Tag: hip hop
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Encore: A Look at Jay-Z’s Law Lyrics Across his Career
In Never Change 2.1, the study which looked at drugs, guns, criminal and law references throughout Jay-Z’s discography, the law theme had the lowest mentions but was the most consistent throughout his career and has a particular allure because of the way it was referenced. Jay-Z’s relationship with the criminal justice system is something he…
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Never Change 2.1
So, if you have been following this blog for a couple of years, you know I did a mini research project about Jay-Z and his rhymes. I re-upped and got a little bit more critical this time with Never Change 2.1. It does the same thing the old one did but with updated stats and…
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Somewhere in Brooklyn
Happy Birthday to Brooklyn’s Finest who was not only a client but the player president: Mr.Christopher “Notorious B.I.G.” Wallace bka Biggie!
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in the details: the Lemonade narrative
Think pieces are flying out from everywhere about Beyoncé’s visual album, Lemonade. So, I was going to chill to the next episode. Yesterday, however, I saw a photo and commentary that made me change my mind. It was the latest selfie set of the Queen Bee, Lil Kim. A very light and hardly recognizable Lil…
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Theory and practice: The analogy
Recently, engineering PhD candidate and educator Daphne Chery posted her student’s comparison of electronegativity to R&B crooner Trey Songz. The Instagram post went viral, but a closer look reveals that it is so much more than just a funny answer. Chery, who teaches one period of high school chemistry has said that she encourages her…
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Rhyme in Peace: Phife Dawg
A legend. A pioneer. An ill MC. Malik “Phife Dawg” Taylor was my favorite rapper from A Tribe Called Quest. When I heard his Jamaican accent mixed in his dope rhymes (code switching), it brought a sense of pride. It felt like “we” were a part of hip hop. Busa Bust did it too, but…
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Makaveli vs Machiavelli: A Comparative Analysis
It’s been 19 years since his demise, yet Tupac Shakur’s influence can still be seen and heard today. This infographic looks at lyrics from his album, The Don Killuminati: 7 Day Theory (released under the alias Makaveli) and political theorist Niccolo Machiavelli and excerpts from his most famous work, The Prince. “Life Goes On” (Intro) The Prince (Il…
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Silence and Violence
One week ago, activist, Brittany “Bree” Newsome scaled a pole and took down a Confederate battle flag in South Carolina. This is called civil disobedience but as child of 1990’s hip hop, I call it, silence and violence. Those of the Fox News breed will say I am promoting negativity. NOPE, come here, let me…
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Running by Gil Scott-Heron
Because I always feel like running Not away, because there is no such place Because, if there was I would have found it by now Because it’s easier to run Easier than staying and finding out you’re the only one Who didn’t run Because running will be the way your life and mine Will be…
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The Puffy Effect: Puffy & the 5 Senses
The Puffy Effect: The ability of a production or promotion by Sean Combs to cause a corresponding reaction via the stimulation of the senses. Sight & Sound Sean Combs has created classic hits, made remixes and did features with complimentary videos. You’ve heard his ad-libs* and seen his dance moves. He’s done the small screen,…
kashema 