Tag Archives: Hip Hop

Profound Hip Hop Quote #12: Special Women’s History Month Edition

26 Mar

“It’s been three weeks since you’ve been looking for your friend
The one you let hit it and never called you again
‘Member when he told you he was ’bout the Benjamin’s
You act like you ain’t hear him then gave him a little trim
To begin, how you think you really gon’ pretend
Like you wasn’t down then you called him again”

—Lauryn Hill, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”

Oftentimes, I hear both women and men utter disparaging remarks about the other in regard to behaviors and treatment and that they’re only after “one thing.”  But do people acknowledge their own roles as enablers in the way they are being spoken to or treated.  For example, some women will say guys are nothing but dogs.  Even though I do not necessarily agree with that statement, let’s analyze it for a moment.  If guys are dogs, there is no denying that they still come in different breeds and will require proper training based on their breed.  Also, I ponder over why these very same women who claim that men are dogs allow these “dogs” to take them for walks instead of the other way around.  They say, “A dog is always going to be a dog,” or “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.”  Curiously, some women never stop these “dogs” who are “barking up the wrong tree” then seem so surprised when they receive ill treatment, are used or are only sought after for sex when the “dog” made his intentions clear from the beginning.

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge an exceptional female lyricist and vocalist who is still revered by true followers of hip hop music.  Even though people are still awaiting a follow-up CD to Lauryn Hill’s “Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” she will always be one of the most powerful female rappers of the 90s.  Even in 2011, many female artists aspire to have rhyming skills and a stage presence that she has.

In “Doo Wop (That Thing),” Lauryn Hill drops knowledge about a circumstance that occurs more frequently than most would like to admit: relationship misconceptions.  When people enter relationships, the hope is that they will make their intentions known.  Nevertheless, there are people who ignore the signs and pretend that they didn’t know what the “deal” was until everything starts to unravel.  How can you make a person love you let alone like you when he (or she) has made it clear that he (or she) is only there to dog you or use you?  Most people know that sleeping with a person is not the answer, yet they find themselves traveling down this route anyway then wondering how they ended up stranded on the highway of love and desertion.

Take heed to what people tell you and show you early on in a relationship rather than ignoring the signs; then you may be able to avoid heartbreak in the future.  As Lauren Hill says, “You act like you ain’t hear him then gave him a little trim.  To begin, how you think you really gon’ pretend.  Like you wasn’t down then you called him again.”  Too often do people, not just women, compromise their values, ethics and standards to be with this guy or girl who has made his or her intentions clear: a relationship with a rock solid foundation is not the objective with these people, so why think that is what you will receive?  If you want more out of a relationship and want to be treated with a certain level of respect, you must first treat yourself with respect, and accept nothing less from those with whom you come in contact.

Women’s History Month is drawing to a close.  Don’t let it go by without expressing yourself by paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Lauryn Hill abbreviates the word “remember” to “member” for dialectical and meter  purposes.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote #11: Special Women’s History Month Edition

19 Mar

“Truly when I get involved I give it my heart
I mean my mind, my soul, my body I mean every part
But if it doesn’t work out, yo it just doesn’t
It wasn’t meant to be you know, it just wasn’t”

—MC Lyte, “Paper Thin”


Relationships can be wonderful and even magical at times, but they do take a lot of work and must have a solid foundation to be everlasting.  Do you play games in relationships, or do you take them seriously.  Perhaps the person with whom you are in a relationship with is playing games as you give it your all to make it work.  Sometimes we give everything to people who do not deserve it at all or are simply not ready for it.  When this occurs, do you stay in the unhealthy relationship or move on with your life?

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge a spectacular female lyricist who not only paved the way for female MCs who preceded her but also held her own in the presence of many male contenders.  MC Lyte aka Lana Michelle Moorer is one of the most powerful female rappers of the 1980s and 90s.  Even in 2011, many female artists aspire to have rhyming skills and a stage presence that she has.

