dead prez: propaganda

propaganda

In the opening verse, dead prez attacks the higher authority including the mass media and government claiming that they are misleading the public in order to maintain control over them. Dead prez states,

"You can't fool all the people all of the time

But if you fool the right ones, then the rest will fall behind

Tell me who's got control of your mind? your world view?

Is it the news"

They continue the verse by stating, "know what I'm sayin cause uncle sam got a plan", further attacking the government and supporting the idea of the United States government's plans to control the public. Using previous government actions, dead prez gains support for their skepticism of government intentions. The line, "Because I don't believe a word of what the president said, he filling our head with lies got us hypnotized" shows dead prez's mistrust in the government.

Dead prez continuously makes claims against government intentions, questioning what the government is hiding by censoring information from the public. For example, dead prez draws attention to Area 51 and alleged government cover-ups of UFO sightings and other alien related information. "No one knows if there's ufo's or any life on mars, or what they do when they up in the stars." Censorship is a tool the government uses to keep control over the people and regulate their lives.

"Every channel got some brainwashed cop shit to watch

Running up in niggas cribs claiming that they heard shots

It's a plot, but busta can you tell me who's greedier?

Big corporations, the pigs or the media?"

The lines above protest the media and the manipulative television shows that the broadcast to the public. Dead prez believes that these television shows like Cops portray the alleged good intentions of the government and police force. However, Cops is used by the police, media, and government to spread fear and ignorance through the public. The television show portrays minorities as criminal, allowing the public to believe all minorities are suspect to criminal activity which strengthens the police force's abuse of power. The police force abuses their power by telling the public their intentions mean well and they are solely there to protect us from these criminals. Dead prez argues that the government and media's use of confirmation bias is another tool used to manipulate the public and control their actions and lives.

dead prez

dead prez

The combination of stic.man and M-1 led to the creation of dead prez, formed in 1996 in New York City, New York. The two men rap about current issues in society, protesting the misuse of corporate control over the media in their song "Propaganda". Since 1996, dead prez has gained support from listeners through their abnormal performance techniques, involving the burning of dollar bills. 

 

A common belief conveyed by dead prez is the anti-censorship mindset followed by stic.man and M-1.

"They Schools" protests the education system, claiming that the government is controlling and censoring the material taught in the schools. In the opening lines, dead prez states 

"Man that school shit is a joke

The same people who control the school system control

The prison system, and the whole social system

Ever since slavery, naw I'm saying?" 

telling the people not to trust the education system because it is controlled by the government who also controls the prisons. Stic.man attacks the education system in the first verse when he states, "I went to school with some redneck crackers" and "I took a history class serious Front row, every day of the week, 3rd period". In these lines, stic.man argues that the low academic achievement levels of poor African-American students are not related to lack of motivation, as stic.man expressed interest in his studies. In the second verse, M-1 discusses that although many students do no graduate from high school because of the high standards, the drop outs can still work to create themselves into respected intellectuals. 

You either get paid or locked up, the principal is like a warden
In a four year sentence, mad niggas never finish
But that doesn't mean I couldn't be a doctor or a dentist

 Additionally, M-1 discusses the role of education in a person's life. M-1 states, "School is like a 12 step brainwash camp. They make you think if you drop out you ain't got a chance", claiming that the government is manipulating students who succeed in school in preparation for their entrance into the workforce. According to dead prez, those students who do not graduate or cannot make it through grades K-12 are established as failures by the government and the rest of society. However, the people who did not graduate or dropped out are not failures but are believed to be, because of the failing education system controlled by the government.

Fed Up

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus takes a different approach to protesting domestic violence by creating the song "Face Down". The messaged conveyed through the song comes from the perspective of a friend or outsider not involved in the abusive relationship. In the opening verse, the line refers to the outsider or friend speaking to the girl, questioning why she stays with this man if he continues to follow the pattern of abusing her then lying and promising her it would never happen again. 

