Reflective blog

Throughtout this class in the winter term my approach on poetry completely changed. I entered the class having very little experience with poetry and not knowing what to expect. All I knew is that I had Mrs. Lewis as a teacher, the greatest teacher in all of Seminary. When we first began writing our own poetry I was sticking to the same style. The standard, rhyme at the end of each line style of poetry. Then my approach on writing flipped when we spent a class period writing about our childhood unerneath the tables. I then realized that writing poetry came from your inner feelings, not what your teacher assigned. No other class has given me the oppurtunity to learn about rap artists in the early 80's and how the rap industry began. Learning about the earlier poets in America helped me understand the more modern poetry being released now. Poetry is more of a lifestyle than a subject to learn, and I thank you Mrs. Lewis for helping me to understand this.

ICE-T

He goes by the name of Tracy Marrow, but is better known by the name Ice-T. He began rapping in the 80's and greatly affected the hip-hop world. What made this talented artist speqcial is because he was also an actor along with his rapping career. He began to act in the mid 80's and realized he had much underlying talent on camera. Many of you have also heard the term "OG" or "original gangster. This trend actaully came from Tracy Marrow himself. Ice-T is not only famous for his terminology trends but also greatly influenced the style of dressing. He helped begin the trend of baggy clothing and such for a new approach to rapping. Ice-T put forth a new style to rapping and included a political stance with in his lyrics. You may still hear of this notorious man today in new rap releases and movies.

Public Enemy

Public Enemy is a group of African American hip-hop artists that greatly affected the politcal enviorment in the late 80's. They were the first group in America to add a political stance in their lyrics, and also resembling a noticable pro black opinion. Public Enemy was also the first hip-hop group to achieve international support. When their music hit the internet they spread miraculously. This famous group consisted of Chuck D(leader), Flavor Flav, Profressor Griff, DJ Lord, Terminator X, and Sister Souljah. Together this group of talented artists created a legacy of hip hop rappers. Public Enemy helped to create and define "Rap metal", as well as changing the view on today's American politics.

Tupac Amaru Shakur

Tupac Amaru Shakur played a significant role in the black arts movement in the later 90's. People of all races were affected and moved by Tupac's political and social lyrics. He gained respect for the African American community by writing about the ghetto, and hardship he experienced growing up. Shakur became a major target of lawsuits and experienced other legal problems. Tupac was shot five times in 1994 and died six days after the incident. Tupac Shakur was an extremely talented artist that greatly affected America's political world and our society. Some believe that the government was involved with Tupac's death because he had such a strong outlook on the young citizens of America. Shakur created a significant change in rap and is greatly appreciated. Tupac Amaru Shakur may not be alive today, but his fame continues to grow. R.I.P

NWA

In today's class we watched a video of NWA's music production of "Straight Outta Compton." NWA played an important role in the 80's in the movement of African American music. NWA was known as the most dangerous group that existed, partly due to their most famous song hit, "Fuck tha Police." Not only did this song extremely aggravate the local police in Compton, but it shocked the public that they would present a song so outrageous. The album "Straight outta Compton," became a double platinum sales status for the first time with no support or public playing. Many famous critics such as the "Rolling Stone" magazine, named this album one of the most crucial albums to ever be published. NWA was one of the first to groups to publicly expand on African American violence and the truth within gangs in America.