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For this week, we spoke about the dimensions of culture and cultural norms. Your prompt is to choose a song and discuss how the video and/or lyrics resist or reinforce dominant cultural norms. These norms can be around gender, social class, American culture, dating culture, media, whatever you choose! Please embed the link to your chosen video so folks can see what song you're referencing.

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Solána Imani Rowe is on a remarkable musical run with her latest studio LP. The R&B hitmaker, better known as SZA, topped the Billboard 200 chart with the SOS album.

SZA also found huge success on streaming platforms with the SOS single "Kill Bill." The song leads Spotify's Daily Top Songs USA chart and Apple Music's Top 100: USA chart.

On Thursday afternoon, SZA teased a "Kill Bill" music video is on the way. The Top Dawg Entertainment songstress tweeted a teaser from the upcoming visuals. Her clip has collected over 870,000 plays and 76,000 likes on Twitter.

"It's what y'all deserve ," wrote SZA in the caption of her Twitter video. The Instagram version of the "Kill Bill" teaser amassed more than 10 million plays and 1.2 million likes on the New Jersey native's page.

SZA's "Kill Bill" lives on an SOS album that also contains other singles such as "Good Days," "I Hate U," "Shirt," and "Nobody Gets Me." Twenty-one songs from SOS made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the album's first week of release.

"Kill Bill" reached the #3 position on the Hot 100 rankings. The Carter Lang and Rob Bisel-produced track currently sits at #7. "I Hate U" peaked at #7. "Good Days" peaked at #9. "Nobody Gets Me" peaked at #10. "Shirt" peaked at #11.

SOS opened at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart by racking up 318,000 first-week units. The project broke the all-time streaming week record for an R&B album (404.6 million streams). SZA remained atop the Billboard 200 for a second week after collecting another 155,000 units in week two.

The post SZA Teases "Kill Bill" Music Video first appeared on AllHipHop

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Solána Imani Rowe is on a remarkable musical run with her latest studio LP. The R&B hitmaker, better known as SZA, topped the Billboard 200 chart with the SOS album. SZA also found huge success on streaming platforms with the SOS single "Kill Bill."

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The 2 songs I decided to discuss are Jay- Z's "Big Pimpin" and Kanye West's "Violent Crimes".

The lyrics of "Big Pimpin'" by Jay-Z featuring UGK center around themes of wealth, opulence, and an indulgent way of life. In the song, Jay-Z proudly highlights his achievements, financial affluence, and extravagant experiences. The term "pimpin'" is metaphorically employed to signify Jay-Z's prowess in leading a grand and luxurious lifestyle.

Throughout the verses, Jay-Z elaborates on his possession of expensive items, exotic travel adventures, and interactions with women. The lyrics often portray a nonchalant attitude towards both money and relationships, placing a strong emphasis on relishing life's finer pleasures. The recurring chorus, featuring the phrase "Big Pimpin', spendin' G's," reinforces the notion of living lavishly without hesitating to expend substantial amounts of money.

However, the song has pronounced explicit content and the manner in which Jay-Z discusses his encounters with women. The lyrics contribute to the objectification of women and promote a lifestyle centered around pleasure and indulgence, sparking debates about the responsibility of artists in shaping cultural attitudes.

"Violent Crimes," featured on Kanye West's eighth studio album "Ye" in 2018, explores themes of fatherhood, misogyny, and the instinctual protectiveness that arises with parenthood. In the song, Kanye contemplates his own attitudes towards women, acknowledging the impact of having daughters on reshaping his perspective.

The lyrics articulate Kanye's concerns regarding the objectification and mistreatment of women, specifically addressing his own past actions and broader societal attitudes. The transformative effect of fatherhood on Kanye is highlighted, revealing a heightened sensitivity to the challenges women face.

With a title like "Violent Crimes," the song implies the potential harm or negative influences that both society and Kanye himself may exert on women. It serves as a thought-provoking piece, delving into the intricate dynamics of relationships, gender roles, and personal development.

