Was just reading about both the Kanye West and Serena Williams situations and I'm just shaking my head, felt like weighing in. It's more of a monologue but feel free to comment...
Really, I don't even want to discuss right-or-wrong. Quite simply, and inarguably, Kanye West was wrong for what he did. It was immature and unprofessional; distasteful and unbecoming conduct of someone in his position. However, so was his ever-so-acclaimed statement that "George Bush doesn't care about Black people."
My issue is, why are people so shocked and appalled now? It seems legions of people are (at least publicly) turning away from him and his music over it, even though this is the way he's been his entire career. He is who he is, and those are things that Kanye does, as we should have come to expect by now. Not saying it's something to accept, but it's expected.
The other part of the ordeal is that people are actually rejecting his public apology, saying it's unreliable and backhanded. After reading it, I disagree. Kanye understands he was wrong for what he did and is apologizing for it, but he's not apologizing for being who is his or for what he said. He meant what he said but apologizes for doing it in the wrong place and at the wrong time.
Bottom line: let Kanye be Kanye. If you rock with him, rock with him; if you don't, don't. But I just find it crazy that people are letting this be the defining moment where they force Kanye to walk the plank.
I guess I'll also comment on Serena while I'm at it. Clearly, she lost her temper. But the official know how emotionally invested atheletes of her caliber playing at this level can get, and the least the official could have done was admonish her with a verbal warning, try to calm her, something. No person wants a tournament to end in a default decision. I just think Serena letting her emotion get the best of her was unfortunate and unprofessional, but at the same time, the official should have understood the situation and not have essentially completely disqualified her. A clear example of the old addage that "two wrongs don't make a right."
N. Talekt
Links:
- Article on the Kanye West Situation
- Serena Williams Loses It
Monday, September 14, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Apology Unnecessary
This is somewhat unrelated to music, but it hits home personally and if you know my music, you know how closely my personal life can get woven into it...
So, as you probably heard by now, an apology has been formally issued for slavery and all its injustices. While I understand what they are trying to accomplish, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.
While I could rant about my stance on the matter, I think most of my thoughts have been summed up quite nicely in an article I found written by Katrina Browne (a White woman, which will be apparent as you read my snippets):
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/19/browne.slavery/index.html
A particular point that stood out to me:
I understand the motives of the apology, I just think it was a waste of time and effort. We all know it was wrong, and understand that the lines of communication need to be opened. However, time and effort is better spent addressing the effects of slavery today instead of apologizing for yesterday.
My feeling is that I was never enslaved, so I can not even begin to attest to knowing what it was like to be in that position, and doing so would be ignorant and disrespectful. But I do know that my life has been heavily influenced by my ancestors and my position in society has been shaped largely by that same history.
To close, I want to note that I am not blind to the progress being made. Barack Obama is indeed the Jackie Robinson of this era. However, I look to the position of the common Joe and feel there is much more to be attained.
Much more than which an apology will suffice.
NT
So, as you probably heard by now, an apology has been formally issued for slavery and all its injustices. While I understand what they are trying to accomplish, that's one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.
While I could rant about my stance on the matter, I think most of my thoughts have been summed up quite nicely in an article I found written by Katrina Browne (a White woman, which will be apparent as you read my snippets):
http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/19/browne.slavery/index.html
A particular point that stood out to me:
I think the last paragraph of that drives home exactly why I think the apology is useless. "I'm sorry" is not going to bring better schools to poor neighborhoods. "I'm sorry" is not going to give me access to those "certain" jobs that seem to continue to be dominated by the same group. "I'm sorry" is not going undo the labeling and stereotypes derived from racism that cause men to empty 59 shots into a man lying on the ground."It now feels really natural to want to express regret -- not an apology (that's for institutions; Congress was right to step forward) but deep regret and sadness about what happened, fellow citizen to fellow citizen. I try to imagine what it would be like if we went so far as to extend tenderness toward each other. We could actually all use more of it when we're talking about race, racism and anything to do with slavery.
