Camryn Williams

 The Music Of Africa - African Music : What is Traditional African Music: African music is used as a way to tell stories and lessons. In West Africa, a Griot, a musical storyteller, is responsible for spreading messages, life lessons, heritages, cultures, and beliefs. Dancing is a way to communicate these stories as well.  Griots - storytellers The music is expressed in celebrations and key points in life. This can include, births, weddings, funerals, coming of ages, and baptisms. There are ceremonies for the first harvest and rain. For these occasions, they are represented with different vibes and rhythms.    African music is poly-rhythmic, meaning there are multiple rhythms brought together to create individuality and patterns. The drums, percussive instruments, strings, and vocals all play a part in traditional African music.  Fun fact:  Due to the slave trade, traditional African music inspired jazz and blues.  African music and dance | Chihamba | ...

Gangsta Rap - The Evolution WHAT IS GANGSTA RAP?  Rap is a sub genre of Hip-Hop.  Gangsta rap was super controversial in the 1980's. These songs were referencing violence, gangs, drugs, the police, and sex. This controversy led people to start hating on the upcoming artists.  Many people complained that these artists were encouraging violent behavior, although they were simply describing the reality of their lives. "Gangsta rap was a side effect to the various wrongdoings that were being done to black people in underprivileged neighborhoods." (History of Hip-Hop).  These songs became the voice for those in the "ghetto." When these songs came into light, so did the truth.   There are many types of rap. Gangsta rap revolved around the east coast and west coast. Gangsta r rap was divided mainly by Bloods and Crips. Their songs were targeted towards one another. This feud sparked interest in the media because of all the controversy.  The lyrics are what ma...

End of The Road - Boyz II Men, June 30, 1992, USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDKO6XYXioc        Starting out as Unique Attraction, they formed together in the mid 80s. In 1988, they changed their name to Boyz II Men. When they signed with Motown Records, they immediately became a hit group. A year after their first album, Cooleyhighharmony, it hits quadruple platinum. Babyface and LA Reid, the producers of  End of the Road,   also wrote the hits,  I'm your Baby Tonight  by Whitney Houston   and  Baby-Baby-Baby  by TLC.       I've been listening to this song for as long as I can remember. I feel like the lyrics engraved themselves automatically.  End of the Road has always been a family favorite as well as Boyz II Men. I personally love when artist talk in their songs and Boyz II men usually do so. This could kind of be considered as adlibs. I also love the album cover of Cooleyhighharmony bec...

Camryn Williams  When Doves Cry - Prince & The Revolution   Song link - When Doves Cry  - 1984, USA      Clearly when this song came out, I was not even thought of. My parents listen to Prince so I grew up to his songs. When I was first introduced to this song, I immediately loved it. I just wanna dance every time it comes on! The chorus caught my attention the most. I liked the way Prince's pitch ranged and his high pitched screams. The adlibs in the song were always my favorite. It showed his pitch range, which is immaculate.  Personally, I would consider him better than Mariah Carey - although she is fabulous.  When Doves Cry came out, it quickly hit the Billboard Charts. For 5 weeks, it remained the #1 song in Charts. It was produced for the movie Purple Rain.  Not only was the song popular for its wild beats, chords and melodies, the meaning was deep. Its about the loss of his relationship with his parents and lover. He is dealing wi...

      My name is Camryn Williams. I am currently dual enrolled into North Star and North Pole High School. A question I get asked all the time is whether I have a major yet. No. I am undecided. I battle back and forth between business and sports management.  I do not have many hobbies but I enjoy playing flag football. I play middle linebacker on defense and a blocker on offense. If I am not playing flag, I am likely hanging with friends.  I find this picture appealing due to the STL arch in the background. I took this myself.  I love music. I am consistently listening to music, to the point that I have trouble going without it. Days I can't wear my air pods to school are the hardest. Music gives me a sense of comfort. I do not play an instrument of any kind. My friends and I like to freestyle rap and listen to music.  I have a super wide taste (except rock and country).  I had the time of my life. Since my dad shares his love of music with me, I...