The Kendrick Lamar and Rick Rubin interview is important because of how casual it seems. They both seem comfortable and their flow as if this is just a one on one conversation. The questions that Rick asks Kendrick are specific but not too specific that it hindered the response to a yes or no answer. I also think that this interview was important because this interview was conducted by another artist in the industry who understands the mind of another artist which in turn provides a feeling of mutual respect between the interviewer and interviewee.  

Hollywood in the 1980’s can be seen as a milestone in American media. After the Civil Rights era in the 1960’s and 70’s Hollywood became less focused on creating artistically genius films in effort to appeal to a larger audience (The History of the Hollywood Movie Industry) Often utilizing comics such as Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy to play the main protagonists in their films, the intentions in the creations of these films were focused on making money thus the shift of attention from storytelling to outrageous concepts became common.  

In the 1980’s, the past creativity of the film industry became homogenized and overly marketable. Designed only for audience appeal, most 1980’s feature films were considered generic and few became classics. This decade is recognized as the introduction of high concept films that could be easily described in 25 words or less, which made the movies of this time more marketable, understandable, and culturally accessible. (The History of the Hollywood Movie Industry)

Though the movies were far less spectacular and lacked creativity in the 80’s the black men that played these roles were always represented well, often playing roles raging strong, brave,  like Mr. T in his Rocky III role, to whitty, calculated, and smart. Eddie Murphy slayed the 80’s starting out on Saturday Night Live (SNL) a late night skit show focus on poking fun at relevant topics that dominated the news. Neil Levy the talent coordinator for SNL received a call from 19 year old Eddie Murphy pleading for a position on the cast, which he got.  Eddie Murphy’s success on SNL was unparalleled his sense of humor was unique often playing as Mr. Robinson a character that taught extremely adult situations to children. Eddie Murphy found his stardom on SNL and in 20 months he would find himself on the set of his first movie 48 Hours. (Jason Guerrasio) Through the 80’s Eddie Murphy continued to delivered movie after movie almost on a yearly basis. Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Best Defense (1984), and The Golden Child (1986) to name a few from his discography. He pushed the envelope, not only opening the door for future comedians but his involvement in writing and directing opened the door for aspiring black directors as well.

The 1980’s black men did not exclusively find success in in front of the camera.  Directors, and executive producers ran the 80’s with the help from blaxploitation,  a term coined in the 70’s. Once a term intended to insult, blaxploitation and its definition was flipped like a coin, once describing a heavily stereotyped black movie starred in and made by a full African American cast, to now defining a point in history in which groundbreaking and exciting cinema was produced and casted by an entirely black team. Blaxploitation played a major role in the late  80’s as black filmmakers such as Spike Lee emerged from the once docile Hollywood landscape. Along with film, Hip Hop began to move the image of the black man.  

On Wednesday morning at about 2am The Beacontown Fire Department responded to a 911 call of a suspected fire near Fifth Avenue and Broadway. The flames ultimately engulfing the one story three bedroom apartment owned by Zeke Walther and Wendy Walther. Thankfully the homeowners and the daughter were not inside the home at the time.   

The fire was fought for more than four hours despite there being several lines dispatched to tame the blaze. After the fire was extinguished, fire marshals were able to access the home to locate the cause of the blase which was later determined to be caused by a tipped over space heater that ignited a couch. The fire was fueled by by extremely old wood on the ceiling .   

It seems that i’ve arrived at the conclusion of the spring semester at Westchester Community College. And with the end of the class that had me start this blog im currently writing on is coming to a close as well.  At the beginning of the semester I didn’t know that to expect from this class. With nothing bus assumptions, i walked into the classroom expecting nothing more than a time waster of a class that I was paying. But as the semester ensued I began gaining interest in the course work. I was intrigued that i was going to be afforded the right to be in control of what I was writing to an extent. Taking this Media writing class has really opened my mind to the world of media and how we manipulate small fascists of what we create to make sure that our efforts show results weather that’s convincing someone to buy a product, tailoring an a news segment  to a specific audience or even making something that would cater to the whole world. I would also add that I had taken an Understanding Mass Media class this semester as well. In my eyes these classes piggybacked off of one another giving me a full understanding of the fascists that exist in the world of media. With the movie Avengers Endgame fresh in my mind, I am reminded what the great Tony Stark said in the face of defeat “part on the journey is the end.” I leave you with these words as I continue my journey into the world of what you see.

