Sehun Bolaji

Rhetorical Analysis 

Theseus and the Labyrinth

 

The story of Theseus and the Labyrinth is about how a boy named Theseus went to the labyrinth where boys and girls are being sacrificed to the Minotaur to kill the Minotaur and stop the sacrifices forever. He managed to slay the beast and get the daughter of the king to fall in love with him and celebrated his feat after. But then he forgotten to change the sails of the boat from black to white as his father asked him to and because of this his father thought he was dead and committed suicide thereafter. The theme of this story is that you shouldn’t let fun and happiness distract you from more important matters, as shown by how Theseus forgot to change the color of the sails making his father believe he had died in the labyrinth. One audience this myth could have targeted is college students. The reason I chose college students as a target audience is because they can let college parties distract them from doing more important things like studying and their hw, just like how Theseus forgot to change the sails because he was celebrating the death of the Minotaur. The tone of this myth is intense, ironic, and tragic as well as shown by Theseus fighting the Minotaur, finding a way out of the labyrinth, and his father killing himself for thinking his son died when he succeeds in his plan. The rhetorical appeal used in this myth was none other than pathos as shown by tragic ending appeared to be because of one little mistake the main protagonist made. It made the readers feel happy at first then despair as shown by his dad committing suicide for a little misunderstanding.

 

Work Cited

https://www-numi.fnal.gov/offline_software/oldiupages/simulation/theseus_story.html

 

Sehun Bolaji

Annotated Bibliography

 

The Story of Echo and Narcissus From The Book Of Ovid “Metamorphoses” 

 

In the story of Echo and Narcissus, Narcissus was considered a very handsome man who everyone fell in love at first sight , but he was very narcissistic so he never returned the affection he received towards others. He literally carries around a spear to keep the girls away. A nymph that goes by the name of Echo( who got cursed to only repeat a person’s last words by Hera/Juno) fell in love with him and began to stalk him. One day, he came across a lake to drink some water from after a hike and then he fell in love with his own reflection and stayed and admired himself until he eventually starved himself to death and died. The theme of this story is to beware of the trap of self-absorption. Sure there’s no problem with loving yourself but you shouldn’t love and adore yourself to the point where you refuse to give others the time of day. Furthermore, learn to take rejection because it’s a part of life. The target audience of this piece would be anyone looking for love around the globe. You can’t expect to find love if you refuse to give anyone the time of day, Furthermore, if your stuck on one person who wouldn’t show the same affection you show them. There are “other fish in the sea” so you shouldn’t let one person discourage you, you shouldn’t let someone have a negative effect on your self-esteem. The tone of this story is cautionary. The author is trying to tell us to beware of our own narcissistic behavior for it could be our downfall. The Rhetorical Appeal of this story is pathos, as most Greek mythology stories are. They try to persuade the reader using emotion. The author made the readers feel bad for both echo and narcissus by the unfortunate way they died.

 

Work Cited

http://www.auburn.edu/allynbaconanthology/documents/EchoNarcissus.pdf

 

https://www.classics.uga.edu/sites/default/files/guanci_Final%20Draft%20Teaching%20Project_0.pdf

 

Sehun Bolaji

10/14/19

 

Rhetorical Analysis On the Story of Icarus and Daedalus

 

In the story of Daedalus ( A famous craftsmen in Greek Mythology) and Icarus (His Son) was locked in a tower above Minos (The King of Crete), to keep the secrets of the labyrinth hidden. In order to escape, Daedalus using his crafting skills had crafted two pairs of wings for him and his son to escape. Since Daedalus had crafted the wings using wax, he warned Icarus not to fly too high so the wax won’t melt due to the sun or fly too low so the feathers wont get wet due to the seawater. On their way to freedom Icarus forgot his father’s warning and flew too close to the sun, causing him to fall to the sea and drown. The purpose of the story of Daedalus and Icarus is that you should always heed your parents warning. The basic concept of the story Daedalus and Icarus is that hubris (Pride) is a bad thing. It could be said that the subtext is that you should always heed the advice and warnings of your elders, particularly your parents.

 

The story of Icarus and Daedalus targeted a younger audience, as shown by how Icarus was a young protagonist and fell to his doom not only because of his pride, but because he did not heed his fathers, Daedalus, a more experienced and wiser man warnings. The tone of the story is Egotistical, Arrogant, and Grim. It was egotistical due to the fact that he let his pride get in the way of his judgment. It gave off an Arrogant tone because he did not heed his father’s warning even though he was warned about the consequences of it. Finally, a Grim tone was set because at the end he had faced due to his ignorance. The Myth uses the rhetorical appeal known to us as Pathos. This Myth has an emotional appeal as shown by it using a connection between father and son to get its moral lesson across. Pathos is more effective than ethos and logos due to the target audience. The target audience is a younger age group, to be more specific,  those who don’t respect or listen to their elders, anyone older than them. By using a pathos appeal it keeps the younger audience more entertained. Using stats from ethos and facts from logos would bore the younger generation, if they’re not entertained they won’t be able to get anything out of this mythical story, prohibiting the writer from getting its message across. For instance, icarus getting cocky and flying too close to the sun and falling to his death is more entertaining than that of someone simply saying that listening to our guardians will have a positive effect on us in the future.