Beyond acknowledging the struggles women endure, the song acts as a contemplative examination of personal growth and the responsibilities tied to parenthood, particularly when raising daughters. "Violent Crimes" is often seen as Kanye West's introspective commentary on his past actions, signaling a recognition of the imperative for positive change and a commitment to respecting women.

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The song I chose is "what was I made for" by Billie Eillish. She wrote this song with her brother Finneas. This song may sound familiar if you watched the barbie movie. This song was created to show the sadness and loneliness barbie had during the movie. the lyrics tell us about how young women tie themselves into a knot to please others, and yet it never felt like enough. We feel this type of loneliness in ourselves. We start to think what are we made for? Are made for love? Or just being in mens existence's? Society thinks it's just a sad song when really in the music video Billie captures this heart wrenching feeling of helplessness. Not knowing who you are or who you will become. And this is a major problem in society that most young women have a feeling of not being who they are.

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I have decided to choose Frank Ocean's song "Chanel." This song, in my opinion, depicts societal dating norms. The line "My guy pretty like a girl, and he got fight stories to tell, I see both sides like Chanel, see on both sides like Chanel" is one of the song's opening lines that might be seen as a comparison between his male companion and a woman. The last two parts of his statement also reveal that he is bisexual. In order to illustrate how the Chanel brand is the letter C whether it is flipped, he employed a metaphor. His wordplay and visuals support the theme of accepting who you are and resisting labels. Because most people associate regular dating patterns with men and women, I think this has an impact on dating norms. However, this song highlights the LGBTQ community by describing the singer's comfort level in discussing his bisexuality and his love, who also happens to be a man.

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The song I decided to use was "Like a Boy" by Ciara. The lyrics highlight how men are able to do a lot of unfair acts. The chorus throughout the song states,'' What if I Had a thing on the side? Made ya cry? Would the rules change up Or would they still apply?
If I played you like a toy
Sometimes I wish I could act like a boy" basically summarizes how mainly treat women and if there would were able to do the same then how would things be. Acting like a boy within the relationship is only negative in this song. And Ciara wishes she could act like a boy so she could act the same way towards men as he acts towards her. Apparently, as a woman, she could never act in these ways. In the music video she dressed like a boy. She leans back in her chair and grabs her crotch. . She also mocks masculinity in certain dance moves (for example, a bodybuilder pose). Ciara's song to reiterate gender roles.

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The song I chose is “Don’t Touch My Hair” by Solange which works to resist the dominant American cultural norm of racism. In her song, Solange focuses on the microaggression of touching a Black person’s hair. This kind of interaction, while seemingly an innocent gesture, showcases the rampant normalization of the dehumanization of Black people. Touching a Black person’s hair without consent shows the lack of respect afforded to Black people in America. Solange in her song pushes against the dominant racist white culture, instead of allowing the majority to walk all over her, standing her ground saying “Don't touch my hair”, her “pride”. By saying that “You know this hair is my shit”, she is reclaiming some of that power back. Through her repetition of “What you say to me?” you get a good idea of both the frustration from the lack of respect as well as her resistance against this kind of treatment. The song’s video works to emphasize the power and pride felt in Black hair, showing its beauty as well as the richness of American Black culture.

Solange - Don't Touch My Hair (Video) ft. Sampha

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In recent years, I have been listening to songs by a band named "AJR" and many of their songs relate to the real world and types of problems that people experience at some point in their lives in some way. The best description of a lot of these songs is that a lot of the time, the music and the lyrics don't match the song but in a good way for the most part. I personally would recommend songs from their album "The Click" going forward to songs in their latest album "The Maybe Man." A song from AJR that I would like to talk about is "Karma" from their album "Neotheater." While I don't immediately relate to some of the topics the song implies, I think the premise of the song is interesting and others might relate to this based on what is happening in their own lives. From what I managed to interpret, the lyrics imply the singer is in a therapist's office and how he talks about doing good things and working hard but through all of this, his life seems to be very hard on him and how he ultimately feels empty inside through everything. The verses of the song really show the conversation between the singer and his therapist with the singer talking about his problems and if things will get better for him. By the end of the song, the singer has come to the end of his therapy session and goes on a long rant about how he doesn't want the session to end and how he still needs help because he still doesn't feel better. My takeaway from this song is that those who are struggling in some significant way should consider looking for help and while it might not help immediately, it is a good step towards making things somewhat better in life.

