This article was focused on three female wrappers: Lil' Kim, Lady of Rage, and Mia x. The main points I found were that "Gangsta rap" is a sub-genre to rap, which is a sub-category to hip-hop. Regardless of stereotypes, these ladies want to be categorized as "Gangsta rappers".
These ladies rap about experiences they have encountered and what happens in their everyday lives. Mia X being one of the rappers, she took the title of "Ladylike", but on the other hand Lady of Rage did as well. Mia X was also was known for "The lyrical man-eater" which, in other words... She out beat most male rappers.
Mia X and Lady of Rage are both aggressive lyrical writers, and express themselves with their music. Mia X considered herself as a "better bitch" when it comes to a "basic women" in her lyrics. Meaning, any other women doesn't even come close to her.
What was also interesting is that using the word "nigga" instead of "nigger" is fine when it comes to these ladies and their music. This is how they define their men or other males in general. Last thing I discovered was that Lil' Kim, took "oral sex" seriously, well I believe in her music she did. If she didn't receive it, she didn't do the "y" for the man.
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Article #2: "Get up, Stand up"
Bob Marley was the symbol of peace and freedom. He grew up in poverty; he was exposed to the violent community and Rastafari (tribal men). He wrote music based on where he lived and was raised from; he wrote about injustice. Coming to America, Delaware to be exact was totally different from being born in Jamaica; Violent vs. Non-Violent.
Experiencing the U.S, he decided to go back to Jamaica and switch from Christian to Rastafari. He wanted for people to know what Rastafari meant, and what it stood for; he wanted his voice to be heard! His lyrics spoke about freedom, how he somewhat had it, but didn't feel it because of prejudice.
"Get up, Stand up" speaks for the people to fight against the oppressive system that keeps them from suffering. Police brutality was amongst the Rastafarians, unprivileged, and opposition. CIA assumed that reggae music was dangerous, and triggered the poor people. "Gunmen" were after Bob Marley and his family. He wanted for people to hear him, and not try to kill him.
"My life is with people. Is what me is" (Gallardo, 2003, pg. 205). CIA later turns out to be the "Gunmen"; they wanted to kill Bob Marley because he was seen as a threat to them. Jamaica didn't want anything to do with him. He ended up passing away from getting cancer that started from his toe, but then lead to his brain and liver.
Doctors told him to amputate his toe, but Rastafarians believe no cuts to the flesh should be made. He put up with his cancer for eight months, and then passed away. To end my summary, "He didn't use violence to fight; he used the power of music" (Gallardo, 2003, pg. 208).
Great Summary!!!!!! It's impressive to hear how people like Bob Marley was an icon to those who wanted to say what they felt but couldn't. He was like a voice to his people that needed to be heard. Couldn't imagine living during those times where freedom of speech was not allowed especially in music.
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