If a student posts an article that has already been shared, the later post will not count for credit. Contribute any combination of initial posts and/or responses to earn up to 10 points
To earn two points extra credit, find a musically significant news article online from a reputable source (NPR is a great one to check out) that was originally written within the last year and write a post on the Extra Credit discussion board. In your post:
Share a link to the article
Compose a 100-150 word response that summarizes the article and includes your concrete opinion of the issue and justification (Do you agree? Do you disagree? Is the issue significant? Why?)
NOTE: Concert and album reviews are NOT acceptable articles to share and will receive no credit.
Your article must be a reputable news article. For example, a Twitter argument would not count for credit. Feel free to send your article directly to the instructor if you have any questions.
In previous semesters, relevant articles have included:
gender and/or racial representation in musical festivals
Issues related to music education
bankruptcy of musical organizations
music as a means of protest
write a 50-75 word thoughtful response to a post on discussion of next 3 students:
Student One:
I will be using this NPR article: Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ tour remixes her archive for an intergalactic future
https://www.npr.org/2023/05/11/1175502912/beyonce-renaissance-tour-reviewLinks to an external site.
This article covers Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour, which blends her classic hits with futuristic styles. The tour is designed as a space-themed show with amazing visuals, high-energy performances, and innovative technology. Beyoncé revamps her well-known songs, giving them a new and exciting sound that fits the intergalactic theme. The article praises the tour for setting a new standard in live music, showing Beyoncé’s creativity and ability to evolve her performances continuously. I think this tour is truly impressive. Beyoncé has always been known for her spectacular live shows, and the “Renaissance” tour takes it to another level. Mixing her iconic songs with fresh, futuristic sounds and visuals makes her performances exciting and relevant. This not only entertains her fans but also pushes other artists to be more creative with their shows. This issue is important because it shows how live music is evolving. Beyoncé’s tour shows that live performances can continuously improve and adapt to new trends and technologies. It shows the importance of innovation in the music industry, encouraging artists to think outside the box and elevate their live shows. This approach makes sure that live music remains engaging and captivating for audiences.
Discussion fron other student:
I enjoyed reading the article that you chose! Based on the article, I learned that with futuristic themes and signature songs, Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour raises the bar for live performances & highlights the significance of the music industry’s ongoing transformation. She keeps live concerts fascinating by pushing the boundaries of performance and infusing technology with artistry to revive her hits. I enjoy her as an artist overall and think she makes great music. Which songs do you like
Student second:
NPR Article: https://www.npr.org/2023/08/24/1195579648/missy-elliot-supa-dupa-flyLinks to an external site.
I chose to pick an article according to the artist Missy Elliot because I admire her success within the hip-hop industry. I remember hearing the song “Work It” when I was little and thinking about how she truly represents making hip-hop “Supa Dupa Fly.” Missy Elliot set herself apart in the music industry by her powerful lyrics and innovation as an artist. According to the article written by Phill Harrell he says, “Her flow was unhurried and unpredictable, with sound effects, animal noises, and when she felt like it, even pure nonsense” (Harrel, 2023). Missy Elliot made her lyrics not just any nonsense that came randomly to mind; she stated, “I want to draw you into my orbit and into my planet of off-the-wall, oddball, unexpected music.” Reading and learning about Missy Elliot represented her dedication and uniqueness as a music artist. Elliot stood out in the industry by being different and not worrying about what everyone else was doing, which made her successful, leading her to become one of hip-hop’s most revered acts. An example of her uniqueness is also seen in the image in the article, representing her solid personality as an artist during Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Elliot is seen wearing an inflated, comically large black bodysuit, representing her extravagant fashion and her music being unlike anything else. Moreover, “Supa Dupa Fly” cultural impact was significant in creating visibility for women within the hip-hop genre. Missy Elliot’s style and approach towards this genre empowered a generation of females to express themselves and be seen boldly! I agree with this article and Missy Elliot’s approach to a new generation of hip-hop because since this genre is male-dominated, she made it open to women to express themselves creatively. This article is majorly significant because it left a big imprint in the music industry and emphasis as well as the innovative approach to many new generations in the future.
Discussion from other student:
I really enjoyed your post about Missy Elliott. She’s a standout in the hip-hop world. Her creative approach and unique style have made a big impact. The way she incorporates unusual sounds and effects into her music shows how innovative she is. Missy Elliott has also been a huge inspiration for many women in hip-hop. Her success in a male-dominated industry has opened the door for more female artists to step into the spotlight. I love how her music and fashion choices are always bold and different, showing that it’s okay to be unique. The cultural impact of “Supa Dupa Fly” is huge, as it gave women a stronger presence in hip-hop. Missy’s work continues to influence new generations of artists, proving that creativity and originality can lead to lasting success. Thank you for sharing this article and showing Missy Elliott’s amazing contributions to music!
Third student:
For extra credit, I will use this article: “A Juneteenth Album Captures the Rhythm Of Life.”Links to an external site.
This article highlights the release of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s album “Freedom, Justice and Hope,” a collaboration with Bryan Stevenson’s Equal Justice Initiative, featuring historical and contemporary jazz compositions. The album includes works from jazz legends like Sonny Rollins and John Coltrane and new pieces by Josh Evans and Endea Owens. Evans’ composition, “Elaine,” narrates the tragic events of the Elaine, Arkansas, massacre of 1919 through a multi-section jazz piece, capturing the turmoil and eventual hope. Owens’ “Ida’s Crusade” pays tribute to journalist and activist Ida B. Wells, with a four-part suite representing her struggles and legacy. Both compositions underscore the album’s thematic focus on historical reflection and hope for justice.
The article and the album are powerful. Using jazz, a genre deeply rooted in African American history, to tell stories of significant historical events and figures is profoundly impactful. Josh Evans’ “Elaine” and Endea Owens’ “Ida’s Crusade” highlight essential moments in Black history and demonstrate jazz music’s continuing relevance and emotional power. These compositions serve as a poignant reminder of past injustices while celebrating resilience and the pursuit of justice. The collaboration between the Equal Justice Initiative and Jazz at Lincoln Center enriches the cultural narrative, providing both education and artistic expression.
Discussion from other students:
I enjoyed reading the article that you chose. It is a fascinating and informative read. As I read through the article, a factor that stood out to me was the cultural and historical significance. Regarding that specific topic, I understood that the album’s main focus was historical events and figures. I also understood that jazz as a medium reflected African American history and civil rights. Through jazz music, this genre helped shape a path of storytelling and emotions, which helped educate on social justice. Furthermore, I think that considering art in the role of activism can help to highlight social issues.
I completely agree with you about the “Freedom, Justice and Hope” album. Jass is a great way to tell these important stories from history. The pieces by Josh Evans and Endea Owens are not just music, they tell powerful stories that remind us of past injustices and the ongoing fight for equality. This album shows how music can teach and inspire change, and it’s awesome to see such a meaningful collaboration with the Equal Justice Initiative.
