Under Construction

The image represents the construction of a piece of music called Save me please by Props.

The following screen shots below illustrate illustrates a sequence of different musical instrument either man made or computer generated.

Drums

Bassline

Keyboard (Rhodes)

Wurlitzer (electric pinao)

Sine tone 1 (computer generated)

Sine tone 2 (computer generated)

Grand Piano

FM Pad (computer generated)

Props - Beat Examples

I’ve been trying to figure out ways of uploading sound clips to this blog, but with no success. However I’m not giving up, so as soon as I work it out I’ll put up some beat examples.

Is there anybody out there who knows the know how?

Now!!!

Examples of what Hip Hop represent today.

These videos contain explicit material!!! View with caution.

50 Cent is now one of the most successful American rapper and entrepreneurs. He took his name from a notorious gangster of New York in the 80's, who was well known for murder, robbery and extortion.
Boooooooooooooooo!!!!

The story behind this video is a funeral for Cameron (rival rapper from the crew dipset). 50 Cent is trying to intimidate and show his power, telling Cameron to watch his mouth otherwise he could have him killed.

This video is a typical representation of the factors that embody Hip-hop today. Money, cars, violence, degradation of women (bitches) and Bling Bling!!

Below is a video of what stereotypical Hip-Hop video girls look like.



Common, a Hip hop artist dedicated to the original vision of Hip Hop. “The Light” (video below) is one of his most popular songs to date.

Notice his lyrics bare no relation to factors that can be viewed in the 50 cent video. He talks about Love and respect.

Ode to Hip Hop

Common, a positive and respected hip-hop artist within the industry.

In this video Common is using the word ‘Her’ as a metaphor for ‘Hip-Hop’. Reflecting on hip-hops original vision and asking what’s happened now.

The Search

For Hip Hop orginal vision.
Where has it gone?

THEN…

Hip hop originated from breaks in soul music from Dj’s decks. For example when a soul drummer was told by James Brown to “break it down” the soul drummer would do a drumming solo by himself, Dj Kool Herc a Jamaican immigrant who found residence in the US, would mix those breaks on his decks.

Back in the day, struggle was a very big inspiration for any mc. The music was about the expression, that of a way of expressing yourself, expressing your love of the music and showing your creativity. Hip Hop was about being honest, when you stepped on the mic, your rhymes became a social commentary, about the mc’s area their neighbourhood, what they saw everyday, what they didn’t like about their area, what loved about their neighbourhood. Don’t push me (a song by Grandmaster Flash) is an illustration of this.

Video -Grandmaster Flash and The Furlous Five with Melle Mel: The Message

Hip hop represented honesty and skill. Rappers didn’t mc about being gangsters, fucking bitches, drinking this and smoking that. They were rapping about things like ‘when I’m trying to go to my job the stations on lockdown because they’re on strike, therefore I can’t go to my job’ etc. Whether they were rhyming or making music, this was an illustration of the depth of their skill. Being able to creatively express yourself so that it could make sense to everybody else, so that your public could relate, showed their true talent, that’s what earned them respect. Back in the day jewellery represented skill not money, because you need the skill to have achieved it in the first place. Nowadays, jewellery represents record sells.

Hip Hop also had roots in the party side of things (sugar hill gang – a song by Sugar Hill Gang) very first hip hop sample song.

Video -Sugar Hill Gang: Rappers Delight

Hip Hop also had roots in the party side of things (sugar hill gang – a song by Sugar Hill Gang) very first hip hop sample song.

However, the side that got the most respect, attention, appreciation and popularity was the social commentary side. In the late 70’s early 80’s, this was hip hop’s strength, the reality and honesty of it all.


NOW…

Original vision of Hip Hop can still be found here and there, but back in the day it was everywhere. In the mainstream Hip hop now is all about elaborate lies, represented by possessions, cars, chains etc. Rappers create a lifestyle that is sellable to the viewer and the public in particular youth culture; believe in their idols alter egos.

Hip Hop can now be symbolised by a pyramid system. For example, if you sound like this, go over this type of music, say this type of thing and if we (management) market you in this type of way, you will achieve this amount of sells. Achieving high sells means the greater opportunity to acquire tangible objects. Money and record sales represents success, whereas before skill represented success. Mainstream hip hop artist have all become one big chameleon, they try to do different things but inevitable they all end up doing the exact same thing. Although there may be different genres of hip hop such as hardcore, soulful (common), underground (J Dilla), horror core (death/killing) they all have the same public negative representations.

Does hip hop represent itself as an 18 year old child? By constantly talking about going out to raves, drinking, fucking three or four girls, smoking this and buying that.

There are artist who have kept the original vision of hip hop, but they are few and far between. Although there are individuals within the industry holding summits to try and get back what has now been lost, unless there is a revolution we may never regain what once was.

Is hip hop dead?

Branding or Promoting?

Received a comment on the main blog about whether this project would be mainly branding or promoting, and how much info have Ii’ve got together about my client.

I feel this project has a bit of both elements. The branding would coincide with the non-stereotypical visuals used to represent him and his vision. The promoting side would be used to further establish the client, generate interest and draw in more potential paying clients, which is also something that the client needs. The documentary is more of a live biography with elements of the processes he goes to accomplish his outcomes. I chose to do this instead of the written format as Props (Propa) feels that written format of bios found on websites and myspace accounts are extremely one dimensional (boring). All the info on him has already been gathered, the next step is to put it all together.

His Music

Props vast amount of knowledge, skill, and creativity, set him aside from his counterparts. Both lyrically and instrumentally Props is constantly producing music that is being credited by individuals within the music industry and those also on the ever lasting battle, of gaining recognition.

His music illustrates a freedom of expression and thought. It embodies his emotions, if he feels it, he makes it. The direction of Props music has a fresh and invigorating vibe. The diversity of his influences has enabled him to infuse different musical elements resulting in out the box thinking when constructing instrumental beats.