Revision 2 michael pagan

Michael Pagan

Carrie Hall

English 1101

May 20, 2019

Lucki- the revision

The time is 12:35 am. I am returning home from work, hands aching. The blisters on my hands remind me of the work I put in during my shift. I’m listening to my music, as I usually do. I pause my music, just for a second-and the stark contrast of the dead silence makes me remember where I am. The faint smell of beer permeates the cart, most likely coming from the homeless man sleeping on the far opposite end. I periodically shift from side to side, swaying along with the train as it makes its way through its destined path. I am watching all of the building pass by. Most of the window lights are off, but equally as much are on, burning midnight oil. Listening to Lucki, I feel like I am not so alone in my thoughts. Even though no one is there, I am not alone. I am more accepting of who I am.

Lucki (formerly known as Lucki Eck$), is a rapper from Chicago. I personally have been a fan of Lucki for a few years now, but his music is starting to “blow up”, for the lack of a better term. Like a lot of artists today, he is known for his references to controlled substances. Now, I can tell you rolled your eyes, but its not in the way you’re probably thinking. Lucki talks about the dark side of the pills he takes, the drink he sips, how its all killing him slowly. And he knows it. But he’s in the hands of the drug, and seems to have little to no control of his needs. Lucki also talks about his personal problems with depression. About how he uses drugs to “block out” all of the bad things that are going on in his life. The drugs help him forget. I think the point Lucki is trying to make is that all of these people around him are fake, “smiling when they losing”. But, even though people call him an addict, and label him as one, he is more genuine than most. This is because Lucki expresses his emotions, what life, and drugs, and depression, and withdrawal are doing to him, how its affecting Him. He may conceal his depression, but doesn’t ignore that fact that it still exists.

Lucki reminds us that turning to drugs for helps may help short term, but controls your life in the long run.

“He be off them percs, like in his music
I’m really off this so that’s confusing
All these niggas smiling when they losing”

What makes Lucki so different than other rappers is how raw and unapologetic he is about what he does. This especially pertains to rappers who are known to reference drugs in their music. While a vast majority of those artists seem to talk about drugs as if they aren’t harmful, like its normal in a way. Contrarily, Lucki gives the bitter with the sweet. He is not scared to admit that he is addicted, he seems to embrace it in a way. Lucki says, “When that sip drought, stomach rip and pout”. What Lucki is actually talking about is the symptoms of withdrawal of lean (Codeine with Promethazine syrup). The constant stomach turning, sweats, etc, remind you how dependent you are to this drug. It comes to a point where the user needs all of these drugs, just to feel “normal”. Lucki goes on to say, “How could I be worried about what they say/When that seal crack it feel like payday”(Lucki) Now, Lucki is actually saying a lot in these lines right here. Like any popular, or up and coming artist, they are far too familiar with constant criticism of practically everything they do. Lucki obviously doesn’t seem to care about what other people think about his drug use, nor how he handles his feelings. In fact, Lucki refers to “cracking the seal” (breaking the safety seal on pints of lean) to feeling like payday. I think this speaks volumes to how highly Lucki views his drugs. This point is further proven in the following lines, “How you findin’ trouble on your vacay/You called me a addict and thats okay”(Lucki) The entire somber tone of these lyrics, paired with the blunt reality of how drowning out his pain with drugs has taken over. It seems that Lucki places his percocets, xanax, lean, etc over his relationships. And Lucki is fine with that, as long as he has what he really needs.

The opioid crisis has affected practically everyone in some way. Everyone, including myself, have known someone or heard stories of people using painkillers. Especially today’s youth. Even though Lucki’s reference of various drug use is prevalent in all of his songs, it is not because its popular to make music talking about such drugs. Not only because a lot of people can relate to him, and how he feels. But because its what he feels, its what’s true to him. He could never fake shit for nobody, and thats what makes him so different.

Lucki’s music is pertinent to today. To tomorrow. To past memories, all those who can relate. While a majority of people judge people, subconsciously even, it is easy to forget that there is a lesson in all of this. Lucki’s music isn’t meant for everybody. That is a given. But, isn’t that how its supposed to be? Not just with rap, with any genre, any song, any artist. How did you discover them? Why do you listen to them? Sure, you might say the obvious, that you like them, thats why you listen to them. But try to go a little deeper. Why in particular, do you like a specific song or artist? Can you relate to them in any way, do you feel their pain? Or their joy? The same can be said about Lucki. His music is meant for people who want to hear it. Lucki also doesn’t force a certain narrative in his songs, it doesn’t have a completely one sided view on matters. Rather, Lucki gives the bitter with the sweet in a sense and lets the listener derive their own conclusion. Whether drugs actually help, or just sink you deeper into the inevitable. I think Lucki is one of the most underrated rappers of our generation. And I think I’d like it to stay that way.

Bibliography:

“Lucki – You Called Me.” Genius, 12 Aug. 2017, genius.com/Lucki-you-called-me-lyrics.

“Opioid Crisis Fast Facts.” CNN, Cable News Network, 11 Apr. 2019, www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/health/opioid-crisis-fast-facts/index.html.

The word Nani saved my life

Saalik Jackson

The word Nani saved my life

There was an unusual amount of silence at 10 am on a Thursday.

