Category: Music

Description: Write an original, 500-to-750 word essay about one popular African-American male or female icon. This means individuals only.
Criteria – 
A. Your Icon must be NEW and not have been used in the last Icon assignment. 
THE ICON That i will do is Jay-Z or Dr. DRe
B. The icon you select should be clearly identified from the fields of music, film, television, radio, theater, or sports. 
C. Your essay should have four easily identifiable paragraphs. To assist in clarity, a Response Sheet is provided below. As always, use the format provided. 
D. Use this document to respond to this question. This is a mandated university assessment. 
Final Exam Essay Question and Format
1. Paragraph one required elements– Identify the person you selected in an introductory opening sentence. Then explain how this person has influenced or impacted (or is influencing and impacting) American life and culture by a) identifying what you think is the most influential cultural product created by the icon and b) explaining why this cultural product was influential with concrete evidence of the impact.
2. Paragraph two — Describe the icon’s social and cultural context. That is, explain what is happening socially and culturally around the life time of this person in the U.S.A. and/or the world. 
3. Paragraph three — Explain how at least one social issue or cultural obstacle affected this person and how they overcame it. 
4. Paragraph four — Identify and explain how this person embodies at least one of the five listed beliefs/values discussed in the document titled African American Black Postwar Beliefs and Values. Document is located in the exam Module. Identify the beliefs/values and carefully explain why you feel the value fits the icon’s product you identified in paragraph one.
Citations required. This means you need to provide evidence from the readings by referencing a page number or page numbers from the document to back up your argument. Expect points to be deducted if you don’t. 
Word count. This document has 386 words. When submitted your document should have a minimum of  886 words (386 + 500) Word count is visible in bottom left corner of document. Submissions with less than minimum will be penalized according to table published. 
RESPONSE SHEET ON NEXT PAGE
EXAM ESSAY RESPONSE SHEET
Paragraph one ANSWER BELOW
Paragraph two   ANSWER BELOW
Paragraph three ANSWER BELOW
Paragraph four   ANSWER BELOW

Attached is the instructions for the one-sheet assignment. It needs to be written on the hip-hop artist Juss Balla. Here is some background information on juss balla that may help. Singing and Rapping
Juss Balla is a heart piercing street gospel melodic artist to be reckoned with. You can feel his soul stirring lyricism hit like a 3 demensional musical force as he glides into an ambiguous transition into the gritty drill of hiphop. Backstory
If you are Looking to inspire the new generation through the grit, grind and greatness of music you thinking of Juss Balla. A story starting in poverty from the depths of Brooklyn New York to fighting for Americans Overseas, is the honorable, resilient veteran artist Juss Balla. Having the versatile blend of R&B and Hip-Hop he tells his street gospel with the sounds of the synthesizer and rhythmic flows he describes the struggles he faced in his life but how his ambition grown far more as he continues to accomplish multiple levels-of success (opening up for major artists l Lil Wet, and Lpb Poody, feature scenes in Danny Towers Music video) to fulfill his dream inspiring those around him and generation today that by not giving up you can truly achieve your dream. Social Media Growth Growing up in Brooklyn New York, serving in the military in Europe, then safely returning to United States and continuing his music career in Florida Juss Balla’s social media is rapidly growing. Started building traction for his career by releasing EPs throughout Germany like “Gemini” and “Love Bandages” . He then increased his engagement by doing multiple shows out in Florida opening up for Major hiphop Artists such as LPB Poody and Lil Poppa. He continues to grow his following by participating in podcasts with Major Artists Danny Towers, Lil wet, VVS Ken multiple social media influencers and channels. Furthermore, he proceeds to release music videos of the latest music. social media handles for reference: Instagram: @juss_ballaaa
youtube: Juss_balla