 

Work Cited

 

https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Mortals/Icarus/icarus.html

“The Matrix” (1999)

 when the matrix came out it was so popular. The matrix is a movie that blows your mind. It starts out with a conversation between two people and makes you wonder who this person is. It grabbed the audience’s attention and set the tone for what the movie is going to be. They didn’t give away much in the opening scene or do a lot of talking, they made the audience question what they’re watching .The opening scene is brilliant because It makes the audience ask a lot of questions and makes you hungry for the answers. 

 

“Raiders Of The Lost Ark” (1981)

 this movie came out in 1981 and no one really knew who Indiana Jones was but Spielberg’s brilliant work perfectly captures and introduces who Indiana Jones really is. It shows us that he is an adventurer with guts, a lot of skills and a great sense of humor. He messed up a few times but he can solve any problem he’s faced with and can overcome any weapon or any danger that comes his way. Critics say that raiders of the lost ark has more exciting and thrilling scenes in its opening scene than all of the popular action movies. In my opinion the opening scene of this movie was perfect because Spielberg’s choice and introduction of Indiana Jones is what made it such an iconic film series and so successful. The opening scene was significant, because when the first few minutes is this exciting you know the movie is going to be huge and that’s what made everyone a fan and interested from the beginning and the reason to the success behind all the movies.   

 

“The Dark Knight” (2008)

The dark knight opening scene is 6 clowns robbing a bank and talking about the guy who set up the robbery “the joker”, he told each one of them to kill the other one after they’re done with the job. Turns out there’s a plot twist he’s the last man standing with the money after the robbery. Something  I found very interesting about the opening scene of the dark knight is that it’s shot in broad daylight. I remember thinking that the first thing I was going to see was going to be someone in a dark narrow street or something because Batman is the ultimate superhero of the night so why was it shot in the morning? The opening scene really pulled me in. 

 

“The Warriors” (1979) 

in the opening scene of meet the warriors set up the movie by a guy saying: “ Everybody says that Cyrus in the one and only. I think we better go have a look for ourselves”. The opening scene shows the warriors looking at a subway map and also shows a lot of different unique gangs who seem to be on similar missions. In the first few minutes of the movie, we’re introduced to the main characters, the main events and we understand their world more. It’s important how the director gives background information about a character and an event so the audience has an idea of what could happen. It’s obvious that a big event is about to happen and later in the movie when the truce us broken and everything gets crazy and out of hand it’s no surprise to the audience because of the opening scene’s exposition. 

 

“Casino Royale” (2006) 

A lot of people were skeptical about Daniel Craig as James Bond. It was crucial that the opening scene of Casino Royale made a good first impression on the audience and the lovers of the James Bond movies. The opening scene was shot in black and white which was something new, it explained to audience James Bond’s first kills as an agent. They show him beating up an enemy and then drowning him in a sink which shows how much of a savage Daniel Craig is going to be as James Bond. the opening scene was extremely important because it had to change people’s minds who didn’t know what to think so the directors would’ve lost all the James Bond fans which would’ve been a great loss.

 

“Goldeneye” (1995)

The story starts in the cold war in 1986. The opening scene is set up to make us think there’s going to be a stunt with the plane but then it quickly shows him standing on a mountain so tall and he bungee jumps it was so crazy and unexpected that it was known as the “bungee jump of death” and the stunt with the plane is even crazier. Everyone wants their movie to stand but especially a James Bond movie opening scene has to be unforgettable. It sets up the movie for the audience and how ridiculous this and outrageous is going to be which is why people love James Bond movies anyway so they expect nothing less.

 

HIP HOP MUSIC

Dreams and Nightmares by Meek Mill is expressing how it was a struggle to live in the hood and much harder to become something. In the beginning of the song it says “I used to pray for times like this, to rhyme like this

So I had to grind like that to shine like this”. This brings out the fantasy of what he dreamed of and how it can become a reality. Which is probably why he titled his song Dreams and nightmares. “See my dreams unfold, nightmares come true

It was time to marry the game and I said, “Yeah, I do”

If you want it you gotta see it with a clear-eyed view” . The dreams are for starters trying to  get out the hood. When the “dream unfolds” it’s starting to fall in place and that’s when you start to progress. But also the nightmares won’t go away because you have dreams. You have to not only acknowledge them but face them as well.

