Bring Back Lost Musical Recipes
posted by Kinaya Gibson | April 25, 2023 | In OpinionI love music as much as the next person even though we may not share the same taste. However, I have to file a complaint about a part of life that unifies and divides us all: the music industry. I write this complaint with nothing but love and curiosity, so humor me please, if you will.
It seems as though in today’s age we are losing good music recipes. Music is supposed to evolve and grow just as humans and nature do, but that doesn’t mean the foundation has to be completely wiped away. We are supposed to take what is good, add on to it, and then learn from the bad. Yet, when it comes to music, it feels like we aren’t bringing along the good parts with us to the evolved versions.
I think we have lost the soul within music and in particular within genres of R&B, gospel, and yes, hip-hop. These genres were created during times when Black people across the diaspora had to communicate and release whatever they had inside out without directly having conversation, which led them to the art of song.
As a community, in my opinion, we just hold a natural gift when it comes to music. Our music, our words, our vocals, and our skills are qualities that others just can’t compete with, but they have always tried emulating. We are the literal blueprint.
So, why would we stop using recipes that have been used for generations and passed down? It’s not like good harmonies, melodies, and bridges are a generational curse that has been long overdue to be broken.
I cannot express how annoying it is that songs are barely even two minutes and fifteen seconds these days. What happened to when a song was AT LEAST two to three verses with a strong chorus in between and a solid bridge?
BRING BACK THE BRIDGE PEOPLE!
The bridge was our specialty. It’s what tied the song together and gave a slightly different musical feel yet maintained the plot of the song. It further executed the emotions and meaning of the song. It was a key that should’ve never been lost now we are stuck with songs and albums that are really just interludes with little to no themes.
Even when we take a look at hip-hop, we are losing the foundations of what made the genre monumental and influential to modern day society. Rappers were and still are considered poets. The beauty of the genre was that it could fit with all kinds of music and still carry this poetic thump. Even if a song wasn’t heavily lyrical or deep the words still had a flow and meaning. Now we are so focused on hot and ready beats, therefore, we have devalued the lyricism and the power of a true music producer.
We don’t even sang anymore, and no I do not mean sing, I mean SANG. When we used to sing all kinds of notes and runs. When we could bring people to tears because of our voices. Yeah, music is still relatable, and we can still feel it, but it doesn’t touch the soul the way it used. Not even gospel, and that’s a genre that’s purpose is to feed the spirit, soul, and give praise.
Why did we stop using recipes that were feeding us just fine? And what must we do to get them back while still evolving them?
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