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“Alright” by Kendrick Lamar resists dominant cultural norms by addressing social and political issues. It's about sticking together and staying strong even when things are tough, specifically referencing the black lives matter movement. Kendrick Lamar tells people to think for themselves and stand up against what's wrong. He uses his music to spotlight big problems and get people to want to make things better in the world. The line “We gon' be alright" repeats throughout the song, saying that things will work out in the end, despite difficulties. The line “Wouldn't you know / We been hurt, been down before” acknowledges past struggles but highlights our ability to overcome them. “But if God got us, then we gon' be alright” shows faith in a higher power to help us through tough times. In short, the song is about staying strong and hopeful during hard times, with a message of resilience and faith.

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Kendrick Lamar - Alright (Official Music Video)

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Nas' song "Cops Shot the Kid" calls attention to the systematic issues of racial profiling and police brutality while addressing the violence that Black communities experience. Nas's account questions society's support of police violence and critiques the way the criminal justice system responds to it. The song asks listeners to consider the narrative surrounding police-involved shootings to be unfair as it addresses police shootings and raises concerns about how the media has covered these incidents. Nas achieves this by raising awareness to the status quo and encouraging thought/discussion on the need for racial fairness and social change in America.

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Nas - Cops Shot The Kid (Official Video)

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The song I chose was “Slut!” by Taylor Swift. It’s a straight indicator from the title what the message of the song is, but basically, it’s how a woman is seen as a slut if she constantly moves on from guy to guy. Taylor has been known to have different relationships and has mentioned in past interviews how people view her as someone who is dumb for writing about these types of things. She mentioned one time how other artists like Bruno Mars or Ed Sheeran have done these types of heartbroken love songs too, yet they never get backlash for them. This shows the double standards and how people view men after breakups vs women. It gives this idea that if a woman moves on, she’s viewed negatively and is degraded based on what she does. If a man does it, nobody cares and he just does what he does. She mentions this in her song by stating “Love thorns all over this rose, I’ll pay the price, you won’t” She states that she will have all the hatred and negative words thrown to her, but never to her partner. Her name will always be dragged into the drama and will be called these names, but never her partner. This also shows how society as a whole has come to make fun of a woman who writes about her experiences because it’s seen as too sensitive or silly, but if it's a man, then it's relatable and painful. Another line she says is "Being this young is art". Additionally, this also gives the idea that it's someone young and that we all have different experiences with love. We will have different relationships and it's something to embrace, rather than to hide.

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Taylor Swift - "Slut!" (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault) (Lyric Video)

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"All My Life" by Lil Durk showcases a remarkable departure from his typical drill style, embracing a more introspective and emotionally charged production. The song's lyrics delve into Durk's personal journey, where he confronts and challenges the criticisms he has faced, particularly from the media. In expressing his desire to change his image and distance himself from a troubled past, Durk resists societal expectations and stereotypes associated with his background. The use of a young choir in the song's vocals adds a poignant layer to the narrative, emphasizing the introspective and redemptive nature of the track. This departure from the conventional drill style not only reflects an artistic evolution but also serves as a powerful means of resisting and redefining cultural norms within the hip-hop genre.

The thematic content of "All My Life" extends beyond personal struggles, addressing broader societal issues. Durk's lyrics touch on drug abuse, the challenges of child support, and the alarming rise of self-harm among the youth. This socially conscious commentary challenges prevailing norms and emphasizes the artist's commitment to positive change within communities. J. Cole's verse adds another layer to the narrative, highlighting the harsh reality of young rappers facing untimely deaths before attaining significant fame. "All My Life" emerges as a socially conscious piece that resists stereotypical narratives surrounding urban life and hip-hop culture. By addressing personal struggles and advocating for positive change, the song contributes to a broader conversation about societal norms and the potential for personal and collective growth. The collaboration between Lil Durk and J. Cole adds depth to the narrative, creating a thought-provoking piece that challenges and transcends cultural norms within the hip-hop genre.

