Posted on Wed 06/21/06 in Music Reviews
Along with Math, Music is truly a universal language. I find myself listening to bits of NPR’s All Songs Considered throughout the day, and I experience a spread of diverse sounds and transplanted artists.
I find that I am affected by music from all areas of the world… Iran, Japan, Africa, Caribbean, Scotland — each having one consistent characteristic: the purpose to make the listener feel. I might not understand the words because I don’t speak Arabic, but I can feel the tone of the voices and the combination of musical attributes that cause my brain to think, my heart to ache, or my blood vessels to dilate.
If we shun a type of music because of its label, we are often missing out on the chance to feel its effects.
Throughout my daily encounters, I find that so many people are turned off by the mere mention of rap music. The stereotype of the genre is untouchably powerful. In my reality, the rap genre has changed so much in the twenty-something years I’ve been on this Earth that I honestly couldn’t even tell you what defines it. What I can tell you is that if you let go of the stereotypes and labels, you’ll hear the messages and embrace the feelings. You might even consider an alternative view, have your questions answered, or just feel good about something.
At the beginning of this post, I indented to just post a link to a music video, but I was inspired to reflect a bit before doing so.
The artist you will see in the following linked video has been a good friend of mine since 1994. I am proud to see him succeeding, and I’ve already enjoyed countless performances of his brain-churning, in-your-face, real-deal-Holyfield, entertainment. Is it rap? Is it hip-hop? Go ask ya motha!
The video link above was created by shortfacedbear in the UK.
“I Make Weird” is available on Bleubird’s 12“EP titled Pilgrim of St.Zotique, released in May, 2006 by Endemik Music.
Live Bleubird footage was shot in Montreal and Florida. Skyrider is the band performing with Bleubird near the end.
Shot out to Bud Burning of Skyrider!
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