, Emmett Till, and much, much more. This is an especially great song to play at a protest or when you are really frustrated.

There are a large variety of different artists in this song. From the beginning you hear the strong piano and a each artist from DJ Khaled, all the way to TGT puts in a line or two about powerful unity between different communities all uniting against mistreatment by the government. The line that stood out the most to me was “God didn’t put us on the earth to get murdered.” This was sung by a choir of kids and it left me with an eerie feeling because it made me reflect back all school shooting and gun violence against children in the past. I thought each of the artists that collaborated in this song added a different element with each verse. It truly showed how important the topic they were singing about was because it involved such a large group of artists willing to support it in song. It had a raw and truthful emotion, the song reminded me of an open mic night and it seemed as though each artist just sang there verses and passed it onto the next one. My overall understanding of the song was that gun violence these days affects all ages. If you are not happy with a verdict or decision made by a higher power, do something about it and use your voice.

The concerns I have with this assignment is using any vulgar or offensive language. Many of the songs I listened to had very harsh topics. What comes along with the harsh topics are disturbing descriptions. This unit will definitely be a lesson and maturity and growth for everyone.