Whats on your WISHLIST
Friday, December 16, 2011
Friday, December 2, 2011
Jay Z College Course
It was brought to my attention that a very well known and expensive college, Georgetown, is having a sociology course based on Jay Z. I knew immediately that this was something most people would probably frowned upon, hence the news story for it, but that's only because those people don't get it.
Many are worried since rap and hip hop has such a reputation for putting down women and being materialistic. However, Professor Dyson spins it saying that Jay Z always backs this up with where he comes from along with how it has shaped him to be the man he is today. Firstly, consider where Mr. Carter comes from compared to where he is now. A sociology course featuring him is perfect. Jay Z almost always uses his past experiences and street smarts as the foundation for just about every one of his songs. In just one song, he can cover racial profiling, politics, economics, pride in his home, and different types of relationships with ease. SOCIOLOGY.
I don't care how close minded you are about the idea of a college course based on a rapper, I believe that it's a wonderful accomplishment for Jay Z. Too often people look down on rap, calling it violent or disrespectful. Yes, they'd be right to feel all those ways... I don't disagree at all. However, take a second to give credit to where its coming from. Rap is REAL. Real experiences, real life, real violence, real disrespect. So to recognize this in a college environment is a huge step in becoming more open minded and actually learning about things bigger than the only life you may know. As one of the students of his class said, college is about thinking outside the box. Not to mention the late Steve Jobs stated in his advice on becoming successful in whatever business you choose to pursue, is that it is important to learn about different things. Again, think outside the box and broaden your horizons.
I cant say it enough Music IS Therapy. Perhaps if we all took a second to LISTEN to what the rapper (or any artist for that matter) is saying, than maybe there would somehow be less corruption in society. Then again that would probably mean people would act like the had hearts, and we all know understanding the ghetto is blasphemy to the upper class...YEAH I SAID IT
Many are worried since rap and hip hop has such a reputation for putting down women and being materialistic. However, Professor Dyson spins it saying that Jay Z always backs this up with where he comes from along with how it has shaped him to be the man he is today. Firstly, consider where Mr. Carter comes from compared to where he is now. A sociology course featuring him is perfect. Jay Z almost always uses his past experiences and street smarts as the foundation for just about every one of his songs. In just one song, he can cover racial profiling, politics, economics, pride in his home, and different types of relationships with ease. SOCIOLOGY.
I don't care how close minded you are about the idea of a college course based on a rapper, I believe that it's a wonderful accomplishment for Jay Z. Too often people look down on rap, calling it violent or disrespectful. Yes, they'd be right to feel all those ways... I don't disagree at all. However, take a second to give credit to where its coming from. Rap is REAL. Real experiences, real life, real violence, real disrespect. So to recognize this in a college environment is a huge step in becoming more open minded and actually learning about things bigger than the only life you may know. As one of the students of his class said, college is about thinking outside the box. Not to mention the late Steve Jobs stated in his advice on becoming successful in whatever business you choose to pursue, is that it is important to learn about different things. Again, think outside the box and broaden your horizons.
I cant say it enough Music IS Therapy. Perhaps if we all took a second to LISTEN to what the rapper (or any artist for that matter) is saying, than maybe there would somehow be less corruption in society. Then again that would probably mean people would act like the had hearts, and we all know understanding the ghetto is blasphemy to the upper class...YEAH I SAID IT
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Behind the UC Lounge Performance
Recently I had the pleasure of performing at UC Lounge after not being on stage for over 6 months. It was an experience.
Basically I went into that performance with a "rehearsal" state of mind. Why? Because I want to get better. My live performances are important to me, therefore I wish for them to improve every time, so when I say "rehearsal" don't think a half ass show. Rehearsal is how everyone prepares for the next. So yes, I practice my shows before hand but the actual performance for me is a live dress rehearsal for you to see and decide if you'll be interested in the next show.
Ustream clips of Mandii's Performance!!
Regardless of how many people are in the audience, I aim for interaction and building some sort of relationship with who ever is there. I wish to introduce myself and get to know the strangers, and strengthen the relationship I have with those who have attended past shows.
I try!! The beginning of every show is intimidating whether there's one person in the audience or 200..it doesn't matter...I'm nervous. However, I do manage to loosen up enough to get lost in it, which is what I aim for.
Ever sing in the shower, or while you're cleaning like it nothing because you know no ones listening? Thats how I want to be on stage. Its a hard adjustment but its possible.
Overall I was very happy with my performance and proud of myself. I put a lot of thought into how I want to be perceived on stage as well as what I want to say and what I want you to think when you leave...I think I accomplished what I rehearsed. This isn't the last you'll be seeing of Miss Mandii Madison because there will definitely be more performances and they will be better than the last. Why? Because the last one was just practice for the performances I have on tour or at the Grammy's ;) So don't miss my shit!! xoxoxoxo
Basically I went into that performance with a "rehearsal" state of mind. Why? Because I want to get better. My live performances are important to me, therefore I wish for them to improve every time, so when I say "rehearsal" don't think a half ass show. Rehearsal is how everyone prepares for the next. So yes, I practice my shows before hand but the actual performance for me is a live dress rehearsal for you to see and decide if you'll be interested in the next show.
Ustream clips of Mandii's Performance!!
Regardless of how many people are in the audience, I aim for interaction and building some sort of relationship with who ever is there. I wish to introduce myself and get to know the strangers, and strengthen the relationship I have with those who have attended past shows.
 |
| Loosening up |
I try!! The beginning of every show is intimidating whether there's one person in the audience or 200..it doesn't matter...I'm nervous. However, I do manage to loosen up enough to get lost in it, which is what I aim for.
Ever sing in the shower, or while you're cleaning like it nothing because you know no ones listening? Thats how I want to be on stage. Its a hard adjustment but its possible.
 |
| Acting it out |
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