Usually the train station was more occupied. However for some strange reason it wasn’t. It seemed to not have any importance so I didn’t think much of it .

I went into my pocket to reach for my wallet only to discover that both my money and metro card was missing. At this point I didn’t have any time to go back home . At that moment I remember what a friend once told me “look both ways before you hop the turnstile”. So I did just that without hesitation. I then casually walked towards a seat and waited for my train. It still seemed strange that no one at all was in this train station. I looked up at the screen and it said my train would arrive in 40 minutes. “GREAT” I sarcastically thought to myself.

Then suddenly I got a report notification on my phone. “Man stabbed to death in Flatbush”. I thought to myself “yea it’s tragic but this kind of thing happens”. I continued to use my phone . I opened Facebook and then began to scroll through it. Then I felt my jaw drop in horror. There was a post with an image attached to it. It said “masked serial killer uncaught, stay away from Flatbush ave, please lock your doors and avoid the subway. At that moment a great panic disseminated throughout my body. Still, complete silence remained in the train station. I tried to relax. I placed my hand in my pocket and reached for my earbuds. I plugged them into my phone only to find out that they stopped working. I started to rationalize. I thought to myself “Ok yea there’s a manic running loose but what are the odds that…”. Suddenly I heard the turnstile make that noise when someone swipes. Now you would think it was just a regular law abiding citizen considering the fact that he swiped. “ wow even serial killers have morals, you’ll kill someone but won’t dare evade train fare” I thought. I didn’t turn to look but I was ready to face him. I was mentally preparing to strike him and then run. But to my surprise, it turned out to be just a regular guy. His hair was kempt and appeared to be very neat. He wore a white dress shirt along with grey pants and a tie to match. He also wore shiny dress shoes that looked brand new . He happened to be carrying a black briefcase. He kept checking his watch, “he must be late for work” I thought. I felt relaxed now as opposed to how I felt minutes prior. He came and sat down next to me. Nearly 10 minutes of complete silence go by. He remarked out loud “this train is taking forever”. “Yea I know” I said in response. He said “hey how long have you been sitting here anyway”. “ I don’t even know, that screen has said 40 minutes for like 20 minutes. I think it’s broken” I told him . He started to talk to me to pass the time. He started asking me questions. He asked me how I felt about Donald Trump. I found that incredibly bizarre. “Ummm I’m not really into politics but I think he’s crazy and I feel like he is unqualified to be president” I said. His piercing gaze then permeated my soul. He said “ Ok that’s interesting. I asked him why did he ask me that question. He then told me he loved to hear what people thought about Trump. He said that he found it entertaining. He then asked me if I liked math. I looked at him and said “ MATH? I absolutely despise math. Algebraic equations are literally the most useless thing in life”. He then Looked at me again with that same gaze from before. His eyes then widened. He seemed surprised. “ wow really? That’s crazy, I love math” he said to me. “I can’t imagine why” I told him. He then said “ Oh it’s just something I’ve always loved. He then proceeded to ask me another question, but this time he clenched his briefcase. “Oh speaking of things I’ve always loved, do you watch anime?” He asked. “YES I LOVE ANIME” I exclaimed. Still clenching his briefcase, he asked “ what’s that word that the Japanese says? I can’t remember what it is”. “It’s Nani” I told him. We then both laughed about it. Then abruptly I heard “5 train to eastchester Dyer ave approaching station.” I asked him if he was getting on. He said “ nah I’ll wait for the 4”. “Oh ok well have a nice day” I told him. Later that night when I got home and turned on the tv. The news was on. I hardly ever watch it but I was too lazy to change the channel. Then my eyes locked on to the screen. The news anchor proclaimed “ local serial killer caught earlier today at 5 pm. He murdered at least 3 more victims before his arrest.” I wasn’t very surprised. Well not until his face was shown. That was the same exact man that I had spoken to earlier in the train station. They then started to describe his methods. He likes to spend exactly 10 minutes observing his victims before starting his process. This is why he always carries a watch. He would then ask his victims 3 questions. Essentially if he didn’t like all three answers that he was given he would kill and disfigure his victims. Found on him was a pocket knife and just a briefcase. Inside the briefcase was a much larger knife along with a protective mask. Both were stained with blood. I watched the news report in horror. Without a doubt, the word Nani had saved my life.

Unit three revision (KO)

Kalissa Ortiz

XXXTentacion And His Mind that we never got to figured out.

Album: “SKINS”

Song: “TRAIN FOOD”

I remember when i first heard the song “TRAIN FOOD” it hit me like a moving train that has run off track. I tend to listen to simpler songs, songs with meanings like depression and bad breakups. But this one was different, i’ve never experienced a song like this.

I was laying down in bed and it was almost midnight, it was pretty cold outside but i still had my fan on. I was wrapped in my fluffy blanket, and had my headphones in my ears ready to listen to my late night tunes. I always listen to music before i go to sleep since i have trouble sleeping and this helps. I go onto my Apple music and see that XXXTentacion album “SKINS” was released. I listened to the first song and loved it, “TRAINFOOD” is the third song listed on the album. At first i was listening to it more like a regular song but certain lyrics stood out to me.

