Music has always played an
important part of my life ever since I was a child. I remember memorizing some
of my parent’s favorite old tunes, and singing them with the family on long car
rides. Even as a child, being attracted to songs that had deep lyrics and a
rich meaning or theme was something I gravitated towards. For example, in 5th
grade I remember memorizing every lyric of every song I heard and being moved
by the words I sang. “Where is the love?” by Black Eyed Peas is one of the
first songs I remember escalating my love for music. Music is another thing
that can be listened to anywhere, sung on any street or concert hall, shared
with family or argued by colleagues.
Even though music may bring people
together I also feel that music has played a vital role in dividing and
segregating the world as well. Even today when I mention that rap and hip-hop
are my favorite genres; I feel like subconsciously some people judge me
automatically and associate me with the rappers or artists that I listen too.
Even as a highschooler my peers bullied me for my music choices. I noticed
right away that typically the white upper class in my high school listened to
the hit radio tunes that were on reply 24/7, following the norm. Even I succumb
to the popular jams but I find myself sticking to lyrics with meaning that are appropriate
for the mood that I am in. The beauty of music is that no matter what mood you
are in, there is a song that can make you feel that you are not alone in
feeling that emotion. Of course there are
songs especially nowadays, that promote inappropriate behavior for example drug
abuse. But unfortunately some artists care more about what their audience want
rather than will this offend or upset listeners.
Telling a story or relaying
messages are ways that music has typically been used. Of course some stories
told by music hold some more credibility than others, typically judged by the
lyrics used. Some artists write and sing songs for many different purposes,
either entertainment, to tell a personal story, or to bring awareness. One
example of a song that strikes me right away as a song that sends a strong
message is Words I Never Said by Lupe
Fiasco because it brings up topics and issues that many artists are afraid to bring
back up to the surface of reality. Mainly because of fear, or lack of audience
adoration; artists hold back sometimes what they truly want to express. In Words I Never Said Lupe sings “Gaza
strip was getting bombed, Obama didn’t say shit, “ this song attracted
great controversy and unrest but Lupe didn’t hold back because his mission was
to bring awareness of the Palestinian Israeli conflict even if that meant
losing some fans or causing some unrest.
Your point about how people judge a particular type of music or those who listen to is an issue that a lot of people point out. New forms of music will always be criticized and rejected by others. I don't think that the cases of rap and hip hop are unique. In just the same as rap, rock and roll was shunned by many people when it first took form, but today it is a widely enjoyed form of music.
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