Thursday, September 04, 2008

 

Cyber-posts: Introduction and I Always Wanted to Write a Book about My Life

Today in the early class we met in the Writing Center and responded to one of two poems. Students posted their responses at the link. Homework is the same for both classes: post summaries of the "Introduction" and "I Always Wanted to Make a Book out of My Life." Post the assignment here. You should already have posted the summary for either the introduction or forward in "The Rose that Grew from Concrete." Do not post that assignment here.

For the afternoon class you were to include the group paraphrase; the early class, students were to post their own responses to the sentences chosen from the preface. The early class already has posts at the link. Read the previous posts to see if you're in the right place. If you can't figure it out, send it to me and I'll post it for you and send you a link.

Again, post the Dyson responses here and then respond to a classmate(s)' post before our next meeting, 9/9.

Comments:
in the introduction, dyson talks about tupac having a big effect on many people and hip hop culture. he explains how ambitious the rapper/poet was with his rhymes and how he was a very smart black man. he said that tupac surrounded himself with books because he wanted to know more about the world behind him. he also said that tupac had a major effect on other poets too. when his fans hear about one of these poets, they look that poet up and try to understand more about what tupac is talking about. he made young people want to read more and become smarter.
in "i always wanted to make a book out my life," dyson talks about going to snoop doggs private concert in order to get an interview out of him about what he knew about tupac. He met with some celebrities and had interviews with them. the first person he interviewed was big boy who worked at a radiostation. then he interviewed ray j who is an r&b singer who made a record with tupac and kept answering questions about tupac in present tense, talking as if he was still alive. and then he interviewed Lorenze Tate who is an actor and starred in movies like Menace to Society and Dead Presidents. He was very private about his interview, only giving dyson his exclusive information. then snoop dogg came with his fellow rappers warren g and nate dogg and he tried to get an interview with warren g but it was too many people around him and he was talking really fast to get him to answer. warren g was kind of suprised that he would ask him a question about tupac with all the other people around
 
Lisa Ryan
English 201A
MW 1-2:50

"Holler If You Hear Me"

Introduction Summary:

Dyson wrote about how Tupac rose to surpassed heights after his death. His earnings, CD sales and popularity exceeded many who lived before him and who are still alive today. Dyson places Tupac above Shakespeare as a literary genius.

Tupac's lyrics reflect his loyalty and dedication to the poor who have and those who continue to struggle. His way of conveying the hardship of poor people may have been hardcore, but no one could deny the truth in his words. Dyson compares Tupac's inconsistent lyrics to the "harsh personalirties and dualties of the Old Testament". This is the first time I've heard his lyrics being referred to as biblical,how appropriate. Tupac also encouraged higher learning through his music. Take for instance. after many of his follower's learned that his song " Still I Rise" was the title of a peom by, Maya Angelou, they gobbled up her writings. I wonder if he knew the profound effect his music had on a generation of people. I think his goal was to speak the truth to people who wanted to hear it as well as to those who would otherwise not hear it. There is no denying his positive effects on a generation of people who were mad and didn't really know why. Through his lyrics people were able to validate their anger and look to a solution. Whether they chose to change their situation was up to them, because the solutions were obvious.

It's clear to me after reading the introduction that, Tupac was a prophet. He similar to Marvin Gay, they both spoke about the truth and the ill's of society. They predicted what was to come, the plight of the poor, the economy and our failed government. All of this still true and relevant today.

If society feels the need to mute Tupac, then I challenge them to make his words irrelevant.

"i Always Wanted to Make a Book Out of My life"

Summary:

While writing his book Dyson wanted to interview Snoop Dogg about his opinions of Tupac. Snoop Dogg was shooting a video in the warehouse district of Los Angeles, and Dyson went to attempt to get an interview with him. When he arrived Snoop Dogg hadn't showed up yet, so he decided to get some interviews with other entertainers who knew Tupac. His first interview was with Big Boy. Big Boy talked about his love for Tupac and how he unlike other rappers wasn't afraid to say what he felt. He said that Tupac had a way of getting peoples attention. Dyson also interviewed Ray J, who continuously referred to Tupac in the present as if he were still alive.

Dyson also had the unexpected pleasure of interviewing Larenz Tate, whom Tyson referred to as low key. Larenz spoke very highly of Tupac and felt that he was a prophet and even compared him to the Elvis presley of hip hop. He also shared that Tupac as an actor embodied his characters, for which many were true to Tupac in real life. Larenz reflects back to when Tupac was alive and shares that he wish he had gotten to know Tupac , by spending more time with him. Who knows what could have happen. Larenz missed the opportunity to share the positive things with Tupac that he wanted him to know.

