Bass Song Analysis

The n-word is considered one of the most vicious racial slurs in the English language today. True that the n-word is closely associated with slavery and the oppression of blacks. Even after the abolition of slavery the word still haunted African Americans, especially in more segregated areas; where blacks were viewed as inferior to whites. In recent years the n-word has become less of a malicious slur in parts of our country. Public figures who use the n-word run the risk of losing their jobs. However, since the 1960s African Americans have coined the term “nigga”, when addressing one another. The rise of hip hop culture also enhanced the use of the word-they felt as though they are using the word as a term of endearment. Critics of the

Millennials are known for coming up with slang words, that they frequently use, eventually get tired

The essay “The Meanings of a Word” by Gloria Naylor discusses the many definitions of a word and how its meaning can change according to context and delivery. She made this point by telling a story of her childhood and the first time she heard the n-word used by a white person in a derogatory, demeaning way. She described her this situation that took place when she was in third-grade and a boy in front of her in math class called her the n-word. She had no idea what it meant to be called that in a negative way because the people she grew up around only used it as positive and empowering. At the end of her essay, she once again emphasized how easy it is to change a word into something hateful simply depending on who says it and their

In the contemporary United States, using the word is taboo, and it is often replaced with the euphemism "the N-word". "Nigga", is sometimes used among African Americans as a neutral or term of endearment.

I do in fact agree with Randall. “Nigger: it is arguably the most consequential social insult in American History, though, at the same time, a word that reminds us of ‘the ironies and dilemmas, tragedies and glories of the American experience’” (Kennedy 1). (Please note that my points are absolutely debatable). I do indeed believe that in today’s world, even though there is still racist lurking around us, you can use the N word if it’s in the right context. I would in no condition use this manner when speaking to an adult. I also would never use this word if I were at school or work. But I would use it with my friends, or having a casual conversation with someone my age. During my senior year of high school my English teacher asked us to write an essay using our everyday terminology. She made it clear that we could use foul language. In my essay I including the N word and the next day I was called into the office. My principle explained to me that my English teacher believed I was being racist and only chose to use that word because I had the freedom to say anything I put my heart to. I got into a big argument with the principle on how the word is used differently for my generation and I was not going to apologize or accept any type of punishment. I had to write letter for the board explaining myself. I won this conflict because I stated that if my teacher was not capable of handing this kind of paper, she should have never asked for it in the first place. I

It was a the main word back in the 1800’s and up till the civil rights movement. The N word is a very strong word, with repercussions coming for whoever speaks it. The N word is used in many black neighborhoods and ghettos, as the N word is slung to one another constantly. Racism will continue to be prevalent if the N word is still used in predominantly black communities. The N word has racism written all over it, and societies will not make progress towards eliminating racism if the N word is still used, Kevin says, “I am never again going to utter the word “nigger” to describe myself, to describe Black people, to paint a picture of a certain type of mentality born of racial oppression, self-hatred, confusion, of ignorance…”(45). Societies that use the N word to describe one another, is destroying progress made to ending racism. The word is commonplace in rap and inner city cultures, making the word seem acceptable to say in society. Using the n word is not acceptable in any culture in the United States. The amount of hatred towards Black people the word expresses is sickening, and we must make advances in society to eliminate the word from our

Have you ever been listening to a popular song on the radio and heard the n-word? Should songs with this word be condemned or appreciated? Is it possible for the word to change meaning over time? The n-word’s use, began in the 1600s, as an insult to slaves of African descent, however, beginning with the rise of hip-hop in the 1980s its usage shifted towards a term of endearment among the descendents of the same people who had to endure it many years ago. While it originally was an insult, it has now been reclaimed by African-Americans as a word of not only endearment, but also pride in black heritage. Therefore, it’s acceptable for African-Americans to use the n-word.

Slang: a type of language that consists of words that are regarded as informal, and is most common in speech, and is typically restricted to a particular context or group of people. Nearly everyday, even without noticing it, most people use slang in their speech on a daily basis. How people speak can be interpreted very differently to listeners depending on their background. Many areas have their own type of speech that usually, only people who come from that background will understand. After reading Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston and making an FJAVE dictionary and examples, it is easy to see that speech holds so much power, especially when the people communicating are born around the same time period or if they live in the same area.

