Reflective Music Journal
I love to read a good novel when I am at home bored, but in all honesty, I have never thought of researching/reading about music all my life. Reading Eric B and Rakim’s story behind the album Paid in Full is just compelling because first, the album was written within such a short time, and second they did not know how to use recording gears at the time. I mean, who produces a killer album in a week, how was this possible, or is it that the two were driven by passion to this extent? Anyway, I am ashamed of myself for just listening to music that I did not know its origin, Hip Hop, and rap. The album has changed a lot of aspects in the world of the master of ceremonies and to listeners. Rappers that came after the two beasts have tried to emulate Eric B and Rakim in their art. Apart from learning about Eric B and Rakim’s most celebrated album of all time, I have picked a few life lessons from their story. Initially, even without the skill set to do given task, if you have the urge to learn, then you will learn and ace it. Reading the top 10 2013 billboard tracks, I now see the significant difference in music from the 1980s and the 2000s. I am familiar with all the artists mentioned in the list, and I love their contribution to the music industry. The thing is, I appreciate more where pop has come from, and I am optimistic about the future. It is an ever-growing industry with more people joining the field around the world.
The two videos “Grandmaster Flash talks history and theory of the Hip Hop DJ w/Ebro” and “Pump up the Volume- documentary on the house” both show the evolution of music. Grandmaster shares his DJing experience from the 1970s Hip Hops and pump up the volume shares of how House music has evolved in the past. Watching Grandmaster talk so passionately about his life experience in the DJ field is so exciting and fulfilling. Seeing him on the decks playing hits produced by the greatest producers of the time is so satisfying too. The two videos show how music is an influential art and how severe the industry is. House music has evolved and is now used in different events across the world. It has become a unifying factor. Watching the two videos has put an image in my mind of how important music is from Chicago to the world and of how it has changed American History.
Eric B and Rakim’s album is ecstasy. Having listened to some of the songs in the record, I think the two are spirited artists. Their rhyme and the beats are so pure. The sound of the music is like a friendly conversation to the listener. For instance, the song paid in full is like a dialogue talking about the plan to get a job and get paid “search for a 9 to 5, if I strive”. There are praising the mic and encouraging themselves to be better in what they do. That is, in music like in the song Move the Crowd. He talks of a strategy to make sure he delivers the best by making sure no mistake is permitted. In summary, Eric B and Rakim awakened the rap industry by bringing a new taste to music. Most current Hip Hop artists have grown from following the footsteps of such legends.