Something From Nothing: The Art of Rap (Review)

Renowned rapper and now film director Ice-T has joined forces with producer Paul Toogood, and co-director Andy Baybutt, along with dozens of Hip-Hop icons to create one of the most thorough and encapsulating documentaries in Hip-Hop history.

The film begins with an establishing narration by Ice-T playing over shots of various shots of New York. (the birth place of Hip-Hop) This introduction very effectively establishes s the theme and purpose of the documentary, which is the unlikely spawning of Rap and bringing to light the effects and Hip-Hop music and culture. It then kick starts the over 2 dozen interviews conducted through the movie, starting with DJ Grandmaster Caz and going through the likes of Run DMC, Kanye West, Raekwon, Common, Nas, Snoop Dogg, and Dr. Dre, among countless others. Since the film focuses on the "art of rap," each artist interview includes an acapella rap performance. The film is framed around the several sub-genres that exist within in Hip-Hop. There is a constant back and fourth between the definitive sounds and culture of New York and Los Angeles. The contrast between these two scenes helps capture the culture in its entirety. Producer and co-director, Ice-T made the decision to insert himself into the production. Rather than use the traditional question answer interview scheme, the film captures Ice-T casually talking and socializing with the interviewees. The whole movie is very casual; which I like. I think that it protrays a friendly, brotherly,and solidarity aspect of Hip-Hop, something that was integral upon the forming of the genre. The film closes with concluding monologue by Ice-T, again over shots and images of New York and this time Los Angeles as well.

Personally, I would recommend the film. I think it very effectively captures the culture and essence of Hip-Hop as well as highlight the artistry of the genre; which is often overlooked. The film focuses on the poetry that exists in rap. I think this is very significant. The filmography, especially in the B-Roll is exquisite. I commend the creators for taking time to focus on that key element. I could have done with a little less Ice-T and it would have been incredible if the verses performed by each artist somehow tied in to the overall theme. I was also disappointed not to see significant artists such as Jay-Z. Other than that, the film was great and I recommend it to anyone who has a genuine interest in Hip-Hop or music in general.

Title: Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap
Length: 111 minutes
Rated: R
Rating: 4 out of 5

 

The Graceless Limp of a Befuddled Fox

A few weeks ago, I wrote a review of K'Naan's third and latest studio album, "Country, God, or the Girl." In the review I criticized Somalia native for ineffective features and an overall ingenuine feel as he strayed from his usual subjects and inspirations, to a more pop and Top 40 worthy soundscape. I was not alone in my sentiments. Millions of fans worldwide were discontent with the straying sound and fleeting poignancy of their beloved "Dusty Foot Philosopher." In yesterday's Issue of The New York Times, K'Naan addressed these issues in an introspective essay about the age old tension between success and artistic truthfulness.

The essay begins with a Somalian fable about a fox who had a beautiful walk but lost it in an attempt to imitate the walk of a prophet. After he failed to match the prophet's gait, he finds that he had forgotten his own walk and was left with the unremarkable way the fox walks today. K'Naan proceeds to explain how he, the fox, was pressured by his record label and the music industry as a whole, to imitate the walk of the popular artist and as a result, forgot his own once beautiful walk.

Censorship is any artists worst nightmare, and K'Naan suggests that in the interest of success, he was forced to censor himself. Before recording the album, his record label had urged him alter his style. They didn't tell him what to do or give him specific choices but rather " raised [a question] in the quiet of [his] soul." Was success worth separting from his lyrical and artistic identity? In a desperate attemot to alter his walk, he was jammed in a corner of self censorship, that left "bruises on the unheard lyrics of [his] yet-to-be-born songs." Whereas his previous albums are strongly inspired and centered around Somalia, this latest release strays away from his usual artistic and lyrical chakra. On "The Dusty Foot Philospher" he spoke of his cousin Mohammed who was left in the war zone of Somalia on the account of insufficient funds and on "Troubador" he sang longingly of a lost love, Fatima who was shot and killed in mere adolescence. Those extremely emotional and powerful anecdotes are unfourtunately, exactly what the general public doesn't like. "Radio programmers avoid subjects too far from fun and self-absorption." As a result, K'Naan's subjects shifted from memories of war to school bullying and drug use. The Islamic and Afro-Centric names of his childhood mates where given western alternatives. "Mohammed became Adam and Fatima became Mary." 

"One cannot hide his historical baggage. His sense of self. His walk," he concludes. In this essay, K'Naan is more aware of himself and has greater appreaciation for his genuine sound. After being unable to match the gait of the music industry, this befuddled fox is desperately trying to rediscover his own stride; and although he may never find his "old walk again, [he hopes] someday to see beauty in the graceless limp back toward it." 
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/09/opinion/sunday/knaan-on-censoring-himself-for-success.html?_r=0

Life and Death at the Main Hall

Over the years, I have heard endless family stories which I am continuously amused and amazed by. The surreality of many stories is incredible and I often feel as if the scenes are taken from books or movies. This is one of the more commonly told stories  and one of the many memories that my grandfather had of the notorious Idi Amin Dada.