I often find amongst people of the same race use these racial slurs towards each other. They may justify them by thinking they are just joking around, not realizing they are saying words giving the meaning of racial prejudice, ignorance, or lack of understanding. For example, most African Americans I know call each other “Nigga” almost every time they speak to, or about someone. Racial slurs are extreme hate words, but to some, it is considered an endearment. As Naylor explains, “When used with a possessive adjective by a woman -“my

The word nigga is used daily, mostly by African Americans, as a term of endearment. This word can be heard in general conversation and in Hip Hop

There is also a type of language spoken in America that is widely discussed and often imitated throughout the world. It is American Slang. Depending on who you ask, some will say that slang is a result of English that was broken by slaves transported to America. Some will say that slang is a result of adolescents in America being rebellious towards their elders. Either way, there is a new form of slang added to each generation. As time passes, that slang becomes common and an acceptable (grammatically) part of the English language. In the 1930’s jazz musician Lester Young popularized the word “cool” and acknowledged it as a description for his music. During those times, any young person who used that word

What is the problem with the n-word in the first place? This word has a racist history starting during the 17th century when it was used to insult slaves (Asim, 2007, as cited in McClure, 2015). The writer states that no matter what race, the word is a powerful symbol of the history of anti-black oppression in the United States. In the essay, the author explains that some people believe that the use of the word in rap music has stripped it away of its original racist meaning, but others say that the term should be forbidden. Reading the essay, it shows a lot of proof of the inconsistency between the usage and meaning behind the n-word in society. For example, rappers would use the word in their lyrics referring the term to themselves and their friends, but hateful people would use the term to yell at others or write it out as threats. The way the term is used and who decides to use it determines how people will interpret the

In this essay I am going to look at one of the producers who has influenced my work and has a significant impact on the UK Bass music scene with a successful career spanning over 20 years in multiple genres and that is Ben Pettit AKA DJ Zinc. From when I first heard Super Sharp Shooters in 1995 which came out on DJ Hypes Ganja Records and his Dope Skillz alias for Six Million Ways I was amazed as those tracks seemed to take the jump up sound of DnB and Jungle to a higher level. At a time when jungle was thriving, these tracks were not pure Jungle in my opinion due to the fact they heavily sampled Hip Hop and funk tracks, with Super Sharp Shooter sampling Fred Wesley, Method Man, LL Cool Jay, James brown, Tommy Roe and The Winston’s classic Amen Brother. Naturally by using those types of rare groove and Hip Hop samples they had more of a Hip Hop feel to them as opposed to the true raga jungle feel, which was more reggae,

In 2014, an extremely catchy throwback to the doo-wop days called “All About That Bass” came out. The track was so refreshing when I first heard it. I remember seeing Trainor in the pastel-filled music video with some simple choreography and a message for women to embrace every inch of their body and be confident. Not only did I hear the meaning behind Trainor’s playful lyrics, the extremely catchy song spread like wildfire when it hit the radio topping national charts from over 50 countries internationally. Even though Trainor is only 21 (20 when “All About That Bass” came out) and new to being on the performing side of the music biz, her ability to craft songs that will sway what’s popular in music, makes her an artist to watch. On January 13th, 2015 Meghan Trainor will be

The communication skills are not as strong today because of the influence of hip-hop. Hip-hop music is known for containing a great deal of slang. A slang word is a word that many people associate with poor grammar and questionable diction. What most of us do not realize is how much slang is used in day-to-day life. It is simply considered a part of normal and accepted language. It has a negative effect on our young black males because they tend to learn slang before starting kindergarten, which contributes to the illiteracy of black people. The same people, who learn slang before learning proper English, begin incorporating slang into communications with other people, essentially deflecting from improving society’s view about black people. Hip-hop music uses a variety of slang terms that change as hip-hop evolves and changes. Much of its lexicon is drawn from African-American vernacular English. Hip-hop slang gives ordinary words new meanings. Harlem rapper Lamont Coleman (stage name Big L) released a song on his posthumous album "The Big Picture" entitled "Ebonics". In this song, Big L goes through various hip-hop slang terms and gives their proper meanings.