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The song I chose is "Stand Up" by Cynthia Ervio. This song was written back in 2019. It talks about the fight for freedom and equality. It was based on the story of Harriet Tubman. A historical fugitive who found her way to escape but came back to free her people. She was the one who discovered the underground railroad. The meaning behind this song is basically you are standing up and defending for what is right. Slavery has a big effect on black people till this day. This song represents this whole month. To all the people who had fought their way for freedom from slavery. Every year, when February hits that is the first song that comes in my head.

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Song: Lil Uzi Vert - The Way Life Goes

“The Way Life Goes” by Lil Uzi Vert I believe explores the cultural norm of love and heartbreak. The rapper reflects on getting emotionally and physically attached to a person only for you to be let down by them. Uzi expresses a sense of vulnerability with this song and the common cultural norm cycle of experiencing love and heartbreak. Uzi repeats the, “I know you're tired and you have nothing left to give” line heavily throughout his song with the melancholy tone and beat. Uzi lyrics resonate with those who felt this heartbreak feeling by understanding his audience's pain and how they really feel. Despite that excruciating pain that heartbreak comes with though, he continues his song by spreading the message to his audience that “I know you’ll get over it and that “ you’ll find another life to live”. Indicating a sense of faith in coping with these hard times and pushing through the situation.

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Lil Uzi Vert - The Way Life Goes [Official Visualizer]

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The song I chose to discuss is “The Mourning After” by Mac Miller. Mac Miller often writes about songs alluding to heavy drug use and/or love. In this particular song, he compares the two in a predominant saying we hear which is that “love is a drug”. This song captures the duality between the two and how beautiful yet dangerous attachment is whether it be in the perspective to a lover or addiction to drugs. As drug use is a common issue in society, the feeling of love and lust is like a new and alternative “high”. Humans as a natural occurrence simply want to experience a beautiful love story, but for Mac, he still could not achieve even this feeling of love that is so close to the feeling of being high of drugs. Drugs became the only factor that allowed him to “feel” in a way. Unrequited love in this specific song is something that he craves even though he knows he cannot have it. The chorus of this song is “somethin’ bout the pain make me want more, done a lot of drugs, never felt like this before”. The constant ache is a feeling that he cannot help but is becoming so physical at this point that it is obvious he is alluding to both drug use symptoms in addition to physical heartache. In verse two, the lines say “Now she wake up, cryin' while she puttin' on her make-up. Trapped inside her love for me, ain't no escape for. Her, you wanna leave? Say the word, but she can’t. Lookin' in my eyes, "Is everything okay?”. She lies, put on her disguise, play it safe. ‘Cause we've been fightin' for the past three weeks. She keep this one inside, she don't wanna seem weak.” Something that has become more prevalent in modern day society is the label of being in a “toxic” relationship. This verse is depicting the common characteristic in relationships that is not healthy yet the two individuals can’t seem to let each other go. The last few lines also highlights the perspective many women in relationships feel— hiding their emotions than admit the truth in possible “consequence” that they will seem fragile or sensitive.

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"Strange Ways" from the album Madvillainy by the hip-hop duo Madvillain, consisting of MF DOOM and Madlib, is a track that delves into the complexities of morality within society and the often hypocritical nature of those in positions of power. The song, released in 2004, is a critical examination of the established government and societal norms, particularly focusing on the dichotomy between perceived villains and the true malefactors of society and I believe that this song is still a relevant thing because countries like America like to support wars for their own gains and means. examples of this are that America is a country that likes to perpetuate a constant state of war for profit. some of these examples include things like the Iraq war and the more recent and well known fight with Israel and Palestine

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Karol G's song "Ocean" is a moving tribute to a loved one, most likely a significant other. The singer expresses her deep devotion, love, and respect for this individual through her lyrics. She promises to support her loved one through all the challenges they face, no matter what. In the first verse, she imagines a situation where her loved one needs her to leave the house immediately. She vows to rescue them by sending a direct rocket to "NASA." The speaker reassures the loved one that their promise to be there for them always remains unchanged, even if they aren't present when something happens. The chorus emphasizes the importance of the loved one in the singer's life, expressing her happiness and gratitude to have them by her side. The lyrics suggest that the singer's emotional stability depends on her loved ones and that she would feel empty without them. Overall, "Ocean" is a beautiful and heartfelt ode to the power of love and the importance of having a support system in our lives.

