Music

Music is a beautiful thing. Every form of it is amazing, no matter what genre or what way of expressing it. The way it brings people together, and creates a common interest to base friendship on. I haven't really created a friendship due to music, because I don't have too many strong opinions on it. Some of my friends though have created friendships just because they share such a strong passion about a certain genre. It's crazy what music can do. Maybe sometimes instead of criticizing all its faults, we should appreciate it as a whole, and respect people's opinions. Who knows?

BeenerKeeKee

BeenerKeeKee is some kid with a disability who got famous on YouTube a while back by lip syncing to popular radio songs. At first it was funny, but it got pretty old, which he too realized. He then started to actually sing, and even compose some of his own songs. Of course most people supported him, but his voice was horrendous. I would see people on the comments section say that his voice was bad, and people would attack the comment, saying that it was messed up because he had a disability. But isn't messed up supporting someone even though they're not good at all?

Kings of New York

Nas and Jay Z are definitely the kings of New York right now. Being around for so long, and still putting out music, they are livings legends. It's crazy how two hip hop giants are still alive, doing well, and making music. I can't think of any other people who have been in the game so long, and are still making music. Except for Wu Tang Clan, although they don't really get mentioned at all.

Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne has been around for a long time. His music is pretty bad now, as most can agree, but at one point he was actually pretty good. From the Carter 3 back, his career had potential. He had a nice flow, and decent bars, and could've improved a lot. Sadly, he went down the wrong road, and made bad music. I won't lie, some of it's catchy, but I wish he would've stuck to his old music.

Daft Punk

Daft Punk has been around for quite some time, and they never seem to get old. Their recent album was amazing, in my opinion. My favorite songs were Get Lucky and Instant Crush. They definitely have their own type of music, setting them apart from every other electro-type group/dj/producer. Something about their music REALLY sets them apart. Also, their appearance makes everything much cooler. I wish I had one of their masks.

Chris Brown

Despite him beating Rihanna senseless, I love Chris Brown. Especially his older songs, when he was around my age. He can definitely sing, and dance. He has so much talent, although he does some pretty stupid things. The way he beat Rihanna, fought with Drake, and fought with Frank Ocean. I'd probably be mad too if all my talent was overlooked due to the fact that I beat one of America's most loved female singers. After everything though, I'll always enjoy blasting Chris through my speakers.

Rihanna

Rihanna always comes up on the radio, but I don't like her THAT much. She's ok, but her voice isn't all that to me. I find it crazy how much of a following she has, probably because of her looks though, which I don't think are all that either. Whenever her and Eminem make a song, it blows up QUICK. I Love The Way You Lie blew up more than I thought it would. If she really wanted to make a platinum album, she should consider doing a full album with Eminem.

Drake

Drake's often seen as an emotional rapper. Most guys make fun of him, but I like him. Although he may be emotional sometimes, it's good to hear that from a rapper. Someone who doesn't always worry about looking tough, and manly. When I feel heartbroken, and need some rap to listen to, I can always count on Drake. You can't really find that with too many mainstream artists these days, so props to Drake.

Black or White?

People often say that rap is black music, which it actually seems to be. But rappers that are signed to labels usually have to respond to white executives running everything. The executives tell them what kind of music to make, and what crowd they need to appeal to. So is rap nowadays really black music, or is it white music? There's only a handful of rappers I can think of that are white. Macklemore, and Mac Miller, who are independent. And Eminem, who never responded to a white executive. So is hip hop black or white?

Video Game Soundtracks

Just like Movie Soundtracks, there's also Video Game Soundtracks to be put together. Usually games have soundtracks with only instruments, rather than having modern day songs. Although it's only instruments, it's usually not classical. I feel like this would be harder than picking Movie Soundtracks, because of the way you find the music.

Movie Soundtracks

Most movies you hear have a soundtrack. Whether it's classical music, rap, pop, or anything else. I know for a fact there's a job someone has to choose the perfect songs for the movie. I wonder how hard it must be to choose the songs that fit each moment perfectly. I wonder how long it actually takes, and who needs to approve it. Also, to get the permission from the artist to have it in the movie. It seems like a tedious job, but it also seems fun. I feel like one would have to have an extensive knowledge about music though, which I don't really have.

Pharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams makes the best songs on the radio. No matter what he comes out with, it always becomes an instant hit. He's made the songs Get Lucky, Blurred Lines, and Happy hits recently. It's crazy how he can make a song so catchy. I always enjoy hearing him on the radio, and on songs he's featured on. For example, all the songs he did with Snoop Dogg back in the day. I wonder why they stopped making songs together. They should make a song together, that would definitely be amazing.

Illimunati

Is Illuminati a real thing? I see different musicians throwing up triangles, or certain hand signs. I wonder if they're really in the Illuminati, or if it's just a secret meaning that may not be so harmful. Although, I've heard some rappers say things that make me think no musician is actually in the Illuminati. For example, J. Cole once said "Keep on asking me about Illuminati, is you stupid, nigga? Young black millionaire, old white billionaires, I'm sure that they could do without me." And then Kendrick Lamar said "Who said a black man in the Illuminati? Last time I checked that was the biggest racist party." These are valid points by Cole and Kendrick, but I still wonder about it. Does it even affect us enough to be so concerned about it?

Justin and Kanye

Justin Bieber has changed so much since he first came out with  his song Baby. I remember him being a little kid, so innocent and oblivious to social media. I really think he became an asshole because of everyone all up in his business, making fun of him. Same thing with Kanye West. Kanye, in my opinion, is one of the most inspiring musicians ever. The way he produced, rapped, and put together music. Justin and Kanye were obviously influenced into acting like this due to social media always in their business. When you're criticized, there's only so much you can take until you act out.

Lil B

I'm not sure if Lil B's music is serious, or not. I think he's joking most of the time, because no one can be that bad, and think they're so good. I honestly think it's funny the way he puts out his music. I see people getting mad about it, saying he's this and that. I feel like that's what he wants, to get people mad, and have fun. Or maybe he made that type of music with such confidence just to show that kids these days would buy into anything and believe it was good. To me, Lil B's a genius. Although, it does get annoying when people genuinely think he's good..

Tupac 2014

This year's supposed to be the return of Tupac. Obviously, this is HIGHLY unlikely, but I've been thinking about what that'd be like. The reactions of modern day rappers, influenced by him. The way Tupac would react to how hip hop evolved, mainstream and underground. His reactions towards how Dr. Dre, Suge Knight, and Snoop Dogg turned out. His thoughts on Biggie dying only a year after him. I wonder which rappers he'd hang out with, and collaborate with, other than his old friends. I wonder if he'd sign with a label, or just start from scratch, which of course he could. Of course, this is assuming he has no connection to the outside world wherever he's hiding. And THAT'S assuming he actually is alive.

Macklemore

Macklemore is so good. For some reason I hear a lot of people hate on him. Just because his music is different from what's on the radio doesn't mean he's bad. His style of music is oddly interesting. His flow just hypes you up. I remember people were mad because he won a Grammy instead of Kendrick Lamar. I kind of do agree that maybe Kendrick deserved it more, but Macklemore deserved it too due to his hard work, and good songs. Aside from everything, Macklemore is probably the most famous independent artist out there. He didn't sign to a label like most people. He's truly made a big impact on modern day hip hop.

Lyrics vs Beats

My closest friends like rap a lot, and I hear them complain about how some rappers don't have good lyrics. I hate it when people complain about that, because you should be able to vibe out to a catchy songs. Sometimes lyrics isn't everything. Of course, there's a line you can't cross, but raps that simply just have a good beat are good. I'm glad for myself, being able to enjoy radio songs, while my friends have to continuously search for their specific music on YouTube. To each their own, I suppose.

Famous Friends

I have friends that want to be famous musicians, and it's intriguing. Friends that want to be singers, rappers, guitarists, pianists, etc. I wonder if any of them will ever become famous, or reach their goals. I think it's good for them to pursue something that many other people don't. Most people in my grade are going to college, but here and there I hear about someone wanting to make music. I can't imagine how people who knew some famous musician in high school feel. It's probably a surreal feeling. I'll make sure to stick with those friends, to say I supported them the whole way up.