The scene is Kampala, Uganda's largest and capitol city. It is a sunny afternoon in August 1977 , and  a 51 year old Senteza Kajubi has just returned from an overseas business trip. It had a been a long flight and his wife, Elsie was urging him to rest up for the work week ahead. Senteza contemplated this, but is fixed on popping in a the office, seeing as he been gone for so long. He had a hunch that something big was going on.
He left their home on the Makerere University campus and walked to the NIE (Natioanl Institute of Education), a building that he had built with a grant from the Carnegie Foundation. As he walked around the campus and building, he realized, significantly less people about. The whole campus was dead. When he finally found someone, he asked where everyone was. They told him that the president, Idi Amin,  was giving a Speech at the Main Hall. As he made he approached, he saw masses of people crowded outside the Hall. It was completely packed inside but there were speakers outside, projecting the presidents deep, powerful voice.
It was odd for such an unexpected visit so Senteza was naturally curious. Amin didn't seem to be saying anything warranting a personal visit but Senteza hoped for a surprise: and  that's exactly what he got. After standing outside for a few minutes, Amin said something that caught Senteza's ear. From out the loudspeakers, the president announced the immediate removal of Professor Joseph Lutwama from the position of Vice Chancellor. What followed was the surprise Senteza was waiting for. Out of the loudspeakers, in heavy broken English, Amin stated that in the University's best interest, the new Vice Chancellor, would be non other than William Senteza Kajubi, effective immediately.
Appalled, the young Professor maneuvered the dense crowds and made his way inside and to the stage. There he met the tall and burly Amin who proudly shook his hand and formally presented him the position. After the meeting, Senteza rushed home and told his wife the news. It proved too much for her to embrace. Frantically, she prayed and devised outlandish plans flee the country. Idi Amin was the most ruthless leader of the time and  anyone working under him was gambling with their life. His eccentricity lead him to act often act violently and irrationally. Senteza calmed his wife and explained, he had to take the job, knowing very well the danger it prevented.
For the next few days, Senteza sat in his armchair and thought silently. Had he not been at the assembly that day, Amin would most have most likey irrationally ordered his death. If he were to refuse the offer, he would no doubt be killed. The decision seemed simple, but even  in accepting the position, he knew that  death was always a possibility.

The Overwhelming Effects of a Warped Christianity

I had originally planned another post thisweek pertaining to one of my greatest inspirations and why. However, on Tuesdayas I was reading the Ugandan News like I always do, I came across one of themost appalling articles I had ever read. In light of the recent remarks made byUgandan Speaker of the House, Rebecca Kadaga in reference to the proposedAnt-Homosexuality act, it became evident what I had to write about.

 

Itis easy for most Africans to blame their government for any national orpolitical immorality, justice, and corruption. As stated in one of my previousblog posts, the Ugandan populace should feel no different. However, in light ofthe recent publicity surrounding the proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill, I pointa finger towards not only to the government, but also to the Ugandan people. 

Last month, Rebecca Kadaga was involved in a row with Canada'sForeign Minister John Baird over gay rights at a meeting of theInter-Parliamentary Union in Quebec.When she returned home, Ms. Kadaga was met by thousands of Anti-Homosexualleaders and supporters. This began the Speaker’s quest to ensure theenforcement of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill by the end of the year. The bill ismeant to heighten the already severe consequences of homosexual acts or anysupport of homosexuality, meriting life in prison and even death in some cases.Earlier this week, Kadaga said that "Ugandans want that law as a Christmasgift. They have asked for it and we'll give them that gift.” Having grown upthere, I can attest to the extreme conservative climate present in Uganda. It isunderstandable that Ugandans would be hesitant in accepting homosexuality. Thatbeing said it doesn't justify the attempted detainment and/or eradication ofgays. This is an issue of human rights, a subject that Uganda hasstruggled with for decades. Citizens should be more empathetic. 

The fact that the the government is essentially harboring thesystematic extermination of homosexuals is absolutely ridiculous andunacceptable, especially in the progressive world we live in today. Although,regardless of Kadaga’s big words, the likelihood of the bill passing is low,due to Uganda’sdependence of foreign aid and investment. The global community has expressedits strong positions against the bill and countries like the UK havealready frozen their aid to the African country. Economically, “Uganda isstill a colony," says my father and political consultant. 