This piece of music demonstrated the significance of culture to me, as the way the singer performed it reflected the challenges she faced. At one point in time, the media was quite harsh towards her because of her relationship with another singer named Anuel Aa, which made her feel insecure. However, she eventually stopped caring about what people said about her dating life.

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I chose Kanye West’s song “All Falls Down,” because it delves into the complex relationship between consumers, self-image, and the African-American community. Criticizing and challenging the impact of the fashion industry on the African-American community, Kanye sheds light on the racial experiences this group faces and the struggle for  recognition in the lines "We shine because they hate us, floss cause they degrade us, We tryna buy back our 40 acres", emphasizes that shopping plays an important role in self-image, and that the fashion industry often perpetuates stereotypes and harmful standards of beauty, in Kanye's effort to reclaim a reputation in a society where African Americans are idolized and diminished. Kanye's willingness to "shine" in the face of hatred and destruction is his show of the manifestation of the African-American community's strength and resilience. Ultimately, Kanye the song is a powerful commentary on the intersection of consumerism, self-image, and ethnic identity, prompting listeners to critically examine the impact of the fashion industry on marginalized communities. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kyWDhB_QeI&ab_channel=KanyeWestVEVO

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The song I chose is "pretty isn't pretty" by Olivia Rodrigo. The lyrics touch on the struggles of keeping up with trends as a young woman and feeling like no matter what, we would never be "pretty enough." She writes things like "And I try to ignore it, but it's everything I see/ It's on the poster on the wall, it's in the shitty magazines" which speaks on media and its influence on how young women feel the need to present themselves a certain way. Society tends to be more scrutinizing towards women when it came to appearances, and in some respects it has gotten better but I believe social media has also made it a lot worse. We see trends and we see how people get ridiculed on social media for not adhering to them. For women, there are 1000 different makeup trends and hair trends that are on social media and it's a constant battle of trying to keep up with trends just to feel "pretty enough" or feel like an "it girl." There are new diet hacks on social media and influencers who promote unhealthy habits to their young impressionable fans that cause consumption of products that don't really work.

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Olivia Rodrigo - pretty isn’t pretty (Official Lyric Video)

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The song I decided is "I'm not racist" by Joyner Lucas. The reason I chose this song is because it talks about the stereotypes, we face in America. that is black people being stereotyped or white people being stereotyped. this song reinforces the fact that a particular race is not supposed to do a certain thing, an example being white people not being able to say the n word, but black people can say it all the time. the meaning of this song is that we need to come together as a society and work together rather than bring each other down. Lucas even portrays this in the character of the video.

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The song I chose is "Bloom" by Of Mice and Men because it talks about the impermanence of love. Love is something that is precious and in todays society it has become very misconstrued. I feel that the song I chose is connected to the dating culture of today because many people don't realize what they have until it's gone. Love and dating is not all magical and wonderful, love is and can be hard. However, it is those hard moments that define a relationship because if you and your partner are willing to push through and understand each others differences, then it will boulster your relationship even more. The problem I want to address is how many people today treat relationships, relationships today seem almost like a business contract, you give them things and they give you things. What causes such a problem with this mindset is that everyone has their own faults and once these faults come out, people give up. People choose to leave when their partner is their most raw form, because they consider it an inconvenience. The lyrics from the song sheds evidence on this, "We were born to bloom, destined to deteriorate, no beauty in plastic flowers, no honey made from fake bouquets". These lyrics discusses the fact that things are not meant to last, everything comes to an end, but it is for that reason that we must be as real as possible to each other. This song tells the listener that nothing is gained from anything superficial, nothing is gained from things that are fake. Love is a beautiful but at times bitter thing.