Old School

I don't really search up old school rap a lot, but when I hear it, it's amazing. I hear it a lot on the new Grand Theft Auto game (Gta V). I think it's crazy how much rap has evolved from back in the 90s. From people like Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, NWA, and Tupac. Sometimes I think it's a good thing, but sometimes I think it's bad. Back then, rappers had great flow, and had grittier lyrics. Most rappers nowadays aren't really tough, and act feminine. Thankfully there's rappers out there that have an old school flow. It's always nice to go back to that kind of style.

Michael Jackson back from the dead?

Michael Jackson released an album, even though he's dead. Apparently, they took songs that he recorded before he was famous, and released them. He hadn't released those songs because he felt they weren't perfect yet, and they still ignored the legend's thoughts. They totally did it to milk money out of him, which I think is wrong. Of course his songs are perfect to us, but I wonder if anyone else thinks the same thing that I do. I'm glad to hear new Michael material. I love little Michaellll, but this just seems wrong. I wonder who exactly has the rights to his songs.

Justin Timberlake

Justin Timberlake is definitely the new Michael Jackson. Some may get mad at that statement, because they think MJ is untouchable. Justin is an amazing singer, and dancer, and he is up there with Michael Jackson. They released a Michael Jackson album with songs he had done before he died, and they featured Justin Timberlake on one of them. I heard it, and it was so good. It was honestly hard for me to decide whether I liked Michael's or Justin's part. If he made more music, he could become legendary as well, and be rememebered forever. He's made it a long way from NSync.

Miley Cyrus

When you mention Miley's name, you instantly think bad twerking, and bad music. She wasn't always like this. She started off playing Hannah Montana in her show... Hannah Montana. She started putting out songs, and she was really good, which was no surprise, considering her dad is Billy Ray Cyrus. She turned wild just like a lot of other Disney celebrities, although I still like her. I think she's cute, and her music can be catchy sometimes. I feel like she's misunderstood, and she let the fame mess her up. I know I wouldn't be too comfortable with so much fame at such a young age, being the offspring of a famed musician.

Mac Miller

I first heard of Mac Miller when he came out with a song called Donald Trump (his most famous song) on YouTube. I used to HATE him, thinking his lyrics were mediocre, and his flow was average at best. He seemed to be another talentless rapper arising into mainstream. My thoughts about him quickly changed when his album Watching Movies with the Sound Off came out. His lyrics got more gloomy, real, and relatable. He talked about his problems with drugs, women, and fame. He almost seemed depressed, but it was better music. He rapped about his dead friend, his parents and their thoughts on him, and many other personal experiences. He came out with a mixtape named Faces maybe about a month ago. I listened to the whole thing, and I was not disappointed at all. He certainly got better, but I hope he's not too depressed.

Ariana Grande

ARIANAAA. Ariana Grande always liked to sing, but made it big as an actor on a Nickelodeon series called Victorious. People instantly noticed how beautiful she was, and gave her attention, and a huge following. I was definitely one of the first people to really obsess over her. She started making music, while still acting, and became known as a singer with the song The Way featuring Mac Miller. With her appearance, and amazing Mariah Carey-like voice, she was sure to become really famous. She recently did a song with Iggy Azalea, who is also very pretty, and somewhat talented. I think Ariana can end up becoming a legend, if she continues to practice singing.

Music Festivals

I hear about so many music festivals. They're always happening, whether it's in Chicago, Austin, or Miami. The lineups for these festivals are usually really good, but I never get a chance to go. It's expensive, and most of my friends never go to any of these either. One day I hope to go to one of these huge music festivals, and see all the artists that interest me. Some people complain about how the lineups don't have all the people they like, but I think that's dumb. I think it'd be fun even if there are some people performing that you don't really know, or like all that much. It's an experience to see someone live in concert, and it's really fun to do.