“His frequency distorted quick, i seen it in his image, I should’ve run right Fucking there.”

This line caught my attention and i really started to pay closer attention to what he was saying. I also realized how this song almost was like he was talking, it didn’t sound like he was singing or even rapping just sounded like he was having a conversation with listeners. As i listened to the rest of the song what really scared me was when he said “Now it’s here, Death has now arrived, times finally up.” After the song finished all i kept thinking about is that line. It wouldn’t leave my head for hours trying to figure out what he meant. Until i decided to dig deeper.

XXXTentacion album “SKINS” released December 7, 2018 months after his death in middle June. He was shot in Deerfield Beach by Dedrick D. Williams and shortly after died on the way to the hospital. When “SKINS” was released it showed lots of deep symbolism and dark themes in his lyrics. The lyrics can be disturbing to read and analyze but also listening to his sound in music can be hard to listen too. But analyzing further it’s interesting to know what kind of message he was trying to send overall to listeners.

I remember I had walked home that day

Content with all my misery

(This line is very powerful in its own sense, and he says this line a few times in the song. It just shows that he has given up and has comes to term that its always going to be miserable for him)

Told my self it’d get better, no clue what there was next to me

(Kept telling himself it will get better, but it just all got worse from there)

Remember there was people, walkin’, talkin’ in the distance

I was dressed for winter weather

But the summer rays were kissing me

I, I was lost

So I took a different path, in the distance he awaited me

(meaning he had taken a different path with drugs and violence in his life at this point, i think than he realized because of this path he’s chosen now he faces death because of it.)

Had no weapon, I’m guessing his hands were just enough for me

Was no question, I’m guessing he laughed just at the sight of me

I was lost

(This could mean his history with drugs and gang violence)

I remember I had walked home that day

Content with all my misery

Told my self it’d get better, no clue what there was next to me

Remember there was people, walkin’, talkin’ in the distance

I was dressed for winter weather

But the summer rays were kissing me

I, I was lost

And there he was, his presence was alarming

As he approaches casual, we talk ’bout self-harming

He told me “kid, you shouldn’t be walkin’ on your own”

He smiled and laughed, and pat my back

He said, “how far are you from home?”

I said, “maybe 30 minutes”

His frequency distorted quick, I seen it in his image

I should’ve run right fucking there, I-

(I think he may be talking about death here, the conversation he is having is with death. In a lot of his songs he always talks about death, and i think all along he always knew he would die very young)

You ever woke up on a train track

With no motherfuckin’ clothes on?

Death before your eyes, you prayin’ to God, but ain’t no response

Trying to scream for hope, just a shoulder that you can lean on

But ain’t nobody coming, so you scream on

And scream on and scream on

(I think he’s saying that he’s on this train of death, he can’t stop it. There’s no brake, there’s no way out it keeps moving faster by the minute he can’t comprehend it.)

While this evil fuck laugh at you?

(The grim reaper watching him struggle for his life)

Train getting closer, you still surprised that he battered you

Tears falling harder and harder, minutes get minuscule

Could’ve had a son or a daughter, now what you finna do?

You finna die here on this train track

‘Cause clearly after death, ain’t no way you can find your way back

(After death there’s no way out, no reset button)

Thinking ’bout your previous memories, going way back

All them fucking dreams ’bout the diamond chain and the Maybach

(wasted all his time dreaming about materialistic items than thinking about the more important things in his life)

Now your time finally up

Ask yourself the final question, is you going down or up?

(Asking the question if he’s going to heaven or hell)

Recollectin’ all the moments that you never gave a fuck

(i wanted to say think i think he was scared of death which i do think at one point he was. I feel that as the song goes on he doesn’t even care if he dies anymore)

Now it’s here, death has now arrived, time’s finally up

(Reading this is very dark and just shows how all along he knew death was coming and in fact he’d been faced with it many times before. He’s been so close with death almost like he can touch it, but finally it’s got him)

XXXTentacion is an interesting character to me, His music was always daunting, I’ve never heard music like his before. Artist more like Billie Eilish , the neighborhood, or Nirvana were more my tune. I guess you could say XXX is almost like if Kurt Cobain where to start rapping, I feel like his music would be similar to XXX’s music.(Minus the violent behavior that’s described in XXX’s songs)

But XXXTentacion always peaked my interest, i always had a thing for unruly and misunderstood artist. My fascination for him was like the same fascination I had for Kurt Cobain, I spent countless nights and day trying to figure Cobain out. And XXX reminds so much like him, but obviously not entirely because XXX and Kurt are still completely different.

XXXTENTACION also known as Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy had a very violent and traumatic past. Onfroy spent a lot of time in and out of juvenile detention centers for charges like robbery and assault.XXXTentacion’s first breakout hit was “Look At Me!” his mugshot was the song cover. He was in jail when the song started to become more mainstream, XXX was charged with Witness Tampering, And the assault and battery of his pregnant girlfriend. XXX use to rap about things like beating a gay male at a detention center. He often rapped about very violent topics and even Spotify threatened to remove his music because of its vile nature. Some people have struggled trying to figure out XXXTENTACION, I know a lot people won’t support him even in the slightest for the charges that was made against him and all the violent things he has done and openly shared with the world. Some people even wanting him to die, saying he deserved it. And just maybe he thought so too, why else would he constantly talk about his death? Maybe he already knew all the bad things he did and saw he didn’t deserve to be alive. That could be the reason why he knew he would die so young or maybe he wanted to die young. But our questions aren’t answered and probably never will.

