Goals:
• To collect and assemble research in the field of hip hop music history
• Analyze and compare hip hop music recordings and or performances
Due Date:
• Sunday, June 16th, 11:59pm PST. This date is firm. Late assignments in general will not be accepted.
Directions:
1 Read and follow all the guidelines in the Writing Assignment Guidelines Module.
2 Choose ONE artist/group from the list below.
3 You are required to use a minimum of THREE approved, different, and credible sources to research your artist. Using less than three or using unapproved sources is not acceptable and you will receive a zero.
4 Follow the sample outline format in this module for full points. Save your work as a pdf. Other file types such as copypaste.txt are unacceptable and will receive a zero.
5 Questions 1 and 2: Follow the writing prompts in each question and write your answers in paragraphs, using objective, fact based, third person writing.
◦ Include in text or (parenthetical) citations throughout your writing. Accurate citations throughout your work are required. Work submitted without citations will receive a zero. Sources will be verified to match your writing.
◦ Each question has a minimum paragraph and word count requirement and will be graded individually.
◦ Your writing should be in your own words. Summarize, synthesize and paraphrase the information from your minimum three approved sources. Quotes are not allowed. Use of A.I. text generating software is not allowed. If you use A.I. or your work is suspect, you will receive a zero. Citations and sources will be verified to match your writing.
◦ Follow the guidelines under CREDIBLE SOURCES GUIDELINES. List the actual sources that you used to write your paragraphs at the end of each question (Questions 1 and 2) and provide the direct links for verification. The in text (parenthetical) citations should correspond to the listed source(s) for that question. List your sources as (author, source title, direct link). Include viable links. Links will be checked to match the content within your writing.
6 Question 3 does not require third person writing. If you choose to include fact based information, then you are required to cite it and list the source as directed in Questions 1 & 2. Evaluate the songs, give your opinion and comparison analysis and include a direct link to each song or video (YouTube link is preferred). Do not link to iTunes or Spotify. These links are not publicly accessible.
7 Spelling and grammar counts. Take the time to proofread your work!
8 Upload the completed assignment as a pdf file into this assignment as many times as needed to receive a Turnitin similarity score that is 24% or LESS) by the due date. Scores that exceed 24% are not acceptable and will receive a zero. It is advised that you do not wait until the last minute to upload. The similarity score can take over 24 hours to process resubmissions.
1 **The Writing Assignment is worth 100 points and makes up 20% of the course grade. There is a rubric page in this Module that shows the point breakdown for each of the questions in the assignment. ALL WRITING MUST BE IN YOUR OWN WORDS. DO NOT USE AI (artificial intelligence) text generating software of any kind including ChatGPT. Your work should be original and if it is suspect you will receive a zero. NO copying and pasting and NO using quotes.
**DO NOT copy and paste the questions into your assignment. Follow the sample layout found in this Module.
Question 1
[35 points] Early Career and Influences (300-400 words required): Write TWO or more paragraphs and briefly discuss in your own words the artist’s or group’s, early career and how they got started.
Include the following in your paragraphs:
• Where is the artist or group members from?
• How were they introduced to music? Discuss important events leading up to the beginning of their career, and who (be specific and include names) or what influenced their musical style.
• How did your artist get their break into the music industry?
• Did your artist overcome any obstacles (personal or professional) or break down any barriers to reach success? Briefly discuss what happened. If your artist is a woman, has she discussed in written work, song lyrics, or interviews how being a woman has affected her career?
You must cite the actual sources using in text or (parenthetical) citations throughout your paragraphs. Sources need to be accurate and will be verified.
Sources used: List the specific sources you used below your writing including direct links as directed in the guidelines so that sources may be verified. This list should not be counted in your minimum word count.
Question 2
[35 points] Music Achievements, Contributions and Legacy (300-400 words required): Write TWO or more paragraphs and briefly discuss in your own words the significant aspects of the artist or group’s music career and achievements.
Include in your paragraphs:
• The artist or group’s relevant musical achievements and contributions, including their biggest hit song titles/albums (if applicable).
• Did they receive any nominations and/or significant awards? Be specific.
• Did they influence the music industry or other artists? Which artists (give names) or aspects of the music industry did they influence? Be specific.
• If your artist has passed, give information about their death -or- include what they are currently doing today.
Cite the sources using in text (parenthetical) citations throughout your paragraphs. Sources need to be accurate and will be verified.
Sources used: List the specific sources you used below your writing including direct links as directed in the guidelines so that sources may be verified. This list should not be counted in your minimum word count.
Question 3
[30 points] Song Reviews & Comparisons (150-250 words for EACH of three songs required): Listen to or watch THREE songs or music videos/performances by the artist/group. Write a separate paragraph for EACH song, name the song and briefly evaluate IN YOUR OWN WORDS (150 words minimum for EACH song) what you listened to and give your personal review of the songs.
Include the following in your paragraph for EACH SONG:
• Briefly describe and evaluate each song separately in as much detail as possible. You can include in your reviews: the musical elements such as sound quality/techniques, instrumentation, subject of the lyrics, storyline, vocal quality and delivery style, music, rhythm (beat), visual effects (if applicable), dynamics (soft/loud), tempo (slow, medium, fast, or changing).
• Briefly compare each of your songs to a similar song or artist we hear in more current day music (after 2000). The current day songs or artists you choose to compare to each of your three songs can be from any music genre after 2000. You can compare things like lyrics, beat, instrumentation, vocal quality, etc.
• Question 3 is personal opinion based and does not require third person writing. If you choose to use fact based information, you are required to cite your source and list the source with direct links following the same guidelines in Questions 1 & 2.
• Provide a direct link to the song or music video below each song’s review. Direct links should preferably be from YouTube, or other accessible sites with public access. Do not link to iTunes or Spotify, these are not publicly accessible.
Save your work as a pdf and upload it into this assignment. A similarity score of 24% or less is required. Work submitted with a score higher than 24% will receive a zero. The turn around time for a similarity score can be more than a 24 hour period with resubmissions. It is advised that you do not wait until the last minute to submit.