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Of Mice & Men - Bloom (Official Music Video)

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"Jealousy Jealousy" by Olivia Rodrigo, is a song that emphasizes exactly what the title says, regarding what the beauty standards today are and how people mainly on the younger side have been affected along with using social media. throughout the song she goes on to say how comparing herself to other people online with people she doesn’t even know kills her in the inside slowly, meaning her self-esteem, and how the feelings she felt just gradually started to follower her around seeing it everywhere. She continues by saying how she is happy for them to get all the things she’s wanted and how she knows "their win is not my loss" but she can't help getting tangled up with the self-hatred jealousy she feels when she sees them happy. She also goes on to compare herself with girls on social media that have nice teeth and body, and how they post their life and how it looks like they are happy. Although she always says she knows she shouldn’t be jealous she can’t help but feel it the more she looks through social media.

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J. Cole's profound track "Love Yourz," from his 2014 album "2014 Forest Hills Drive," offers an influential critique of the prevalent societal standards regarding materialism, success, and the search for happiness in modern culture. J. Cole opposes the popular belief that status, wealth, and outside validation are necessary for happiness with emotional lyrics and a somber tone, advocating instead for those who listen to deeply value self-acceptance, gratitude, and the essential worth of love and personal fulfillment.

The song's main message, simply expressed in the lyric "No such thing as a life that's better than yours," challenges the generally accepted social norm that links happiness to monetary success and social standing. J. Cole delivers a bold and healing message in a time when social media frequently intensifies emotions of failure and persistent comparison. He admits that life is difficult and painful, but he believes that real contentment originates inside and is not found in material items or accomplishments on the outside. His line, "For what's money without happiness? Or hard times without the people you love," questions the value of wealth without joy and the significance of enduring hardships without loved ones by your side. This line reinforces the theme that relationships and emotional well-being are more important than material success. The song emphasizes the value of appreciation and acknowledging one's blessings, two concepts that are commonly disregarded in a society that is fixated on constant progress and competition. J. Cole argues for a reconsideration of what it means to be successful and happy by stressing the true worth of "love" and "realness" over financial success.

Overall, J. Cole's song "Love Yourz" has a powerful message to defy existing societal norms that place a higher value on monetary and materialistic achievement than on genuine happiness and fulfillment. The song inspires listeners to value their paths, accept their flaws, and find joy in the things in life that count with its emotional lyrics and reflective tone. It is evidence of the ability that music has to question social conventions and encourage reflection and individual development.

Continuation: The possible contradiction of J. Cole promoting contentment with one's existing situation despite his own great achievement and money is, nevertheless, another angle to take into consideration. The meaning of the song can be interpreted in a variety of ways due to this contradiction. On the one hand, it emphasizes that even someone who has "made it" understands that wealth does not equal happiness, and might be interpreted as a serious appeal for others to discover happiness beyond worldly gains. However, some may argue that it is less approachable or rather dishonest, saying that it is easier to preach contentment when one is already financially secure. Discussions on the veracity and significance of messages conveyed by privileged individuals may arise as a result of this criticism. A discussion like this could help us better understand how people in various success levels both endorse and criticize society norms.

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the song "Formation" by Beyoncé as an example. In the video and lyrics of "Formation," Beyoncé addresses and challenges dominant cultural norms surrounding race, gender, and social class.The video features powerful imagery that celebrates black culture and history, showcasing scenes of African American communities, traditions, and resilience. Beyoncé challenges stereotypes and cultural expectations by embracing her identity unapologetically, whether it's through her fashion choices, references to her Southern roots, or showcasing diverse representations of beauty and strength.Lyrically, Beyoncé addresses issues of racial injustice, police brutality, and empowerment, encouraging listeners, particularly black women, to take pride in their heritage and stand up against systemic oppression. By doing so, she disrupts the traditional narratives imposed by mainstream culture and asserts her own agency and autonomy.Overall, "Formation" serves as a powerful statement of defiance and empowerment, resisting dominant cultural norms that marginalize certain groups while reinforcing the importance of self-love, resilience, and solidarity within marginalized communities.