Never let me down by Kanye west gives off that racism is an issue in society that people need to be more aware about! He starts off by saying “Racisms still alive, they just be concealin’ it

But I know they don’t want me in the damn club

They even make me show I.D to get inside of Sam’s club”. The act of Racism has been hidden from everyone but it can never be fully hidden because Kanye still feels these actions upon him. Out of everyone he’s the only one showing I.D to get into a club everyone should be able to walk right into. This makes him feel unwanted already and then he probably feels because he’s black they cause extra problems and give him a hard time. But he also knows his history and his background.

“I get down for my grandfather who took my momma

Made her sit in that seat where white folks ain’t want us to eat

At the tender age of 6 she was arrested for the sit in

And with that in my blood I was born to be different”. by having others go through what he goes through he realizes he needs to inform others about these racist acts through this song. He also admires the people who faced these cruel punishments . Some people probably wouldn’t even be able to handle that everyday. But nobody should be going through that at all.

Lose yourself by Eminem creates this statement on how you don’t need to think you just got to do it. “ His palms are sweaty, knees weak, arms are heavy

There’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti

He’s nervous, but on the surface he looks calm and ready

To drop bombs, but he keeps on forgettin’

What he wrote down, the whole crowd goes so loud

He opens his mouth, but the words won’t come out”. There’s a bunch of lines here explaining what happens when you overthink. Eminem shows what it can do to you and how it can effect you. But he also lets us know that it can only effect you if you let it get to you. If you know how to do something there’s nothing you should be afraid of. “You better lose yourself in the music, the moment

You own it, you better never let it go

You only get one shot, do not miss your chance to blow

This opportunity comes once in a lifetime”. This reveals what happens when you just do rather than planning on a perfect move. Nobody can “boo” you if you don’t allow them to. Eminem is basically saying to not give anybody the opportunity to shun you out. You have to believe in yourself and have the confidence to do what is necessary.

Dear mama by 2Pac talks about what his mom goes threw ”You always was committed a poor single mother in welfare tell me how ya did it” by saying these particular words it shows that he views his mother as a strong women and how 2Pac admires her. ” The road got rough your alone your trying to raise two bad kids” by her doing that by herself it taught her how to be more independent her path had ups and downs but mainly downs because she had plenty of issue when it came to money which is the reason why she was struggling

Energy by drake explains how his positivities is being drained by people that have negativity “got a lotta enemies got a lotta people trying to drain me of this energy” drake demonstrates that people with lot of hate comes after the people that have positive energy. He also feel people personally attack him because of the best energy he has “I bought this one a truck

I bought this one a house, I bought this one a mall” this is an example of his generosity by him getting people what they want or need it shows how kind and thoughtful he his most people probably wouldn’t even attempt to do the things he has done

Lucid dreams by Juice wrld  expresses his feeling about a girl that hurt him and how he mix feelings for that girl “Can’t take back the love that I gave you It’s to the point where I love and I hate you” he express he gave this girl so much love and it’s to the point he can’t take back because he had so much love for her and at the same time he hates her because she cheated on him “You found  another one, but I am the better one

I won’t let you forget me” he also explains since she replaced him he saying I’m the better than your new and he doesn’t want her to forget him when she is with her new boyfriend

 

Devin Mekhuri                                                                               10/28/19

                                   Civil Rights Motivational Speakers    

   Lincoln, Abraham. “The Gettysburg Address”

The Gettysburg Address 260 words speech was about equality, freedom, and a national unity.  beginning with the famous phrase, “Four score and seven years ago,” Lincoln honored the sacrifices American made for their Freedom from the British.“Four score and seven” is much more poetic and  much more noble than “Eighty-seven”. This is fitting, because 87 years earlier, the United States had won its freedom from Britain and gave America independence. This was a great setup for the next sentence “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation, so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.”since it questions the  same principles the nation was founded on “all men are created equal”.then he said “The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract.”This sentence respect for those who fought. It is show saying that their actions speak louder than words.To sum it up,Lincoln appeals to the audience by bringing up past events.

