Reasons to Die

Today one of the things we discussed in class was what is worth dying and/or fighting for in our minds. I have a lot of mixed emotions about a lot of different aspects of this kind of thing.  In my opinion the only reason worth fighting/dying for is something that you as a person find personally important. Whether it be God, country, family, or fame, if it means something to you then it's worth whatever you want it to be worth. For me, my family and my country are the only things I would fight or die for. But when I say country, I mean I would fight to defend it in times of absolute need, not because some rich douche needs more cash.  

Migos

One artist that I've recently been listening to, and actually like, is known as Migos. From what I know it's a group made of three dudes, but I don't know their names. They are a mix between 2 Chainz and Juicy J, with 2 Chainz's production and Juicy J's rap sound. My favorite songs of theirs, while also being the only songs I have of them, include They Don't Know, Jealousy, and Hannah Montana. Hannah Montana is a song that people love to hate because of who it involves and some of the lyrics. At one point there is about 3 lines of the lead guy saying "Hannah Montana" over and over. Aside from their occasional repetitiveness, their sound is something that catches my attention and I definitely think they're worth a listen. 

Big Star

I never have really listened to REM, let alone Big Star, but after watching the documentary on Big Star I'm just as surprised as everyone else is that they weren't as popular as they should've been. I liked the sound of a lot of their music. I can't remember the names of most of the songs but I definitely thought they were worth more than they earned. The songs were catchy and I liked the lead singer's voice a lot. As for the documentary, I thought it was good for informing the public about Big Star's potential. 

Three Days Grace

My favorite rock/metal band would hands down be Three Days Grace.  I've even listening to them since I was little, which might be part of the reason I like them so much. Recently they haven't released anything I've been a huge fan of, but their old albums are absolute classics in my mind. My two favorite are One-X and Three Days Grace. My top favorite songs are Animal I Have Become, Gone Forever, Break, and No More. I've always based my classifications of rock and metal off of how Three Days Grace sound. They are what, in my mind, a typical rock group sounds like. Their songs are catchy, while also containing density in the lyrics. Adam Gontier's voice is also extremely strong. 

Chance the Rapper

Chance the rapper has been one of my favorite rapping artists lately because his music is original and doesn't follow the typical rhythms or organizations of hip hop music. His personality stands out among other rappers through his focus on actual life experiences and historical archetypes.  He makes instrumentals which change throughout the song leaving room for varying tones throughout his songs. His rhyme schemes also vary throughout his songs making him extra original and fun to listen to. He hides different puns and jokes throughout most of his songs, finding them is always interesting.  Chance won mixtape of the year for his "Acid Rap" project, which basically created all the hype over him over the last couple of months. 

Talent

If I were asked to answer the question "Does true talent exist in someone?" I would quickly say of course. But when I start to really think about it, it's a much more difficult question than it seems. I would define talent as natural ability to excel in a certain area.  Once I get to thinking about it, everyone can be considered "talented" in some area, whether they know about it or not. But can't one's talent just be considered one's genetic predisposition? Does talent even exist? Technically speaking, anyone can basically do anything they put their mind to, if they try their absolute hardest to do so. But I think certain people definitely have the ability to learn or accomplish things at an accelerated rate than other people. Maybe this is what talent actually is? The ability to do and learn things faster. Or maybe talent has something to do with one's potential? Does more potential mean more talent? TECHNICALLY speaking, everyone's potential is infinite, because if you REALLY put your mind to it, you can accomplish anything. Does that mean everyone has the same amount of talent? Is talent even a thing? Who knows. 

Mr. A Can Sing

I'm one of the few people who can say I have a music teacher that also sings in his own band and has been featured in some big name bands.  I was slightly surprised when I heard his album, mainly because I had no idea this guy could sing this well and his singing voice was much different than his talking voice. I thought the album was very uplifting and I genuinely enjoyed listening to it. It might have something to do with the fact that I know the person who is singing personally, but even if I didn't I would've still thought it to be a good listen. At some points he even sounded similar to The Beatles.  The two bands sounds are very similar which also might be another reason I liked it. If anyone wants to listen to something that immediately puts you in a better mood, I would definitely recommend Mr. A's album. 

Ty Dolla $ign

I think I'm in the majority when saying I had never heard of Ty Dolla $ign. Yesterday while looking for new music to listen to on HotNewHipHop I saw Wiz featured in one of his songs so I decided to check him out, and I actually really like a lot of his stuff, so far.  The song with Wiz, "Or Nah", is my favorite, but I'm beginning to delve deeper into his older projects. Beach House and Beach House 2 are his most popular mixtapes, both of which I downloaded. I'm actually surprised I hadn't heard of this dude before yesterday because of the fact that a lot of popular rappers are featured on his mixtapes, including Wiz Khalifa, Kirko Bangz, BoB, and YG. I haven't gotten a chance to listen to all of his mixtapes yet but I definitely think Ty Dolla $ign is worth a listen.