Hey girl, you know, you drive me crazy
One look puts the rhythm in my hand
Still I'll never understand why you hang around
I see what's goin' down

 

Additional to the song, the music video portrays the reality of domestic violence. The song shows a woman with all of her surroundings falling apart and breaking. As her life begins to crash from the abuse, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus's repeating chorus suggests that the woman will leave this man and overcome the abusive relationship

Do you feel like a man, when you push her around?
Do you feel better now as she falls to the ground?
Well, I'll tell you my friend, one day this world's going to end
As your lies crumble down, a new life she has found

 

The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus wants listeners to bring their attention to this issue. Furthermore, the song addresses those victim to domestic violence, asking them to seek help if necessary. The problem with domestic violence is that those suffering from them continue to take the abuse and don't leave or get help.

 

The verse below addresses the abuser in the abusive relationship, stating "Every action in this world will bear a consequence." Because the man in this relationship has abused the woman, he will have to suffer by losing her when she breaks up with him and leaves.

 

A pebble in the water makes a ripple effect
Every action in this world will bear a consequence
If you wade around forever you will surely drown
I see what's going down 

Bombs Over Baghdad

Outkast's single B.O.B (Bombs Over Baghdad) was released in September 6, 2000 and was the first single from their album "Stankonia." The misleading title of this song leads many listeners to believe that Outkast is protesting against the United States' 2003 invasion in Iraq, which is impossible because the song was released three years prior. However, Outkast does reference the 1991 Gulf War and the song goes further to criticize the music industry and how people in the music industry go halfway through with things and fail to complete them.

Before you RE up, get a laptop
Make a business for yourself, boy, set some goals
Make a fat diamond out of dusty coals
Record number four, but we on the road

Big Boi's lines in the song show how Outkast wants the people to set goals and follow through with their ambitions rather than start and leave them incomplete. 

Big Boi

The chorus states "Don't even bang unless you plan to hit something" showing how Outkast wants artists in the music industry to make something happen and follow through with it. According to Deena Weinstein, the problem with many protest songs is their misinterpretation by the public or the people. Similar to the theories of Weinstein, Outkast's song B.O.B is commonly misinterpreted and believed to be a song protesting President George W. Bush Jr.'s invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Domestic Violence

Eminem's hit song "Love The Way You Lie" was released on August 9, 2010. From the album Recovery, the number one album on the US Billboard 200 chart, "Love The Way You Lie" protests Domestic Violence. The song features Rihanna, a victim of domestic violence from her ex-boyfriend Chris Brown.

The song describes the story of an abusive relationship, showing the ups and downs and struggle to find stability. Eminem successfully protests domestic violence as Recovery received a Grammy for Best Rap Album, "Love The Way You Lie" spent seven consecutive weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, and Eminem earned six awards of the thirty nominations from around the world.

Plato does not approve

"But I don't love her" - Gucci Mane



Radric Davis "Gucci Mane"



Famous rapper Radric Davis, also known as Gucci Mane, promotes objectifying women in his son "I Don't Love Her" featuring Rocko and Webbie.

Modern rap continuously attacks women and the role of women in society. Gucci Mane states

I love things about her ( but don't love her )
I love the way she treat me (but don't love her )
I love the way she f*** me (but don't love her)
I love the way she bless me (but still don't love her)

 
in the chorus of the song, repeating the constant belief that women are only loved for what they are able to do or accomodate for men. By promoting this behavior and treatment of women through his music, Gucci Mane advocates the degradation of women. On the contrary, the message conveyed by Gucci Mane in "I Don't Love Her" oppose Plato's beliefs. Plato would not approve of this song in The Republic because it portrays bad morals and beliefs to the people. Allowing this song to play in The Republic would mean that Plato is accepting  the immoralities portrayed by the song and teaching these beliefs to society.

The use of censorship in The Republic by Plato advocates his intention to mold society into what he envisions. Plato strongly believes in equality and even creates a median between poor and rich people of The Republic.



Plato



In Gucci Mane's verse, he continues to incorporate ideas boosting his ego and masculinity. Throughout the verse he reherses lines like, "verse so slick make my video marvelous", "plenty rocks on my arm", or "I didn't mean to shit on you excuse me sorry", consistently acknowledging materialistic beliefs.

