Generations
OF MUSIC BY DEJA HARRELL, SOPHOMORE, KING COLLEGE PREP
P
eople have so many opinions about what music is today, and what it once was. Today’s rap, R&B and pop music are constantly being criticized for not “saying anything” and for not speaking about anything positive. For adults to have an opinion about the music that’s being played is completely justified. But please keep in mind that music changes. It always has. Yes, it’s true that much of our music was not created to influence the minds of the youth, but was made just for partying like Gucci Mane’s “Wasted,” Soulja Boy’s “Pretty Boy Swag” and more. There were artists “back in the day” like Marvin Gaye who spoke openly about sex in songs like “Sexual Healing.” That generation was clever with their use of lyrics, while many of today’s artists are much more blunt in their approach. History has proven that with every generation comes its own style of music and people’s opinions concerning it. Faye Morgan, 52, of Hyde Park, believes that today’s music is demeaning to women and promotes negative conduct. “I just don’t think it’s a positive thing for kids. It’s too much about stealing, killing and drugs. Kids don’t realize that those are subliminal messages. They think they’re tuning it out but it’s still getting in there.” According to King College Prep student Tyler Simmons, 15, some of her generation’s music can be degrading to women, but some of it is for partying and some is to actually listen to. “Certain songs can get a party up to speed, but other songs are here to listen to when you feel a certain way about a situation. The words in the song say everything you are feeling in that moment.” Over the years music has changed and it always will. There will always be people who think what’s being played is wrong. Maybe because it’s not what their used to hearing; music is a hard thing to argue about because no matter what we say, music will always evolve. At this very minute music is evolving, and chances are that there will be people who won’t find “quality” in those new songs waiting to hit the airwaves. When it comes to music, you either like it or you don’t. The choice is up to you, no matter what generation you come from.
TRUE STAR MAGAZINE 11