Tanveer Shahnawaz

This song should only be listened to from 0:09 to 0:27…please. I apologize for the explicit title of the song and the explicit lyrics as well as the immoral themes expressed throughout. Why I chose this song as one my blog posts is because of the intro to the song (from 0:09 to 0:27). In the intro, we have Pimp C, the late rapper and producer, as he explains why we should not treat the young black population as rascals and ‘those kids up to no good’. It seems like this particular age and racial group has for quite some time now, been shown a lot of scrutiny and disappointment for their obsession of violence, crime, chains, jewellery, etc. Pimp C tries to explain why the obsession for “this jewellery and this diamonds and stuff” should not be used to “look down on the youngsters” as he preaches that they are “really from Africa…and we originated by kings…we just don’t all know our history…”. What I take from this is that it is because of these artists and the images and lifestyles that they portray— is really what motivates and influences the kids/fans to follow them. The rappers and artists are part of media and I find it funny that here is a member of the music industry, and the media, trying to apologize for something they had created in the first place. 

As many listeners can be quick to notice the Orwellian-themed lyrics to what should really be called “The Soundtrack to 1984”, English rock band Coldplay produces an absolutely hypnotizing tune that leaves many to appreciate the depth in their intellect as artists. With the opening lines: “They got one eye watching you/ One eye, what you do?/ So be careful who it is you’re talking to” to the bridge: “So be careful 'cause nothing they say is true/ Bu-but don’t believe a word/ It’s just us against the world/  And we just gotta turn to be heard”, Major Minus truly exhibits what was learned in Lecture 2 as the ruling class and their ideas are the ruling ideas of their age and that nothing we can do can stop them from continuing to exploit and victimize us. Lead singer Chris Martin explains and advocates the admiration he has for “anybody who's standing up for themselves. It's about being free to be yourself and to express yourself among negative surroundings. Being able to speak out or follow your passion, even if everybody seems against it." Even though Coldplay is part of the media of today, I appreciate what they sing for.