Ima trapholic all I do is ball
Tear the mall down now trick
Don't flag me down see me down town rarri
I didnt mean to shit on you excuse me sorry
Verse so slick make my video marvelous
Polo to the floor Ralph down like carlton
Try the CO they gone put yu on a carton
I didnt mean no harm but my diamonds are dumb plenty rocks on my arm
Me & Rocko the Don, East Atlanta the Slum
Where I'm from got a gun in the club havin fun
And —- done no more coaches to call it
After party bachelor party they shudda called it

Additional to Gucci Mane, Rocko and Webbie infer ideas objectifying women. According to Rocko,

Man I love the way she shake it
I like her cause she groovy
Love to see her naked I love to watch a movie
I like her she the coolest
Good head on her shoulders I love the way she use it
Ay I like the way she fuck me love the way she suck me
Love how everytime we play she catch it like rugby
I love she know whats up with me she love me cause I'm gutta
I like a lot about her though but still don't love her
Still super cool though yeah she my luh buddy
She be sharper than ah pencil
Yeah she my luh cutty
Shawty say I'm dirty but when I see ha she wanna hug me
Super swagga carats mack all my bitches love that

women are merely just an object used for pleasure or satisfaction. The entire second verse of "I Don't Love Her" by Gucci Mane states what Rocko enjoys about this woman but he even states, "I like a lot about her though but still don't love her", strongly implying the belief of objectifying women. Plato's strong belief in equality of the people would definitely oppose and censor this song from being played in The Republic.



Rodney Ramone Hill Jr. "Rocko"



Gucci Mane's song "I Don't Love Her" strongly impacts society as it approves the objectification of women and the degradation of women. Allowing society to believe it is alright to treat other people poorly creates the social problems that protesters fight to remove.

What if...

Lupe Fiasco is considered a lyrical genius of our time.

Wasalu Muhammad Jaco "Lupe Fiasco"

 His surplus of meaning in his lyrics overflows off the page and gathers for the listener to absorb. All Black Everything by Lupe Fiasco is a prime example of Lupe Fiasco's efforts to imagine society without the redundant problems that bother and fill our minds at all times.

Lupe Fiasco suggests the listener to free their mind and dream together with himself of a world without social distinctions.

In Lupe Fiasco's dream which is taking place during the song All Black Everything, problems in today's society are reversed and there are no distinctions in race, color, or ethnicity. By reversing the roles of people in today's society with their opposite role gives us insight into the society that evolved in Lupe Fiasco's dream. Lupe's song All Black Everything expresses backwards world views and distorted illusions of society. 

Another concept that Lupe Fiasco demonstrates in his song includes the aversion of many conflicts caused by inequality and unjust actions. For instance, Lupe's first verse in All Black Everything discusses the possibilities if slavery had never transpired. Lupe Fiasco goes even farther by portraying many of the extremes in society or antonyms, a black woman in charge of the Ku Klux Klan, Bill O'Reilly reads and reports from the Quran, and even President Bush holding power in Iran rather than the United States. Lupe Fiasco uses these absolute extremes to represent the "what if" possibilities that society fails to acknowledge.

Uh, and we ain't get exploited
White man ain't feared so he did not destroy it
We ain't work for free, see they had to employ it
Built it up together so we equally appointed
First 400 years, see we actually enjoyed it
Constitution written by the W.E.B. Du Bois
Were no reconstructions, Civil War got avoided
Little black Sambo grows up to be a lawyer
Extra extra on the news stands
Black woman voted head of Ku Klux Klan
Malcolm Little dies as a old man
Martin Luther King read the eulogy for him
Followed by Bill O'Reilly who read from the Quran
President Bush sends condolences from Iran
Where FOX News reports live
That Ahmadinejad wins Mandela peace prize

Unlike Weinstein's theory, Lupe Fiasco's works are recognized for their successful arguments against the dominant ideology of conforming to the norms of society, and do not get misinterpreted or misread by a vast quantity of listeners. One way that Lupe Fiasco further reveals his philosophies is through graphic musical texts. According to Shuker, "The three forms of text are graphic, musical, and music video"(93). Lupe Fiasco's album cover for LASERS implements Shuker's theory on graphic text; and their ability to display concepts conveyed by the artist.