Ermias Joseph Asghedom, largely known by his rap name Nipsey Hussle was assassinated in front of his business on March, 12th, 2019. I say assassinated because Nipsey was more than just a rapper, he was an advocate for gun violence, he re-invested in his community, and even had a meeting with the police chief of LA to curb gang violence in his neighborhood before his untimely passing. But that’s not to say that his music didn’t mirror his actions finishing 2 compilation albums, 1 studio albums and his 15 mix tapes. His lyrics of seeing the long-term goals in life, understanding nothing really worthwhile happens overnight, and just sticking to your script long enough to make something real happen saturated his beats which is rare today in a world built to give attention to the ones who least deserve.

Nipsey Hussle has come a long way since the first time we saw him in 2006 at the Russell Simmons’ Get Your Money Right summit and as we say goodbye to an artist, rapper, activist and most importantly a husband, father and son. Though there should be a time for mourning  I challenge you to do something that may seem impossible at this moment. I challenge you to not mourn the death of Nipsey, but celebrate his life and all of the fruits he has left behind in his community and in his music.

I am aware that this blog does not cover news but I felt that this personal experience of mine would be important to some of you who are thinking about entering the newscast world.

Earlier last week a known news reporter visited my Into Into Media Writing class. The reporters name was Danny Gold, some of you may know of him from his work in Central America or even his studies of the MS-13 street gangs. Danny Gold began his conversation with us explaining his path to freelance journalism then transitioned to the state of the journalism today and how the market for journalism is shrinking. But in my opinion, the most important piece of information he gave was a response to my question  “Since you have had experience with large news corporations, was there a certain bias that There is a limited market for freelance journalism” If you have taken a mass media class you’d understand that there is a belief that exists pertaining to large news corporations and political party affiliation. Some examples being Fox News and CNN. Danny explained that it is common that this belief is true but through his experience with these large news outlets, his stories were never altered to specifically tailored to fit a company’s views.  Though this was just one example, the importance of the information is crucial in this world as we gain the assets to be successful in our chosen fields. The message i want to spread is not one of disrespect of belittlement of you or the school you attend but in this age of information you must understand the importance of finding reliable sources, and double checking information that you receive.

https://www.writersandartists.co.uk/writers/advice/819/dedicated-genre-advice/writing-non-fiction/

How do you grade albums if you even grade it at all?  Some may measure by the amount of records sold, some may say  “it’s based on how it made you feel on your first listen.” Well as a person who has listened to countless hours of music I say the criteria should be based on influence, influence on future  artists, and even influence on themselves in their future projects.

This is why some say that 90’s hip hop was the golden age of hip hop. i don’t disagree with this statement but I do see why some may. In the early 80’s to mid 90’s Hip Hop just began to develop its own image. Graffiti, gold chains, break dancing, street slang, and sneaker culture embodied the image of hip hop. Albums like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, by Kanye West and Illmatic, by Nas are perfect examples of my theory. These albums though almost a decade apart changed landscapes and touched the minds and hearts of its audience. This is what an album should aim to do in my eyes. But one thing we all can agree on is, music is at it’s most important when it’s success is pivotal.

We should all understand that art is art. To compare an artist to another in some cases is seen as disrespectful. But is it a necessity? should we feel the need to rank these artists instead of appreciate their art collectively?

