Blues, R&amp Essay Example

subsequently became known as jump blues.

A defining characteristic of many artists during that era was the diversity in their performances, encompassing pure 12 bar styles, instrumentals, blues ballads, and popular mainstream songs. It's noteworthy to observe the clear distinctions between R;B and Blues music genres. This includes how R;B transformed the role of electric guitar from being a dominant instrument in Blues to taking on a more reserved role while giving prominence to other instruments like piano or wind instruments such as saxophone to become the leading 'voice' in their compositions (Ream). Ray Charles is one notable figure in the realm of R;B.

His fusion of blues with his unique voice, poignant lyrics, and the gradual exploration of melancholy and love in his music hint at the blues genre. However, his strict fidelity to the piano set him apart as the transcendental head of R;B during the 1930s and 1940s and beyond. As Dean has commented, “Atlantic also maintained close collaborations with artists like Clyde McPhatter and Chuck Willis throughout this era. These artists, together with Ray Charles, are now perceived as the distinct connections between the blues and R;B of the 1940s and 50s and the classic soul of the 1960s and early 70s".

The sound of R&B, often characterized as refined, was not conventionally linked with the emotionally heavy lyrics of emerging rock and roll that was contemporaneous with R&B. Given the diverse inspiration of R&B, the genre was often miscomprehended or difficult to classify.

During the 1960s, burgeoning music types like Jazz and unwavering Blues from Memphis and Chicago (Regan) earned recognition as crucial forms of

African American music. Dean noted that even in the mid-1950s, there was uncertainty as to whether R&B represented a separate genre. Rather, it might be more fitting to link it with black popular music not specifically targeting youngsters, setting itself apart from the expanding rock'n'roll movement.

Pinpointing a particular model within the realm of R&B music proves difficult due to the constant variation in artists' use of instruments such as electric guitars and horns. This perpetual shift has caused confusion among listeners about what truly defines R&B, creating a necessity for re-evaluating how African American music should be classified - either solely as blues or under the broader term, R&B. The variety of musical instruments employed has not provided any clarity on this issue. Dean notes that "In the early 1960s, rhythm and blues were seen as a declining and aging genre, especially concerning record sales."

Undoubtedly, given our current comprehension, the Primer doesn't strictly follow a single interpretation of its terminology. This can be compared to the evolution of blues music which experienced a crucial stage in the 60s that saw R&B transforming and birthing soul music. In this era, R&B significantly veered towards the soul genre. Within this musical sphere, numerous categories are somewhat interchangeable - such as R&B and soul. Although subtle differences exist in their tonality, these distinct African American musical genres are generally viewed as closely interconnected as per Dean's observations.

While some people merely perceived it as a renamed variant of Rhythm and Blues, this perspective neglects an essential element of the soul music era. A multitude of respected soul artists profoundly transformed R&B and overall

African American popular music, introducing an innovative reinterpretation of the tunes created by rhythm and blues' originators. Importantly, numerous such performers, though not all, achieved popularity among white consumers in a manner entirely unfamiliar to the R&B forefathers from the 1930s to 1950s.

Touching on the social and business aesthetics, the Music Business encapsulates all legal and economic matters related to recording, producing, distributing, selling, and copyrighting any musical genre. The structured arrangement of artists, producers, agents, and any affiliated companies constitutes the structure of the music industry. This industry's features are aimed at legally and lucratively disseminating artistic property in all accessible markets.

Furthermore, it includes all news and media representation linked to these activities, notably music-centric magazines like Rolling Stone and Blender. In the past century, artists enjoyed a degree of freedom they hadn't previously known. With their fan following growing nationwide, performers from different genres could earn a steady income through shows at town halls and theaters. Post World War I saw a marked increase in the demand for artistic creativity throughout America - this consequently led to an elevation in job prospects.

In the Big Band era, trailblazers like Duke Ellington made a livelihood by traveling around the country and playing their own music. This growing musical independence peaked in the 1950s with the emergence of Rock and Roll, brought to mainstream popularity by artists such as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Roy Orbison. Even though society imposed limitations at that period, it signified the onset of millionaire musicians and led to significant changes within the music industry itself. Notable advancements in recording technology

played a major role in its success, particularly with the inception of Hip Hop.