"Instead, we are full of protestations, distrust, dismissiveness, resentments. For those of us who are white, what's the resistance really about? It may be, at core, that we don't want to feel guilty or blamed or responsible for the outrage of slavery. I didn't.
"But here's the funny thing: While we white Americans are busy establishing our innocence, it turns out that many black Americans are not personally angry at us for slavery. Many do want authentic acknowledgement of what happened, but not for the sake of guilt-tripping. I've witnessed a generosity of spirit that I have been humbled by.
"Meanwhile, many African-Americans are upset about the disparate outcomes that persist and want to see everyone step up to address them. There are so many lingering "structural inequalities," as President Obama put it -- ones without clear racist villains but that are embedded, like the fact that schools are funded with property taxes, so poor black neighborhoods, the legacy of earlier eras of discrimination, are not able to fund the quality schools that we say all our children deserve."
I understand the motives of the apology, I just think it was a waste of time and effort. We all know it was wrong, and understand that the lines of communication need to be opened. However, time and effort is better spent addressing the effects of slavery today instead of apologizing for yesterday.
My feeling is that I was never enslaved, so I can not even begin to attest to knowing what it was like to be in that position, and doing so would be ignorant and disrespectful. But I do know that my life has been heavily influenced by my ancestors and my position in society has been shaped largely by that same history.
To close, I want to note that I am not blind to the progress being made. Barack Obama is indeed the Jackie Robinson of this era. However, I look to the position of the common Joe and feel there is much more to be attained.
Much more than which an apology will suffice.
NT
Monday, July 6, 2009
Happy 24th Birthday!
Feels like only yesterday I was living the college student life, wondering why time moved so slowly, with my only concern being what time would I walk to the cafeteria and why hadn't that girl called me back yet.
Then I realize that was years ago, and on the heels of 24, 25 on the horizon, wondering where exactly all my time went.
Ok, so I'm not as elderly as I feel sometimes, but while the birthday has been cause for celebration, there's so many goals I've had that have so far gone unattained. And I wish I had more hours in the day to do them, but I also look back and realize just how much time I've wasted, and how many opportunities I've squandered.
This year, though, I will try not to look at it as another year gone; rather, another year given. I feel that now, more than ever, I'm seeing clearly, the valleys and peaks that are trials and tribulation have been, at least for now, replaced with the plains of clarity, leaving a void aptly named Space and Opportunity.
A void that I'll gladly fill.
I'll end with a classic Established Dons track ... it does scare me to think this was over 6 years ago, but it certainly endured the test of time.
Happy Birthday to all my July 6 born!
NT
Then I realize that was years ago, and on the heels of 24, 25 on the horizon, wondering where exactly all my time went.
Ok, so I'm not as elderly as I feel sometimes, but while the birthday has been cause for celebration, there's so many goals I've had that have so far gone unattained. And I wish I had more hours in the day to do them, but I also look back and realize just how much time I've wasted, and how many opportunities I've squandered.
This year, though, I will try not to look at it as another year gone; rather, another year given. I feel that now, more than ever, I'm seeing clearly, the valleys and peaks that are trials and tribulation have been, at least for now, replaced with the plains of clarity, leaving a void aptly named Space and Opportunity.
A void that I'll gladly fill.
I'll end with a classic Established Dons track ... it does scare me to think this was over 6 years ago, but it certainly endured the test of time.
Happy Birthday to all my July 6 born!
NT
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Say Goodbye to the Bad Guy
Where were you when you heard Michael Jackson died?
"Floored" only faintly describes how I felt when I learned about the death of the undisputed King of Pop. The wave of shock sent among the country today was phenomenal, with a gravity that I don't think even the death of the Pope or our beloved Barack Obama could even potentially match.
You get the feeling that you lost a close friend, or even a family member. Speaking for myself, I grew up listening to "Thriller," "Bad," and "Dangerous," three of the most acclaimed music aggregations ever. Ever. In fact, I remember getting a new cassette player either for my birthday or Christmas, and the first tape I put in there was "Dangerous." Later on, I went back to the past to hear more of what he had to offer and, like a fine wine, it only got better with time.
