Question #1
The early slaves that came into the United States experienced several difficulties at first. They did not have a common language thus making communication among themselves and with their masters very difficult. However with time they came up with ways to communicate and key among them was the ability to sing. When they came to the US as slaves, they brought African melodies, rhythms and instrumental techniques which they would use to compose different songs. Since they lived with the White people, they would get exposed to White people music which they fused with their own melodies to come up with a version of their own. They were able to compose songs that they would sing while carrying out their chores in the agricultural fields. These songs that they composed were all meant to encourage and motivate them while working as well as giving them hope of a better future away from slavery.
These songs by slaves had several characteristics that made them distinct from other songs especially those by Whites. The songs had the ability to motivate and encourage the blacks when they were busy carrying out their chores. It was a common occurrence to witness black slaves all joining on a song while carrying their duties. Singing was a way of helping them escape their sorrows. The other characteristic of slave songs was the ability of these songs to give the slaves hope of a better and brighter tomorrow far away from slavery. Songs were also a way of bringing people together despite their trouble, and it was successful as blacks would engage in singing to forge a bond between them. These songs would eventually help bridge the gap between the whites and Blacks. This mainly happened in churches where both the Whites and Blacks were always singing church hymns together.
Other composers of Negro Spiritual songs included Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle among others who were able to record songs for commercial use. Just like the earlier slave songs, these compositions were meant to uplift the spirits of the Negro as well as motivate them on their day to day activities. The main reason gospel music has similar characteristics to early slave music is due to their ability to bring people together, motivate and encourage people about life.
The other genre of music that exhibits similar characteristics to slave music is Blues. The exact age of Blues music has not been properly verified. It is well documented that the Blues genre of music was a product of the Black man started during slavery days. The roots of Blues type of music can be traced to back slave music of the early years of slavery. These songs had both rhythms from White music as well as African rhymes that can be traced to African countries for example.
Translation
Ouende ouende, macaya Go on! Go on! Eat enormously!
Mo pas barrasse, macaya! I ain’t one bit ashamed-outrageously!
Ouende, ouende, macaya! Go on! Go on! Eat prodigiously!
Mo bois bon divin, macaya! I drink a good wine-eat ferociously!
Ouende, ouende, macaya! Go on! Go on! Eat unceasingly!
Mo mange bon poulet, macaya! I eat good chicken-gorging myself!
Ouende, ouende, macaya! Go on! Go on! Etc.
Mo pas barrasse, macaya!
Ouende, ouende, macaya!
This is an example of a Blue song which contains both French and African language.
Question #2
'Rap Music is modern day Blues'
The statement above has been quoted for too long trying to suggest that Rap music is an extension of modern day Blues. I couldn’t agree more with this statement as the two genres of music, exhibit similar characteristics. It can be said that Rap music originated from Blues music and this is one of the reasons why the two types of music have several similar features. There are several artists today who have sung both Blues and Rap music successfully thus showing the reason these genres of music are similar.
An example of Rap artists who represent the Blues tradition in their music includes Rappers Lil Wayne, 50 Cent, Jay Z, Nas, and Rick Ross among others. The tradition of Blues music can easily be seen in the modern Rap music by these Rappers. The music produced by these Rappers has similar characteristics to that of Blues music. For example, Jay Z talks much about his life experiences through his music, he raps about love, sex and life in general. Same can also be said of Lil Wayne and 50 Cent and several other Rappers.
The firs similar feature between these two genres of music is rooted in the social experiences of African Americans. This has, however, changed as more races, ethnicities and nationalities have adopted these types of music with time. Both these genres of music talk about similar topics ranging mainly on love, life experiences and sex among others. There is also a similarity in the vocals and beats used in these genres of music. The vocals in Rap music fits fluidly into the instrumental tracks and is merged in it. This can also be said of Blues music that also fits fluidly on the instrumental tracks to a point where it is merged in it.
Work Cited
Blues People “Negro Music in White America” LeRoi Jones (Amiri Baraka)
“The Gospel Truth about the Negro Spiritual: The Art of the Negro Spiritual.” A Lecture-
Recital Presented by Randye Jones, Soprano & Researcher. Assisted by William Tinker, Piano. Grinnel College, Grinnell Iowa. Tuesday , November 13, 2007
The Sacred World of Black Slaves: Black Culture and Black Consciousness.