In “Paper Thin,” MC Lyte raps about a predicament that several people find themselves in all too often: a relationship quickly unraveling because of infidelity.   Even though both men and women cheat, it is usually the woman who decides to stay in the relationship and work it out despite witnessing all of the signs that suggest his cheating ways will not be a thing of the past.  MC Lyte refuses to tolerate such behavior and proclaims that she will not be in a relationship where it is not an equal partnership.  She is willing to give her all, but she is also willing to walk away from a toxic relationship if it just is not meant to be.

Perhaps we all need to be more discerning when deciding to give our mind, body and soul to that “special” someone.  Have you ever tried to force a relationship to work when it apparently had run its course?  As MC Lyte says, “But if it doesn’t work out, yo it just doesn’t.  It wasn’t meant to be you know, it just wasn’t.”  If you find yourself in this predicament, why not use this time to feel more comfortable with yourself and know who you truly are before giving all of yourself to the next “special” someone.  As a result, you could eventually find yourself in an everlasting relationship with not just that “new” someone else but with yourself.

Don’t let this Women’s History Month go by without expressing yourself by paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
MC Lyte use the standard couplet rhyme for these specific lyrics.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote Week #10: Special Women’s History Month Edition

12 Mar

Yes, I’m blessed, and I know who I am
I express myself on every jam
I’m not a man, but I’m in command
Hot damn, I got an all girl band

—Salt n Pepa, “Express Yourself”


How comfortable are you with expressing yourself? Sometimes this task can prove to be difficult for women.  How does a woman successfully express herself while gaining the respect she deserves from her male counterparts without being perceived as overly aggressive or too emotional?  Should women even care about how they are perceived when they are expressing their “true” selves?

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge two great female lyricists who truly paved the way for female MCs who preceded them.  Salt (Cheryl James Wray) and Pepa (Sandra Denton) are one of the most powerful female rap duos of the 1980s and 90s.  They addressed issues such as being independent, love, partying and enjoying life  and even practicing safe sex.

In “Express Yourself,” Salt n Pepa encourage the listeners, both females and males, to be themselves and not feel the need to assimilate or to follow behind others just to fit in with the crowd.  Specifically, in the lyrics provided, Pepa rejoices in knowing how blessed she is and declares, “I know who I am.  I express myself on every jam.”  Do you know who you are, or are you a mere carbon copy of what you think people expect you to be?  Pepa also acknowledges that she does not have to be a man to be “in command”  without bashing men.  Instead, she acknowledges her own achievements in having an “all girl band.”

We are all “blessed,” in one way or another and mustn’t be afraid to express our “true” selves.  Women, especially, must hold their heads high and be proud of who they are.  Isn’t it wonderful to know that you are original?  There is no one in the world like you.  Even if you have an identical twin or a doppelganger (out there somewhere) your personalities and fingerprints are not alike.  So why would you not want to be you?  Your uniqueness is what makes you special.  Knowing that I am special with unique talents and gifts has definitely helped me  with embracing the idea of expressing my “true” self.  Don’t let this Women’s History Month go by without expressing yourself by paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Salt n Pepa use the standard couplet rhyme for these specific lyrics.  However, she does employ  an internal rhyme in the second couplet focusing on the assonance of the “and” sound: “man,” command,” “damn” and “band.”

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #9 Special Women’s History Month Edition

5 Mar

Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind
If you don’t believe, well here, listen to this rhyme
Ladies first, there’s no time to rehearse
I’m divine and my mind expands throughout the universe

—Queen Latifah and Monie Love, “Ladies First”


Are you a lady who is empowered or has empowered others?  Do you know any powerful women who have or are presently paving the way for others?  Perhaps this person is your grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, teacher, colleague or mentor.