Watch the three sections of “The Story of Rock and Roll” Found here:
1.
Write at least 500 words in reaction to this video. Answer the following questions:
What do you think are the biggest reasons Rock ‘n’ Roll developed how and when it did?
What historical occurrences influenced Rock ‘n’ roll the most?
Who do you think were the most influential individuals during these early days of Rock ‘n’ Roll that we have studied so far?
What surprised you the most learning about the early days of Rock ‘n’ Roll this week?
In your own words, what were some of the things you learned from this video that most intrigued you?
2.
Artist:Ray Charles
For this assignment I want you to reflect on the artists we have listened to in this class up until now. You will share your song with the class, write a response about what intrigues you about this song, and comment on another colleagues post about their artist and song. Remember in these discussions that you only get full credit once you post yourself AND respond to a colleague.
Have you heard any artists so far that you will now add to your listening rotation? If so who and what about them appeals to you. If no one yet, why?
Write your response Share a youtube link of the song of the artist that you are really enjoying.
Comment on a colleague’s post about their artist and song. 3.
For this assignment I want you to listen to The Ronette’s – Be My Baby. This is a classic song and considered one of the great songs produced by Phil Spector. As we talked about the role of the producer was starting to change. Producers now used the album as a creative tool to represent the music differently than it may be heard live. Listen to this song and answer the following questions.
What is the instrumentation on this track? (What instruments do you hear?) Hint: There are a lot
What are some techniques you hear that make this track sound so big?
When you hear an echo of an instrument on the track. What is that called?
How did his techniques differ from the recording techniques used before?
4.
6.9 Discussion: Beatles: Yea or Nay
Were the Beatles Game Changers?
There seems to be mixed opinions about the Beatles, so let’s have a discussion about it!
Determine if you think the Beatles are as influential and innovative as I (Prof. Anderies) made it seem. Are they Game Changers in the history of Rock/Pop Music?
Find a tune by the Beatles (that you either love or dislike) on YouTube and share the link (or embed) Use that tune to support your argument on whether or not you think they are game changers. (Eg…”Why this is the greatest tune ever” or “Why I think their music is overrated”)
Write at least 150 words to share your opinion.
Write on at least ONE colleague’s post. 5.
For your first assignment you will write an album review of a Rock, Pop, or Soul album of your choice. The assignment is worth 100 points in total.
Submit your album review When doing an album review I encourage you to listen to the album a minimum of two times. Put your phone down and minimize other tasks you have going on. Listening is an active experience. On your first listen, just take in the music. Be present and enjoy it for what it is. On your second listen, actively take notes. What was the name of the song, what style was it, who soloed, what was the tempo, what did you like/dislike, etc. By listening twice in this manner you should be able to write your review with much more ease. In addition, search online to see if there are any liner notes, or other writing about the particular album. Many albums are tied to social and cultural changes happening in the world. Understanding this can give context to many of the sonic choices in the music. Below are some suggestions of topics to focus on in your paper.
****MUST BE A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) PAGES TYPEWRITTEN (500 word minimum), DOUBLE SPACED. NO HANDWRITTEN REPORTS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Name of Artist:
Name of Album:
Tunes or compositions:
Musicians: (both principal and supporting)
Possible summary focuses:
Period in which the music represents
Who has this artist influenced? Or who are they influenced by? And why?
What is the instrumentation? How does the instrumentation affect mood and timbre?
Are there general characteristics that make the style of music identifiable? For instance, does it swing? Or is influenced by Rock and technology? Latin based? Older style, improvisational styles?
Are there any obvious musical forms? (Blues and AABA)
Is the music singable? If not, does it allow a listener multiple listenings?
What moods are set on this recording? Where would be the best place for this music to be heard?
Is there any social significance to this recording?
Is this music reacting to any previous musical styles?
How do the musicians react to one another? Does the shoe fit?
Are there vocals? Does the text have any significance? Or is the text on these collections rather distant to the music being performed?
Is this recording compositional or improvisational or both?
If you are looking for inspiration here are a few suggested albums.
Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd
London Calling – The Clash
Led Zeppelin II – Led Zeppelin
Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys
Are You Experienced – Jimi Hendrix
Abbey Road – The Beatles
What’s Goin’ On – Marvin Gaye
Songs in the Key of Life – Stevie Wonder
Green Onions – Booker T and the MG’s
James Brown – Live At the Apollo
Sam Cooke – Live at the Harlem Square Club 1963
Burnin’ – The Wailers
Elvis – Elvis Presley
This is Fats Domino! – Fats Domino
Berry Is On Top – Chuck Berry
Bad Girls – Donna Summer
Diana – Diana Ross
Thriller – Michael Jackson
Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman
Straight Outta Compton – NWA
Low End Theory – A Tribe Called Quest
6.
In addition to all that we learned about Elvis I want you to watch the following video on him. After you have watch the video please participate in a discussion focusing on the question “Is Elvis worth the Hype?” There are no right or wrong answers here. I truly want to hear your thoughts and opinions about one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century.
I want you to answer this honestly utilizing what you have learned and anything else you can look up about Elvis. Respond to one colleague in at least 5 sentences whether you agree or disagree with them and why?

