answering a question

Julian Rafiel Antonio Miller

Composition 1           

11/08/13

Answering a question

Mr. Dilbeck

Rap music has been around since the 1970’s and has become some of the mainstream and constantly played genres to date. Starting from very humble, underground beginnings hip hop grew from the Black ghettos of New York and flourished into the huge industry it is today where an artist from any city no matter how poor they are can become an idolized millionaire and tour the world. Certain rappers that helped this transition however, hip hop had many artists that served as a catalyst to popularization of Rap music such as N.W.A, 2pac, Notorious BIG, Wu Tang Clan, Eminem, and Dr. Dre and many other rappers. These rappers used there messages, style, lyricism, songs, and personality to influence the music and culture of hip hop and gave  Hip hop the necessary number of listeners and popularity to jump out of underground and make it to radio. Rap music has gone through many changes, influences and era’s, Many people say however that as of recent “Real” rap has been diminished to near death because of that lack certain elements that made “Real” Rap so popular in the beginning however all fans are opinion based and definitions tend to alter, so what is real rap and does it exist anymore or did “Hip Pop” kill the genre.

Rap music is the genre of African American music in which an insistent, recurring beat pattern provides the background and counterpoint for rapid, slangy, and often boastful rhyming patter glibly intoned by vocalist or vocalists. Rap also essentially relies on Hip Hop which is the Black and Latin Subculture that supports Rap music but also draws in the stereotypes and negatives that surround the music. The Culture and Music go hand in hand and grow together, this being the case Rap has changed drastically from its origin on the corners of New York and Disc Jockeys spins in the clubs. The corner is where many fans say Rap music was at its purest when it just Neighborhood kids battling and free styling, when it was just a hobby and there was hardly any no money to look forward to. This is also where the common trend in rap music came from as the kids would rap about all the things they never most likely have such as money, women, being the best, and smoking a lot of weed but along with these trends came stories of struggle that many blacks were experiencing in ghettos. These troubles were bluntly present in the hip hop culture and with the transition of a decade from the 80’s to the 90’s the amount of rappers and amount of actual music multiplied as well as the trouble for the culture.

Rap has many different sub-genres like Gangsta rap, Alternative/Artistic, Trap Rap, Conscience rap and many others; however rap has well established legends of the music that the helped create or heavily influenced these sub-genres. Artists like Bone Thugz N Harmony, Nas, Dr Dre, Outkast, Three Six Mafia, Eminem, Jay-Z, Kayne West, Ice T, and Snoop Dogg are all from different areas, but all share one common denominator: their influence on the hip hop culture and their influence on rap music itself. Their influence being that they bring a new element/standard to music that leads the way and inspires younger rappers. When they engage in beef with another rapper the diehard fans from their regional would soldier up and represent the rapper even if it meant violence. This factor was spearheaded in the 90’s where you can be seriously hurt if you told the wrong person a top ten rapper list that they don’t agree with.

The 1990’s era for hip hop music was turbulent and exciting as there was a growth in the quality as well growth in tensions. This era was also where majority of rap legends came into play as well as their influence and styles. The often referred to as a “Golden Era” of rap music which consisted of the ingenious lyrical content, masterful rhythms, emcees and all-star icons in their prime.  This time period was kind of climax for the culture where rapper beefs would carry over into the streets meaning that certain fans would actually take action and cause actual harm to the rappers occurred, gang violence. In the Black subculture all this was very exciting, but to others who were ignorant to all the inner workings of the culture, the rap events and music were very scary and tabooed. Despite this Popularity of Rap music soared and even hit the radio, with this mainstream breakthrough rap had risen from the underground and become a solidified genre.

With this new mainstream view came a more critical eye as rappers words started to be looked at more and political leader strove for censorship or just blunt destruction of rap music (Eminem being a stand case). With all these problems, the turn of the century, and the rise technological advances, rap music went through an industrial metamorphosis where there was a decrease in quality, inspiration, and actual lyricism. Its also went through a cultural metamorphosis, by 2000’s rap had broken the race barrier and started to become popular amongst white children and communities and these qualities were replaced with high production, generic material trends, (money, clothes, women, marijuana) and catchy hooks. The industry had taken over and artist from the 90’s were out of their prime, the new generation of rappers were striving for radio hits, club hits and other ways of making large amounts of money off the music, so instead of mastering all the details of being a rapper they focused more on phrases that stick in people minds and rapping about all the material things they have now. These topics and methods was most effective for radio play and mobile phone ringtones, this era is known to be the birth of Hip Pop or Popular Rap music. With this occurrence the radio was flooded with these kinds of songs. To the point where more genuine style rap was few and far between and really only existed in the underground culture. During this time period was is when “real” rap fans say that Rap died; killed off by its own success.