After his interview with Larenz, Dyson started to have some reservation about trying to get an interview with Snoop Dogg in this type of venue. He didn't want to come off as looking like a male groupie, because rappers look dowm at male groupies. But he swallowed his pride and pushed on with seeking the interview. Once the bus arrived with Snoop Dogg, Dyson prepared himself to snatch the interview amid all of the chaos. The first person he saw get off the bus was Warren G. He quickly yelled for Warren G. to give him an interview about Tupac. Warren G obliged him. In the interview Warren G. shared that he and Tupac didn't have a personal relationship outside of work but he could say that the two of them loved eachother. He also said that Tupac loved to work. Out of all of the potential interviews the only person that appeared to be reluctant was Nate Dogg.

After seeing how overwhelmed Snoop Dogg was, Dyson decided to skip the interview with him. Instead he decided to mingle a bit. He ran into Big Tray Dee, who was on the "Gridlock" soundtrack with Tupac. Big Tray Dee told Dyson that Tupac was a "workaholic" and that he could write song after song in one day, if everybody was willing. He also referred to Tupac as being "phenomenal to watch". As we all do, he too felt that Tupac left us way too soon. After the interview, Dyson observed Big Tray Dee crying. He cried hard without sound not caring what other's may have thought. He cried because he missed Tupac. How touching.

Also Dyson shared that his book would include a look at Tupac's relationship with his mother, which was at times volatile and at other times loving and forgiving. He looks at Tupac's positon in the rap game, his brushes with the law and his desire to represent the street life. Dyson's book even takes a peek at his religious and spirtual side. Finally, in the epilogue we can look forward to examing the aftermath of Tupac's passing.
 
Jaliyah Davis
English 201 A/B
Summary: Introduction


In the introduction, dyson gives a little history on Tupac’s career and the affect he had in the hip-hop culture. Since Tupac's death his record’s sales has increased twice as much than it did when he was alive. He appears on the list of the most money earned by dead artistes. Tupac was discovered by Leila Steinberg, who became his first manager. Tupac was an outstanding rapper, who rapped about the problems that was going on in his world. Because the topics of his raps, the words he chose,and him not being scared to say what was true, he was often harassed by critics. Tupac was often overlooked because he was considered being dangerous. Dyson said that Tupac was able to get children to read for pleasure and had a great positive affect on his community.
Tupac’s audience has increased thier love for him and his work. The problems that he talked about are still to this day a major issue. Until the problems are solved and are no more Tupac’s work will never be eliminated.
 
Nina Wooten
Eng. 201B
8:00-8:50 am

In "I Always Wanted to Make a Book of My Life," Dyson looks forward to
interviewing the rap artist Snoop Dogg about his late friend Tupac
Shakur. In his search to find Snoop, he runs across many other artist
such as Nate Dogg, Warren G, Ray J, Tray Dee and L.A radio personality
Big Boy. All expect Nate Dogg, share how influential Pac was and how
much they admired him and his work in the studio.

Nina Wooten
Eng. 201B
8:00-8:50 am

The introduction of "Holler If You Hear Me" speaks about the life Tupac
Shakur lived. Dyson states that Tupac poems and lyrics were very
powerful. Some seem to feel as though Tupac and his work is far greater
than William Shakespeares, but has yet to be explores to the depth of
its meaning. Although it has been a decade since his death, his music is
still produced. The struggles Tupac onced worried of are still around.
He is still know as an influential rapper although there has been a
little controversy over some of his lyrics.
 
In the first part of the book Dyson gives thanks to actors, poets, friends and family. In the preface "I always wanted to write a book about myself" Dyson goes to a private concert at a warehouse where he planned to have a interview with the rap artist Snoop Dogg about Tupac. Although Dyson did not get to talk to Snoop he came encounter with other stars such as Singer Ray j,Larenze Tate an actor, Warnner G rap artist, Nate Dogg, and Big Tray Dee from the Eastsidaz. Dyson had a chance to talk to all these people about Tupac except for Nate Dogg and his main reason for going Snoop. Dyson in this chapter also talked about how society should recognize Pac as a legend and a insperational writer not just a thug. Dyson feels that Tupac was powerful person and he never will get a chance to see how hip hop has changed and in my opinion i agree with Dyson.lAstly Dyson explained what he will be talking about in the rest of the book about Tupac's Life.

