What do you think about as your birthday approaches? Do you think about getting one year older? Do you think about all of the hopes and dreams you have yet to accomplish. Yes, I’m guilty of having those thoughts, but I also think about all that I have accomplished and the wisdom that I have attained as a result of getting older. Presently, I am an English professor, and I enjoy teaching and playing a role in the successful careers of my students. Also, I take pleasure in writing poetry and short short stories. One day, I actually hope to publish a book and even a memoir. So I thought why not use my birthday week to review my life resume by exploring where I have been on my journey thus far?
The Career Journey: Decade One
Primary Grade School: By the time I was in second grade, I volunteered to help tutor the younger children. Even though there was no monetary payment involved, I knew then that I wanted to be a teacher some day.
Primary to Secondary Grade School: From third grade until about sixth grade, I assisted my grandmother with the daily routines, such as setting up snacks, serving food and playing games with children at her family daycare. During the summer, I was paid $25 a week when I was in third grade, and that was “good” money!
Middle School: Going to school was a necessity, but maintaining straight A’s and B’s was hard work at times. One of the incentives I received for doing well in school was a stipend from the White-Williams Scholar Foundation for $135 – $200 a month. With each grade level, the amount of money increased. My hard work was paying off.
What do you know??? I was already on the pathway to being a teacher at a very young age, but the second decade of my life definitely did present some alternative paths that I could have taken. Do you ever think about how you ended up where you presently are? Give it some thought. Please feel free to share. Best regards, Tanya H. Franklin
Two weeks ago, I posted a blog entry on A Tribe Called Quest to celebrate their documentary coming to DVD on October 18, and it got me thinking about the collection of positive-minded, “real-talk” rappers whose voices were prominent in the 1980s and 1990s: The Native Tongues. Even though there are a sprinkling of artists presently doing their things who are on the same vibe, during the 80s and 90s is when they actually received consistent radio play and were able to get that positive message out there. So I thought, why not dedicate a post to reflecting on some of their profound quotes.
“Buddy” is a song that represents a few of the Native Tongue members. Check it out!
Black Sheep, “The Choice is Yours:” “You can get with this, or you can get with that. I think you’ll get with this, for this is where it’s at.”
Jungle Brothers, “Beyond This World” “Confused, no landing, no understanding. But I knew not to give what life was demanding. Found a new tab, thought I’d take a grab. Tired of brothers who feign to backstab”
De La Soul, “Stakes is High:” “Man life can get all up in your ass baby you betta work it out. Let me tell you what it’s all about. A skin not considered equal. A meteor has more right than my people. Who be wastin’ time screaming who they’ve hated. That’s why the Native Tongues have officially been re-instated.”
Queen Latifah, “U.N.I.T.Y.:” “Instinct leads me to another flow; Every time I hear a brother call a girl a bitch or a ho. Trying to make a sister feel low. You know all of that gots to go.”
Leaders of the New School, “Understanding the Inner Mind’s Eye: “Word is bond and I give my, Life before my word shall fall. Do me a favor listen up y’all. We got to activate social; Activity for one common cause, Cherish your mind or you will perish.
Brand Nubian, “Wake Up:” “You see, the answer to me is black unity . Unification to help our bad situation“
A Tribe Called Quest, “Oh My God:” “Listen up everybody the bottom line. I’m a black intellect, but unrefined; with precision like a bullet, target bound, just livin like a hooker, the harlett sounds.”
Monie Love, “It’s a Shame:” “Get back on your feet please. I’m beggin you to check out all your own needs.
Large Professor, “It’s About That Time:” “There’s a whole lotta rappers in the world today; Some good, there’s some that gotnothing to say, Some fake, some false, some imitation, But I’m the uncut raw for your generation.
Fu-Schnickens, “Ring the Alarm“ ” You can tell I’m a lyrical prophet from the words spoken and broken up. In these books and scrolls that I unfold. The knowledge I use does make me bold. The intelligence in my system converts itself and becomes wisdom”
The Limitations of not only ten songs but ten artists with ten specific lines from those selected those ten songs is no easy task; there’s so many more songs I could reference. Who’s your favorite artist from the Native Tongues? Please feel free to share.