Listening to the following songs below : see attached document for music  in “understanding music -Past and present
Elijah – “O Thou, who makest,” “The Fire Descends,” “Is not His word like a fire!” (p.178)
Jozef De Beenhouwer plays Clara Schumann – Soirées musicales (p.183)
Using this songs above, fill in the attached templates ( fill out two separate templates for each song ) 
Be sure to include the following:
The TITLE OF THE SONG 
The COMPOSER OF THE SONG
Fill in a BRIEF HISTORY of the composer, song, era, etc. Why did you choose this song?
Provide a CLIP ART/ EMOJI of how this song makes you feel.
Complete a 5 X 2 exercise
Listen to the song completely, writing down 5 things you notice/feel/think
Listen to the song a second time, challenging yourself to notice 5 new things. This time, try to think in terms of melody, rhythm, harmony, instruments, and style.
see attachment for the music link (go to page 178 and page 183 in the booklet understanding music )and see attached template to fill out  (two separate templates for each song)

Listen to the recording of “Thy Hand Belinda” and “When I am Laid in Earth” from the opera, Dido and Aeneas, by Purcell and answer the following questions: 
Having read Parts of an opera, two of the vocal styles mentioned are presented here: one by “Thy Hand Belinda” and the other by “When I am laid in the earth.” What are the vocal styles and how can you tell? 
Describe the following in each movement 
rhythm (beat vs. no beat) 
tempo (fast vs. slow) 
key (major vs. minor) 
texture  
How do the musical characteristics of question number two help express the meaning of the libretto (text or lyrics) – Dido and Aeneas Synopsis 
Between the two movements, there is an instrument (sounds like a cello) playing a solo bass line called a ground bass: a short bass line that repeats throughout “When I am laid in earth.” How would you describe the purpose of this ground bass, and how does it enhance the text? 
Listen to movement 4 of Bach’s sacred cantata, “Wachet Auf,” (“Sleepers Awake”) and answer the following questions (movement 4 begins at time stamp 15:16): 
What is the purpose of this kind of cantata and where would you typically hear this performed? Where does the text or story come from? 
How is this cantata different from opera such as Monteverdi’s Orfeo from the previous chapter? 
Movement 4 begins with an instrumental introduction called a ritornello: a melodic line that repeats throughout the movement. Describe the interaction between the instruments and the voices. What is the texture of this piece and what is unusual about it?  
Listen to movement 3, “Ev’ry Valley,” from the Oratorio, The Messiah, by Handel and answer the following questions (note this movement ends at time stamp 8:42): 
What is the vocal style of this movement? (Refer to the four vocal styles discussed in Parts of an opera)  
2. Describe this movement in terms of texture, tempo, key and meter? 
3. This movement employs a significant amount of word painting, a musical technique that was developed in Renaissance secular songs. The simplest way to describe word painting is to say that the notes are literally trying to do what the lyrics are saying. For instance, if the lyric is “Up,” the notes would get higher. With that information, how does Handel use word painting on the following lyrics. (Describe what you hear the notes doing) 
Exalted 
Mountain 
Hill 
Low 
Crooked, Rough 
Straight, Plain 
Listen to the recording of “The little fugue” by Bach and answer the following questions: 
1. Having studied the structure of the fugue in Overview of Fugue, Suite, and Sonata, how many presentations of the subject do you hear in the exposition? How would you label each voice as it enters (Think of the voice ranges we discussed in Chapter 3: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass)? 
2. What is the texture created by the multiple layers of the subject? 
3. Describe the tempo, meter and key of this piece. 
4. Listen to the episodes that follow the exposition. How many times do you hear the subject again? How does Bach create variety with the subject in the episodes (how does he change it up so it is not the same thing each time it is repeated)? 