Feel free to reply to this question on twitter

My Twitter: Not_derrick1

How do you grade albums if you even grade it at all?  Some may measure by the amount of records sold, some may say  “it’s based on how it made you feel on your first listen.” Well as a person who has listened to countless hours of music I say the criteria should be based on influence, influence on future  artists, and even influence on themselves in their future projects. Albums like My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, by Kanye West and Doggystyle by Snoop Dogg are perfect examples of my theory. But one thing we all can agree on is, music is at it’s most important when it’s success is pivotal. In terms of Hip Hop no album can be topped by Illmatic a debut project by Nas that re-claimed the Hip Hop crown from California solidifying New York as the king of hip-hop and it’s sound as well.

California was diverse and so were it’s sounds as it became king during the late 80’s and early 90’s Ice- T, Cypress Hill, N.W.A., MC Hammer, Too $hort, and Digital Underground where all apart of the west coast faction that put every ounce of energy revolutionizing emerged. Their energy most likely spawned from the reminisce of a crack epidemic that hung over California like the smog that constantly hangs over Los Angeles. As this west coast sound gained popularity there records were spun all over the country the raw talent plowed its way across the country making it to their rivaled neighbor, New York State.  It seemed that the west coast barged it’s way into radio stations seizing control of the majority of music played, receiving a large portion of airtime usually allocated to New York MCs and producers. The west coast even infected a large portion of New York’s exclusive clubs getting play time in parties across New York State State.The west brought respectable fire power by introducing a new sound filled with funk infused synthesizers that and a focus on a smooth crisp flow that would imitate the hydraulics in cutlass. The success of the west coast sound in the east was kick in the face to the breeding ground of hip hop. The west coast reigned supreme and was even considered the king of Hip Hop, but just for a short moment as New York would plan to regain its crown.

The rap group Public Enemy knew that New York needed a savior and attempted to assassinate California when they released their highly acclaimed and highly controversial album Fear Of A Black Planet. Public Enemy was conscious rap group from Long Island NY who sent their powerful messages of black empowerment permeated the ears of the public enjoyed success. Their direct and powerful hooks accompanied surgical lyrics permeated the harsh base lines like smoke in a small room. Their sound was unique and empowering creating an aggressive tone that would motivate anyone who dared play the tape through a sound system. But this album lacked something major. There album was written by rappers.  At this point you may be thinking to yourself, “No duh” But what if I told you there was a project made exclusively by a poet then you’d ponder my bold statement taking it into serious consideration.

The Queensbridge Shakespeare known as Nas became the saving grace that New York Had been looking for. As one of the most influential lyricists of all time he created an instant classic with the release of his debut album Illmatic. You see, Illmatic is not even an album, it’s a textbook depicting the realities of the dangerous community in which nothing could bring about your demise faster than a bullet to the chest. His lyrics where complex and hit faster than a gatling gun. And depicted a reality in which no historian would ever step foot in. A metaphor I used earlier in the year on my first speech, compared the marriage of Shaolin Shadowboxing and the Wu-Tang sword style to the marriage of knowledge and leadership. In this case, the marriage of surgical lyricism and expert production with help from Pete Rock, DJ Premier, Large Professor, Q- Tip, and L.E.S. But instead of creating the demise of something Those five producers added a layer of uniqueness that that was new. They combined the grimy and heavy bass lines of Public Enemy and mixed it with the dreamy jazz samples of the 1991 album The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest. Veering away from the smooth gangsta rap that was once dominant. These innovations would now be considered the sound of New York. As a native of New Yorker the creation of Illmatic holds significant weight. Artists ranging from the Wu-Tang Clan to Jay-Z drew inspiration from Illmatic but those artists deserve their own praise