 

Source:Lincoln, Abraham. “The Gettysburg Address.” 1863. The Story of Abraham Lincoln, The National 

                                          

  LBJ’s speech “We Shall Overcome”

  On March 16th, 1965, Lyndon Baines Johnson delivered his speech, “We Shall Overcome” in response to the controversy about black rights and black voter eligibility.Throughout the speech he talks about every person, no matter skin color, race, party, or beliefs, has equal rights.In the speech he repeat words to strengthen his power of persuasion. Such as “there is no,” “we must not,” “let each of us,” and “I want to be,” to add to his claim that all Americans deserve equal rights.He also uses words like “we” or “us,” so his audience is led to believe that they are agreeing with Johnson’s opinion.Johnson said the idea in which America was founded on “All men are created equal” to explain the term “all men” includes black men. He states “The issue of equal rights for American Negroes is such an issue,” making his audience question the idea that a black and a white man are different.So it makes the audience’s putting them in the shoes of an American black man with little rights.

Source:LYNDON B. JOHNSON, “WE SHALL OVERCOME” (15 MARCH 1965)

                               Mather Luther king “I Have A Dream”

 “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr. is one of the most memorable and famous speeches of all time.It was about hope for a future America where blacks and whites will sit and live together. “It is a world in which children will no longer be judged by their skin color and where black and white alike will join hands”.It was a public speech  by American civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr. during the March on Washington for Freedom on August 28, 1963.In Martin luther speech he uses a lot of Repetition to emphasize his points.If you count the frequency of words used in King’s “I Have a Dream”,you will notice a pattern. The most commonly used word is freedom, which is used twenty times in the speech. This makes sense, since freedom is one of the important themes of the speech.Other words or phrases that were repeated a lot was we, us, nation, america, justice and dream.These are all words that have Significant value to Martin Luther King I Have a Dream speech.Since Martin Luther King used these words to help develop his ideas of a better world and make the speech more memorable.MLK also use famous people to help reenforce him speech.You can improve the credibility of your arguments by referring to the words of credible speakers or writers in your speech. 

 Source:Martin Luther king “I Have A Dream” August 28, 1963

 

                                  Malcolm X ”Learning To Read”

Malcolm X was a very influential and power speaker during the civil rights movement. He is a self educated spokesman of the blacks community.His craving to get education made him what he is known for today, a powerful and influential speaker in the Black American society. Malcolm X believed that blacks can only achieve independence if they distance themselves from the Whites. Malcolm portrays a heartfelt tone throughout his article “Learning to Read.” In the beginning of his  he conveys that he was feeling “envy towards others’ stock of knowledge.” With his passion towards education Malcolm X feel like he opened up a new world.he said that he “had never been so truly free,“ even when he was in prison at the time still.Malcolm X tone has shifted from more of a positive passion to a negative passion when talking about the history of black men.He show this by talking about how wrong the history was about pick dominant skin color.Towards the end of “Learning to Read” Malcolm X had the same  strong passion about knowledge.Learning have help him study more intensively, and helped change the course of history.

Source:Malcolm X ”Learning To Read” May 19, 1925

 Mahatma Gandhi “Quit India”

 Gandhi is one of the world’s most influential human rights activists of his time. In his speech, Gandhi called for the peaceful of both groups. They were pushed to realize that they were Indians first and Muslims and Hindus second. As a result, members of each group temporarily put their differences aside and together took a stand against the British.Gandhi was the leader of the movement for India’s independence from British rule which the British refused to give at first.  At the time the speech was given, there were rising tensions between the two religious groups. There was tension between the two groups due to their different beliefs and ideas. Members of each group temporarily put their differences aside and together took a stand against the British. “Quit India” speech focuses mostly on Indian audience and people around the world empathy with his political freedom and human rights movement.Since there was many civil rights activists at this time it makes it easier for india to push for independence.

source: Mahatma Gandhi “Quit India” 8 August 1942

Abiblio

Tiffany Muse 

 

Cole, Jermaine, “No Role Modelz,” recorded 2014, track 9 on 2014 Forest Hills Drive, Dreamville, Roc Nation, Columbia Vinyl Crown. 

         In J. Cole’s “No Role Modelz,” the topic of the common struggles       people face in their lives and provides an outlook on what truly happens to some people while allowing those people to be able to relate. Cole focuses on his own personal experiences and problems he faced and how he dealt with and overcame them and changed. Cole starts off the song by saying, “first things first rest in peace Uncle Phil, for real, you the only father that I ever knew,” indicating his lack of a father figure that caused him to stray away from making better decisions causing his need to change in the song. It goes back to the title of the song of not having a role model to show you the way resulting in the need to experience mistakes on your without warning. Cole emphasizes this when he explains, “no role models and I’m here right now, no role models to speak of.” Cole was alone to learn for himself but he is still here showing how he was able to overcome that. The tone of this song is colloquial and direct. Cole uses phrases a vast majority would understand and relate to using while also sticking straight to the story and the process that he went through. This song focuses on the emotion one feels and the logic one must use when it comes to making an important change in your life and growing as a person. In the middle of the song Cole mentions, “I want a real love… that Jada and Will love, that leave your toothbrush at your crib love, and you ain’t gotta wonder whether that’s your kid love.” He adds, “…I don’t want no b***h from reality shows, out of touch with reality hoes, out in Hollywood bringin’ back 5 or 6 h*es.” This is a turning point for Cole in the song, he is changing and realizing the frivolous life is not what it seems and he would rather find something real, that it’s time to settle down. Most people when they are young want to live their life and are not quick to settle down. This shows the process of how this changes overtime as you mature. He then follows this by repeating the line and phrase, “fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, can’t put the blame on you.” This is adds to his knowledge of taking control over a situation by making new and smarter decisions.