Rap music, along with Blues and other genres rooted in African American culture, serves as the foundation of Hip Hop. The distinction between Rap and Hip-Hop is nuanced. Rap typically embodies a more raw energy, particularly seen in gangster Rap styles, whereas Hip-Hop represents a more intricate manifestation of Rap. It merges both humorous and political lyrics in an open verse or various other structures. As highlighted by Scaruffi, the birthplace of rap was a cultural blend found in impoverished neighborhoods in New York such as Harlem, Soho, Greenwich Village, Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Furthermore, the development of Rap music drew influences from Jamaican dub music.

The recording process for the rapper would involve laying his vocals over an existing arrangement of drums, bass, and brass instruments. The pioneers of rap were actually disc-jockeys, or "spinners", who utilized this method to provide commentary on tracks or encourage an audience to dance. Unlike most genres, Hip Hop didn't find its identity in melody but rather in rhythm. Scaruffi's article elucidates the principal distinction between Hip Hop and other musical styles, stressing that Hip Hop offered a dive into reality without pandering to idealistic perceptions, only presenting the hard facts.

Within the urban environment, replete with gritty streets, political battles, crime surges, oppression and occasional sparks of hope, Hip Hop carved out its niche. From the closing years of the 20th century to the beginning of the 21st century, it has developed as a mirror reflecting reality. Drawing inspiration from Blues music, gangsta rap provides a narrative of life in

underprivileged neighborhoods. Consequently, these rap lyrics are not instigators of problems but merely offer commentary on them.

Gangsta rap artists parallel journalists rather than musicians, given that their lyrics are mainly driven by experiences of impoverished lives, drug usage or dealing, observing loved ones engage in the same activities. Their songs encapsulate these issues. Moreover, as stated previously, the foundation of the Blues was in the Deep South, intertwined with spirituals and labor (Gospel Music Association). The sophistication of Blues escalated as the music and its performers transitioned from rural to urban settings.

In urban settings, the Blues found its unique sound (Dean, 1998), much like how gangsta rap discovered its rhythm in over culture urbanization. Gangsta rap is a subcategory of hip hop that's heavily influenced by political elements. The central theme of Gangsta rap and its artists revolve around urban life or ‘da hood’. Consequently, references to gangs and gang members become a defining feature of gangsta rap lyrics, mirroring the chaos of city politics. Crime and violence are prominent themes in gangsta rap lyrics owing to its roots in urban environments.

Lyricists including Ice-T and 2Pac, who draw from their own experiences, have dismantled the portrayal of the idealized nuclear family and brought the harsh reality of the American streets into societal focus. This was accomplished through their contribution to gangsta rap, a genre often identified as realistic due to its angst-ridden lyrics, reminiscent of the concurrently evolving rock 'n' roll and hip-hop sounds. The genre's diverse influences made its categorization challenging, leading to misinterpretations. Consequently, themes advocating drug use became part of this musical style.

Opposing widely

held views, gangsta rap primarily serves as a narrative platform. The lyrics are reflective of the environment and personal experiences of the rapper, thereby acting as a conduit for society to understand street life and the core realities of America. It's important to acknowledge that African American music is fundamentally rooted in Blues. However, it's this urban interpretation of Blues that has led to the development and molding of gangsta rap. Within this progression, artists within the genre have found their distinct position.

The city setting acts as an essential wellspring of creativity and a vibrant aspect of reality for both music styles, shaping their lyrics and beat. The exploration of drug-related themes in the verses of a gangsta rap artist doesn't promote such activities but imparts a glimpse into the culture they have personally witnessed on urban avenues. This is what renders gangsta rap fascinating; it encompasses the rapper's individual experiences, presenting a broader perspective of reality. Despite frequent allusions to violence and drugs in the lyrics, these are only mirrors reflecting life as it exists - not endorsing substance misuse or aggression towards women.

Gangsta rap voices manifest culture, representing a diverse mix of humankind's noblest and ignoble features as expressed by the tunes and their creators. African American music is rooted in the Blues, but its progression into R&B and Hip Hop is driven by city-based influences. The urban environment offers essential motivation and a genuine note of honesty that defines the lyrics and beat of these two musical genres.

Citation