I’ll end with this tweet from XXXTentacion from December 10 2016.

Maybe this is what he wanted.

MAKE OUT HILL – XXX

✔

@xxxtentacion

“When I turned 13, I blew out my candles, my wish was to be dead at the age of 18.”

Works Cited:

Adam@JRT ,“XXXTentacion – Train Food (Lyrics Review and Song Meaning)” December 8, 2018 http://justrandomthings.com/2018/12/08/xxxtentacion-train-food-lyrics-review-and-song-meaning/

Doreen St.Felix, “The Violent Life and Shocking Death Of XXXTentacion”

June 20.2018

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-violent-life-and-shocking-death-of-xxxtentacion

unit 3 essay redo

Kristopher Baptiste

Carrie Hall

English 1101

May 7, 2019

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43gm3CJePn0

“Im not racist”

The song “im not racist” was released on November 28 2017 which has 2.4 million views. The song was made to shows two men one black and one white in a warehouse and they are given the opportunity to air there racial grievances at one another and also their racial problems that they go through in there everyday life. Throughout the song “Im not racist” is repeated in order to show people that they are not racist but they just want to understand each other better and understand what one another is going through. In this generation people are often thought to be victimized even when they are not. In the song “Im Not Racist” by Joyner Lucas it shows two different people expressing their view points on how they are victimized in this society.

The white guy in the video is thought to be victimized so he starts to list examples on how he is. The white guy talks about how he’s not a racist but he is tired how black people are going about things in life for example according to the song he stated “Yellin’ “nigga this” and “nigga that” Call everybody “nigga” and get a nigga mad As soon as I say “nigga” then everyone react”. The white guy feel like he is being attacked and victimized by the black people just because he said the word nigga but in reality he is not he just feels attacked by others. The white guy in the video feels like this is a major problem but nobody really sees it as a big deal they just think that he is complaining or feel attacked. The white gets frustrated and states “that And I work my ass off and I pay my taxes for what? So you can keep livin’ off free government assistance?” This shows how the white guy feels attacked so he start stating things that most black do. He is labeling all black people into one category. According to the song it states that “Food stamps for your children, but you’re still tryna sell ’em For some weed and some liquor or a fuckin’ babysitter While you party on the road ’cause you ain’t got no fuckin’ goals? You already late You motherfuckas needa get your damn priorities straight”. The white guy is getting angry because every time he say something he gets attacks and feels like he is the bad guy because everything he say is made into a big deal and then he feels victimized.

On the other hand the black guy in the song talks about being victimized also but its taken more serious because in this generation and society people are making it a big deal because of the way how people victimize black people. The black guy states that “he power in the word “nigga” is a different sin We shouldn’t say it but we do, and that just what it is
But that don’t mean that you can say it just ’cause you got nigga friends Nigga, that word was originated for you to keep us under”. The black guy says how he is being victimize and its far worse than the white guy in the video is making his problem to be. The black guy explain how the n word the white people use to degrade us, black people use it to we know that’s just how we greet each other and also we use it because we know there’s a double meaning under. According to the song the black guy states that “And even if I wasn’t picking cotton physically That don’t mean I’m not affected by the history My grandmama was a slave, that shit gets to me And you ain’t got no motherfucking sympathy, you pussy nigga!”. No matter what happened in the past with people family relatives that dealt with slavery, segregation and racial abuse can affect there family members in the far future. He also states that “Can’t erase the scars with a bandage” in the song to explain you cant forget the pain so easily, especially if it keeps on happening in the world we live in.

Therefore in conclusion people that feel victimized should stop and think maybe the other person is going through something way worse than what they might be going through. In the song it states “I wish we could trade shoes or we could change lives So we could understand each other more but that’d take time But there’s two sides to every story and now you know mine, I’m hopin’ maybe we can come to an understandin’ Agree to disagree, we could have an understandin”. Its better to try an understand other people as best as we in order to know their pain instead of feeling victimized and attacking other people.

Unit Three: Citations

Can Drake Make a Difference?

Deonarine Karan

Professor Carrie Hall

English 1101

April 30, 2019

Did you ever give back to the community or donated for a good cause? If you were financially stable would you give back to the people in need? When I outgrew clothes that I can’t wear anymore I would usually gather everyone’s clothes that they don’t wear and donate them to the less fortunate. When I was younger and didn’t use to finish my food my mom would use to tell me kids in Africa would love to have what you have. At the time I didn’t really know the meaning behind that statement but as time passed I see kids all around the world is not as fortunate as us and don’t really have the opportunities that we take for granted. Many teenagers in this generation care more about materialistic things like name brand clothing and shoes rather than what’s important in life which is happiness. I use to hate when my friends use the phrase “Money can’t buy happiness”, because they would say if you have money you could buy anything in the world you want. But as I matured and got older it’s true you could buy anything in the world but you can’t buy yourself happiness. I rather be happy than rich because money could take so far before you realize there’s more in life than just money.

