Rick Ross, Mixtapes, Realness
This is an image that definitely needs to be talked about to at least some extent. Rick Ross is an African American male rap artist with no ties to the Jewish community (other than being on songs with Drake), but he has chosen to title his new mixtape the ‘Black Bar Mitzvah”.
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| Rick Ross Newest Mixtape |
First.
In the Jewish community a bar mitzvah is typically known as a ritual in which Jewish boys make the transition into adults and become fully accepted as a member of the Jewish community. Prior to having a bar mitzvah children must study at a Hebrew School, do some sort of community service, be involved with the synagogue, and attend Shabbat services. Specifically, children study Hebrew, the Torah and other basic Jewish concepts.
As I said earlier, Rick Ross has no ties whatsoever to the Jewish community, this includes Jewish people and synagogues, and Hebrew and the Torah. Additionally, none of the other artists featured on this mixtape have Jewish connections except for Drake. Rick Ross has talked about God and religion before, however it has never had a Jewish emphasis. For example, on Rick Ross’s website there is a quote that reads, “God forgives, I don’t”. I do not have a problem with Ross’s album cover, and mixtape title. I actually find it funny that he is promoting his music and album with blatant signs that are traditionally Jewish. Through appropriation he is able to create an intended message for his audience, however I am not completely sure what that message is.
Second.
The real image Rick Ross portrays in both his on stage performances, and through the lyrics of his music has been challenged by other rap artists. Most notably, 50 Cent challenged the legitimacy of Ross being a real rapper. All criticisms of Ross stem from the fact that he worked as a correctional officer prior to his rap career, but majority of his real persona is based on having a hard life and selling drugs. Essentially, Ross worked as a form of authority (similar to that of a cop), but raps about selling drugs to survive the tough conditions he lived under. As we discussed on Monday in class, cops and other forms of authority are typically seen as inimical to rap and hip hop culture. Ideally, the fact that Ross worked as a correctional officers negates anything he says or talks about that would fortify his realness.
Being real is framed in several different ways. You can be real by having experienced some sort of hardship in life that you write about, you can be considered real by being tough and violent, you can be considered real by being able to battle, and you can be considered real by gaining the approval of the rap community. Rick Ross is currently considered as a real rapper, and there is little to no criticism of him anymore, how has he managed to become real?
Third.
Mixtapes are used by artists to promote themselves, and their music when they are not signed to any major label. Additionally mixtapes can be used by mainstream artists to promote themselves in between the release of actual albums. Mixtapes usually feature multiple artists, and have a quality that makes them sound less mainstream than regular albums. Mixtapes have a lower quality of sound (does not sound as professionally produced), feature lyrics from artists that typically are not seen on major albums( more cussing, different topics and themes), and feature artists that may be experimenting with new forms of musical expression. For example, Chris Brown who is known primarily as an R&B singer has released mixtapes that feature him trying his hand at rapping. Perhaps this is done because mixtapes are usually released by the artist directly onto the internet and are not produced for profit. Mixtapes are a fun form of expression that have less pressure on them to succeed than regular albums which need to make money.
Additional questions:
Should Jewish people be offended by the cover and title of Rick Ross’s mixtape?
Taking into consideration the cover and title of the mixtape, how does Ross use this to get his message across, or appeal to his fans?
What is the purpose of a mixtape?
I do not think that Rick Ross put much specific thought into this Mixtape artwork regarding to "his" specific religion. I imagine Rick Ross seeing it as a metaphor for becoming a real man. Also most children receive a large sum of money at their bar mitzvahs. And after reading his article in the Rolling Stone Magazine and listening to a lot of his music, I found it very easy to conclude that his main goal to make as much money as possible. I think that he is just playing with the idea that his mixtape is being an some sort of alternative "Bar mitzvah" proving that he is a real man who is making very large sums of cash while still being young.
ReplyDeleteThis mixtape is probably Ross just boasting his riches, nothing new. His last mixtape, "Rich Forever" was the same thing, with lyrics like, "Being Dead Broke is the root of all evil..." (song: Fuck em.. By Rick Ross) I'm wondering if this money talk is getting old to his usual fan base.
ReplyDeleteMaybe He choose Black Bar Mitzvah to appeal to a new crowd of people, ones who know bar mitzvahs are usually extrvagant, or "no expense is too high."
I think your break down of mixtapes is pretty spot on, and i agree artist will put more expression into their mixtapes. I think its because they know the people are listening because they care, not because its mainstream. This probably isnt the best example but on Lil Wayne's mixtapes he always talks to the fans, sort of guiding them through the tape and explaining the new music. its good expirence for the people that care about more personal/rooted part of the industry.