Creep

I hear people say they like a band called Radiohead a lot. I've probably heard some of their songs before, but Creep is the only one I can recall correctly. I really like that song. It's very calming, and it's easy to relate to. It talks about how he doesn't think he's perfect, but thinks she is. That's honestly how most guys feel with girls, which can sometimes be bad. After all, we can't all be the supreme gentleman. Creep really hits home, and is a song I can play over and over again without getting tired of. I find myself being like that with a lot of old songs, rather than new ones which get annoying fast.

Kendrick Lamar

Before, I had mixed feelings about Kendrick Lamar. Sometimes I liked him, and sometimes I hated him. It always switched back and forth until now. I decided that after all, I do like him. I don't agree with most that he's the most talented rapper out there, although he is one of the most talented in mainstream society. I felt that it's better to give credit where it's due, instead of completely finding all the flaws with an artist. He's helping hip-hop move forward, and he allowed a lot of good underground rappers rise up. He also has that old school west coast flow in his album Good Kid Maad City, which is good.

Frank Ocean

I couldn't name too many RnB artists off the top of my head that I like, but Frank Ocean is definitely up there. His lyrics are deep, and more complicated than most RnB artists. He doesn't only sing about sex like most others. He has meaningful songs with a lot of meaning, which you don't see too often in that genre. I never thought I'd be listening to him when I first heard about him, but ended up pretty hooked. I haven't heard much about him since Channel Orange, although my friends have informed me that he might put out an album out soon this year. I'm looking forward to that.

Born Sinner!

Recently I heard the album Born Sinner by J. Cole. I had heard J. Cole's earlier songs, when he first came up. I didn't think he was all that good, most of his songs were "radio songs." Although, a friend showed me this newer album, and I was completely surprised. I feel like he was holding back all this time, and simply trying to get a spot in mainstream hip-hop. Nearly all the songs on that album were really good, and it went really well for him, because it got him more fame than before. You rarely hear any rappers come up to the mainstream with good songs instead of radio songs.

Green Day doc

Last class we watched a documentary of Green Day. It was a Broadway Green Day. Honestly, I enjoyed it and I hate Broadway shows. No one from the band performed except for Billie. They all attended rehearsals for the performers and such but Mike and Tre didn't take part in the musical. Like I stated, I hate Broadways but this one was alright. I think I liked it much more than other Broadway performance's was because we followed the performers and saw what they did and how the prepared themselves for the show.

The Art of Rap

We watched this documentary not too long ago about how rap rose from nothing to something. In this doc Ice T went around interviewing rappers, and asking them how they came from nothing to something. Eminem spoke of how Trach from Naughty by Nature influenced him. He said that when Proof showed him the tape, he was amazed and that influenced him to do what he does now; write raps. In another interview Ice T talks to Dr. Dre on Tupac. Dr. Dre says it was incredibility working with Tupac. One moment he remembers when they were both in the studio and both were working on California Love.

Iggy Azalea

Iggyyyyyyyyyy. So Iggy Azalea (Amethyst Amelia) is an uprising Australian female rapper. She started getting some recognition after 2 songs that went viral on YouTube. Honestly, she isn't as good. She is decent, but not good. The only reason I 'like' her is cause shes hot. Ill say though, she does have catchy song called Fancy. But yea, other than that, not so great. I don't think she would've made it far without her looks.

ACL 2014

The lineup for ACL 2014 is already out. Eminem is the one headlining it. Outkast is going to be there too, the ones with the catchy song Hey Ya. Also Skrillex is going to attend ACL, you know? The dude with the computer. Overall this years lineup looks pretty promising. I'm probably not going to attend it; might be busy with work and such. And if I do happen to go, I'm for sure attending Eminem's, Outkasts's, Lana's, and Iggy's performances. Of course, Ill stop by other shows to she whats up.

Ice JJ Fish

Ah so this guy.. this guy is complete trash. Even I possibly sounds better if I were to give it a try. But I give him props for making it out there. I remember hearing about this guy on the Vine app. I didn't think he'd go this far and to be well known on the internet, so clearly he is making a name for himself. Some people he think he is trolling by acting like hes all that, but I don't believe he is messing with us - I think the dude is serious and not fooling around when he calls himself the greatest singer.