I will admit, after "Dangerous," I did not listen to much of Jackson's work. I haven't even seen the entire Jackson 5 movie in one sitting yet ... though I can guarantee I've seen all of it in pieces. I'm sure that will be changed at some point soon. However, I think the reason his death was so staggaring is because Michael defined our generation as much or more than Elvis defined his. Not just his music, but his flamboyant and extravagant lifestyle bewildered and inspired much of what you see today.
Now yeah, I'mma say it -- whether or not Michael actually touched those kids is up in the air, right up there will whether R. Kelly peed on that girl. But Michael did touch millions of lives across the world. The proof in that is simply his record-breaking sell-out concerts he had lined up across Europe. Michael could have never made another song and still sold out any arena in the world. His music and talents were universal and unmatched.
The thing I will remember about him was his unique in every sense of the word. Yes, I know the moonwalk wasn't all his, but give him credit for perfection and popularization. His other trademarks -- the hats, the glove, the nut-clutch, and the "Hee-hee!" are still and will continue to be timeless memories of the one and only. His music was the definition of classic. Timeless hits like "Thriller" make Michael the quintessential example of a true musical artist.
However, all good things must come to an end. After 50 years on this Earth, Michael Jackson leaves us with what few artist will ever bestow, yet so many aspire and fail to do -- many classic hits, timeless memories, and gossip to last for years. A controversial figure, Michael will not be forgotten. He paved his own lane in music and will forever be known as the King of Pop.
No matter how you feel about him personally, his contributions to the music industry can not be denied, and his imprint on our generated has been solified. He made Thriller, y'all...
Thriller.
Condolences to his loved ones, may he rest in peace. Thank you.
- N. Talekt
5) Beat It:
4) Thriller:
3) Billie Jean:
2) Remember the Time:
1) Smooth Criminal:
Close Runner-Ups:
Black or White:
Dirty Diana:
Hear More:
Go out and support good music.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Rhythm of the Music
So, I think I've finally figured out why I find music so healing.
My theory is that it's one of the only things that brings some sort or rhythm to my otherwise rhythmless and unpredictable life.
It's been a while since I've been able to sit down and write a blog which almost makes me want to get a Twitter account, as I can handle quickie updates a bit more easily. I haven't been sitting idly, far from it, but I'm hoping to find some time soon to get back behind the mic.
Just wanted to come on here and say that life can certainly deal you some cards you don't expect, you've just gotta play 'em out.
Be back soon, keep music alive.
N. Talekt
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
So Cold Now Available!
Good day!
So Cold is now available! If you are a member of BustMyRhyme.com, you can download it and an exclusive bonus track from http://ntalekt.bustmyrhyme.com. You can also download it at http://www.soundclick.com/NTalektSoCold.
I've got player below, but you can download it all for yourself at either site mentioned. The download includes full artwork, lyrics, and more!
Enjoy, and thank you for your support!
N. Talekt
So Cold is now available! If you are a member of BustMyRhyme.com, you can download it and an exclusive bonus track from http://ntalekt.bustmyrhyme.com. You can also download it at http://www.soundclick.com/NTalektSoCold.
I've got player below, but you can download it all for yourself at either site mentioned. The download includes full artwork, lyrics, and more!
Enjoy, and thank you for your support!
N. Talekt
Monday, February 2, 2009
Song Review: N. Talekt - Diamond
So, here's a twist. I've been receiving some pretty favorable reviews for the "Diamond" track from So Cold (which releases tomorrow!) but a recent one just really hit home for me. I don't want to belittle any of the other reviews I've received over the past couple months, as I appreciate them all, but I felt like this reviewer definitely saw what I was trying to accomplish and was able to give an in-depth review because he so thoroughly understood the song.