In Drake’s album Scorpion, two songs stood out to me the first one was “God’s Plan” he had a million dollar budget for his music video rather than him buying fancy clothes, chains, and cars to show off he give back to the community that was a selfless act. Drake video for “God’s Plan” was the most important thing he have ever done in his career. Drake started off the video giving cash to people in the streets, giving toys to kids, surprises a family with a brand new car, and gave a student a scholarship to college. In one scene, he takes a hotel maid on a shopping spree and pays the bill for a store full of people buying groceries. Drake also donates money to a high school, gives a student a full ride to college, and signs a check to a women’s shelter. “Drake himself seems to be part of the gift, with shots of him sneaking up and bringing a fan to immediate tears presented just as lovingly as when he hands the same shocked fan a wad of money” (Puckett 2018), meeting your favorite artist can’t be compared to all the money in the world because they are someone you idolize. On my nephew six birthday we gathered some family members to buy food and refreshments to give out at church and at a elderly homes. Regular six year olds would rather receive money or toys on their birthdays but my nephew had everything you could possibly imagine. So showing him different values by giving back to people that don’t really have much would make him have a giving mindset from young.

Another song from Drake’s album Scorpion, that stood out to me was “Nice For What”, it was a song for women around the world no matter your size or color. Drake’s “Nice For What” song included Lauryn Hill song Ex-Factor which represents a person that has a strong but unpredictable influence. Drake also included Big Freeda which shows a strong message because she’s a transgender woman that experienced a lot of hatred. The video had strong and independent females like Olivia Wilde, Misty Copeland, Issa Rae, Jourdan Dunn, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tiffany Haddish, Yara Shahidi, Zoe Saldana, Letitia Wright, and Michelle Rodriguez. “Nice For What” supports many women moments like the #MeToo movement which is a moment against sexual harassment and assault. “So for Drake to have not only produced a song about an unbothered woman doing her and living her best life, it’s a shocker, but a welcome one” (Alese 2018), it always takes one person to make a change in this case it’s Drake showing respect to females that they deserve. “Workin’ hard, girl, everything paid for; First, last phone bill, car note, cable (Alese 2018),” showing woman’s work ethic by putting their responsibilities first. “That’s a real one in your reflection, without a follow, without a mention.” showing you don’t care about others opinions by having self appreciation. Especially in a generation where people go straight to social media like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat to get people’s attention.

Drake releasing “God’s Plan” and “Nice For What” shows growth and change in the world that everyone needs to value what they have and treat women with the respect they deserve. It doesn’t matter how small you contribute to world it all starts somewhere with you. On the other hand, many artists in this generation degrades females rather than lifting them up and putting them on top where they belong. All females around the world should be empowered, after all we all came from a strong and independent women that we admire and love. We need more leaders like Drake to spread the message of giving and equality.

Works Cited:

Alese, Whitney. “The Deeper Meanings behind Drake’s ‘Nice For What.’” Medium, Medium, 11 Apr. 2018, medium.com/@TheReclaimed/the-deeper-meanings-behind-drakes-nice-for-what-f97a5d979f21.

Puckett, Lily. “5 Religious Leaders Weigh in on Drake’s Version of God’s Plan.” The FADER, The FADER, 27 Feb. 2018, www.thefader.com/2018/02/23/drake-gods-plan-religion-leaders/amp.

unit 3 essay

Raymond Rambarose

Dr. Carrie Hall

Eng 1101

Goodbye Fear

It’s my first day back to college and I’m on my first of two trains. I am seated at the corner of the train looking at the dirty floor awkwardly trying not to make eye contact with anyone. I worry about class as bad outcomes rush through my head. I am afraid. Suddenly, the song changes in the random Spotify playlist that I am listening to. Through my headphones I hear a female voice sing powerfully to me “Fear you don’t own me…” It is the perfect and most comforting song during my situation. It is “The Breakup Song” by Francesca Battistelli. I find peace while listening and gain control of my situation as I command fear to leave.

When I tell people about “The Breakup Song” most people assume that it’s some sappy love song about a harsh breakup. I was kind of surprised myself when I first read the title. The song isn’t about breaking up with a loved one at all, but rather a hated one; fear. Fear is one of our worst enemies. It prevents us from meeting our full potential and gets in the way of success and happiness. Fear is also a great topic to write a song about and I am glad that Francesca Battistelli has chosen it. Everyone can relate to it and many can be encouraged to overcome their fears.

The first few encouraging words comes from the beginning three lines of the song. Francesca sings “Sick and tired of being sick and tired. Had as much of you as I can take. I’m so done, so over being afraid”. For those who regularly experience fear in their everyday lives fear tends to get a bit annoying. It feels like someone trying to stop you from doing what you want to do. When you try to get out of your comfort zone it pushes you back in. It controls your actions and limits what you can do. Francesca has most likely had an experience close to this. She got sick and tired of it and was strong enough to break free and write this song in order to help others break free as well.