When they left their wallet in El Segundo, we empathized and went along for the ride to retrieve it. We rooted for them to be put on by Bonita Applebum. They taught us how to check the “rhime.” Interestingly, they asked repeatedly if they can kick it when of course anyone plugged into hip hop during the late 80s throughout the 90s can attest to this group’s ability to come with that butter flow in any scenario and bring that electric relaxation to take us on that long overdue award tour. If you have yet to figure out who I’m referencing, then you are missing one of the prototypes who represents authentic hip-hop. During the summer of 2011, a documentary, by Michael Rapaport, entitled, “Beats, Rhymes & Travels: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest” was released in select theaters. Unfortunately, by the time I and many other interested viewers were made aware of the film, it was no longer on the big screen. Nevertheless, all hope is not loss. This documentary, which has received praise, will be available on DVD on October 18, 2011, approximately one month from now, and I plan on being one of the first people to obtain my copy. A Tribe Called Quest has always been one of my favorite groups. I love their jazzy vibe beats, the delivery of their rhymes and their topics about daily life occurrences that range from record label headaches, to date rape to just partying and having a good time. They will always be on my top ten list of best rap groups. So, I’d like to not only celebrate the pending release of the documentary but my love for these artists by providing a playlist of some of my favorite ATCQ songs and lyrics.
Check the Rhime: “Rap is not pop, if you call it that then stop.”
Butter: “Your whole appearance is a lie and it could never be true. And if you really loved yourself then you would try and be you.”
Award Tour: “The wackest crews try to dis, it makes me laugh. When my track record’s longer than a DC-20 aircraft. So next time that you think you want somethin’ here. Make somethin’ differ, take that garbage to St. Elsewhere.”
Bonita Applebum: “Hey, being with you is a top priority. Ain’t no need to question the authority. Chairman of the board, the chief of affections. You got mine’s to swing in your direction.”
Jazz: “Stern firm and young with a laid-back tongue. The aim is to succeed and achieve at 21. Just like Ringling Brothers, I’ll daze and astound, Captivate the mass, cause the prose is profound.”
Buggin Out: “I never walk the streets, think it’s all about me. Even though deep in my heart, it really could be. I just try my best to like go all out. Some might even say yo shorty black you’re buggin’ out”
Oh My God: “Listen up everybody the bottom line. I’m a black intellect, but unrefined; with precision like a bullet, target bound, just livin like a hooker, the harlett sounds.”
Lyrics to Go: “A Tribe Called Quest we on the run for whatever. Trials and tribulations that we have to endeavor”
Scenario: “I could give a damn about a ill subliminal. Stay away from crime cause I ain’t no CRIMINAL. I love my young nation, groovy sensation. No time for hibernation, only elation.”
Show Business: ” So you still wanna do the show business? And you think that you got what it takes? I mean you really gotta rap and be all that…And prepare yourself for the breaks
It was extremely difficult to not only limit myself to ten songs but to only include specific lines from those selected those ten songs. What’s your favorite A Tribe Called Quest song? Please feel free to share. Also, if you saw or plan on seeing the documentary, share your thoughts as well.
“I don’t understand the difficulty, people
Love your brother, treat him as an equal
They call us animals mmm mmm I don’t agree with them
I’ll prove them wrong, but right is what your proving them
Take heed before I lead to what I’m sayin’
Or we’ll all be on our knees, prayin’.”
—Stop the Violence Movement, formed by KRS One, quoted lyrics by Heavy D “Self Destruction”
According to the homicide statistics from the Philadelphia Police Department, there have been 176 homicides this year (including July 15, 2011). (Crime Maps & Stats)
Of course, this data does not account for other violent crimes such as armed robbery, rape and aggravated assault. Is there something about the summer or hot weather that causes people to be even more violent than in the winter? Is it that more people are just outdoors, so they are bound to resort to violence to address issues of contention they may have.