_______________
Larry Ludwick's Reviews: "Diamond":
Summary Opinion
So I cheated. I guess since my review list takes quite a while to complete, some of the people near the end might have many of their pieces reviewed by others before I jump in. By this time when I am getting to review N.Talekt, I have seen other reviews of ‘Diamond’. No matter, I hope I give my own perspective in reviewing where I get as close to the artist as the artist is willing to get close to the listener.
There is always a question for a creator about how much you want to put yourself out there for all to see. Letting it all out can be cathartic (cleansing). There are others that might think opening up, literally exposing your guts, can make you vulnerable especially in the fairly hard mindset of Hip Hop music. And let’s face it, if you expose yourself and get feedback that is dismissive or even cold, you are being injured as deeply as you can be because you don’t have a protective shell up. An artist can choose to not deal with personal subjects or to mask the message in mystery lyrics.
N Talekt takes the open approach and I hope this has helped him with his life. I think this is a good choice for him because he writes well … I say, really well. The mark of a good writer, and I have to say particularly in Hip Hop, is someone who uses words for the meaning they convey and not as mere filler or the way to complete a rhyme. I listen to N Talekt’s story in this song and I find I have to hear every word because nothing is a throwaway. He is a talented writer which is borne out by most of the songs on his page.
Genre in Soundclick and the world again steps in to confuse musical selection rather than to help. When you think of Hip Hop, you come down normally with a narrow view of what can be done and how it is done. You expect a driving beat, hooky hooks, fire-paced spitting, and generally posturing and bragging. So much of Hip Hop fills that definition that I feel the great writing and performing is exactly as the opening of this song suggests. The diamonds are hidden in the dirt. ‘The diamond in the dirt that ain’t been found.’
N Talekt seems to keep the throttle pulled back, don’t expect to be carried along by the percussive drive at breakneck speed. This is a good thing because this gives you a chance to hear what he is saying. No lyrics provided, but I find everything pretty clean and clear. The song is about some hard details of life that literally stopped N Talekt from producing his music. I find it hard to imagine cutting off the outlet that usually gives meaning to your life when you most need it. Yet, the same thing happened to me …loss can be like a blow to the chest that stuns you and stops the breathing process. In the true depression that can follow loss, the things that seemed so meaningful can seem frivolous or meaningless. Hopefully time provides healing and you can come back to address what has happened after a quiet period of introspection. I think N Talekt has done this. This is a great thing because now he has something with which to touch us all because the message is universal.
Even if he had not done such a good job of producing and creating this piece, it would have been worth hearing. Happily it is also well done and catches you by the throat if you are willing to be as vulnerable as the artist. For myself and for N Talekt, I will say not to be troubled because these loved ones are with you … I don’t mean just in memory… they are with you and you know it.
So I cheated. I guess since my review list takes quite a while to complete, some of the people near the end might have many of their pieces reviewed by others before I jump in. By this time when I am getting to review N.Talekt, I have seen other reviews of ‘Diamond’. No matter, I hope I give my own perspective in reviewing where I get as close to the artist as the artist is willing to get close to the listener.
There is always a question for a creator about how much you want to put yourself out there for all to see. Letting it all out can be cathartic (cleansing). There are others that might think opening up, literally exposing your guts, can make you vulnerable especially in the fairly hard mindset of Hip Hop music. And let’s face it, if you expose yourself and get feedback that is dismissive or even cold, you are being injured as deeply as you can be because you don’t have a protective shell up. An artist can choose to not deal with personal subjects or to mask the message in mystery lyrics.
N Talekt takes the open approach and I hope this has helped him with his life. I think this is a good choice for him because he writes well … I say, really well. The mark of a good writer, and I have to say particularly in Hip Hop, is someone who uses words for the meaning they convey and not as mere filler or the way to complete a rhyme. I listen to N Talekt’s story in this song and I find I have to hear every word because nothing is a throwaway. He is a talented writer which is borne out by most of the songs on his page.
Genre in Soundclick and the world again steps in to confuse musical selection rather than to help. When you think of Hip Hop, you come down normally with a narrow view of what can be done and how it is done. You expect a driving beat, hooky hooks, fire-paced spitting, and generally posturing and bragging. So much of Hip Hop fills that definition that I feel the great writing and performing is exactly as the opening of this song suggests. The diamonds are hidden in the dirt. ‘The diamond in the dirt that ain’t been found.’