Classics

We finally got to play some classic hip hop songs. From Wu Tang Clan to NWA. I made a post not too long ago about how I've been listening to NWA lately; especially to the songs Gangsta gangsta and Straight Outta Compton. We also spoke of how Wu Tang Clan is releasing one album, and how it's going to be toured all around the world in a museum. Personally, I wouldn't pay money just to sit down for 1 or 2 hours just to listen to one album. But that's just me.

The feels

Man so I've been having John Legend's All of Me song on repeat for some time. The piano in the song is soooo good. This song is one of those that puts me in my feels. Makes me remember my first ever crush in elementary. Haha nah, I am just kidding. But yeah, this song is great, have a listen.

Worst thing you could imagine

Last week we began watching the documentary Rhyme and Punishment, we didn't get all the way through with it but so far it's an alright film. In the film one rapper (forgot who) mentioned the most disgusting thing I've ever heard. He said that while he was a prison he either witness or heard a inmate bending down getting..... fucked by a broom by another inmate.... if that doesn't disgust you I don't know wtf will.

Gwyneth Paltrow

There is this video on YouTube were the actress Gwyneth Paltrow (from the Iron Man movies) raps some of Ice Cube's lyrics from the song Straight outta Compton. She does a real good job at it, better than me if I were to try it haha. She seems to me that she is a fan of rap, which is pretty cool. She also made another video with Cameron Diaz where Diaz is making a beat and Gwyneth is rapping. Pretty awesome lady if you ask me, rapping and s***.

N.W.A, classics

I've been listening to some N.W.A lately. Been having gangsta gangsta & Straight outta Compton on repeat for some time now. I think I am diverting into old school hip hop and I am actually liking it. I also have been listening to Ice Cube's solo songs, It was a good day. That song is really catchy and smooth. Play it everyday when your day went well. Dr Dre has also been on my list of old classic hip hop artist, as well as Biggie.

DJ'ing pt.2

The songs that I played for the class were It was a good day by Ice-Cube and All me by Drake. I thought I wasn't going to go up there and DJ for the class because it's been two days and I'd figure we'd move on. I didn't have the songs I was planning to use on Monday if I were to come to school, so I had nothing except for N.W.A, Ice-Cube, Drake and ASAP Ferg. I wasn't sure to play N.W.A or not because their lyrics are pretty brutal so it was either Ice-Cube, Drake or Ferg.

DJ'ing

On Thursday of last week we were told by Mr. A that we are going to DJ for the class, basically play whatever, no restrictions. The first kid that went up to play songs for us played Tyler the Creator, and then from Tyler to classic Eazy-E and so forth. I didn't get to go because class was over, so no time was left for me and other students to go. I was happy because of that.  Mr. A informed us that those who have not gone up, will go up on Monday. Thankfully, I missed that day, thinking I wasn't gonna up and DJ and we were going to now continue moving to the 70's era, but I was wrong. On Wednesday, the 18th of February, Mr. A saw me and told me 'So uh Giovanni, what songs did you DJ for us?' when he told me that in my head I was like 'damn.. should I lie and tell him that I've gone' after thinking of what to say for 2 seconds or so, I told him I haven't DJ'ed for the class and he said 'cool, thanks for being honest.' So I stood up and played my songs.

Led zeppelin

When we listened to Led zeppelin 2, I thought it was an okay album. It is the second album by Led zeppelin., the first one being Led zeppelin. I never heard of this to be honest, this is my first time ever hearing of them. They're sound is like a typical rock band, hardcore and whatnot. I wont probably listen to them again not because they're bad, but because I don't listen to rock and roll bans except for the Beatles.

Let It Beeeeeeeee

Before we finished the week off, we listened to the last album released by the Beatles. The album was released on May 8, 1970. This album to me was okay, it was decent. It was a sort of more calmer, relaxed albums than the rest. It sucks how they broke up after the album, but good thing it wasn't the last thing recorded by them, so that's a win.