But even if the law isn't officially instituted, the realtragedy is the amount of Ugandans in favor of it. That a people could be soruthless as to support the killing of thousands for something that is out ofhuman control, that a people could be so closed-minded that they would harborthe detainment and death of thousands due to their sexuality or support ofsomething that contradicts their personal beliefs, speaks volumes and willultimately determine the progression of that people. That a people can preachlove in their respective religions and campaign for peace from theirgovernment, while they simultaneously rally for the execution of the innocent,is the height of hypocrisy, and reveals the corruptions that exist within inthe church. 

Whereas religion should serve a peaceful and harmoniouscelebration of common beliefs, it is instead a way to justify savagery. ManyUgandans argue that homosexuality is an attack on the institution of marriagebut I doubt that their mere existence acts as a threat to anyone. Uganda hasbeen plagued with a warped Christianity and it is this corruption that willlimit its progression. Countless nationals have long criticized theirgovernments for being ruthless, corrupt, and unjust, however. As this episodecan show us, Ugandans are not much different from their leadership. So, beforeUgandans cast stones at the likes of Amin, Obote, and Museveni, it would behoove them, to asses their own sin. 

Capture the Fall Video Challnge

This is my video challenge for this month. Th assignment was to capture whatever the fall meant to us. For me, it means going to the park with my sister. In the video I show my sister getting her stuffed puppy and going to the park with it.

The Conscious Rapper:A Review of Macklemore and Ryan Lewis's "The Heist"

The term “conscious rapper,” is placed on any MC who’ music isn’t overcome by the shallow party, love and materialistic content that overwhelms today’s mainstream hip-hop. Any time anyone dare mention something of socio-political importance and relevance, they automatically become the “vegetables” of rap music according to Michael Eric Dyson. People feel inclined to listen to artists like Macklemore just to get their dose of substance. The rest of the time they indulge in the sugar loaded junk food that is mainstream Hip-Hop. Macklemore has denied any of these titles. He is content just being an artist because to classify him as “conscious,” retracts from the rest of his artistic character.


In his latest release, "The Heist," with producer, Ryan Lewis, the Seattle native has proved his stylistic flexibility and dynamism of his lyrics. With subject matter ranging from tackling homophobia and tackling alcoholism to sneakers, and thrifting, the result is an exemplary balance of serious and cheerful cuts. That being said, this album is no good without its second half; producer, Ryan Lewis. His unorthodox instrumentals set the tone for Macklemore’s emotional and relatable lyrics. From the soulful and somber, “Same Love,” dealing with homosexuality to the 808-centric and cheerful “Thrift Shop,” to the intense orchestral “Wings,” detailing the effect of fashion and the extremes of trends, materialism, and consumerism, cohesively put together a both conscious and cheerful record that transcend the lyrical and musical binds of popular music.

Musing at the Airport

This week I've decided to write about what was going through my head as I sat in the airport after bidding my parents farewell and prior to boarding a plane to take me back to Uganda to live with my grandparents. 

It had been about year since I first stepped foot in the United States. I had entered via Dulles International Airport and it was in this same place where I was waiting,  ready to make the 3000 mile journey back to Uganda where I was anxiously awaited by aunts, uncles, friends, cousins, and jajja's. (grandparents) The airport was not as full as usual due to the recent 9/11 attacks. Most people were fearful of flying and rightfully so. Had I not been told that the various 9/11 news broadcasts were in fact coincidental reruns of the same movie, my five year old self would most likely be trembling in my boots. My brother and I had attended school for one year in Silver Spring, MD and we were out. Originally, the plan was for us to make a permanent move to the states and live our parents, however. I had made it quite clear to my parents that I had absolutely no intention of going through with this. My adolescent mind still thinking in Luganda was utterly lost in this world of fast talking, colloquial jargon. Among other things the culture and environmental shock was incredible. The wonders I would see on afternoon walks with my mother were endless. Things such as red and orange leaves and ice falling from the sky were inconceivable a little African boy such as my self. I also felt a little uncomfortable being governed solely by a president, where as in Uganda I could breathe comfortably knowing that I was guarded by a king in addition to a president. As a result i was shipped back to live with my jajjas. I wasn't quite sure what my brother felt about the sudden move but as he sat next to me at the virtually empty gate, I could tell that both of us, while confused, were just happy to go back home. I smiled anxiously, one: because I loved flying and I couldn't wait to get on the pane, and two: because I knew that even though I was leaving my parents behind in Maryland, when I arrived at Entebbe International Airport I would be briskly taken to our house Bugolobi, where I could sleep safe and soundly  in the comfort my room, which I shared with my grandparents; and in the morning when I awoke, I would be greeted by the smells, sounds, and tastes of freshly served breakfast which I would indulge in, while sharing with my jajjas (grandparents) the infinite wonders that America had to offer; red leaves and all. There was sense of contentment in knowing that my grandmother and grandfather  would be there for me when my parents couldn't. As the announcement aired Informing us that it was time to board,  I rose willingly, knowing that back home there was a family waiting for me, just as it should be.