In honor of “Women’s History Month,” I would like to acknowledge one of the great female lyricists to command respect as an MC and a person.  Queen Latifah, aka Dana Owens, may only be known to some as an actor, or a Cover Girl model who occasionally releases a jazz and R & B compilation.  Nevertheless,  there once was a time when she was a force on the microphone as a rapper.  Over twenty years ago, Queen Latifah teamed up with London rapper, Monie Love, to give women a voice and to acknowledge how far we have come and why we are deserving of respect from our male counterparts.

Queen Latifah implores the listener to not simply accept what others say but to create her own destiny.  “Who said the ladies couldn’t make it, you must be blind.”  Most people have heard the old cliche phrase, “Sometimes people are their own worse enemies.”  Unfortunately, many women give up or choose to use their sexuality instead of their brains before they even get a chance to enter the game of life because they do not think they are capable of meeting their goals or being respected as women because of brainwashing and conditioning.  Even though women may need to assert themselves in a more fastidious way than their male counterparts at times, this does not mean that they cannot or will not be victorious.

We are all “divine,” but women must also recognize the power of the mind.  It starts with a thought; then it will manifest itself throughout the universe.  Be positive, embrace your “womenhood,” and do not allow anyone to suggest that you should come second; take care of yourself first.  If you are a man, embrace the women in your life.  Support them in their endeavors; give them the respect they deserve.  Just think, Queen Latifah’s song, “Ladies First” started out as an idea and became a classic empowerment rap anthem for ladies.  It has definitely impacted my life and a multitude of others.  Don’t let this Women’s History Month go by without paying homage to those women who have impacted you directly or indirectly.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Queen Latifah uses the standard couplet rhyme for these specific lyrics.  However, she does employ  a slant rhyme for the first couplet focusing on the assonance of the sound: Blind and Rhyme.  The long “I” sound resounds.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #8

26 Feb

“We spent the last year writing rhymes doing shows and chopping records
And traveled all around the world to spread the message
‘Cause ain’t no rest for the weary when it comes to my team
We only sleep on December the 32nd”

—Little Brother, “Not Enough”


At what lengths are you willing to go to achieve what you want out of life?  Will you fight for it at any cost even when it does not seem plausible or reachable?

Little Brother, one of the most talented rap duos birthed in the 21st century, did just that! Though Phonte and Rapper Big Pooh’s talents and tight lyrical abilities have been lauded by most underground artists and “hip hop heads,” they have often been unrecognized by “mainstream” hip hop listeners and radio stations.  Perhaps it was due to lack of promotion or lack of awareness on behalf of music listeners; nevertheless, for nearly ten years, these guys did not stop, and I loved being a part of their sleepless journey.

Interestingly, I did not hear “The Listening,” their debut CD until a few years after its original release.    Their sophomore album, “The Minstrel Show” was my first listening experience, and I did not know what to expect from such a controversial title.  However, I loved every song and interlude and understood why the CD had such an intriguing title. I then thought to myself, these guys from the “South” are flawless, and their rhyming skills ant witty usage of figurative language cannot be denied!

When I heard these lines in “Not Enough,” I knew that many people, not just underground “hip-hop heads” could relate to their plight.  Even though there is this constant struggle of being accepted and striving to reach their goals, they managed to persist.  Do you fight for what you want?  Once you realize what you want, do you establish clear, concrete goals, and apply yourself wholeheartedly to reach those goals.  No matter how unattainable they may seem to be or how mentally or physically exhausted you may be, there “ain’t no rest for the weary.”  While you sleep on your dreams another day goes by with no progress being made, and there is probably someone living out the dream you so desperately want to be a reality.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
Little Brother’s Phonte is the czar of figurative language  and witty rhymes.Perhaps is was his college education at North Carolina Central University or his exposure and affinity towards poetic techniques.  Regardless, the lines from “Not Enough” contain a compelling example of an allusion, which means an indirect reference.

