Attention: This is not an album review. Again, this is about unpacking – tracking back into history hat exist in and around the artist and the narrative of an album As an artist working, songs sometimes take years to make. I have an affinity to read the by-lines in CD covers religiously, question the content and try to find out who the artist really is, let alone mixing a snare and a hi hat next to each other. It’s hard to believe that Eminem is the Eminem he says he is on the Marshall Mathers LP. After all, he never killed his mother or girlfriend, or did he? Emotionally, some songs can reflect our dreams, our nightmares, our visions or our past or the future. Tupac prophesized his death in his music, while 50 Cent got rich (and broke?) and didn’t die trying. This is the first assignment we ask you to use critical thinking about others and the world around you.
GUIDELINESExample: Wu-Tang Forever as an archival, mythical and biblical narrative of societal pressure and self-awareness. Sounds deep right? I want you to really LISTEN, not just hear an album. Dissect its meaning, the artists history, the codes in the songs and the references the artist speaks on. Where did they grow up? Is that present on the album? What mood does the beat reflect, who did they sample, is it relevant to the meaning of the song? Does it have something to do with the artist or the producer only? Are there any lyrics that define the album? (these are example questions). What is the person or people reflecting on in the song?Where do they come from and how did that shape the sound, aesthetic, content, lyrics and vibe?What are they bringing to light? Are their visuals? Does it change the experience of the album for you?
The other questions you should ask yourself are: What is missing from this record? Is it balanced? Does its aesthetic match the reality of the artists life? Can we tell if its’ honest or it is a record made to appease the masses? What does the artwork say and how does it reflect the sonics? Yo u a r e a l s o a l l o w e d t o d e v e l o p y o u r o w n i d e a s around the song freely. Just no ratings, no likes or dislikes, keep it heavy and really LIVE the song for the next couple of weeks.
FORMAT: You must cite at least two readings: books, articles (published on proper websites, genius.com) Use these are your topic headers. For example, if I was to write about Dead Prez’ BIGGER THAN HIPHOP, I could look into the study of Marcus Garvey, Malcolm X or Sun Tzu. Outkast? Look into Atlanta. Pay attention to the lyrics, sometimes the Mcs drop references to political or social figures, books or writings. Wu-Tang? Read Rza’s book, read on the Albums and the movies attached to them. Think Critically, come up with a unique thesis. “TPAB is about the emancipation of a black man from both society and industry”
Due Date: November The DO NOTS: – Again, do not tell us how you feel about the song. Whether you first heard it at your prom or in your friends car is inconsequential to the songs content. Strictly talk about the song narrative and artist – Don’t fill your paper with the artists’ biography. Don’t tell us this is the artist umpteenth smash hit and that they grew up with two brothers and a dog. Focus on the time capsule that is the record. – Do not review the album quality. – Think Critically. Linear thoughts are not invited in this cipher Word Count: 1200 words – 1500 words