N Talekt seems to keep the throttle pulled back, don’t expect to be carried along by the percussive drive at breakneck speed. This is a good thing because this gives you a chance to hear what he is saying. No lyrics provided, but I find everything pretty clean and clear. The song is about some hard details of life that literally stopped N Talekt from producing his music. I find it hard to imagine cutting off the outlet that usually gives meaning to your life when you most need it. Yet, the same thing happened to me …loss can be like a blow to the chest that stuns you and stops the breathing process. In the true depression that can follow loss, the things that seemed so meaningful can seem frivolous or meaningless. Hopefully time provides healing and you can come back to address what has happened after a quiet period of introspection. I think N Talekt has done this. This is a great thing because now he has something with which to touch us all because the message is universal.
Even if he had not done such a good job of producing and creating this piece, it would have been worth hearing. Happily it is also well done and catches you by the throat if you are willing to be as vulnerable as the artist. For myself and for N Talekt, I will say not to be troubled because these loved ones are with you … I don’t mean just in memory… they are with you and you know it.
Production
The opening has a technique that I am not sure is successful if I interpret it correctly. The song begins with the statement of the hook, which is just fine, but behind it there is some delivery with a telephone filter. It is actually the first lines of the lyric, which are then repeated at full dynamics:
Ask me how I’m doin if I’m breathing then I can’t complain
It’s difficult to get a leg up when you’ve got an ankle sprain.
This is just a minor thing. The technique is called ‘the zoom’ … you start with something distant to get someone listening closely and when they are leaning forward, you shift to full volume, dynamics, etc… It makes the ‘zoom in’ to full dynamics so much more dynamic. Hmmm… my problem with this example is that the hook is interfering with comprehension of those telephonic lines. It would have been better to bring down the hook or wait until it ended to just have the lines by themselves. This is really minor, but then again I do get to mention a technique that almost any producer can use.
What else, well nothing then, because there is nothing wrong here and much is very good. No lyrics, but I don’t need them. I love to see lyrics as a reviewer, but lets face it … if a general listener needs a lyric sheet, then you have a problem with your mix. So thanks to N Telekt for understanding that listeners want to understand what is being said especially in Hip Hop.
I don’t know who is responsible for the backing track, but it really suits the feel of this song well. The drums establish a strict beat but have a swing in the kick that is somber. The music has a soulful reserve that supports the serious theme.
The mix is balanced pretty much as well as you could want. Every element is in place, the effects are tasteful and no element steps out of the mix.
Music
Hip Hop is usually backing and verbiage. I get into N Telekt’ delivery immediately. He delivers some switched up wordage that could sound squeezed in if he slipped up, but he does not take a single misstep. There is a laidback feel to the song but the words come fast. Despite this pace, N Telekt gets real emotion into his delivery. Not the normal anger associated with Hip Hop, but a sense of real pain being brought to the surface.
The music in the backing is reserved, soulful, and even funeral in pace and feel.
Content
The notes on the song state that this piece explains a hiatus that N Telekt has taken from producing his music. I have already discussed the effect of personal tragedy on the music that can often help us deal with the blows of life and how some blows are stunning.
Just to state it starkly and out in the open, this is purely well written. It is not hype or flash, but just writing that deserves and rewards with attention to the meaning.
There are two points woven into this song. The first is about Hip Hop and the competition aspect of it all. It basically comes down to saying this competition makes Hip Hop look like a game lacking any serious purpose. N Telekt feels that this form of music should deal with the depth of life rather than shallow bragging rights and one-upmanship. The final lines can be misleading if you don’t think about what they are saying:
The last thing I worried about
Is impressin’ y’all
True kings don’t demand respect
You respect the don.