Illmatic serves as a pivotal point in hip hop, not only changing the landscape in which other artists evolve their sound, but recapturing the right to refer as New York the king of rap. Nas’ lyrics were abundant and vivid,  painting a picture of the struggles of living in the belly of the beast allowed Queensbridge residents to express their pain through his rhymes. he was the voice of the people and his lyrics built bridges across major cultural and communication gaps allowing his emotion to tell his stories. The beat making and production of the album worked in tandem with the lyrics to translate feelings that wouldn’t be understood fully if put into words. With all this praise towards Illmatic why wouldn’t it be the best ? Though my arguments are extremely limited I encourage you to listen to Illmatic a piece of New York culture and try to name a hip hop album more influential than Illmatic. The comment section is open to argument

Cyberbullying

Social networking has become a major part in today’s social lifestyle. According to Kit Smith in his article 123 Amazing Social Media Statistics and Facts there are over 3.3 billion active social media users worldwide https://www.brandwatch.com/blog/amazing-social-media-statistics-and-facts/ Our Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat accounts have been able to connect us together 24 hours a day 7 days a week granting the ability to communicate and share our thoughts with people in our towns and even across oceans . But this access we have does not come without negative aspects. Cyberbullying has emerged as a fairly new and prominent issue world wide since the introduction of social media. The presence of bullying was only seen as an occurrence that happened exclusively at school, it was found at home as well.     

According to an article on the Common Sense Media website, the internet usually is not the only place the bullying occurs. “Several teen suicides have been linked to cyberbullying, but the reality is more complicated. Cyberbullying is rarely the sole factor contributing to suicide, however kids who are bullied — or who bully others — are at an increased risk for suicide. In cases where suicide is linked with cyberbullying, other factors exist, such as offline bullying and mental health issues such as depression.” www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying/is-there-a-connection-between-cyberbullying-and-suicide.

Ryan Halligan didn’t know that cyberbullying was so dangerous when he fell victim to this epidemic. In 2003 Ryan took his life as a result of cyberbullying. These relationships he had formed online played a huge role in his decision to end his life. The scariest part of this situation is that all of the hurt and pain that he felt as a result of the bullying at school did not end when he walked through the front door of his home. His parents had no idea that this problem existed and it was happening right under their noses. Ryan was being called names like loser and fag someone even went so far as to start rumors pertaining to Ryan’s sexuality now he was being called gay. It was stated in the Frontline story that the breaking point for Ryan is when  popular girl at school flirted with him as if she was interested with him all as an elaborate joke. According to the Frontline story of Ryan Halligan his father John Halligan discovered that Ryan had a relationship with another young man that was unsettling. The two would share online information regarding ways to kill themselves ranging from how to tie a noose to a questionnaire that would ask you personal questions in order to find a way to kill yourself that best fit your personality these to kids were encouraging each other to commit suicide adding to the urge He was being bullied relentlessly, the constant name calling inside and now outside of school most likely took a toll on him emotionally causing severe depression leading to his suicide. There is no doubt Ryan was being bullied. Usually when parents hear about their children being bullied it exclusively at school, but with the introduction of the previously mentioned social media. Bullying was now seen at home, his bullies would be able to reach him at the place he should feel safest, at his home.

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After Tyler’s death, his father John Halligan took on the responsibility of preventing this situation from happening again. His efforts led to the passing of Vermont billy prevention bill. On May 18, 2004 Governor Jim Douglas signed a bill into place that instituted a bully prevention procedures in Vermont schools. Governor Douglas stated “Bullying is conduct that this bill recognizes as being more than just ‘kids being kids’, When it becomes pervasive, persistent and designed to humiliate or ridicule our children it requires some response from not only parents but also our schools.”About Us – Ryan’s Story   John became the voice for this bill. Mr. and Mrs. Halligan have taken their efforts throughout the United States visiting schools and even appearing on TV programs including Primetime with Diane Sawyer, PBS Frontline, and Oprah. There efforts didn’t just stop in the united states. They’ve traveled to Canada and Latin America as well. John also gave a speech at the United Nations Intolerance Seminar. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed ether. They’ve earned IBM Community Service Award in 2005, The Kids Safe Collaborative Community Service Award in 2008, And the United Way’s Hometown Hero Award in 2008.