What about when it comes to people of color? Are some people innately more violent than others, or does the environment in which people are raised or presently residing play significant roles in how they behave? Last year, there were 306 homicide victims, as reported on Philly.com. Interestingly, 60 of the homicides involved people who were classified as white, and 242 of the homicides involved people who were classified as black. This means that nearly 20% of the senseless deaths were white people, and nearly 80% were black people. I am no sociologist or statistician, but this information is alarming. In regard to neighboring counties and townships, many of them do not have “murder maps” because homicides at the rate they are occurring in Philadelphia would be considered an anomaly in those areas.
What conclusions would you draw if you just went according to the data and did not get to really know the people involved, their plights and struggles? (Not that this in anyway justifies the actions of these violent acts) “Self Destruction” is a classic rap song where KRS One brought together some of the most renown rappers of the late 80s and early 90s for the “Stop the Violence Movement.” Even though some of the slang terminology utilized in the song and some of the allusions may be dated, this song sadly still reigns true today. Most people have heard the phrase, “If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.” Heavy D uses this very same message in his lyrics, “They call us animals mmmm mmmm I don’t agree with them. I’ll prove them wrong, but right is what you’re proving them.” I’ve heard people refer to blacks and latinos animals. There are even teachers who do not think twice about using such a derogatory term. Perhaps you don’t care about what “they” think, but do you care about your family, friends, classmates, colleagues, neighbors, etc. who may eventually wind up on their knees praying and mourning the loss of a loved one? We’re all in this together, or at least we should be. Don’t let our people, neighborhoods, towns, cities and nations self-destruct!
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson: Heavy D chose to drop the “g” from the words “sayin” and “prayin” for dialectical and meter purposes.
You are everything I want in a man. In truth, you transcend what I imagined. Let me satisfy you all that I can take you on journeys you cannot fathom, continually display what true love means even if you may not often say it. Reflections of you, my countenance beams; many methods you use to convey it. You genuinely care about how I feel. Minds’ connected: my thoughts you complete. To me my love you’re a wonderful thrill I’m here to stay; I refuse to retreat. Will still be in love beyond year ten; married life I want with you to begin.
By Tanya Harris aka Anonomz Written for and Inspired by SPF
“Listen, dude, for you that ain’t in the cards
Think the power is in the gun, but over all it’s in your heart“
—TI, “I’m Back” View Video
TI, aka Clifford Harris, was dubbed the Jay Z of the south, yet has had his share of run-ins with the law and difficulties staying out of trouble. Nevertheless, there’s something special about this guy. Perhaps it’s that we both share the same surname or that my paternal grandparents also hailed from Georgia. Actually, his profound lyrics and innate “swaggerability” (Yes I just made up a new noun) are two attributes that have made me a follower of his music. Regardless of what has went on in his personal life, lyrically speaking, this guy is alright with me.
Ironically, TI’s trouble with the authorities has, more times than not, been associated with firearms or artillery charges of some kind, but he elicits a positive reaction from listeners with his lyrics from “I’m Back.” These in particular lyrics, “Think the power is in the gun, but over all it’s in your heart,” address an issue all too familiar with people living in the inner city and even in rural areas: gun violence.
Even though I’ve never been fond of guns mainly because of the inauthentic power they instill in people who can impulsively take another person’s life within a flash, I do understand why guns have become so prevalent over the years. Some people carry guns for protection, others carry them with the intention of committing a crime or causing harm, while others simply get an adrenaline rush of power by having guns in their possession and just going to shooting ranges to practice.
However, who are these people without the guns? What do their hearts reveal? Is it anxiousness, fear, confusion, desperation, anger or even worthlessness? Whatever it may be, people must eventually deal with the matters of the heart because that is where the true power begins, and when it comes to violence, let’s hope “for you that ain’t in the cards.” Address those issues first rather than seeking power in an inanimate object that can potentially cause a lifetime of heartache for animated human beings who are passionate about making this world a better place.
