DEALING WITH IGNORANCE/RACISM 07/09/2010
1 Comment JOTS ON HIP-HOP FROM ON-THE-GROUND 4 07/09/2010
(Fourth Entry) Precisely what makes Hip-Hop and/or Hip-Hop culture unique (if it is)? And, is it too grand a leap to go from the realm of the DJ (that primarily deals with sound) to the realm of ideas?
HIP-HOP: BEYOND BEATS AND RHYMES 06/26/2010
"HIP-HOP: Beyond Beats and Rhymes is a riveting documentary that examines representations of gender roles in hip-hop and rap music through the lens of filmmaker Byron Hurt, a former college quarterback turned activist. Conceived as a 'loving critique' from a self-proclaimed 'hip-hop head,' Hurt examines issues of masculinity, sexism, violence and homophobia in today’s hip-hop culture." JOTS ON HIP-HOP FROM ON-THE-GROUND 3 04/07/2010
(Third Entry) Is Hip-Hop really a culture or just hyperactivity? The question itself could be unnecessary. Yet, for my ignorance it is a fair one to ask – a good place to begin this personal reconstruction.
Using the tool of intuition (produced by observation and experience) to delve into (what is termed) Hip-Hop, through its “so-called elements”, is one way to seek the terms of validation necessary for a legitimate reconstruction. Of course, there remains a room for the academic analysis of the culture within this reinterpretation. Yet, a temporary detachment from academia is needed to create a simple picture, an easy metaphysics for (what is termed) Hip-Hop. FTP PRESENTS TGCMM ART 03/16/2010
Today, FTP is proud to present the work of TGCMM. TGCMM is an artist that dabbles in the fields of music composition, drawing, poetry, literature, and photography. TGCMM is also responsible for Gaambharru. At this time, TGCMM plans on holding a solo exhibition in the next 4-6 years entitled Art As Process, Process As Art. New work will be uploaded every 15-20 months. The work of TGCMM currently on this website accounts for about 13%-15% of what will be featured in the exhibition. Below is a sneak peek: TGCMM DrawTGCMM Beats/MusicIrie Vibes III [From The Roasted Fish, Brown Rice, & Apple Stew Suite 1.0] Chill-Out Fantasy I [From The Broccoli + Samboussa Selections 1.1] JOTS ON HIP-HOP FROM ON-THE-GROUND 2 03/03/2010
(Second Entry) So I have been thinking a bit about this Hip-Hop. I have also read a book or two. It was certainly enlightening to learn some of the history; or at least become somewhat aware of it, more than I ever was.
Yet, it seems one can only go so far with books. While there should always be room for the rigors of academic research, the intuition in experience and observation is unique. I have heard people say that participation (in an event) yields a better perspective for reflection. The conclusion of such a reflection can then be bolstered by the libraries. Balance. JOTS ON HIP-HOP FROM ON-THE-GROUND 02/22/2010
(1st Entry) The quest towards an authentic identity. It becomes a suspicious riddle.
“Authentic identity”. Now that sounds…funny. The problem of suicide and the quest for an identity. Is suicide limited to doing it yourself? Could it be looking for someone else to do the dirty work for you? And could it also be someone behind the curtains doing the work you don’t want done, but have no choice than to accept it? The search for meaning, and the use of common or humane sense. One cannot necessarily rely on history for an identity or meaning: For one to be of the present times, beyond heavy classifications and worrisome loyalty. But still, from the stories of yore one can begin the work of developing a sense of self, place, and meaning – for the present. And come closer to subtle continuity (that my ancestors, and the ancestors of others, have spoken about). MUSIC OF THE SUYA INDIANS 02/12/2010
"Anthony Seeger, Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of California, Los Angeles, discusses the main focus of his career - the music of the Suyá Indians of Central Brazil . He gives a quick but fascinating lesson in their musical folkways, the central role that music plays in their culture and society, how the Suyá use music to structure their sense of time, their instrumentation and use of voice, the place that music education plays in the raising of their children, and their reluctance to adopt the instrumentation or techniques of other cultures even as they gladly appropriate their songs. In addition, he sings one of the songs the Suyá perform during rainy season." Via AHM FTP Consultancy -- A STORY ON VIDEO GAMES 08/07/2009
Video games are part of today's culture. Below is a story on the subject. |