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

The song I would like to work on this semester is called “Don’t Shoot” by Game featuring Rick Ross, Diddy, 2 Chainz, Fabulous, Wale, DJ Khaled, Swizz Beats, Yo Gotti, Curren$y, Problem, King Pharaoh and the R&B super-group TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank). What interesting me about this song is the amount of artists on the track. I feel like it is not everyday almost ten artists are all on the same song. It takes a very powerful message, to make that amount of people want to support it and add their verses, and speak out on the issue. This song came out soon after the Michael Brown shooting. It was a terrible tragic that started an already lit fire about police brutality and racism. The song “Don’t Shoot” mentions other black men killed under notorious circumstances, such as Emmett Till, Ezell Ford, Trayvon Martin, and Sean Bell. I remember when these shootings occured, and how I felt when I watch the footage and interviews with the victims’ families. This song makes sure these people are never forgotten.

I believe researching the song “Don’t Shoot” this semester will definitely take me out of my comfort zone. It will propel me into the history and culture of rap music, and the protest that accompanies so many of the songs. Rappers are unapologetically themselves and they’re not afraid to express themselves to the fullest. They have no shame towards who they are and they embrace any hateful people who disagree with their lifestyle. This will especially connect me to the gang violence to Los Angeles in the 1990s. There are so many rap songs reflecting on this huge moment in history against the police.  

This song will help me grow as a person of 2018 that is much more well rounded. Many of the campaigns and protests that continue today will never personally affect me. However, that does not mean I should not educate myself on the issues and become educated on the society I am living in.  I am nervous, but alway intrigued on how this song will make me feel. I am prepared to be uncomfortable with the topics, language, and probably many other aspects of this song down the road. Some of the artists on the track I am familiar with, but many I have never heard of before. I have no preconceptions about any of them. I am starting this project with an open mind and without judgement. 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.