Lupe Fiasco connects the verses together through the use of his chorus.

You would never know
If you could ever be
If you never try
You would never see
Stayed in Africa
We ain't never leave
So there were no slaves in our history
Were no slave ships, were no misery, call me crazy, or isn't he
See I fell asleep and I had a dream, it was all black everything

Throughout the chorus, Lupe uses words with definite concrete meanings to convince the listener to consider Lupe's vision of a world without anyone being looked down upon. The words, "never, ever, no, all, everything" establish fixed boundaries within the word itself, leaving no room for misinterpretation. On the other hand, the words, "if, try, isn't, dream" create ambiguous restraints allowing possibilities to transfer to the listeners mind.

Lupe Fiasco also mentions renowned rappers Eminem and 50 Cent as he asks the listener what if Eminem was black and 50 Cent was white. Questioning the norms of society provides Lupe with the listeners attention as they are intrigued by the "what ifs". Society knows and recognizes Eminem for his ability to defeat the odds and receive recognition as a rapper while being white. However, reversing the roles, would Eminem have made it if he was black? Or would 50 Cent be able to do what Eminem did if he was white and reach success?

Eminem fitted in but then again he inspired a black rapper tryin to mimic him
And that's what really rose up out of Michigan, the sign of white rapper by the name of 50 Cent, ha!

Lupe Fiasco's song All Black Everything disputes the standard structure of society and additionally asserts the outlook of an unpopular view upon the listener. Despite the evils surrounding fame and success, Lupe Fiasco is still able to produce music untouched by ordinary opinions. Appealing to the underdog is a tactic that continues to work for Lupe Fiasco as his songs enforce ideas of supporting the less favorite. 

This is Dubstep.

I believe dubstep is one of the best examples of protest music.

It defies the common belief of what music is and continues forward to reach a new generation of music, one developed using advances in technology today. People believe that because an instrument is not being played that dubstep is not an actual genre of music. I believe that dubstep music is a perfect example for protest music because it opposes the peoples' idea of what music is. Also, people discredit dubstep artists and call their music; random noises, racket, or sounds. However, dubstep appeals to a different group of listeners and dubstep artists must work strenuously to create their songs.

The video above shows a concert of a dubstep concert, featuring a well-known dubstep artist known as Skrillex.

Sonny Moore "Skrillex"

Lorin Ashton "Bassnectar"

The machinery being operated is not only highly advanced, but creating songs like the one in the video, Hey Sexy Lady - iSquare (Skrillex Remix), involves a modern technology of creating sounds that collaborate and work well. Dubstep is not simple in the fact that anyone can create dubstep music. For example, there are many dubstep artists but like all other genres of music, few become well recognized and many remain in the category of bad. New dubstep fans will most likely be introduced with the major artists known as Bassnectar, Skrillex, Mt Eden, or even Nero, however the underground and less popular artists are just as good, if not better than the generic known dubstep artists. Personally, I feel that the only difference in the songs created by popular dubstep artists and unknown dubstep artists is the familiarity by the fans.

 Playing Bassnectar's Remix of Ellie Goulding's song Lights or Skrillex's song Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites

will be known by majority of people who claim to be dubstep fans, while Datsik's song Nuke 'Em

Troy Beetles "Datsik"

or Chase & Status's song Saxon

Saul Milton & Will Kennard "Chase & Status"

DJ Asaf Borger "Borgore"

will possibly be unknown to a "dubstep fan". In my opinion, discovering new dubstep artists is part of being a dubstep fan. I feel that as you listen to different dubstep artists, you can hear distinct differences in their songs. For example, Borgore is known to be very inappropriate and aggressive with their songs, while Skrillex has intense bass drops with very catchy and trendy tunes and beats to add. Distinctions in different dubstep artists allows more variety and unusual or special music to be created.