“We only sleep on December the 32nd.” As you may know, or should know, there is no December 32nd.  Why doesn’t Phonte simply say, “We never sleep?” He selects a date that does not exists to not only pique the interest of the listeners but to stimulate their minds requiring some critical thinking to realize this fact.  What makes this line so brilliant is he chooses a date that would be the last day in the year if it did exists, which suggests that he has worked all year non-stop yet still refuses to “sleep.”

Also, Phonte has a lyrical finesse when it comes to rhyming.  Some rap artists simply rhyme word like, “cat” with “hat” or even “cat” with “cat” again.  This would be considered an ab or aa rhyme.  Phonte, incorporates an aaba technique using slant rhymes.  This is where part of the syllable of a word rhymes through consonance (rhyming of consonant sounds) or assonance (rhyming of vowel sounds).  When one reads “records,” “message,” and “32nd” he or she may say, “that doesn’t even rhyme!”  On the contrary, it does.   Upon listening to the song, the “eh” sound in re-cord, mes-sage thirty-sec-ond can be heard.

Lastly, Phonte uses the word “sleep” which could easily be substituted with “stop.”  Why “sleep?”  Of course, it is being employed in this instance as slang, but Phonte has something much more meaningful in mind.  Why sleep when you can live out your dreams?

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #7

19 Feb

“You need git up, git out and git somethin’
How will you make it if you never even try
You need to git up, git out and git somethin’
Cuz you and I got to do for you and I”

—OutKast, “Git Up, Git Out”

How often do you complain or hear others complain about their job, lack of job, family life, social life or just life in general?  How many of these very same people, possibly including you, are doing “nothing” about it?

This classic rap song from OutKast’s debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” states what must be done emphatically.  One of the reasons I still love this song so much is that both “André 3000” Benjamin and Antwan “Big Boi” Patton still live by it approximately 17 years from its release.  They have branched out into television, movies, cartoons at one point, fashion and even ballet.  Apparently, they made sure to “git up, git out” and do more than a little “somethin.”

Besides the smooth mellow beat, I still find myself singing along with this catchy chorus with the “in your face” meaning. Where are you in your life?  Where do you want to be?  What are “you” doing to get there? Yes, these past few years have been difficult for most during the recession, but there are so many lessons to be learned and opportunities of which to take advantage.  “How will you make it if you never even try?”

I love where I presently am today, and I am partly where I am because I did “something” to achieve my goals, and the other reason is because God was on my side as I sought out those goals.  Interestingly though, I’ve learned that whenever I ascertain that “something” for which I’m reaching, there’s always some bigger and better goal waiting out there for me.  We all have days when we wish our life circumstances were better, but we mustn’t  wallow in self-pity, be envious or covet what others have.  We “need to git up, git out and git somethin’.  Cuz you and I got to do for you and I.”  We’re all in this journey together.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:
OutKast’s name alone is a perfect English lesson because the correct spelling is Outcast.  These guys have fun with the English language by modifying the spelling of words and even changing the syntax of words with the title of this album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.”  Actually, this is a common technique amongst some poets: e.e. cummings is one of the most famous to use this technique.  Also, OuKast embraces a southern slang vernacular in most of their songs since they are from Atlanta.  Instead of get, OuKast uses git, and instead of something, they use somethin’.

Furthermore, within the last line, there is not only a colloquialism with modified spelling but an object pronoun error which might have been deliberately done for the purpose of rhyming and to have the proper meter in the line.  Instead of “Cuz you and I got to do for you and I,” it should be “Because you and I have to do for you and me.”  Keep in mind that many rappers who are well-versed and considered lyricists tend to familiarize themselves with the standard grammar rules prior to breaking the rules in their lyrics.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #6

12 Feb

“Love, life, music: this is what it sounds like.
Letting the good times overshadow the bad,
as long as we alive, that’s a reason to be glad
Love, life, music: this is what it feels like.
Many ways to die one way to live,
turn negative into positive.”

