Years ago in grade school, my teacher gave us an assignment: write an essay about someone you would love to meet and why? Of course, I selected someone famous because who wouldn’t want to meet someone who’s famous right? Then in high school, the very same question was posed again. However, this time we were to develop a list of interview questions and this “person” about the impact he or she has made on society. For me, this would be more than a famous person but a person whose existence clearly impacted the world or just me on multiple levels in a positive or negative way. Most recently, I posed this question to one of my classes, and it made me start thinking again about who I’d love to meet. Of course, there are more than ten people, but these are some people I’d love to meet for both selfless and selfish reasons listed in alphabetical order.
Common (Lonnie Rasheid Lynn)
God*
Langston Hughes
Martin Luther King Jr.
Maxwell
Michael Jackson
My Great Great Grandmother
Oprah Winfrey
President Barack Obama
The Childhood Version of Myself
*Of course, God is not a person, but who wouldn’t want to meet God and have a relationship with him prior to actually dying?
Who we want to meet and why we want to meet them says a lot about ourselves. Please stay tuned for detailed reasons behind my selections, and feel free to share your thoughts and selections with me as well.
“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.
“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.
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.”
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.
“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?
“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.
Wow! We’ve come so far in the last few decades. Life is extremely different than it was twenty years ago: even ten years ago! We have been blessed with so many technological advancements to make our lives easier and more productive. But sometimes I wonder, are all of these so-called “fabulous” inventions going to have a negative impact on our lives long term by making us and the humans of the future dumb and lazy? (Yes, I am guilty of using all of these inventions mentioned below)
1. Price Check Machines in retail stores: These wonderful inventions make it convenient for those who are not good at figuring out what 30% off of a shirt that is $40 would be. But how many of us pay a visit to this machine even when we know how to do the math in our heads? Here’s a quick tip: Drop the zeros, and multiply the numbers to get the amount off. In this instance, 4 x 3 = 12, so it’s $12 off.
2. GPS Navigation Systems/Map Quest: Are you planning a road trip? Why make it complicated by reading and following a map when a navigation system, Map Quest or Google Maps can do the hard work for you? Yes, I do own a navigation system, and I love it because I do not have the best sense of direction. However, I do wonder if there will come a time or if that time is now that people do not know how to determine if they are going, north, south, west or east without consulting their navigation device.
3. Spell Check and Grammar Check: Who needs to know how to spell or write well anymore when the computer will proofread it for them right? Wrong!!!! Has a red line ever come under your name letting you know it was spelled incorrectly? Would you correct it because the computer told you it was wrong? Sometimes your word is not even misspelled but misused, like to, two and too…and these days “2” even appears in people’s formal documents as a result of text language.
4. Microwaves: Just pop it in the microwave! How many people prepare or even know how to cook a decent home-cooked meal without using the microwave? Of course, I do use it occasionally for popcorn and a quick heat and eat meal when I am on the go, but I wonder what will happen when the matriarchs and some patriarchs of families pass on and take their cooking skills with them. Who really wants a microwaved Sunday or holiday dinner?
5.Televisions: Who hasn’t found themselves getting sucked in to the latest reality show or sitcom marathon: lazily wasting hours that could be used for something far more productive. I would be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy watching a television show or two consumed by its alluring glow. But I started to think about how lazy it made me and how I needed to do a better job at exercising my brain and body. When is the last time that you plopped in front of the television for hours when you planned to do something else and wondered, “Where did the time go?”
6. Speed Dial: Who needs to memorize anyone’s number when there’s speed dial? Do you know your significant other’s number or close family member’s number by heart? We rely so much on cell phones and home phones to do the work for us. I may be one of the few who still uses the key pad to store people’s number in my brain rather than the phone alone.
7. Processed / Pre-packaged Food: I’m not an ultra health nut, but in the past few years I have made a conscious effort to eat healthy and get my daily nutrients. But I just can’t resist purchasing processed or prepackaged food. Honestly, who really has the time to make their own apple sauce or to bake their own multi-grain bread? I surely don’t, but I have read several articles and health books which suggest that people should try to avoid these processed foods. They tend to make us sluggish and can have an impact on our brain power.
8. Cars: Why walk to the corner store which is about a five to ten minute walk when you get hop in your car, and waste gas to get there? People wonder why Americans are one of the most overweight nations. If forced to conjecture, I would have to say that driving everywhere may have something to do with it.
9. Escalators/Elevators/Airport Conveyor Belts: Who are elevators really meant for? People with disabilities? Those with strollers or too much to carry up or down the stairs? When it is five or more stories to climb? Or for those able bodied people who get on at the first floor and take the elevator to the second floor? Is there a rule that says you mustn’t walk down or up an escalator while you are holding on the rail? Have many of us just become accustomed to having these machines do the walking for us?
10. The Internet: Of course, the world wide web is fabulous! Why else would I post a blog? There are many attributes, let us not forget some of the flaws. The internet gives us information right at our fingertips which is great. But many people have become self-reliant on the internet and take the information as “gospel.” For example, students are more prone to plagiarize because of the temptation to copy and paste thereby making them dumb. Not that plagiarizing is ethical or the right decision, but many of these students are too lazy to type out something they read in a book which makes it even easier for them to get caught.
Do you have another smart invention that might be setting us back in one way or another? Please feel free to share.
1. Trying to catch snow on my tongue. If I tried that now people would look at me like I was crazy.
2. Full body snow suits. Even though they might have been a hassle putting on and taking off, they really kept me warm and helped making snow angels much easier.
3. Snowball fights with the neighborhood kids was always fun. Now most kids have simulated snowball fights on their Wii or Xbox.
4. Attempting to build the biggest snowman ever. Today, I just created a big mountain of snow by digging out my car. Looking at my hard work is cool, but it’s just not the same.
5. Homemade snow cones with fresh-fallen snow and a fruit punch Kool-Aid pack. I know I’m not the only one who did this…am I?
6. Sledding at the neighborhood park with the sturdy wooden sleds with handles on the side. It was so much fun, but now I’m concerned about sliding down hills or getting stuck while trying to go uphill in my car.
7. Playing hide and go seek in the snow by tracking people’s boot prints. It was always fun trying to throw someone off the tracks by either covering my tracks or walking all over the place.
8. Helping my mom and grandmother shovel the sidewalk while sneaking a taste or two of fresh snow…yes, I confess… I was addicted to eating snow when I was younger.
9. Simply admiring the beauty of the neighborhood turned into a winter wonderland rather than have parking spot wars with cones, chairs, recycling bins and anything else people use to hold spots.
10. Homemade hot chocolate with tons of marshmallows prepared and served with love by my mom after playing out in the snow for hours. Yes, I can make it for myself, but it’s just not the same, and it’s usually not after playing in the snow for hours.
I can’t wait to have these experiences when I have children. Let’s hope they want to do more than play video games and watch TV.
Do you have any snow day childhood memories? Please feel free to share.
Years ago in grade school, my teacher gave us an assignment: write an essay about someone you would love to meet and why? Of course, I selected someone famous because who wouldn’t want to meet someone who’s famous right? Then in high school, the very same question was posed again. However, this time we were to develop a list of interview questions and this “person” about the impact he or she has made on society. For me, this would be more than a famous person but a person whose existence clearly impacted the world or just me on multiple levels in a positive or negative way. Most recently, I posed this question to one of my classes, and it made me start thinking again about who I’d love to meet. Of course, there are more than ten people, but these are some people I’d love to meet for both selfless and selfish reasons listed in alphabetical order.
Journey of Anonomz 