Coolio and L.V., “Gangsta’s Paradise,” recorded 1995, track 3 on Gangsta’s Paradise, Tommy Boy

           Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise” discusses the life of a gangster and someone that comes from the hood. This was a widely talked about topic in 90’s hip hop and Coolio got involved in that discussion and representation with this song. The life of someone from the hood or an impoverished community is often known to be violent and this song goes in depth in the constant crime and murder that is seen and experienced by someone that lives in these conditions. Coolio begins the song saying, “…But I ain’t never crossed a man that didn’t deserve it, me be treated like a punk, you know that’s unheard of, you better watch how you talkin’ and where you walkin’ or you and your homies might be lined in chalk.” The starting line indicates that killing is justified and that everything he has ever come across had a reason for happening. He follows that with reassurance that he has made a name for himself in his community to the point of respect with no worries of becoming a target or victim. He then goes on to share some advice on how one would protect themselves from certain situations that often occur in these neighborhoods. In the second verse Coolio explains, “Look at the situation they got me facin’ I can’t live a normal life, I was raised by the street so I gotta be down with the hood team… Got my ten in my hand and a gleam in my eye, I’m a loc’d out gangsta, set trippin’ banger.” Coolio is emphasizing what is expected of him as a result of him growing up and living in this dangerous lifestyle. He was always exposed to this life which was all he knew, he discusses being “a loc’d out gangsta, set trippin’ banger,” which means that he is a member of the crip gang and he represents it fully to the point of violence. He also knows to always be there for his gang since that a gang is often seen as family because it is a lifestyle that is embedded into someone starting from a young age. The audience for this song are people that have grown up in a similar situation that involved being exposed to a lot of violence and crime. Those that grew up in these situations are able to relate and have a sense of relief that they are not alone and they have someone that is the voice of their struggles. This song can also be aimed towards the people that are unaware of how violent gang life can be. It can be used for the people that want to join a gang for fun or to look cool to see the truth behind it all and fear that ensues of not knowing if you or a friend would make it to your next birthday. This message is emphasized through the use of a candid and cautionary tone. It is straightforward and honest about how gang life is, from the dangers, violence, and fear. As a result of this, it can be used to warn people to be smart about the decisions they make if they are able to have a choice on whether they join this type of life or go in a different and safer direction. This appeals to the audience through Coolio’s credibility to speak on this topic since he has experienced these actions and is well known for being gang affiliated. He also appeals to the emotions of those who have witnessed the loss of a loved one to this type of life and how it can have a negative impact both on the person involved directly and indirectly.  

 

Future and Drake, “Where Ya At,” recorded 2015, track 3 on DS2, Epic Records, Sony Music Entertainment.

           The song “Where Ya At,” by Future and Drake explains the problems of not being able to fully trust people or be aware of someone’s true intentions. In the song repetition of the title “Where Ya At” is used to emphasize the purpose behind the song. The repetition of the title is followed by different scenarios that show the artist change and struggle overtime. This is explained when Future says, “Where ya a** was at, dog, when n***as wouldn’t feed me? Where ya a** was at, dog, when n***as didn’t need me? Where ya a** was at when I was trapping in the store? Had to struggle to get where I’m at and had to sell dope.” This reveals how the people in your life may not be there for you when you are in trouble struggling or need help but will be there once you become successful and they can benefit from you. This song is aimed towards people that have experienced a come up and gained success from having nothing and realized how people change when you have a large improvement in your life. It is meant for those people who are able to relate while also sharing to those not in that position to have good intentions when it comes to coming into and staying in someone’s life for the right reasons rather than showing up or being present when it’s most convenient. This message is portrayed using a direct and somewhat indignant tone. The artists are conveying their annoyance to the way people tend to act in these situations and how it is important to be aware of it. Drake states “where ya a** was at when we first got the news? Now your a** back because we’re paying back dues, where were you? When all the dogs needed help… where your a** was at? I take attendance like a classroom.” Drake is revealing how people show up at the right time and that you have to pay attention. By Drake saying “I take attendance like a classroom,” he is expressing the importance and need to keep track of who you associate with both before and after your success, that way you know who is true to you or not. This appeals to people’s emotions learning how to avoid people that cannot be trusted. This is something that anyone can relate to because you always want people in your life that you can trust and count on to be there for you no matter your situation or their potential gain as a result of helping you.