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson: In TI’s profound lyrics, he chooses to omit the pronoun “you” in the second line of his lyrics, “Youthink the power is in the the gun, but over all it’s in your heart,” causing the listeners to refer back to the antecedent, “dude” so that they know to whom he is referring. Also, as a result of TI excluding the pronoun you, this particular line can refer to anyone who believes that the power is in the gun.
“In our community it’s funny how the unity,
it seems to fall from tragedy instead of love from you and me.
As we move from war to peace
and back again while mothers all cry in the streets from the gunshots.”
—Nicolay & Kay, featuring Chip Fu “The Gunshot”
If you’ve never heard this song before, it is a “must hear!”
The summer is supposed to be a time of fun with people enjoying the weather, going to the beach, the park, enjoying family and friends, vacationing, etc. Sadly, the opposing force to these moments of jubilation is violence which plagues some cities more than others. According to the homicide statistics from the Philadelphia Police Department, there have been 159 homicides this year (including July 1, 2011). Even though it is 21 percent lower than it was in 2007 (the homicide rate was 202 by July 1st), this is still a relatively high number. Actually, from June 1st to July 1st of this year, there have been 37 homicides; that’s more than one per day! (Crime Maps & Stats)
Yes, it is true that many rappers choose to promote and glorify violence, but that is not always their agenda. Some actually are quite positive and influential in their communities and want to put an end to gun violence or any type of violence for that matter. One artist in particular who addresses the need to do something about gun violence is Kay, a Houston, Texas rapper who paired up with Nicolay, the ultimate producer extraordinaire from the Netherlands to compose the classic album “Timeline.” The production of song, “The Gunshot,” featuring Chip Fu, alone is enough to captivate listeners; however, most people would be able to resonate with and enjoy the profound lyrics of Kay as well.
It is unfortunate that many people with whom I have come in contact with can attest to having a direct or indirect experience with gun violence. My first experience with gun violence was during my senior year of high school where two of my classmates, in separate incidents, were brutally slain. Kay makes an observation that is unfortunate as well, “In our community it’s funny how the unity…it seems to fall from tragedy instead of love from you and me.” Why do many of us wait for violence to strike before we take action? Why not rally together in masses and take back our neighborhoods from violent offenders rather than have to undergo candle light vigils and teddy bear and balloon shrines for innocent bystanders and children caught in the crossfire? Can some of these senseless tragedies be prevented with the love and peace from the community to stop the mothers from crying in the streets from the gunshots?
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson: In order to make a poem or rap more complex and rhythmic, the writer may employ an internal rhyme, which is a rhyme that occurs within the line of verse. For example, the word in the middle of the line will rhyme with the ending word in the line. “In our community it’s funny how the unity, it seems to fall from tragedy instead of love from you and me.” In the second line, Kay actually uses assonance, meaning that the rhyme focus is on the vowel sound, specifically “tragedy” and “me.“, rather than the entire words rhyming.
“Can’t live with them, can’t live without them.
But I love a whole lot more than I hate about them.
They look good feel good and smell even better,
So why you acting like your mama didn’t use that leather?
B word this H bomb that.
And in the midst all of this I wonder where your moms at?
Cause if she ain’t one, then tell me where the hate from.
You just calm down and maybe you can date one. “
—Murs, “Love & Appreciate 2”
Murs is by far one of the best lyricists and storyteller style rappers that I’ve heard in a long time. Even though his hair is a bit much to take in, I love how he does what he wants to do and doesn’t get wrapped up in having the “perfect” image. On numerous occasions, Murs has paired up with Ninth Wonder, a producer I’d love to work with one day, and released classic albums that belong in any true connoisseur of real hip hop’s collection.
Love and relationships are two themes that have made appearances on most of his albums. In 2008, Murs included “Love & Appreciate 2” on his album “Murs for President,” which is actually a follow-up to “Love and Appreciate” on his album “Murray’s Revenge,” released in 2006. In these particular lyrics, Murs speaks not only for himself as a man but for men in general. We’ve all heard the cliche phrase, “Can’t live with them, can’t live without them;” however, Murs admits that “he loves a whole lot more than he hates about them.” Men may groan about what their women are doing to aggravate or frustrate them with their male friends occasionally, and women are definitely known for doing the same, but at the end of the day, it’s all about the love and appreciation you have for one another.
