You know, we’ve talked a lot about how the rap movement has taken such a radical stance, and until this class I never really believed it. As a young child, I grew up being told that rap was this hard-core musical movement without meaning and that it’s not worth listening to. And I can honestly say, up until this point I believed that rap was not worth listening to. I believed that those who did were rappers and druggies who had nothing better to do that use music as a source to swear profusely and state vulgar and racial comments.
Today I was driving home from our EDCI 338 class- and this rap song came on the radio. The artist was Classified and the song was titled “Oh…Canada”. I have to admit that for the first time when listening to rap music- I truly listened to the bold messages that were declared within the lyrics on the song. You may have already listened to this video and thought it was awesome like I did- or you may have not- but I encourage you to do so now. Take a minute to listen to the lyrics you will uncover how much Canadian pride beams throughout the lyrics.
It’s funny how when I think about what Canadian pride means now- it is totally different from what I would have thought Canadian pride was before listening to this song. I learned that Canadian pride isn’t how someone waves a flag, or how loud they shout out the national anthem, it’s not even the person who has maple leaf painted on their face. Canadian pride is much more then all of this, Canadian pride is an emotion not an action. It is something we feel, not do. This song made me feel how good it feels to be part of this beautiful Country we call Canada.
Link to the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjiwBwBL4Qo
1 comments:
For a really good book about the history of hip hop check out Can't Stop Won't Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation by Jeff Chang. I'm reading it right now and I have to say - it rules.
As for Classified, I can't get on board with his song or his brand of nationalism. I think there is a lot there for unpacking but we can start with just looking at who is in the crowd of proud Canadians. Or rather, look at who is not in the crowd.
If you want to check out some awesome and critically engaging Hip Hop from Montreal, I would recommend Nomadic Massive. Here is a link to their song Sad But True: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Uufu5WtDY
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