The first line in the chorus also sets a powerful tone and encourages the listener to take control of their lives. “Fear you don’t own me” shows that Francesca is speaking to fear itself and is putting it in its place. I believe that she’s telling fear that it can no longer control her life. She sets a good example for her fans that follow in her footsteps. They too are encouraged by her words and strive to defeat fear. When I first heard the song myself it provided me with the strength that I needed to overcome my obstacles and do what I once was not able to do. I was afraid to go to college because of my fear of not being good enough due to my past school experiences. When I heard the powerful words “Fear you don’t own me” it provided me with a wider perspective. I am not alone; even very successful people experience fear sometimes. You shouldn’t allow it to control you and throw you around.

Towards the end of the song, Francesca asks the listener to “Sing along with me” and “Sing fear, you don’t own me”. She helps them to break up with fear by telling fear itself that it doesn’t own them. She sings “If you don’t know how to say it Sing along with me”. While we are distressed and don’t know what to say or do, she guides us to ending the unhealthy relationship that we have with fear.

A music video was created for “The Breakup Song”. While watching the video I noticed Francesca Battistelli writing a note in a brief clip. When I paused the video, I saw what was written on the note. She was writing the lyrics to the song. This leads me to believe that the song itself is a letter to fear. It is both a break up and goodbye letter to fear, hence the title of the song. Towards the end of the video, Francesca is seen packing a bag with a telephone, scale, top 100 list and a goodbye letter. I believe that she is packing fear’s bags and demanding it to leave. She is sending away all her personal fears that have troubled her throughout her life.

Like Francesca, we should send our fears out the door as well. If she didn’t get rid of fear it would have held her back from her goals. She might not have been able to perform in front of millions and would not have written this song. Many like me would not have heard “The Breakup Song” and built up the courage to disown fear and succeed. I would probably not have made it to class that day if I hadn’t heard this song.

unit 3 essay

Michael Pagan

Carrie Hall

English 1101

May 2, 2019

Lucki(you called me)

The opioid crisis is one that, unfortunately, too many people can relate to. Whether it be them, a friend, or a close family member, it is a topic that hits close to home with many Americans. And its been then way since the early 90’s. “The number of opioid prescriptions dispensed by doctors steadily increased from 112 million prescriptions in 1992 to a peak of 282 million in 2012, according to the market research firm IMS Health”(CNN). A lot of people blame the music that the younger generation is listening to nowadays, as a main culprit in this epidemic. This is due to the various references to drugs that a majority of rap artists use. Such an influence spans outside the “hood”, especially today. Kids from a suburban neighborhood, or kids who didn’t necessarily grow up in a bad neighborhood, might be listening to the same artist that a kid living in the Bronx, or in the projects is listening to. And both are hearing the same words as each other. People love to give the argument that drugs are being depicted in a false manner, that drugs are being glorified. But, not all rappers are built the same.

Lucki (formerly known as Lucki Eck$), is a rapper from Chicago. I personally have been a fan of Lucki for a few years now, but his music is starting to “blow up”, for the lack of a better term. Like a lot of artists today, he is known for his references to controlled substances. Now, I can you rolled your eyes, but its not in the way you might think. Lucki talks about the dark side of the pills he takes, the drink he sips, how its all killing him slowly. And he knows it. But he’s in the hands of the drug, and seems to have little to no control of his needs. Lucki also talks about his personal problems with depression. About how he uses drugs to “block out” all of the bad things that are going on in his life. The drugs help him forget. I think the point Lucki is trying to make is that all of these people around him are fake, “smiling when they losing”. But, even though people call him an addict, and label him as one, he is more genuine than most. This is because Lucki expresses his emotions, what life, and drugs, and depression, and withdrawal are doing to him, how its affecting Him. He may conceal his depression, but doesn’t ignore that fact that it still exists.

Lucki reminds us that turning to drugs for helps may help short term, but controls your life in the long run.

Like aforementioned, the opioid crisis has affected practically everyone in some way. Everyone, including myself, have known someone or heard stories of people using painkillers. Especially today’s youth. Even though Lucki’s reference of various drug use is prevalent in all of his songs, it is not because its popular to make music talking about such drugs. Not only because a lot of people can relate to him, and how he feels. But because its what he feels, its what’s true to him. He could never fake shit for nobody, and thats what makes him so different.

Bibliography:

“Lucki – You Called Me.” Genius, 12 Aug. 2017, genius.com/Lucki-you-called-me-lyrics.

“Opioid Crisis Fast Facts.” CNN, Cable News Network, 11 Apr. 2019, www.cnn.com/2017/09/18/health/opioid-crisis-fast-facts/index.html.