However, Murs, does take it a step further by indicating that there does come a point where some men do cross the line with how they treat and interact with their women or women in general. He juxtaposes the mothers of these men and the women with whom they are involved or wish to be involved and questions how men treat women . The implications is that women should be treated with the same respect these very same men would give their mothers. Even though Murs is speaking directly to men, this stance also reigns true with women. I’ve heard women who often refer to men as dogs or bums even when they’ve done nothing to substantiate being referred to as such. Is this love and appreciation?
It is necessary to not only show love but appreciation for one another, and how can this be done when you use derogatory words to represent the person you are with or would like to be with. Is it ever acceptable? Some people may say, “Well, I only say those things to her or him when I’m angry.” I say that it’s never acceptable, even in anger. In order to have love and appreciation, one must give respect at all times. Remember, you get what you give, and if you are still in pursuit of that special person, if “you just calm down and maybe you could date one.”
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson: Even though I love rap music, if a person was attempting to learn the English language or grammar rules, a rap song would definitely not be the best place to start. One of the reasons is that several rappers include not just slang but dialects which usually contain blatant grammatical errors throughout their lyrics. Murs is no exception. In the following lyrics, Murs has a very common grammatical error which is actually a dialect with the “to be” verb as been dropped from the sentence. He says, “So why you acting like your mama didn’t use that leather?” But if this sentence was put into standard English it would say, “So why are you acting like your mama didn’t use that leather?” I love slang and dialects, but keep in mind that there is a time and place for standard and what is considered non standard English, a dialect or vernacular of some kind.
Unfortunately, Father’s Day cannot hold a candle to Mother’s Day! Father’s Day is comparable to the boy scouts trying to compete with the girl scout cookies by selling tubs of over-priced popcorn. (Side note: I purchased a small tub of popcorn to support the boy scouts for $10, and when I asked the troop leader why the prices were so high, he remarked, “The girl scouts have monopolized cookies and we don’t have a choice but to sell our goods for much higher prices just to make a small profit.) Whenever I take my mother out for mother’s day, I must book my reservation months in advance and still endure that standing room only crowd at the restaurant’s mother’s day brunch. Conversely, reservations are not always a necessity. On one particular father’s day, my fiance, his siblings and I took his father out, and I repeatedly stressed the importance to him about making a reservation well in advance to ensure that we would not have a long wait. Upon arriving at that restaurant, I was surprised to see so many empty tables and booths. I thought, “Where are all of the fathers and their families?”
On Mother’s Day, I compiled a list of R & B and rap songs celebrating moms, so it’s only right to put together a list of songs celebrating dads. There’s only one problem though; most R & B and rap songs I located don’t necessarily celebrate dad but acknowledge his absence and unwillingness to be a father. Of course, not all dads are “dead beats” who don’t provide for their children. There are many who are wonderful role models who even become father figures to those children and even adults who are fatherless. Please be sure to praise your fathers, grandfathers, great grandfathers, father-in-laws, uncles, nephews cousins, best friends, etc. who are exceptional fathers. Musicians do excellent jobs producing songs that reflect societal and familial issues, and this list of memorable songs representing the plight, journey and love of a father does just that:
The Loving Father: “Dance With My Father” by Luther Vandross: “When I and my mother would disagree, to get my way I would run from her to him. He’d make me laugh just to comfort me, yeah yeah. Then finally make me do just what my momma said.”
The Unconditional Love Father: “Daddy” by Beyonce: “Even if my man broke my heart today, no matter how much pain I’m in I will be okay cause I got a man in my life that can’t be replaced. For this love is unconditional it won’t go away.”
The Wise Father: “Joy” by Talib Kweli featuring Mos Def: “Unless your language is relating to what they going through so busy ignoring them, you can’t see what they showing you. And you wonder, why we called baby-daddy’s and baby-momma’s when we grow up, we can’t act like adult mothers and fathers, yo. I’m so blessed to have a boy and a girl, everyday they bring joy to my world.”