Prompt:( Minimum 200 words)
1. Thinking ahead to writing your paper, what do you think is a “good” song? Name it!
Why do you think that? Which of the articles (5 specific ones under Evaluation Paper) might you use to support your position? HOW?
Do your friends agree or disagree with you?
Include YouTube link
2. Do the same thing for your “bad” song.
What articles support your decision and WHY?
Do your friends agree or disagree with you?
Include YouTube link
Come up with a creative title to draw in your peers!
Respond to 2 classmates — with substance.
You will not be able to comment on someone else’s post until you make one of your own.
Please do not wait until 11:59 to post, as your classmates will not have anything to respond to.
Prerequisite Knowledge: 5 article readings from this week.
will attach articles

Written Assignment 1: Standard Song Interpretation
Purpose: To compare two different versions of the same song
Beginning in the 1930s, standards became an important part of many singers’ repertoires. Singers needed to know and be able to perform classic songs by George and Ira Gershwin, Cole Porter, Jerome Kern, and others. Each singer interpreted the song differently and offered a unique take on it.
Choose one of the following standards and listen to two different singers’ interpretations of it. Compare and contrast those singers’ versions in terms of form, vocal style, instrumentation, expression, and any other relevant parameters.
Cole Porter, “I Get a Kick Out of You”
Performed by Ella Fitzgerald
Performed by Ethel Merman
George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, “The Man I Love”
Performed by Billie Holiday
Performed by Peggy Lee
Important Hint
It’s recommended that you type up your response in a word processing program and save a copy for yourself. This way, if you lose your internet connection, you will not lose your work.
Assignment 1 Guidelines
On your computer, log in to your C4ELink account and use the Spotify links to listen to the complete songs. You must use the C4ELink versions of the songs in order to complete the assignment accurately. You may create a free Spotify account, or you may subscribe to a student account for $5/month. 
Write an essay of at least three paragraphs comparing the two versions of the song. Start by identifying the title and composer of the selection. For each version of the song, address each of the following items:
The name of the performer.
A short analysis of the following points:
Instrumentation: What instruments are used in the recording? Identify the instruments specifically by name and describe how they are used in the recording. Are they used as background to the singer? Are there solo breaks played by the instruments? Which instruments play together? Which instruments play solos?
Form: Review the Structure of Music lecture and the analysis of “I Got Rhythm” in the Broadway and Ragtime lecture to remember how composers use form to organize compositions. Indicate if there is an introduction, whether any sections repeat, if there is a chorus that repeats, etc. Each of the songs have an A section and a B section. Indicate the first line of lyrics that start each section. If there is a chorus, indicate the first few words that the chorus begins with. There is no need to count how many bars are in each section.
Vocal style: In your own words, be as descriptive and creative as possible when writing about the vocal style. There is no need to use musical terms. For example, if you think the voice is soft and gentle, or loud and yelling, use those terms. If you already know the musical terms ‘head voice’ and ‘chest voice’ means, use those terms.
Overall performance style: Where would you expect to hear the version of the song performed? In a small nightclub, a big concert hall, in a movie, etc.
Any additional information you think is important.
Your finished project will have a description of instrumentation, form, vocal style, and overall performance style of two recordings of the same song.
Your essay should be a minimum of 500 words. Write an essay, not a list of items. 15 points will be deducted for poor grammar, spelling errors, and typos.
Please be aware that professors have posted fake essay answers to this assignment online. In past semesters, students have copied those fake essays and submitted them as their own work. Not only did they dishonestly submit someone else’s work as their own, they turned in worthless, fake essays. Please be honest and submit your own work.
Grading Rubric
Your work will be graded using the Assignment 1 Grading Rubric below.
The essay is at least 3 paragraphs and 500 words.
Each song is properly identified.
In your own words, described the instrumentation of each version of the song
Used lyrics to describe the form of each version of the song
In your own words, described the vocal style of the singer of each version of the song
In your own words described the overall style of each version of the song. 