unit 3 essay

Kristopher Baptiste

Carrie Hall

English 1101

May 2, 2019

“Im not racist” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43gm3CJePn0

In our society people are treating each other unfairly just because of the different skin color and based on there ethnic group but nobody is seeing this as a problem. The song “im not racist” by Joyner Lucas is about a white guy and a black giving there view point of racism in there own way and how it affects them in the society. The white guy talks about how he’s not a racist but he is tired how black people are going about things in life for example he stated Yellin’ “nigga this” and “nigga that” Call everybody “nigga” and get a nigga mad As soon as I say “nigga” then everyone react. This shows that black people be looking at white people as people thats wants to be like them or just being the people that look down on them like they use to in the slavery era. Also he states that how he dont like how black are not being there for their kids or helping them financially but instead they are wasting money on weed, partying on the road and that they dont got they priorities straight. Also they dont have goals for themselves so they dont even know where to go after a certain point. Additionally they rather sell drugs than get a job. The black guy talks about how theirs nothing wrong with black people saying the word nigga because we know thats how we great each other but when the white people use it has a double meaning and that they cant use it because they have black friends because they made up that word to throw black people under. Also he states that white people are trying to take black culture and make it theirs. He is tired of how the cops is always trying to start something for no reason, they stop and question a black guy just because he is black but they would not do that to a white person. This shows how we might live in the same place but we are in two different worlds. We are world were people are treated different because of the color of our skin and certain people got certain privileges this shows how unfair this world is. We also treat one another unfairly in this society. Black people are being harassed by white people especially by the white cops, they also have to deal with the racism by others and the criticism that they get for certain they or even how they want to live their life. In the song he states that “Judging me by my skin color and my blackness Tryna find a job but ain’t nobody call me back yet Now I gotta sell drugs to put food in my cabinet”. This shows how white people are criticizing how black people are trying make money but they are not talking about how they are trying to get to get jobs to support themselves or for there family but its hard because of the racial profiling thats going on in this society so a job would pick up a white person first before a black person. In this day and age its very hard for a black to have a successful career because of how people look at them thats why black people treat and look at white people in a certain way.

White people gets look at differently by black people because of everything thats going starting from the president to the people in there society. Some call us niggers and would state that the world need to go back to the old days where we were still slaves and thats why some will say that president trump need to make the world great again which they referring to that era. Thats why black have this type of attitude towards white people. But not all white people think like that but black people tend to treat all of them the same which in a way is unfair. This is why there is unfair treatment between black and white people and this is not going to change no time soon.

The song “im not racist” was released on November 28 2017 which has 2.4 million views. The song was made to shows two men one black and one white in a warehouse and they are given the opportunity to air there racial grievances at one another. Throughout the song “Im not racist” is repeated in order to show people that they are not racist but they just want to understand each other better and understand what one another is going through. The white man raps about how black people are lazy, government assistance dependent criminals who use slavery as an excuse for our behavior and are more concerned with looking cool than taking care of our kids. Whereas the black man raps about racism is basically the reason we’re forced to do the things the white guy accuses us of doing. But after both men are done rapping they hug to show that they finally got a good understanding of one another.

Therefore in conclusion people should treat should people fairly because its not fair to treat other people unfair just because of the color of there skin or just because of there race. Everyone should treat people the way you wish to be treated by others.

unit 3

Mia Carter

Carrie Hall

English 1101

May 2, 2019

The “Middle child” of society

It’s my first day back to college and I’m on the train to school. I am leaning on the doors of the train as usually do. Looking at my phone as swipe throw peoples snapchats. As I swipe throw my friends post most of them are all talking about J. Cole’s new song. I am interested now wanting to know what the hype is about the new song. Suddenly, I am putting the name of the song into my search box on Apple music. Through my headphones, I hear a males voice rapping to a nice beat. As I keep listening to the song I’m starting to like more and more. Thinking to myself J. Coles song Middle Child is really good like I see why everyone is talking about it. As I listen to the song I thought to myself I’m happy I was being a little bit nosy because I have a new song to add to my playlist.

Cole is a rapper that always tries to talk about things that are happening now and things he deals with as a person. In the first verse of the song, cole is already talking about something big by saying “ I do not snort powder, I might take a sip I might hit the blunt, but I’m liable to trip I ain’t poppin’ no pill, but you do as you wish”. J. Cole talks about the use of drugs when being in the industry. On his 2018 album KOD, which stands for “Kids On Drugs,” Cole seems to take time to bring up the issue with people willing and supports using substance abuse in the hip-hop industry.

As we make our way throw the song Cole bring up another topic society today and the struggles “Too many ni**as in cycle of jail Spending they birthdays inside of a cell We coming from a long bloodline of trauma We raised by our mamas, Lord we gotta heal We hurting our sisters, the babies as well We killing our brothers, they poisoned the well Distorted self image, we set up to fail I’ma make sure that the real gon’ prevail, ni**a”. Cole is right there is a cycle young man going to jail coming out and going right back into a cell. Cole also touches on how these traumatic environments and events can cause long term problems for Black people making it hard. People killing each other over stupid things and women being physically and sexually abused. He also talks about the system were they always want to put people within their established stereotypes and styles. Therefore ending the real image of who we are.

J .Cole uses is music to speak about the topics people don’t really want to talk about. As other rappers talk about money, sex, drugs, and gangs. Cole talks about the uses of drugs because it needs to talked about. That the use of drugs is killing everyone and all different ages. Drugs haven’t just affected the music industry its has affected people everywhere. It has broken up families, losing family to the drugs and losing people at a young age.