 

Borgore - Love 

 

Benny Bennassi - Cinema (Skrillex Remix)

Although dubstep is a newer genre of music, it has expanded rapidly and grasped many fans and supporters. Dubstep has received hate from music listeners, discrediting the level of difficulty it takes to create the music, calling it a social trend that people will follow because "everyone is doing it", and even disregarding dubstep as music. People aren't aware of the effort and work that is put into creating this music, and although people can dislike this genre of music, many people still enjoy dubstep. The genre is growing to become a quick producing industry.

DC and Hooks "Zeds Dead"

One of my personal favorite dubstep artists is Zeds Dead, a less famous group consisting of two artists named DC and Hooks. Unknown or underground artists interest me because they provide a different sound in their songs for me to listen to. Zeds Dead's song 1975 is an example of an exotic and intricate beat with powerful drops as well. 

Another personal favorite would be the SubVibe Bootleg Remix of Ellie Goulding's song Starry Eyed. The remix puts the listener in a trance and because Ellie Goulding's voice is calm and tranquil, provides a relaxed feeling while the bass drop is able to pump up the listener and encourage the listener to "rage". 

Ellie Goulding

 

Identifying differences in sounds, beats, and drops in songs provides insight for people unwilling to listen to dubstep. Haters or novices to dubstep will be able to understand the difference in sounds of dubstep songs and random noises. As people progress to accepting dubstep, more supporters will follow.

As a dubstep fan, I believe that everyone is entitled to their interests and opinions but they should also be able to respect others' opinions and the genre in its entirety. Dubstep goes outside of the box that society lives by and challenges what is normal. It touches upon a new "free living" attitude that listeners can grasp while listening to the music.

Georgia... Bush

Lil' Wayne, native to New Orleans, Louisiana, released the mixtape Dedication 2 in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina. Additional to this mixtape, Lil' Wayne did many guest appearances and other mixtapes from 2006-2008. His support to New Orleans reminds fans that he hasn't moved on past his home town. He performed a tribute to New Orleans at the Grammy Awards in 2009.

His song "Georgia... Bush" released off the Dedication 2 mixtape in 2006 and attacked former president George W. Bush. Throughout his entire first verse, Lil' Wayne attacks the government and Bush, claiming that the people are unaware of the truth and that Bush is telling and showing the people what Bush wants them to view.

Wayne continues to criticize the flood and hurricane protection system in New Orleans and how poor they were in dealing with Hurricane Katrina. The second verse continues on violently attacking Bush and any Bush supporters. The level of intensity portrayed by Lil' Wayne in this song properly displays the effect Hurricane Katrina had on the people of New Orleans, as well as the feelings felt by the people towards the government and President Bush. Many believe that Lil' Wayne was out of line while attacking the President, however President Bush was warned before Hurricane Katrina hit about the possible breaches in the levees and the unpreparedness of the city of New Orleans.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11627394/ns/us_news-katrina_the_long_road_back/t/video-shows-bush-got-explicit-katrina-warning/#.ToIRD0-m2t8

The video above shows how President Bush clearly had prior knowledge about the threats of Hurricane Katrina and did not act in response to these threats.

Reppin' Your City Starts A Revolution

Everyone familiar with rap artist Wiz Khalifa knows how he prides himself in being from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His famous song "Black And Yellow" focuses on "repping" or representing his home town. A Top Hit on the Billboard's Hot 100 list, natives to Pittsburgh drew pride from this song, encouraging them to have extreme satisfaction in their city. 

 The song represents the colors of the city, as all of the sports teams and even the city flag are colored black and yellow.

 Wiz Khalifa's pride in his city continues on with the movement of "repping" your home. The controversial East and West rivalry is a prime example of the movement years before. However, the song Black and Yellow became the "anthem" for the Pittsburgh Steelers during the season in 2010 and continued on to be the anthem during Super Bowl XLV. On the contrary, Lil Wayne release his song "Green And Yellow" representing the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV. The idea of representing a team or city through music had created an ego-boost for the teams and players, as well as the fans. To think that a song could inspire so many people in an area to become more involved in their city pride is unbelievable in my opinion. As well as motivating listeners and fans, Wiz Khalifa's song Black and Yellow resulted in many parody videos with other rappers representing their cities colors. For example, The Game and Snoop Dogg collaborated on a song Purp and Yellow, representing Los Angeles, California and the LA Lakers.

