I must start by admitting that I am no "rap" connoisseur; I enjoy listening to the genre, but that is the extent of my knowledge. Nonetheless, after doing a little research and listening of my own, I truly feel that the album American Gangster by rap superstar Jay-Z displays the concepts behind lyrical sequence flawlessly. A lyric sequence is a collaboration or passages, poems, or in this case--songs. Standing alone, these songs are just a sole work of art. Together, however, they interact to create a paramount theme for the album; a chronicle of messages to create one meaning. The album was inspired by by the film American Gangster, starring Denzel Washington who portrays Frank Lucas, an early 1970's Harlem herion kingpin. The film resonated with the music producer in a meaningful way--prompting past memories of the era, as well as his personal childhood. Each track on this particular album was prompted by a specific scene in the movie. As in film, each scene standing alone holds no consequence or implication. When the scenes from a film are connected in such a way as to provide meaning, a story is told. A prevailing message is brought to it's audience. They same system applies to the lyrical sequence of this album. Jay-Z tells the story of his past; the making of who he is today. He was able to relate to Lucas in a way the inspired an album of 14 songs. He saw himself indirectly in the character of Frank Lucas.
The first song on the album, Pray, seems to portray an exceptionally visualistic flashback of the rappers childhood, or lack there of. His severe and swift loss of childhood innocence sets the "scene" for the rest of the album.
Moving along, a song in the middle of the album titled Sweet, provides a description of the ultimate rewards and benefits Jay-Z receives, including fame and fortune. He made it big, and he know possesses everything he had desired throughout his life.
Finally, towards the end of the album, Jay-Z concludes with a track called Success. He speaks about the fact that even with money, jewelry, cars, and houses--as the old adage attributes, you cannot buy happiness. Jay-Z admits there is a dark side to his notoriety, and a life of physical pocessions and no happiness is no life at all.
Full circle; from beginning to end.
I'm familiar with this album, but I never really thought of it in these terms before. I guess, almost all rap is lyrical poetry. I'm glad Jay-Z was ambitious enough to make an album that's more than just a bunch of catchy tunes. He's got something to say and the lyrical sequence set-up of this album definitely helps him get the point across.
ReplyDeleteI never thought about it like this before either! Thanks for a different perspective!
ReplyDeleteErin -- great wildcard post! I love how you were able to identify key elements of a lyric sequence within thematic content that isn't about unrequited love in the typical sense. Very interesting and innovative interpretation.
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