—Nicolay featuring Eye Plus Eye, “Love Life Music (Remix)”

What is love?  What does it feel like?  What does it sound like?  Is it always about romance?  With Valentine’s day approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to select a song that addresses love in some way.  At first, I wanted to use a romantic rap song, which is difficult to find these days.  Then it occurred to me that love is more than romance, and perhaps we’ve gotten too caught up in the commercialization of Valentine’s Day focusing our attention more towards the expectations of cards, hearts, flowers, chocolates, dinner, jewelry, etc.

The first time I heard Nicolay’s CD “The Dutch Masters Volume I” I was drawn to the mellow, melodic sound and authentic beats and was then initially introduced to one of the featured artists Eye Plus Eye.  His lyrics are so simple yet so profound.  Instead of the common phrase, “Live, Life Love,”   or “Love, Life, Laughter,” which can be found on many types of decor, he rearranges the order and includes music as an essential part of his life.  I’ve always been extremely fond of music because it has often worked as the catalyst for my thoughts, actions and life.

The lyrics of this particular song suggest that we let the good times overshadow the bad. Conversely, many of us harp over the little things and do not acknowledge the many blessings bestowed upon us.  Are you getting so caught up in how much you “hate” the snow during the winter instead of loving the fresh air and the ability to actually shovel snow while others are bedridden or cannot even walk?  Are you bitter and angry because you have “no one” special in your life to love you  or believe that your life has nothing but negativity?  Have you ever taken the time to fall in love with yourself and with life?  Perhaps you’re not as alone as you think and have not reached out to your family and friends who may feel just as lonely or dissatisfied with their lives.

Love is about more than romance; isn’t it?  Everything may not be perfect in your life; I know it is not in mine.  But I am constantly learning and have been making the effort to embrace spirituality while controlling my thoughts and actions, thereby leading me to a more positive existence.  Negative versus positive: It’s all about perception right?   This is a journey we all must take.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:

Nicolay & Eye Plus Eye’ title for this track allows for an excellent lesson on the significance of the comma and how it can change the meaning of a phrase or sentence.   The title, “Love Life Music” includes no commas; interestingly though, if one was to insert a comma after “life” it would give the impression that the song is about a person’s “love life” versus each word standing on its own yet collectively representing something more.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #5

5 Feb

“These cats drink champagne and toast to death and pain,
Like slaves on a ship talking about who’s got the flyest chain”

—Talib Kweli and Hi Tek, “Africa Dream”

February is Black History month; it is a time to reflect on the struggles and achievements of our ancestors and how they have impacted the lives of not just Black people but all people.  I’ve always been a fan of Talib Kweli since the days of Black Star.  He is a true lyricist and often tells it like it is while teaching lessons through his music.  The first time I heard “Africa Dream” I was lured in by the beat of the drum  and absolutely captivated by the lyrics.  Then I heard the last lines and kept pressing rewind thinking to myself, this is one deep brother…not just a common day rapper.

Slavery is a part of our history and always will be.  Nevertheless, it has not stopped many Blacks (Notice I say Blacks, not African Americans, because this includes the entire African Diaspora) from being successful and making positive contributions to society. Sadly, there are several of us who are so far removed from the past struggles of our people that we fail to acknowledge how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go.

Why glorify killing and celebrate playing a role in the deterioration of our communities?  Is it just in some peoples’ nature, or is it a learned behavior?  Is it all about survival and no longer about what is morally and ethically acceptable?    Maybe it’s all about the new slave masters: blood and drug money, so-called power and superficial respect.

Presently, we are faced with several racial, gender, culture, class and religious issues that involve all people.  What role are you playing in our future?  We must all be held accountable for our actions, both good and bad.  When you reflect on what you are doing or what you are saying will it be perceived as a detriment to society or something that is going to catapult us into greatness?