 

Lamar, Kendrick, “Swimming Pools (Drank),” recorded 2012, track 9 on good kid, m.A.A.d city, Aftermath Entertainment, Interscope Records

            “Swimming Pools (Drank)” by Kendrick Lamar explains the battle a large amount of people tend to go through with alcohol in their lives and the many reasons why people may start and continue to use this substance to the point of abuse. Kendrick starts the first verse by telling his history and knowledge of its use when he says, “Now I done grew up ‘round some people livin’ their life in bottles, granddaddy had the golden flask…Some people like the way it feels, some people wanna kill their sorrows, some people wanna fit in with the popular, that was my problem.” Kendrick is explaining how was constantly exposed to alcohol and its use. From seeing it in his neighborhood, friends, peers, and family it began to influence him. He makes note of the many reasons why someone would begin using whether it was a coping mechanism or just to fit which he mentions was the reason for him to start. This song is for people that are able to relate if they are either going through this now, went through it in the past or knows someone who did. It provides a sense of understanding and allows people to relate and not feel alone when it comes to experiencing a really important and damaging lifestyle. The song is able to express this using a very cautionary tone to warn people how bad things could get overtime while also being dignified and direct when discussing such an issue. This appeals to the emotion of someone that has experienced this problem before while also shining light on what could seem like just having fun but end up becoming a life threatening situation. This is brought up more depth in the second verse stating, “Okay, now open your mind up and listen me, Kendrick, I am your conscience, if you do not hear me then you will be history, Kendrick, I know that your nauseous right now and I’m hopin’ to lead you to victory, Kendrick if I take another one down I’ma drown in some poison abusing my limit.” At this point, Kendrick is aware of how alcohol is negatively affecting him and he needs to slow it down before it kills him. Throughout the song, “pour up (drank), head shot (drank), sit down (drank), stand up (drank), pass out (drank), wake up (drank), faded (drank), faded (drank)” is repeated. This is emphasizing the idea and behavior he knew around him that no matter what your have to drink and that it is the answer to everything. 

Shakur, Tupac, “Keep Ya Head Up,” recorded 1992, track 11 on Strictly 4 My N.*.*.*.A.Z…, Interscope Records

             Tupac’s “Keep Ya Head Up” talks about the mistreatment of women in society along with the overall struggle faced in minority and impoverished communities. Although he was aware of these problems and how hard life can be, he provided a positive message to “keep ya head up,” stand tall, and have confidence in yourself and the possibility for change to happen. Tupac starts off the song immediately focusing on women and those struggling by saying, “I give a holla to my sisters on welfare, 2Pac cares if don’t nobody else care, and I know they like to beat you down a lot… but please don’t cry, dry your eyes, never let up forgive, but don’t forget, girl, keep ya head up.” He is explaining to the women struggling to stay strong because they are worth more and deserve more. He notes how horrible women are treated when he says, “And since we all come from a woman… I wonder why we take from our women, why we rape our women – do we hate our women? I think it’s time to kill for our women, time to heal our women, be real to our women.” Tupac is bringing awareness to how horribly women are treated and how it has to change given how important and vital women are. In the second verse of the song Tupac shifts topics and discusses minorities and the life they live. He shares, “I try to find my friends, but they’re blowin’ in the wind, last night my buddy lost his whole family, it’s gonna take the man in me to conquer this insanity, it seems the rain’ll never let up, I try to keep my head up, you know, it’s funny…, they got money for wars but can’t feed the poor.” He is exposing the harsh life of those in smaller and impoverished communities and how those people never know when will be the last time they will see a loved one. He also explains that despite everyone being against them and the horrors they face they have to stand tall. He also focuses on how the government doesn’t care or use their resources for the people but instead, uses them for the military. This song is for both men and women and anyone that is ignorant or oblivious to the truth and the struggles people face on the other side. Tupac is trying to convey a message that there is a need for change and people need to take the initiative for it. Women that are hurt can feel support, men that are unaware of the pain being caused can make a change, and the people that can learn more about how others aren’t given better help. This message is disclosed using a benevolent tone towards the women targeted for the song while also being cautionary to raise awareness for the problems being faced. Tupac relies on emotion and his credibility for this song. He uses his experience with loss and other struggles faced by minorities while also explaining the hurt women go through and the need for this change to occur.

