Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Beat.
Moment of Truth: Gangstarr
It has been 11 years since the fallout of the rap duo Gangstarr, and only seven since the death of Guru, the lead MC of the group, who went into cardiac arrest after a long battle with cancer. Despite this tragedy, the music of Guru and Gangstarr has continued to grow in popularity with serious rap fans, to the point that the music will now live on forever— especially the smooth beats, tight lyrics, and more profound message portrayed in the brilliant classic, 'Moment of Truth.'
By Magnus DePencier8 years ago in Beat
A Bridge of Music
Music can create bridges between those in all walks of life. William Sidney Mount was a nineteenth-century American painter and musician who grew up in rural Long Island, New York (Johns). Mount was known as a genre painter attracting fans throughout America and Europe (Johns). Most of his works depict scenes in domestic settings (Johns). A majority of the subjects portrayed in Mount’s paintings are African Americans, farmers, and country folk, those who would be seen as the “common man” in America (Johns). Typically, the people are practicing some form of music. In Dance of the Haymakers, Mount portrays country folk engaged in a variety of activities. Some are dancing to the music played by the fiddler and the drummer boy while others are watching in the background. Mount’s Dance of the Haymakers is a depiction of the African-American man’s role in white society and the racial divide present in American culture shown through the participation of the African-American boy in the music-making, what instrument he is playing, his position in the painting, and how music creates a harmony between the different races.
By Almárëa Laurësil8 years ago in Beat
Bob Marley
Before he became the Rasta man of the world, he was born Robert Nesta Marley on February 6th, 1945 in Nine Mile, Jamaica. His parents were Cedella Booker and Norval Marley. He lived with his mother, and only saw his father a handful of times when he was a young boy. Bob Marley had passion for music as a young one, so while at school, Bob Marley and his friend Neville "Bunny" Livingston shared the same love of music. Bunny started teaching Bob Marley how to play the guitar. Then, in the 50s, Bob and Bunny moved to Kingston in a little town called Trench Town. It was there that they met Peter Tosh.
By Shante Hernandez8 years ago in Beat
Music and Reminiscing
Life isn't just about living, it's also about enjoying it. Music makes life fun, full, and entertaining. Music differs so much that no song is like another. Just like how everybody is different. Music is so important to me because it makes me happy when I need to be happy, sad when I want to be sad, and boosts every emotion that I can possibly have. When I hear a melody, it makes me ponder about my life in the past, present, and future. I've had many years to listen to music and have just recently seen the what music means to me. Music makes me think about all the parts of my life because it has made such an influence in my heart.
By Brianna O'Connor8 years ago in Beat
G-Eazy 'The Beautiful And Damned'
G- Eazy grinded to achieve the mainstream dominance that he now enjoys. His sophomore LP, When It’s Dark Out, was well-received and spawned hits such as “Me, Myself, and I." His latest single, “No Limit,” is already following in the footsteps of its predecessor.
By Rap Disciple8 years ago in Beat
The Acoustic Version
There are few things that frustrate me like modern-day music. Lyrics are getting more vulgar and offensive by the day and auto-tuning programs strip voices of their uniqueness and any kind of emotion. The ones most willing to sacrifice their dignity are rewarded with fame, while true talent is left ignored in the coffee shop around the corner. I believe in rebelling against the stigmatic consumption of “Today’s Hits.” I believe in giving true artists the credit they deserve; I believe in listening to and appreciating the acoustic rendition.
By Ellie Renkert8 years ago in Beat
School of Vivaldi
In this article, I will briefly introduce you to a piece of Antonio Vivaldi; Concerto in E Minor, Op. 3 No. 4. I am going to do this by first explaining what the function of this piece was in relation to the viewers of the performance as well as the performers themselves. Then I am going to discuss the musical aspects, like the rhythm and the key.
By Larissa van Orselen8 years ago in Beat
Brockhampton - 'Saturation III'
Brockhampton is the newest collective of hip-hop innovators that will soon have the pop landscape at their feet. They don’t want to be just another “rap group”; they insist that you call them a “boy band.” The group consists of Kevin Abstract, Matt Champion, Ameer Van, Merlyn Wood, Dom McLennon, Rodney Tenor, Ciaran “Bearface” Mcdonald, and Russell Boring.
By Rap Disciple8 years ago in Beat
The Cross-Influence of Hip-Hop and Indie Music: A Playlist
I’ve always had an affinity for songs that were different, futuristic if you will. Songs that would create eras and ways to usher in new aspects of music. Hip-Hop and Indie music have always produced that, but have existed as largely separate genres, complete with their own unique sound and cultures. However, despite the genres’ differences on the surface, they possess a commonality: they began as forward thinking, underground styles that have adapted and grown to encompass a spectrum of sounds and mainstream success.
By Aaron Gibbs-Grice8 years ago in Beat
The 'List: Best (Depending On Who You Ask) of 2017. Top Story - December 2017.
Hello, one and all. If any of you follow my posts, you all know by now that I do not listen; or rather barely to, any new music, unless it's by an artist that I'm still willing to validate and listen to. 2017, in my opinion, has been a less-than-stellar year in music, mostly because (realizing that it's a one-sided argument) the music has been so sub-par and one-note, that I must now chuck it up to a major generation gap.
By Carlos Gonzalez8 years ago in Beat
Darlene Love Never Fails to Bring Christmas Home
Darlene Love first appeared on the scene in the 1960’s girl group, The Blossoms. The female flowering provided doo-wop backup for artists that ranged from Sam Cooke and Elvis to Frank Sinatra and Dionne Warwick. On her own - through the sometimes contentious relationship with Phil Specter - emerged hits like He’s a Rebel, He’s Sure the Boy I Love and Wait til my Bobby gets Home. Her resume also includes screen credits as Danny Glover’s wife in the Lethal Weapon movies and a decades long run singing Christmas Baby Please Come Home on the David Letterman Show. But while her voice may have destined her for stardom, it was her father’s weekly inspirational oratory that would actually force the path she landed on.
By Rich Monetti8 years ago in Beat