The music industry and the technology industry come to a sort of partnership with increase of catchy music and marketable business of ringtones, this factor especially affected rap music as rappers now were motivated not by the love of the music but more by the potential of getting rich off sales and touring. Few Rappers strive to make a effort and try and bring back the classic elements that make rap songs, these rappers referred to as Emcee’s give hope older fans of rap that yearn for the older days but Hip pop has grown attached to a new generation who promote the new style of rap music.  Hip pop continues to be made in large production and “Real” Rap declines to only 90’s rap godfathers, Underground street rap, and new age Emcee’s. Rap’s rise to mainstream ultimately affected its development and changed its sound, the parameters for “Real” Rap may never be agreed upon but the recognition that it has changed will always remain wither that is good or bad, only time will tell.

Rap’s rise to mainstream ultimately affected its development and changed its sound, the parameters for “Real” Rap may never be agreed upon but the recognition that it has changed will always remain wither that is good or bad, only time will tell.

Works Cited

 (Phillips, Chuck. “Gangsta Rap: Did Lyrics Inspire Killing of Police? : Pop music: Two teens awaiting trial in Milwaukee say Tupac Shakur's angry lyrics influenced them in the slaying of an officer.” L.A Times, 1994)

(Alexander,Bey. “Hip-Hop's Musical Evolution of Rap”. oneonta.edu)

sorry for the lateness i was having internet problems

Response Essay

Julian Miller

October 2, 2013

Mr. Dilbeck

Composition I

Response essay

            With the of  release GTA 5 as recent as last week, the topic of video game violence has come back in the media and is being discussed vigorously. In majority of video games, disturbing acts of violence such as unflinching, cold blooded murder, traumatic physical and mental abuse, and various other disturbing acts are constantly displayed. Though there are few exceptions most video games like shooters, action games, and role playing have violence, despite this almost every young man in America around the ages of 6 to 35 has played such a video game or still does including myself. The success of some these games are so phenomenal that they reach other branches of American culture like music or the super bowl and make hundreds of millions of dollars on a single day. So does video games violence truly affects young minds into committing acts of real violence or does the already violent individuals just express themselves through it?

            Video games violence has been around as long as video games themselves back in the arcade days when Mortal Kombat, Pac Man, and Donkey Kong were the reigning kings of the games. These games were violent as well especially Mortal Kombat which is almost solely credited for being the reason why the video game rating system was created. Many parents were upset about such violent games being able to reach their kids so easily so a company created the ESRB (Video Game Rating System) and it serves as the tool for parents to know when a game is violent and when a more child appropriate game is available though many parents ignore or simply don’t care about the system and buy a “Mature” game anyway. So even though they are ill advised, many violent games get into children’s hands and actually become some of their favorite games.

            This however is where the problem lies; there have been cases of violent crimes portrayed by children who were influenced by video game violence. There have been cases where children have committed murder and media has tired to link the cause of the crime to a Video game. Such was the case with the 8 year old Louisiana boy who shot and killed his 87 year old grandmother after playing the violent video game Grand theft Auto IV, the article states. “Although a motive for the shooting is unknown at this time investigators have learned that the juvenile suspect was playing a video game on the Play Station III 'Grand Theft Auto IV,' a realistic game that has been associated with encouraging violence and awards points to players for killing people, just minutes before the homicide occurred.”(Russell, CNN 2013).  Each case is different but the question that always seems to come up is if violence from video games is influencing kids or is the child themselves just expressing their violent nature within a simulated experience until they take into the real world?

            Many question whether the grotesque crimes committed by the youth have direct correlation with the crimes committed on a game. Millions of people play these games everyday yet these cases are few and far between, but there are no doubt constant. The side that supports censorship of violence maintains that if censorship isn’t achieved the effect of constant graphic violence will numb a new generation and cause a class of sociopaths. those who say censorship is unneeded; Often gamers or people in the gaming industry downplay or disregard the effect on video game violence and argue that generally most of the time, video game violence is used as a scapegoat for young offenders to point there fingers at. Both viewpoints have valid points and example cases that support either argument, the spectrum seems to be wide as each case is different and specific.

There have numerous studies and findings on the correlation between real life crime and murder and video game violence and crime but these studies seems to clash just as the opposing sides do. There have been several studies supporting that video games violence does affect the mind but studies done by The Harvard Medical School Center for Mental Health, The Journal of Adolescent Health, and The British Medical Journal point out that there is no correlation at all between the two subjects. With such conflicting and ultimately inconclusive studies being done the debate turns more into an opinionated slugfest between parents, politicians and gamers. Thus a debate that has been going on for 20 years continues, unflinching and unrelenting. Censorship and correlation or free speech and coincidence, the debate that affects thousands of mind goes on.

