Blog # 8

Step 1: Invent your tunesFor this blog assignment, you will design a CD and invent 5 original song titles that will appear on it. These song titles should take a stance on any topic you'd like, from personal to international. Just keep in mind that they should specifically convey your stance and you should make up the titles from your imagination. These could develop into essay topics. Each song should represent a different topic or issue that interests you. After the song title, explain what argumentative issues the song is addressing and what genre of music it will be. Consider logos, ethos, and pathos and how different music genres use these elements. For example, how would a country song and a rap song differ in dealing with domestic violence?For example, if you disagree with capital punishment, an entry might look like this:Song title: "When Justice reVOLTs"Genre: RapExplanation: This song explores the injustices of capital punishment, particularly towards minorities. The song will have sound bytes of interviews with men who were wrongfully placed on death row, underscored by explicit lyrics that compare and contrast the unfair treatment of minorities accused of crimes as opposed to caucasians exonerated for crimes. Socio-economic factors are also addressed.

1) Title: “Ghettos of Senegal”
Genre: Hip-Hop
Explanation: Song discusses troubles and violence in the country Senegal. The artist talks about political corruption, immigration, and slavery.

2) Title: “I’m at War”
Genre: Hip-Hop/R&B
Explanation: Song talks about interracial marriages and relationships, and the difficulties that are included with them. Song includes two people from different backgrounds struggling to be together.

3) Title: “No 9 to 5”
Genre: Hip-Hop
Explanation: Song involves the hardships of a typical 9 to 5 job, and the stress that is involved. The song discusses things that 9 to 5-ers go through such as rush-hour, other obligations, achieving higher job positions, etc.

4) Title: “Say Something”
Genre: Hip-Hop
Explanation: Talks about the problem of our minorities and youths not being heard. Complains about how the voices of the under-privileged, and under-aged are not typically considered, which leads to violence and troubles among children.

5) “Spend all of my Money”
Genre: Hip-Hop
Explanation: Song discusses the problem of people lavishly spending their money on things they can’t afford, and eventually regretting it. Song specifically talks about over-charged credit cards, and exceeding credit limits.

Step 2: Write the LyricsAfter you are finished with the list, choose one song that you feel most passionate about, and expand it. Write a short paragraph of lyrics that best captures the stance and tone of the song. (The lyrics can be from any section of your song.) Tell me what the video of the song would portray.

Song # 1
“Ghettos of Senegal”
Lyrics:
(Small Portion of Song)

I’ve seen kids with automatic weapons waiting for the war to get on that side, and I know about being born in America to avoid immigration. So what you know about the Goree Island, where all the slaves were shipped from?

Step 3: Title your Grammy-winning CD Give your entire CD a title. Try to convey a strong stance, attitude, or mood.

“Neglected Troubles”

Step 4: Design the coverDesign your CD cover. You may either describe the cover in detail (color, visual image, photos, text, layout) or actually design your CD cover by using any image that intrigues you - perhaps an ad or a painting. A personal photo is also fine. Feel free to be creative. You do not have to bring in a hard copy of the design to class. Just describe what it would look like on your blog, or provide a visual on the blog.


The front cover will have a big picture of a minority, preferably black, because it will draw the most attention. The black male will be in a white room sitting at a table alone. The man will have his elbows on the table, with his head facing down, and he will be looking down and have both of his hands on his head implying that he is fed up, tired, and unsatisfied.