This sounds like normal bragging rights Hip Hop chatter, but the meaning is almost elusive. N Talekt is saying he does not care about impressing his listeners because there are other more important things on his mind. This is a direct slap to all Hip Hop types concerned with the big flash sound without content. Secondly he is stating that if you have to ask for or demand respect, then you don’t deserve it. It is more a matter of getting respect for what you are … respect that is given freely having been earned.
The opening has a technique that I am not sure is successful if I interpret it correctly. The song begins with the statement of the hook, which is just fine, but behind it there is some delivery with a telephone filter. It is actually the first lines of the lyric, which are then repeated at full dynamics:
Ask me how I’m doin if I’m breathing then I can’t complain
It’s difficult to get a leg up when you’ve got an ankle sprain.
This is just a minor thing. The technique is called ‘the zoom’ … you start with something distant to get someone listening closely and when they are leaning forward, you shift to full volume, dynamics, etc… It makes the ‘zoom in’ to full dynamics so much more dynamic. Hmmm… my problem with this example is that the hook is interfering with comprehension of those telephonic lines. It would have been better to bring down the hook or wait until it ended to just have the lines by themselves. This is really minor, but then again I do get to mention a technique that almost any producer can use.
What else, well nothing then, because there is nothing wrong here and much is very good. No lyrics, but I don’t need them. I love to see lyrics as a reviewer, but lets face it … if a general listener needs a lyric sheet, then you have a problem with your mix. So thanks to N Telekt for understanding that listeners want to understand what is being said especially in Hip Hop.
I don’t know who is responsible for the backing track, but it really suits the feel of this song well. The drums establish a strict beat but have a swing in the kick that is somber. The music has a soulful reserve that supports the serious theme.
The mix is balanced pretty much as well as you could want. Every element is in place, the effects are tasteful and no element steps out of the mix.
Music
Hip Hop is usually backing and verbiage. I get into N Telekt’ delivery immediately. He delivers some switched up wordage that could sound squeezed in if he slipped up, but he does not take a single misstep. There is a laidback feel to the song but the words come fast. Despite this pace, N Telekt gets real emotion into his delivery. Not the normal anger associated with Hip Hop, but a sense of real pain being brought to the surface.
The music in the backing is reserved, soulful, and even funeral in pace and feel.
Content
The notes on the song state that this piece explains a hiatus that N Telekt has taken from producing his music. I have already discussed the effect of personal tragedy on the music that can often help us deal with the blows of life and how some blows are stunning.
Just to state it starkly and out in the open, this is purely well written. It is not hype or flash, but just writing that deserves and rewards with attention to the meaning.
There are two points woven into this song. The first is about Hip Hop and the competition aspect of it all. It basically comes down to saying this competition makes Hip Hop look like a game lacking any serious purpose. N Telekt feels that this form of music should deal with the depth of life rather than shallow bragging rights and one-upmanship. The final lines can be misleading if you don’t think about what they are saying:
The last thing I worried about
Is impressin’ y’all
True kings don’t demand respect
You respect the don.
This sounds like normal bragging rights Hip Hop chatter, but the meaning is almost elusive. N Talekt is saying he does not care about impressing his listeners because there are other more important things on his mind. This is a direct slap to all Hip Hop types concerned with the big flash sound without content. Secondly he is stating that if you have to ask for or demand respect, then you don’t deserve it. It is more a matter of getting respect for what you are … respect that is given freely having been earned.
The second point of this song is to tell a personal story of N Telekt’s struggles with the kicks of life. You are in a particularly hard place to be when you are crushed by the multiple losses of loved ones and when you now become the rock that has to support the family. The trouble with all this is you get everyone else through, but in the end you suffer the deepest trauma. You eventually realize that you need support too, but there is only the dependency of others.
Just as I realized when my music returned that I was on the road to my recovery, I sincerely hope this is the same sign for N Telekt.
Just as I realized when my music returned that I was on the road to my recovery, I sincerely hope this is the same sign for N Telekt.
_________________
Listen to "Diamond":
Larry Ludwick's music can be found at:
It is a mixture of Electronica, New Age, Smooth Jazz and even some Classical.
N. Talekt
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