Analysis essay

Julian Miller

Septemeber 10, 2013

Mr. Dilbeck

Composition I

Analysis essay

            In 2009, recording artist Scott Ramon Seguro Mescudi (A.K.A) Kid Cudi released his debut album “Man on the Moon: The End of Day” which brought a new style and influence to modern hip hop culture. The 15 track album hosted a gloomy but meaningful concept that seamlessly shifts from topics like loneliness, depression, drugs and dreams to more uplifting topics such as happiness, family, achieving ambitions and loving life. The sing song style of the album helps make it memorable and gives it an airy, enchanting feeling that makes the listener dive deep into flawless synthesis of beats and lyrics. Kid Cudi poured himself and his message into this album so smoothly and descriptively that even apathetic listeners can pick up on it easily, but how does he deliver his message and emotions so vividly?

            In “Man on the Moon: The End of Day”, Mescudi initially divulges into his past experiences with family and drugs and displays his negative emotions and views on these topics as well as his depressed view of the world. Mescudi displays his inner thoughts rhythmically to give the listener a taste of his world

“I’m super paranoid, like a 6th sense

Since my father died, I ain't been right since
And I tried to piece the puzzle of the universe
Split an eighth of shrooms just so I could see the universe”(Mescudi, 2009).

  But why does he put himself out so unflinching and honestly? Especially in a genre where the average listener would say such a topic is sign of weakness. Never been shy to express himself even since his very first mixtape (A Kid Named Cudi), Mescudi has always been known for his relatable life experiences and how his messages can help guide people into a better mind state and better outlook on life. The more depressive songs on the album like Solo Dolo or My World seem to draw attention and create a commonality of feelings between the listener and the artist, and as the music goes on the listener continues to make connections and begins to empathize. Mescudi then swiftly switches the tempo and feeling of the album throughout the entire piece until it evolves into a more positive and inspiring tone. Mescudi is effective in his message but a message is useless without an audience to interpret it, so what kind of audience does Mescudi appeal to? What kind of people does his music affect the deepest?

            Being primarily in the hip hop genre, Mescudi’s audience tends to be around the teenage years 13-18 and on to the mid 20’s, these ages tend some of the most confusing times in a persons life. The possible reason why Mescudi’s message is so powerful is because he gives life tips to young people who are currently seeking any kind empathy, so Mescudi reaches out through his music. To his credit, Mescudi is often referred to as the “The Big Brother” rapper something Cudi is proud of and gladly provokes as seen in his intro to REVOFEV:

“Yeah, welcome, welcome you, hey
I'm your big brother

What do I have to say to the kids?” (Mescudi, 2010)

 What he says to the kids involves every range of emotion and thought from anger to loneliness to sadness, to happiness, love, confusion etc; all of these feelings are common blights of the teenage mind But almost any artist from any genre can practice such techniques, so what makes Man on the Moon: The End of Day so different?

            Man on the Moon: The End of Day’s musical style was a new kind of approach that only Kid Cudi and Kayne West who mentored Cudi had practiced, it was a recipe of theme centered, rhymic verses with a smooth flow accompanied by extremely memorable hooks that often summarized the topic or concept of the song these hooks were also a mixture of rapping and singing which gave the style its nickname “sing song rap”. Mescudi created this style previously on his mixtape but on the album he perfected the art and delivery thanks to Kayne West’s mentorship, examples of the style in its best form are on the songs: Soundtrack to my Life, Up,Up Away, Pursuit of Happiness and Cudi zone. The style isn’t the only thing unique about the album; Mescudi took after his Mentor and added a story element to the album which puts another layer of depth in it as the narrated story seems to segregate the tone of the music. This segregation is enabled by the tale that is told about a hero who transcends from a dreamlike paradise to a realm of nightmares and fears and then to a sanctum of inner peace and calm. The style and the storytelling factor is especially effective when trying to invoke connections to the listener as the hooks often hit you and makes you want sing along with the song, after the song is over you are again hit with the intriguing tale of the Man on the Moon (the hero within the story) which hints that tone is about to change. The songs are especially infectious and memorable and often stick to you as well as the meanings of them making an effective effort in reaching out to listeners.   

Making music is a hard and tiring process in any genre but making music that does more than entertain the listener, but actually enlightens and uplifts them can be a unrelentingly difficult  procedure that some cannot simply complete. But when the process is done right, the fans and artist bond and enable an invisible connection to each other, they are connected by the words that came from the artists mind and landed in fans heart. The positive music in the album encourages many young people to be accepting and happy with whom they are, while the smooth, darker melodies calm and speak to the soul of the listeners. Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon: The End of Day album was a successful approach on how to reach out to people through seamless lyrics and beats, so successful that many fans of hip hop and hip hop critics alike refer to the album as a classic and will live past the current decade of its birth. Man on the Moon’s arsenal of methods to appeal to the listener seems to be the key in how the message is so powerful and how even apathetic listeners can become die hard fans.