Wiz Khalifa's song Black And Yellow started a movement spreading pride in ones city. As it grew in popularity, it started a revolution of city pride through the people across the United States during a time of depression.

Obama in the Media

I began thinking about this topic while reminiscing over Lil' Wayne's song A Milli

and remembering how there was an Obama Remix right around the time of President Obama's election race in 2008.

The music and media industries have worked with Obama, whether or not he was willingly cooperating, to attract attention to President Obama and the songs. I believe that videos like this helped Obama further grasp the attention of the youth of the nation. Many will agree with the fact that the younger people of the nation brought Obama to the top of the polls. This is evident when the large decrease in young voters in 2010 occurred. Although they are still supporting Obama, many did not bother to vote in 2010 costing Democratic seats in Senate and House. The drop in voters can be partially blamed for Obama's lack to reach out and inform the younger people and tell them they needed to vote. I believe that the publicity from the music industry involving Obama helped grab the youth's attention. The spoof video of Go Hard in the Paint by renowned rapper Waka Flocka Flames

called Head of the State by Baracka Flocka Flames

is another example of Obama's impact in the musical world and rap industry. The media's interest in President Obama may be stemmed from the easy publicity surrounding the power of President Obama combined with the additional publicity from being the first black president.

I feel the media abused President Obama to attract more attention and profit. He is seen everywhere and many are beginning to view him as the "King of all Media." As we near the next Presidential Election, I wonder whether or not we will see more media publicity in the music industry involving Obama and if there is more publicity, will this help him in the race.

Modern Rappers vs Old-School Rappers vs Society

Rappers of today are compared and defined by the rappers in the past. As new rappers emerge, listeners, fans and critics compare them to their old favorites. Aubrey Graham, also known as Drake, has emerged as a new upcoming rapper in the past few years. He has joined Young Money Entertainment, a group created by Lil' Wayne featuring many upcoming rappers.

His success started from his acting career and continued on to his rapping. His first few songs included stories of how he came to his success, troubles he had to overcome and the struggles to reach success. Among this group of "new-school" rappers, many of them rap about how they reach success. Drake, being more renowned presently, has surpassed the stage of dreaming and is living very successful.

Big Sean and Chris Webby for example, have released albums and/or mix-tapes describing their hope for success and power. Although they continue to aim for success, they sometimes meet disapproval. For instance, The Game, one of the "old-school" rappers showed them and many other rappers disapproval in his song Uncle Otis. The Game disses rappers all around in his song Uncle Otis, saying in one line "I'mma eat it up like it's my last, I'mma do it different, she ain't getting no cash. You know why? I'm not a star".

Some say that The Game dissing these "new-school" rappers is an introduction into the rap world, others believe that it is just his way of saying that all the "new-school" rappers won't reach the success that "old-school" rappers achieved. The Game is not the only old-school rapper dissing the rap industry of today, Nas's song Hip Hop is Dead describes how the rap industry has become commercial and is focusing more on business than the actual music.

Fans of rap today, for the most part, continue listening to old-school rap on ipods, cds, and other forms of music. Radio stations of today play the top hits of hip-hop and rap songs, they overplay and butcher songs, leading many people today to not listen to the radio. Those who do listen to the radio are usually followers and just listen to top hits to stay in the loop with their friends. Society today replays the same top hits for a period of time until a new hit is released. Rappers today are told they will not reach the same level as old-school rappers mainly because they are used by the radios once they become famous and receive criticism from listeners of the rap genre. New-school rappers simply cannot reach the same success as old-school rappers as they are abused by society's wants and desires. Once an underground artist gets on the radio, original fans sometimes feel the need to stop following the artist and finding a new underground artist. As a follower of both new-school rap and old-school rap, I am able to say that overplayed songs tend to irritate me, however this does not make me hate or dislike the artist. Although many people do dislike the new-school rap, there are still fans that promote the new upcoming artists. Taylor Gang, fans of artist Wiz Khalifa, is an example of fans dedicated to following Wiz Khalifa and his rise to success.