Julian Pete
English 201A
8:00-8:50
 
Jaliyah Davis
Eng. 201 A/B
8-8:30

"Holler If You Hear Me"
*I always wanted to make a book out of life: Summary


It starts by Dyson being at a warehouse district in hopes of interviewing Snoop Dog about Tupac Shakur. In the process of trying to interview him he runs into a few people who knew Tupac. Dyson had a few minute conversation with Big Boy,a L.A. radio personality. Big Boy conveyed to Dyson that Tupac had love for everyone and wasn't afraid to say what was on his mind. He said Tupac was not afraid to snatch their attention and that is exactly what his music did, snatch their attention.

The second person Dyson talked to was Ray J, a young artist who also had an positive effect by Tupac. Ray j excitedly told Dyson that he recorded a song called "Unborn Child" with Tupac. Ray J said that Tupac had taught him that anything is possible and that you can make a living for your-self.

Dyson had a talk with Larez Tate, who was an actor. Tate said that most of his fans and people who knew him personally thought he was a prophet, and the things he talked about before he died actually happened once he was gone.

Dyson had a very brief talk with the rapper Warren G. Warren G said that Tupac made a lot of raps that people can relate too. He said that even though he and Tupac didn't kick it as much, they had mad love for one another.

Dyson never had a chance to talk with Snoop but he was able to talk to Big Tray Dee an Eastsidaz rapper who had did some work with Tupac. Dee said that Tupac worked a lot. He would write 3 to 4 songs a day, and if he was feeling real good and was into what he was doing, he would write 6 to 7 songs a day. As Dee called him,he was a workaholic.
Big Tray Dee told Dyson that Tupac was rapidly taken away, and wasn't given the opportunity to reach his full potential. Big Tray Dee had much love for Tupc and he was truley being missed by him.

Dyson also goes into what the book would be about. He would talk about Tupac Childhood and his relationship with his mother growing up. Then he will go into him becoming a Thug and his career Finally he will look at how Tupac dealt with big situation which he raps about. His Spiritual beliefs from when he was a young boy to a young adult.

Dyson says that this book is an attempt to say something positive about urban black existence in the last 20th century and the beginning of the 21st.
 
To me the introduction seemed kind of sad. Although Leila Steinberg birthed many positive programs from tupac as well as herself, it seemed gloomy. i like the term "young imaginations"(pg xix). just hearing the preface and the intro gave me a better out look on tupac.
Tipton
 
Foreword: Tupac, C U in Heaven

Nikki Giovanni her letter speaks truths on more than one level."when he wrote music that was a bit edgy, a bit out there, a bit daring" (N.G pg.xvi)This staement reminds me of all the positive music that challenges the system." Tupac stayed strong and commited to his people."(N.G xvi) Some rappers make it big and forget about the people who helped them,as wel as their community. they become fake putting on masks to cover up where they came from to what they want people to believe what and who they are and where they came from. Tupac was the complete opposite he kept it real and that why he still lives on today!
Tipton
 
Introduction to "I always wanted to write a book about my life" stated the impact that Tupac had on many and still have on people. Dyson explained Tupac's lyrics which were strong and meaningful not only thorugh hip hop, but also through his poetry. Dyson was so axious to know about Tupac's life that he asked one of Tupac's closetest friends Snopp Dogg for answers. Many people that were in Tupac's life were also interviewed such as lorenze Tate. Tate was s inspired by Tupac that he only gave information that he insisted on giving. Understanding the concept of the messages that Tupac put out through whether it was through his music or poetry it was always a conditional message because he knows what it feels like to be left alone in general.

-Sameela Smith Eng. 201A
 
Renee D
Sun, Sep 7, 2008 at 11:23 PM
To: Wanda Sabir
Responses to Holler If You Hear Me:

Introduction

There are very good points that are proven about Tupac's lyrics. In many of his songs, they can relate to the distraught that is going on in our world today. Many of the difficulties that our world is struggling with, Tupac's music and lyrics will survive and live forever. It is true about what he says about our government; they have money for the wars with Iraq, and don't have the money for the poor people that are struggling and trying to get through this world. The world we live in is nothing, but struggles. There are people who are still living in poor ghettos around the world and are struggling to survive. Tupac has been compared to some of the world's greatest rappers and has become very popular after his death. Even though he is gone, he has many people encouraged to read his books. Some people may have a bad perception of Tupac, yet if those people were to read his books, they would realize how influencial he is. If those people took the time and day to listen to his lyrics in his song, they'll realize so much more than what they think of him. Tupac says things that are real and true about life, especially for the people who are struggling because it inspires them to do better.