           Von, King, “Crazy Story”, recorded 2018, track 3 on Grandson, Vol 1, Only The Family Entertainment, Empire

                King Von’s “Crazy Story” is the depiction of a normal day in the hood that Involves the acts of gang activity. King Von explains the process of having an enemy from an opposing gang and wanting to get revenge and the steps that place in order to be successful in the act. He starts off the song saying, “Got a drop on this flexin’ n***a he from Tennessee, I had a th*t, she be with the s**t, she told me where he be.” This shows the first step in the process of getting the job done and seeking revenge on a rival. Von uses the targets girlfriend that he knows to easily set him up and get him to be in the area that he wants. Later on in the song Von explains his plan more when he states, “I grab my glock, it been through a lot, but it still shoot like new, we at the top yeah we lost a lot, but that just how it go.” Von is revealing the acts that are taking place with normalized gang violence and crime. Stating that his gun “has been through a lot,” expresses how often he had used it as a weapon either for self defense for the dangerous area that lives in or for personal vendettas against rival gangs in his home of Chicago, which is known for being a very dangerous city with very high crime rates. He also mentions how he lost a lot but continues to reveal how it is normal for where he lives and life that he has being in a gang and in Chicago. He ends the song revealing how he gets the job done when he explains, “Now I sneak up, crouching like a tiger… Block on fire, so I take precaution, mask on, Micheal Myers… I was born to shoot, I got aim… So I rise, hit one in his arm, hit one in his thigh, this no lie, b***h it’s do or die…” Von makes multiple references throughout the song, such as the movie Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, and Micheal Myers from Halloween. He refers to these to show his strategies for completing his task. He crouches like a tiger to stay hidden and be stealthy and uses a mask like Micheal Myers does in Halloween so that he is not identified by anyone as a possible suspect for the crime. Von then emphasizes his ability to shoot and handle a gun showing his experience. Von ends the song with where he aimed and how he shot the person he was after explaining that it was necessary because it was either he did it and aimed at him or he would be the one to get shot at. This song’s audience are those that are familiar with gang life and participate in the lifestyle on a daily basis. From the violence and need to take a life in order to save themselves and constantly being put in that situation. This can also be helpful to those that are unaware of what happens when gang rivalry get’s dangerous and serious, as well as all of the planning that goes into completing these violent acts that are often discussed and brought up in the news. This message is described using a candid colloquial tone in order to relate to the audience and help them easily understand what is being said. It also allowed Von to be honest and straightforward about this particular lifestyle and everything that goes down from the plotting to the final execution. This appeals to the audience through Von’s credibility by showing his experience and knowledge of how this world works in this aspect of gang activity and living in a dangerous city. He also appeals to the audience’s emotions of experiencing this first hand or knowing someone that did. 

 

   

 

Corevel Cova

Annotated Bibliography

Prof. Jewelle

Due Date: 11/1/2019

 

Annotated Bibliography of Reggae Music Lyrics

 

Burrell, Orville Richard aka Shaggy. “ Mr. Boombastic”, Boombastic.1995

Shaggy made a feel-good song that inspires confidence in men and sets this ideal of what a man should be for his female audience. His lyrics are smooth, “Well you a d bun and me a di cheese…and if you be a rice then me a di peas” and speaks to a natural synergy between him and the girl he speaks about. He is proclaiming that the girls call him Mr. Boombastic, which is a word he created himself about himself, alludes to his sexual prowess in bed. This entire song talks about how great he is as a “lover” and is what women now expect their men to possess. He speaks to the male population by working both ethos and pathos as the men can both look up to him as sexual goal and a road map of how to become “Mr. Lover Lovers” themselves.“ Boombastic ” is a song released by Jamaican-American musical artist Shaggy from his third studio album, Boombastic. Released in June 1995, the single achieved commercial success in many countries, including Ireland, UK, Sweden, New Zealand, and Australia, where it topped the singles charts. This is an important point of note because even though he uses Jamaican patois, the message of the lyrics is understood across all barriers because the song speaks to the very essence of human interaction. This human interaction is the need to find a significant other and shaggy talks about being the best lover, which in an era of heightened sexuality and awakening was well received.