The Protector Father: “Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith: “From the first time the doctor placed you in my arms I knew I’d meet death before I’d let you meet harm. Although questions arose in my mind, would I be man enough? Against wrong, choose right and be standin up.”
The Grateful Father: “The Day” by Baby Face: “It was like falling deep in love. I heard the angels cry above. I felt a blessing straight from God the day that you gave me a son.”
The Admirable Father: “Your Joy” by Chrisette Michele: “No one loves me just like you do. No one knows me just like you do. No one can compare to the way my eyes fit in yours. You’ll always be my father. And I’ll always be your joy.”
The Stand-Up Father: “Be a Father to Your Child” by Ed. O.G. & Da the Bulldogs: “Be a father; if not why bother son. A boy can make ’em but a man can raise one.”
The Cycle Repeater Father: “All for You” by Little Brother: “So the next time it’s late at night and I’m laid up with the woman I’ma make my wife talking ’bout how we ‘gon make a life, I’m thinking about child support, alimony, visitation rights. Cause that’s the only outcome if you can’t make it right. Pissed off with your children feeling the same pain. So, Pop, how could I blame cause you couldn’t maintain. I did the same thing…The same thing.”
The Denying Paternity Father: “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson: “Billie Jean is not my lover. She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one. But the kid is not my son. She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son.”
The No Good Father: “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” by The Temptations: “Hey Mama, is it true what they say, that Papa never worked a day in his life? And Mama, bad talk going around town saying that Papa had three outside children and another wife. And that ain’t right.
What type of father are you, or what type of father do you have? To all of the positive fathers, Happy Father’s Day to you. Please enjoy this R & B and rap father’s day playlist, and feel free to share your favorite song representing fathers with me.
“Back when I was nothin
You made a brother feel like he was somethin
That’s why I’m with you to this day boo no frontin“
—Method Man featuring Mary J. Blige, “You’re All I Need”
The Wu-Tang Clan is one of my favorite rap groups of all time. These guys were like the “Justice League” of hip hop during the 1990s and 2000s. Each member has a special power such as lyrical ability, producing skills or just stage presence. I have always resonated with their grungy, diggin’ in the crates, raw, passionate sound, especially Method Man’s.
Of course, I could not help but think about my affinity for Method’s song “You’re All I Need,” featuring the talented Mary J. Blige, as a meaningful and heartfelt rap “love” song. What initially draws listeners in is the chorus and sample from the original classic performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammy Terrell–bridging the gap between past and present generations. However, instead of selecting the memorable chorus to represent this song, I decided to go with lyrics from the song that echo the importance of being supportive towards one another unconditionally within a relationship.
Most women expect a lot from their men, and men have the right to expect a lot from their women as well. Nevertheless, from my observation, there appears to be an imbalance. Oftentimes, most women are willing to give their men the support they need; unfortunately, they are rarely acknowledged by their men for their unyielding encouragement. In “You’re All I Need,” Method gives praise and appreciates his woman’s actions, “Back when I was nothin you made a brother feel like he was somethin.”
Sadly, I also have witnessed some women tearing down and even emasculating their good, caring, hard working men. They utter scathing phrases such as, “You ain’t nothing!” “You can’t do nothing for me” “You’re such a loser,” etc. right in front of family and friends without hesitation. It’s much easier to be there for somebody who has everything than to be there for a person who is striving to obtain the better things in life and to accomplish concrete goals. Would you be more indebted to a person who is only there for you when you can give them all that they want or with a person who works with you and supports you even when everything may not go as planned? “That’s why I’m with you to this day boo no frontin.”
Please feel free to share your thoughts
~Anonomz aka Tanya Harris
Bonus English Lesson: It is not uncommon for rap lyrics and many types of creative writing to drop the “ing” sound on a word to demonstrate 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. In this instance, Method Man drops the “g” from “nothin,” “somethin” and “frontin.” Also, he uses the all too common slang word “boo” as a synonym for his “lady.” 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.
Journey of Anonomz 