(Mescudi,Scott. "Man on the Moon": The End of Day, Universal Motown Records, 2009, CD)

To listen: http://musicmp3.ru/artist_kid-cudi__album_man-on-the-moon-the-end-of-day.html#.Uk20RhDRJFs

Narrative Essay

Julian miller

Composition I

Mr. Dilbeck

Narrative Essay

This experience taught me to cherish every moment you have with someone you love and never take them for granted, as the unexpected seems to always happen to the ones you care most about. It started off like any regular Sunday 6 years ago, I was sitting at the Westerville library waiting to start my weekly visit where I spend 4 hours with my father Raphael. When I finally spotted my dad’s jeep and strolled my way to the vehicle and pulled the handle…of course, locked. I looked inside the car and gestured for him to open the door and he smirks at me…..”C’mon dad, let’s not do this.” I mumble, he chuckles and unlocks the door. I open the door, hop onto the soft seat and notice that there were two fishing poles in the back. With a smirk I state, “So we going fishing again? We haven’t done this in like years” I said.

“Yea I know, I’ve missed fishing with u too Julian, ha--remember last time you almost fell off that hill into the lake hahahaha.

I retort, “Ha-ha it wouldn’t be so funny if I really did”.

He smirks and responds, “Your right, then I woulda got wet saving you hahahahah…you ready to get going then?”

I shook my head and laughed, “Whatever, yea lets go”. Raphael starts the car and drives off towards the lake. I stared out the window anticipating the experience, as fishing with my father was special thing we used to do all the time but recently had stopped due to family issues. When we had finally arrived at the lake, we pulled our chairs and equipment out of the car and carried them over to the soft dirt spot that overlooked the soon to be fished lake. The lingering smell of the lake brought back vivid memories of previous trips and gave me a warm nostalgic feeling. We unfolded our blue and green chairs and cracked open our big, smelly fishing kit. Raphael and I grabbed some bobbers, weights, and some purple fake worms that had hooks in them. We attached the items onto the pole and casted our first lines. I look over to my father and smirk, “10 bucks says I catch something on my first cast”

“HA! Yea right, I’m the only one who can do that. You can barely catch one at all” Raphael exclaims.

 “PLEASE! I seem to remember you not catching anything while I would catch like 5 fish then you’d get pissed about it”

“Yea well, that isn’t happening today” Raphael claims, he then casts his line out and proceeds to sit in his chair next me. We both realized that neither of us were going to be very lucky at all that day. He would cast his line as I would cast mine daring each other to catch something but to no avail. We passed the time by catching up and making small talk, something I had missed doing with my father and something I had enjoyed getting to do again. We spent an hour just talking and fishing and finally I got a tug on my line.

“Dad…I think I got a tug” I said, he looks over and focuses on my bobber, the fish bites again which causes us to notice the bobber pull down and twirl slightly. I stand up and reel in my line a little bit, the line has tension so I jerk my pole and hook the fish.

“Good job! Now reel that sucker in” Raphael exclaims, I start reeling and tugging on the tense line as excitement runs through me. I can see the line steering through the sun glistened water as the fish fights against me. The murky, dark blue water contained a soggy, molded tree trunk that was right in the lane of my line. My father warned, “Avoid that tree or it’ll break your line and you won’t be catching anything” I pull the line away from the trunk but I feel an even stronger tension on my line and knew something was wrong.  As sudden as the fish came, the fish was gone, the line snapped on an underwater branch and the tension from my line disappeared.

“Of course, just my luck” I say sullenly, I reel the rest of my line in and take a seat in my chair to fix it. My father looks down on me and shakes his head “well you almost had him” he murmurs. He sits next to me and assists me in fixing my red and black pole. We spent the last 3 hours after that just talking and casting out lines, though neither of us caught anything that day but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. At 4:45 my father and I packed up our equipment and jumped into his truck, he started it and I felt the rumble of the engine; he put the car in gear and drove off towards the library. We spent the ride reminiscing on old memories of our family and my starting of the 7^th grade. When we arrived at the library and he parked the car and smiled at me “did u have a good time?” he questioned

“Of course I did! Today was awesome, I enjoyed myself” I exclaimed

Raphael smirked and said “well great, I’m glad I could spend time with you, you better go to your mother now or she’ll start worrying” I open the door and hop out of the car.

 “Ha I know trust me, hey ill see ya later dad” I said

“Bye Julian, I’ll see you next week” Raphael answers. I shut his door and start to walk off towards my mother’s car, I look back to watch him drive away and smile. Sadly, that would be the last time I would see him as he would pass away months later in a hospital. This memory is very precious to me as this was the last moment I had with my father and a great last memory it was.

i think this works