I have attached the assignment instructions. This needs to be on the hip-hop artist Juss Balla. Here are his social handles
instgram:@juss_ballaaa
Youtube:@Juss_ballaa
https://linktr.ee/jussballa
also here is login to fso incase need to reference
Here is also some notes I took on juss balla incase to help.
Singing and Rapping
Juss Balla is a heart piercing street gospel melodic artist to be reckoned with. You can feel his soul stirring lyricism hit like a 3 demensional musical force as he glides into an ambiguous transition into the gritty drill of hiphop. That drives you through a first person experience out his personal window of Brooklyn New York. Songwriting and lyrics
Juss Balla’s continue to break through the playing field with his soul touching lyrical heat. Taking his time dissecting the beat. He uses his clever, sharp yet slick lyrics as his surgical tools and puts his songwriting to work on the track Dream saying “You can’t finesse a hard life Some days everything ain’t right Some days everything ain’t bright Some days been days I had to fight Gotta swing left to hit right “ .
This is him embracing the realization that life isn’t easy but you have to continue to fight to truly reach your dreams. He continues to structure the hook making you with the combination of his lyrics and synthesizer giving an elegance glide that’s makes you feel his emotions.
“ Like feel like a dreammmmmmmm
In a new place everyday!
See a new face everyday!
3 same rules
Eat trap pray I can not believe It’s a new place every day! It’s a new face everyday! 3 same rules eat trap pray”. Backstory
If you are Looking to inspire the new generation through the grit, grind and greatness of music you thinking of Juss Balla. A story starting in poverty from the depths of Brooklyn New York to fighting for Americans Overseas, is the honorable, resilient veteran artist Juss Balla. Having the versatile blend of R&B and Hip-Hop he tells his street gospel with the sounds of the synthesizer and rhythmic flows he describes the struggles he faced in his life but how his ambition grown far more as he continues to accomplish multiple levels-of success (opening up for major artists l Lil Wet, and Lpb Poody, feature scenes in Danny Towers Music video) to fulfill his dream inspiring those around him and generation today that by not giving up you can truly achieve your dream. Social Media Growth Growing up in Brooklyn New York, to serving in the military in Europe, then safely returning back to United States snd continuing his music career in Florida Juss Balla social media is rapidly growing. Started building traction for his career by releasing EPs throughout Germany like “Gemini” and “Love Bandages” . He then increased his engagement by doing multiple shows out in Florida opening up for Major hiphop Artist such as LPB Poody and Lil Poppa. He continues to grow his following by participating on podcasts with Major Artist Danny Towers, Lil wet,VVS Ken multiple social media influencers and channels. Furthermore he proceeds to release music videos of latest music. Artist Swot Analysis
strength- dFeatured on podcasts and celebrity sports games with major celebrities in the music and social media influencer industry. Very adaptable, creative,and ambitious when it comes to music. Weaknesses – Needs a publicist to build marketing and a booking agent. Has a low marketing budget. Has a low budget for music production and distribution. Lastly needs to build up streams. Opportunities He has the opportunity to work with LPB Poody artist manager. He is able to work with an entertainment label that provides music video production and editing. He has the opportunity to do shows cases throughout Florida. Can work with multiple known artists in the studio. Threats Competition in the hiphop genre is very competitive. If not consistent can fall behind and be forgotten. Not having a good enough budget for music production, distribution, and marketing. Currently going through court case.

Chapter 2 thesis 
Chapter Two: Literature Review
Introduction 3pages
First Level Heading Example 2pages 
Second Level Heading Example 2 pages 
Third-level Heading Example 2pages
Summary 2 pages 

Your Initial Post 1. Go to http://www.npr.org/music/genres/classical/ and look through the stories there. Don’t necessarily select to the first ones (unless you particularly like them). You may want to scroll down a bit to find stories personally interesting to you. Notice that some of them have “listen” buttons beneath the title – those are the ones we’re using for this assignment. 2. Select 2 stories, click the “listen” button, and take careful notes on what you hear. 3. Write a detailed report on these stories. a. You should have 2, clearly defined sections that correspond to the 2 stories you’re reporting on. b. Each summary should be at least 200 words long. Your whole assignment, not including bibliography, should be at least 400 words long. c. Each summary needs to end with your personal opinions on the issues discussed. 4. Include a citation for each story you used. Use this format: NPR Classical Music. “Title of Episode You Listened To.” Accessed [date you listened]. Retrieved from, [insert link].