 

 

Hammond, Hugh Beresford aka Beres Hammond. “She loves me now”,Vinyl single. 1986

Beres Hammond is relaying the story of the woman who he fell in love with but more importantly, he is asking his listeners to live fully and go with your gut instinct. One can take the story of how the woman called him out of the blue and told him how she left her relationship just on the feeling she felt from their one dance but this is a story from the lovers perspective. Hammond ascribes to the pathos of humanity that there exists love so strong that you just know it is the only thing that makes sense. It gives listeners a dream to look forward to if they haven’t found their “one” and it plays on the forgiveness of those already in love as they cannot see beyond their own feelings. Beres made a ballad that idolizes this perfect love story and created a song that had a fairytale ending while reinforcing woman empowerment because she made the call that made the entire relationship happen. This song was made in a time when women were still supposed to be seen and not heard in Caribbean culture and she was bold in her assertive decision to follow her heart. The singer wants his female audience to feel empowered to get the love they think they deserve and overall for people to be brave enough to live in their truth and thereby live their happiest lives.

 

 

 

 

Marley, Robert Nesta, aka Bob Marley. “One Love”, Exodus. Bob Marley and the Wailers. 1977.

Bob Marley’s “one love” is rooted in faith, forgiveness and unity. He is imploring his audience to see beyond themselves as individuals and consider their role in society. He effectively uses the children in his chorus to appeal to the innate emotions most adults who bear children acquire. “Hear the children cryin’… Sayin’: let’s get together and feel all right” is the repeated twice within the chorus and the chorus resonates within the listener several times. By repetition of these phrases, he appeals to the pathos of the listener. Bob is trying to convey our individual need to unite and do better for our community before “Holy Armageddon” or the end of all times. He chose to elaborate on these concepts of faith within his verses but kept his reference only to “Lord” in the chorus. This allows for greater connection across religions because a lot more people believe in some version of a higher being rather than limiting his audience to those of Christianity.

 

 

Mcintosh, Winston Hubert, aka Peter Tosh. “Legalize It”, Legalize It. 1976.

Peter Tosh seeks to rally the public to legalize marijuana. He makes his lyrics relatable and by discussing the different professions, he speaks to each of his audience on a personal level to have both tolerance for those who do and to His song uses logos by emphasizing the already rampant presence and use by people across different walks of life. In its second verse, it categorically speaks to the health benefits of using the substance abuse and subsequently in the third paragraph, he elaborates upon its natural origins and how animals use it as well. In this catchy song, Peter Tosh, who had just left his singing group “The Wailers” , he has identified every argument that the naysayers use to continue the ban on weed usage. The stigma that only homeless or purposeless people engage with this substance is counteracted and the idea of it being a natural substance and thereby more deserving of legal status than the manmade substances such as alcohol and cigarettes was reinforced. His chorus reinforces his main ideal and in its catchy nature attempts to normalize the concept. He also uses ethos because as a user himself, and creator of the music, he shows the world that one can be creative and successful while using it. It even begs to the thought of if this increases performance.

 

McNaughton, Jamal Roland aka Chronixx. “Skankin’ Sweet”, Chronology. 2017.

In Skankin Sweet, Chronixx seeks to inspire and motivate his audience through his feel-good music and motivational words. He understands that there are difficulties that we are all facing in this path of life but everything in the song is centered around not giving up but to rally on and find the “upful vibes in his music. He presents relatable situations and gives instructions of how to deal with them. “Under the pressures of life and it tough… Nuh stay down mama, time fi get up… When the bills dem, the rent and the mortgage due..When your best friends are gone and its only you” are all situations that everyone has gone through growing up. His audience’s pathos I severely affected because this music becomes their own life story. The chorus encourages you to put your struggles aside and in that moment, completely enjoy the “skankin’ sweet” music. His chorus are instructions to feel”irie” or good by forgetting one’s troubles and rocking with him for this song. He said to never give up and these pieces of evidence all support the position that Chronixx has taken. This song is intended for both a distraction and instruction of how to get past difficult times in your life and he is effective in appealing to his audience which is anyone going through a rough time in their life. His tone is welcoming and casual and he is offering a solution to the real stresses of life through music and religion.

 

 

Simpson, Mikayla, aka Koffee. “Toast”, Rapture EP. 2019

Koffee makes an ode to “Jah” and is giving thanks for all that has happened to her life. This so ng was written after her instant fame and is a praise to who she believes to be the creator and only reasons for everything. In so doing, Koffee inspires the public and aims to make her audience not only remember all that Jah has already done for them but to remember with such a mighty person in your corner, anything is possible. “And say me fi tell you me story (Yeah)…Jah shower blessings upon me” illustrates how she not only believes that Jah wants to use her as a prophet and example but that her success is deeply rooted in her faith. This is another song about how faith can have a positive effect on your life if one lives within that moment how Jah preaches. She promotes gratitude and all successes in your life are blessings and should be treated as such. She feeds the ethos of her audience because not only does she motivate with her own blessings but she gives evidence to those who are already deeply rooted in their faith of the existence of a higher being. She transcends cultures, languages and color as her music speaks to success and things of a higher nature.