How absurd would it be if Kunta Kinte bragged about the chains that bounded him while he lay across from his friend on the slave ship? Are you really bragging about the “figurative” chains that are keeping you enslaved?  Are you chasing after that money at any cost: your family, your friends, your own life?   Maybe you’ve worn the chains for so long that you’ve become accustomed to them and simply consider them to be a way of life.  It’s not always easy for anyone, including me, to do the “right” thing while in chains, but we can all start searching for the keys to unlock ourselves from the mentalities and situations that have kept us enslaved.

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:

Talib Kweli has a few attributes in these particular lines. The first is slang.  Using the word “cats” to represent “men” is one.  More than likely, Talib chose “cats” because people often make the reference to “cool cats.”  Of course, these “guys” think they are “cool.”  Talib also uses “flyest,” which can be considered the “best“ or as nice as it gets.  Lastly, it is no coincidence that these are the last lines presenting an excellent example of an analogy.  The guys glorifying death and pain are being compared to slaves in chains.  He could have used a different correlation; however, this connection with slavery makes the impact that much more powerful.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #4

29 Jan

“But I don’t walk this way to portray
Or reinforce stereotypes of today
Like all my brothas eat chicken and watermelon
Talk broken English and drug sellin’”

—Boogie Down Productions, “My Philosophy”


Unless you were born in the 80s or earlier, there is a high probability that you have never heard this song let alone know who BDP was. I was first introduced to BDP in grade school and eagerly followed their music and then the music career of the front man, KRS-One, into the 90s to present day.  Oftentimes, I would memorize BDP’s songs, such as “My Philosophy,” and “Criminal Minded.” Nevertheless, it was always more than just memorizing; it was also about analyzing.

Rap music came into my life at a very early age.  Yes, I loved the rhythm, fashion and style; most importantly, I loved the idea of it making me “cool” and accepted amongst my peers.  After hearing “My Philosophy” as a youngster and most recently hearing it in my “old School” Ipod shuffle, it reminded me of how those very lines impacted my life.

For years, even presently, I will have the occasional person ask me, “Why you talk like that?”  or bring my “race” or “culture” into question.  Sadly, I’ve even had former employers say that “I’m an exception to the rule” or not like the “others.”  Interestingly, this song is over twenty years old, but the concept still reigns true today.  Why must people act, dress or talk a certain way to be accepted by their people or all people for that matter?  Have you ever felt the need to assimilate to appease the masses or your “own” family or people? I know that I am not a one-dimenisional stereotype and should not be treated as such.

What way do you walk?  What image are you trying to portray?  Is it necessary to live up to the negative stereotypes?

Please feel free to share your thoughts

~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris

Bonus English Lesson:

Instead of brothers, BDP uses brothas, and instead of selling, BDP uses sellin’. It is not uncommon for rap lyrics and many types of creative writing, to use a specific type of vernacular or common day speech because it is the voice of the writer or the persona or it has a better flow or sound because of the syllables or meter in the line. Keep in mind that many rappers who are well-versed and considered lyricists tend to familiarize themselves with the standard grammar rules prior to breaking the rules in their lyrics.

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Profound Hip Hop Quote: Week #1

8 Jan

“Never lookin’ back or too far in front of me
The present is a gift, and I just wanna be…”
—Common, “Be (Intro)”


How often do you dwell too much on the past or focus too relentlessly on the future without acknowledging what is going on presently? This is something that I have constantly struggled with until I heard Common put it so simple yet so eloquently.  Of course, it is important to evaluate my past to avoid making the same mistakes again.  Yes, considering future goals and aspirations is necessary in order to establish a game plan and be successful.  However, I know that I must take time to live in the moment and appreciate my present accomplishments.

Where are you presently?  Is it where you want to be?  If not, then it might be pertinent to examine what you have done in the recent past and plan to do in the near future so that everyday will be a present or gift for that matter.  Were you inspired by the same line or a different line in this song?  Please feel free to share.

~Anonomz

Bonus English Lesson:

Even though Common does not utilize the word  “present”  in an indelicate way, it is a good example of  a double entendre because present presents some ambiguity with two meanings: “a gift” and “related to time.”

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