Cole talks about the fact that how these traumatic environments and events can cause long term problems for Black people making it hard. People are killing each other over stupid things and women being physically and sexually abused. These are some other topics that people don’t want to talk about but they need to know. Your environment is something that affects you a lot. They shape you to the person that you will become because you don’t know anything different. Living in these traumatic environments growing up and seeing gangs, drugs, people killing each other is something you only know. People telling you-you’re not going to make it that you’re going to be like everyone you see. And this is something big on the black community that living in these types of environments you’re not going to be any different than the people you see every day. A woman being physically and sexually abuse is another thing that has affected many. Boyfriends and husbands beating on their woman as if they are a piece of property. This is something that no one should have to go throw. These are somethings people would say is mainly caused by the black community and no one wants to talk about it they just push it to the side and make the black community look bad. This is where J. Cole comes in as he knows his music reaches out to many. Therefore he could send out the message of what needs to to be said.

J.cole is an artist that wants a change to happen in the life we all live. As there are many things wrongs with us we can change it. We could teach our kids what they should and shouldn’t do as the new generation, therefore, they don’t make the same mistake we already have done. To make a change for the better of the community and for you.

Work cited

https://genius.com/J-cole-middle-child-lyrics

https://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jcole/middlechild.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WILNIXZr2oc

Unit Three: Final draft (KO)

Kalissa Ortiz

XXXTentacion And His Mind that we never got to figure out.

Album: “SKINS”

Song: “TRAIN FOOD”

“His frequency distorted quick, i seen it in his image, I should’ve run right Fucking there.”

I remember I had walked home that day

Content with all my misery

Told my self it’d get better, no clue what there was next to me

(Kept telling himself it will get better, but it just all got worse from there)

Remember there was people, walkin’, talkin’ in the distance

I was dressed for winter weather

But the summer rays were kissing me

I, I was lost

So I took a different path, in the distance he awaited me

(meaning he had taken a different path with drugs and violence in his life at this point, i think than he realized because of this path he’s chosen now he faces death because of it.)

Had no weapon, I’m guessing his hands were just enough for me

Was no question, I’m guessing he laughed just at the sight of me

I was lost

(This could mean his history with drugs and gang violence)

I remember I had walked home that day

Content with all my misery

Told my self it’d get better, no clue what there was next to me

Remember there was people, walkin’, talkin’ in the distance

I was dressed for winter weather

But the summer rays were kissing me

I, I was lost

And there he was, his presence was alarming

As he approaches casual, we talk ’bout self-harming

He told me “kid, you shouldn’t be walkin’ on your own”

He smiled and laughed, and pat my back

He said, “how far are you from home?”

I said, “maybe 30 minutes”

His frequency distorted quick, I seen it in his image

I should’ve run right fucking there, I-

You ever woke up on a train track

With no motherfuckin’ clothes on?

Death before your eyes, you prayin’ to God, but ain’t no response

Trying to scream for hope, just a shoulder that you can lean on

But ain’t nobody coming, so you scream on

And scream on and scream on

(I think he’s saying that he’s on this train of death, he can’t stop it. There’s no brake, there’s no way out it keeps moving faster by the minute he can’t comprehend it.)

While this evil fuck laugh at you?

(The grim reaper watching him struggle for his life)

Train getting closer, you still surprised that he battered you

Tears falling harder and harder, minutes get minuscule

Could’ve had a son or a daughter, now what you finna do?

You finna die here on this train track

‘Cause clearly after death, ain’t no way you can find your way back

(After death there’s no way out, no reset button)

Thinking ’bout your previous memories, going way back

All them fucking dreams ’bout the diamond chain and the Maybach

(wasted all his time dreaming about materialistic items than thinking about the more important things in his life)

Now your time finally up

Ask yourself the final question, is you going down or up?

(Asking the question if he’s going to heaven or hell)

Recollectin’ all the moments that you never gave a fuck

(i wanted to say think i think he was scared of death which i do think at one point he was. I feel that as the song goes on he doesn’t even care if he dies anymore)

Now it’s here, death has now arrived, time’s finally up

I’ll end with this tweet from XXXTentacion from December 10 2016.

Maybe this is what he wanted.

MAKE OUT HILL – XXX

✔

@xxxtentacion

“When I turned 13, I blew out my candles, my wish was to be dead at the age of 18.”

Works Cited:

Adam@JRT ,“XXXTentacion – Train Food (Lyrics Review and Song Meaning)” December 8, 2018 http://justrandomthings.com/2018/12/08/xxxtentacion-train-food-lyrics-review-and-song-meaning/

Doreen St.Felix, “The Violent Life and Shocking Death Of XXXTentacion”

June 20.2018

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-violent-life-and-shocking-death-of-xxxtentacion

Category: Unit Three

Revision 2 michael pagan

Lucki- the revision

The word Nani saved my life

Unit three revision (KO)

Adam@JRT ,“XXXTentacion – Train Food (Lyrics Review and Song Meaning)” December 8, 2018 http://justrandomthings.com/2018/12/08/xxxtentacion-train-food-lyrics-review-and-song-meaning/

unit 3 essay redo

Unit Three: Citations

unit 3 essay

unit 3 essay

Lucki(you called me)

unit 3 essay

unit 3

Unit Three: Final draft (KO)

Adam@JRT ,“XXXTentacion – Train Food (Lyrics Review and Song Meaning)” December 8, 2018 http://justrandomthings.com/2018/12/08/xxxtentacion-train-food-lyrics-review-and-song-meaning/

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The OpenLab at City Tech:A place to learn, work, and share

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Copyright

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