Intellectual Rappers

The garbage you hear on the radio that passes itself off as “rap” is rarely indicative of the beauty and intricacy evident in real rap music.  Even though some rap does not contain socially redeeming or intellectually stimulating lyrics, there are a few diamonds in the ruff.  IntelRap (a genre I just made up) is a style that transforms listening to rap into a thought-provoking and reflective activity.

Andre 3000
You might know Andre 3000 as one-half of the critically acclaimed rap duo Outkast.  Although his biggest hits (Hey Ya!, Sorry Ms. Jackson, So Fresh So Clean) are not heavy with intellectual lyrics, he does have a few cerebral tracks in which he explores existential topics and offers unconventional metaphorical language.  “My Favorite Things”, “A Life In the Day of Benjamin Andre”, and “Pink & Blue” are three examples. 

Immortal Technique
His real name is Felipe Andres Coronel, and this Afro-Peruvian rapper focuses venomously on controversial issues in global politics.  His aggressive lyrics are largely centered around class struggle, poverty, religion, government, and institutional racism.  Born in Lima, Peru, “Tech” raised in Harlem, New York.  “You Never Know” and “Dance With The Devil” are the two tracks I would recommend from this obscure, but brilliant rapper.  

Illogic
Even though this Ohio-based underground rap artist is very obscure, his skill with words is second to none.  In his tracks, he discusses religious doctrines, scientific discoveries, and philosophy.  He’s a special talent, and its unfortunate most people have never heard of him.  Check out “1000 Whispers” and “Hate In A Puddle”.

Eyedea
The late Eyedea (Micheal Larsen) was a freestyle battle rapper who hailed from Saint Paul, Minnesota.  His non-battle rhymes have heavy philosophical themes, and are often told in a story format.  He died way too young at the age of 28, but appreciators of deep rap music will forever remember him.

KRS-One
Lawrence Krisna Parker, better known as KRS-One, was a pioneer of IntelRap.  He is the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for his work and effort towards the Stop the Violence Movement.  He talks about the importance of knowledge, education, and history in his song “You Must Learn”  In “Philosophical” and “My Philosophy”, KRS-One explores metaphysics, rationality, and meaning. 

Buffalo Springfield

Every once in a while, a song you first listened to years ago will resurface in your mind, and "For What It's Worth" by Buffalo Springfield is one such example.  Written by Stephen Stills, the song tells the story about how the police department arrived as city officials became paranoid about a peaceful, anti-loitering gathering outside a bar in LA called Pandora's Box.  For what it's worth, this Buffalo Springfield hit is not an anti-Vietnam war protest song.


For What It's Worth
By Buffalo Springfield

There's something happening here
What it is ain't exactly clear
There's a man with a gun over there
Telling me I got to beware
I think it's time we stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
There's battle lines being drawn
Nobody's right if everybody's wrong
Young people speaking their minds
Getting so much resistance from behind
I think it's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
What a field-day for the heat
A thousand people in the street
Singing songs and carrying signs
Mostly say, hooray for our side
It's time we stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Paranoia strikes deep
Into your life it will creep
It starts when you're always afraid
You step out of line, the man come and take you away
We better stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, hey, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, now, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down
Stop, children, what's that sound
Everybody look what's going down

Life by Mother Teresa

The following is a short poem written by Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Catholic nun of Albanian ethnicity and Indian citizenship.  For over 45 years, she ministered to the poor, sick, orphaned, and dying as well as founding the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta.  Following her death, she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and thereafter referred to as "Blessed Teresa of Calcutta".  It is so beautiful I felt the strong urge to post it on Joe's Musings.  Enjoy!

Life

Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.

Picture Tuesday

It has been a chaotic week on all fronts.  The end of the semester has arrived, and during this time, the word "busy" takes on a new meaning.  I have created a collection of photos for today's post.  Enjoy!

Music Tuesday: Bob Marley

Today, I am publishing a song by the late Bob Marley.  Lately, I've been under quite a bit of stress to complete projects and study for exams, but the lyrics of this song seem to put my mind at ease.  When so much is required of you, it's valuable to think about the Marley's message in this song--"Don't worry about a thing,  Cuz every little thing is gonna be all right."

Poetry Tuesday: Punk Rock Selection

For this week's Poetry Tuesday, I am publishing five Youtube videos of hardcore punk rock songs.  The hardcore punk movement progressively swept through America in the 1980s.  From California to New York, youths expressed their frustrations with the government, alcohol, drugs, and life in general.  The musical structure to hardcore may not be appealing, but it certainly is hard, fast, and loud.

1. Black Flag- Rise Above

2. Minor Threat- Guilty of Being White

3. Negative FX

4. Bad Brains- Banned In DC

5. Dead Kennedys- California Uber Alles

Poetry Tuesday

In the past, Poetry Tuesday has been a weekly installment that features either a song or a poem.  This week, I want to mix things up a bit.  Instead of lyrics, I am going to publish a few pictures now that Winter is upon us.  Enjoy!

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Poetry Tuesday: We Are The World

For today's edition of Poetry Tuesday, I am publishing a song called "We Are The World" by a compilation of over 25 artists.  It was originally recorded by USA for Africa in 1985.  After the devastating earthquake in Haiti in January 2010, a remake of the song was recorded.  What I love about this song is that it brings together musicians to address serious international issues.  


There comes a time 
when we hear a certain call
When the world 
must come together as one

There are people dying
and its time to lend a hand to life
The greatest gift of all

We can't go on 
pretending day by day
That someone, somehow 
will soon make a change
We are all a part of 
God's great big family
And the truth, you know,
Love is all we need

We are the world, 
we are the children
We are the ones 
who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
it's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

Send them your heart 
so they'll know that someone cares
So their cries for help 
will not be in vain
We can't let them suffer 
no, we cannot tell them to wait
Right now they need 
our helping hand

We are the world, 
we are the children
We are the ones 
who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
it's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

When you're down and out, 
there seems no hope at all
But if you just believe 
there's no way we can fall
Let us realize that a change 
can only come
When we stand together as one

We are the world, 
we are the children
We are the ones 
who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
There's a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
it's true we'll make a better day
Just you and me (x4)

We All Need Somebody 
that we can lean on
When you wake up 
look around and see that 
your dreams gone
When the earthquakes 
would help you make it through the storm
When the floor breaks 
a magic carpet to stand on
We are the world united 
by love so strong
When the radio isn't on 
you can hear this song
I got a light on the dark road 
you're walking on
A sign posted to find 
the dreams you thought was gone
Someone to help you move 
the obstacles you stumbbled on
Someone to help you rebuild 
after the rumbles gone
We are the world connected 
by a common bond , LOVE
The whole planet singing along

We are the world, 
we are the children
We are the ones 
who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
Theres a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
its true we'll make a better day
Just you and me

Everyday citizens, 
everybody pitching in
You say more love, 
you say no more
You sensing more, 
you sensing more love
You and I, you and I 
Twelve days no water 
where's your will to live?
we'll amplify the love
and watch it multiply
feeling like the world's end
we can make the world win
like Katrina, Africa, Indonesia,
and now Haiti needs us
they need us, they need us

We are the world, 
we are the children
We are the ones 
who make a brighter day
So let's start giving
Theres a choice we're making
We're saving our own lives
its true we'll make a better day
Just you and me