"I Always to Make a Book Out of My Life"

Tupac has touched many other artists in the rap industry. He's a poet with strong words. It's interesting how after Tupac's death, everything he rapped or wrote about came true. It seems that he predicted the future and nobody understood how he had the power to do that. He was a powerful lyrists and love music. Writing songs every day, on a daily basis, shows Tupac had a lot to offer the world. Even though, I was still young when Tupac passed, I remember my older cousin crying his eyes out. He idolized Tupac. He knew every word from every song Tupac had on his tracks. He's touched so many hearts and its incredible that til this day, his music is still alive. His words that he has left us in this world is keeping him living. Without his intelligence and artistic skills, music wouldn't be what it is today. The rap industry wouldn't be what it is today without Tupac.

The way Tupac viewed the world and himself is a blessing to read about. His opinions and perspectives on things are very strong and full of fufillness from himself within. He shows who he is, but in his own particular way. He doesn't act a certain way or reveal himself just to please others. Tupac is who he is, the struggles he went through in life has made him who he was before he left this crucial world. All the difficulties he faced in his past lead him to be the Rap Star he is now, the Elvis of Rap. It is true that he is known as the "ghetto saint" and a cast of the "urban legend."

-Renee Dumaguit
Eng201b
1-2:50pm
 
Andrew Nguyen
English 201A
8-8:50

Summary of Introduction:

Dyson explains Tupac's impact and influence to the community and he hip hop world, especially after death. The amount of records he released and sold exceeded to the amount when he was alive. His music spread into different themes from life and death to joy and pain. His music also shows the passion he has for the poor. Besides such crisis, Tupac shows issues that shows what the world goes through. With his work and music, Tupac is able to catch the audience's attention. These are some of the many reasons why people today still listen and read about Tupac.

Summary to "I Always Wanted to Make a Book Out of My Life"

Dyson arrives to the warehouse district to interview famous people about Tupac Shakur. He meets with Big Boy who explains to Dyson that Tupac was not afraid of saying what he wants to say and grab the attention of people. Dyson then meets with Ray J, who continues to speak about Tupac in the present tense. Ray J explains to Dyson that Tupac was a thug who sends a positive message to the kids. Dyson meets up with an actor, Larenz Tate. Tate explains to Dyson that Tupac has the ability to predict issues that will happen, especially issues that happened after his death. Through the mass of people, Dyson is able to get to Warren G, another artist. He tells Dyson Tupac's passion of work. After meeting with Warren G, Dyson skips the interview with Snoop Dogg because he was overwhelmed and then meets with Big Tray Dee. Dee tells Dyson that Tupac was also a workaholic. He tells him that Tupac did not reach his full potential. After the interviews, Dyson tells the audience about Tupac's relationship with his mother, which was violent, but also loving and forgiving. Regardless of not able to have an interview with Snoop Dogg, Dyson still received many information and appreciation to Tupac.
 
Renee Dumaguit
Eng201b
MW 1-2:50pm

I enjoyed reading Lisa's summary for the introduction because it was very detailed and I agree with how she said Tupac's music has a profound effect on people.
 
Francisco Marcial
English 201A
MW 1-2:50pm

"Summary of Introduction"

In the introduction from the book called "Holler if You Hear Me" by Michael Eric Dyson, Dyson was talking about Tupac. He was saying that Tupac had a big impact on youth because he got teenagers to read books. If you listened to Tupac's music then you needed to read more books to be able to understand what he was talking about in his music. When Tupac died he went even more up in his career "He has released nearly twice as many albums dead-8-than the 5 albums he released when he was alive" (Dyson,xv). When Tupac died he had most of his albums in the top charts of music and when he was alive he sold over 10 million discs; when he was dead he sold 25 million more discs.

"preface: I Always Wanted To Make A Book Out of My Life"

This chapter started by saying that dyson went to a snoop dogg concert in Los Angeles, California so he could interview him for the book that he was making about Tupac Shakur. While he was looking for snoop dogg he run into many other artist for example; ray j, warren g, nate dogg, and big boy.
When he was asking them what they taught about Tupac, most of them where saying that he was one of the biggest rappers that has ever lived. He was also the one that motivated young teenagers through his music. Dyson was just telling us what these rappers taught about Tupac and at the end he finally had that interview with snoop dogg.
 
In the introduction Dyson talks about the major impact that Tupac has left for hip hop fans and even poetic fans. Dyson talked about how Tupac self educated himself when he was in prison. Since Tupac was a writer this had a great impact on children that loved to write, but did not know how to vent their emotions. Tupac contributed to the poetic views in a educational way; his purpose was to let everyone know that it is ok to cry no matter how hard you think you are or where you came from.

-Sameela Smith ENG. 201A
 
Post a Comment



<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?