Plagiarism

Some may ask what plagiarism truly means. Plagiarism is basically cheating and stealing work that isn’t yours. “The unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work, as by not crediting the author.” (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/plagiarism ) Plagiarism can be done in books, papers, and even in music. Plagiarism is also illegal, and everyone should be very careful, and cite things when needed.

It is believed that Timbaland the producer of the song called “Do it” by Nelly furtado plagiarized. Due to the fact I was not familiar with the song “Do it”, I did some research, and looked up the song and herd Nelly’s song then I also listened to the song the song that Timbaland plagiarized from which is “Acidjazzed Evening.” After I listened to the songs I noticed that the song by Nelly has the same rhythm and harmony. Timbaland says that this whole situation “is stupid and ridiculous”. He also states that “he was only sampling from a video game, and that he doesn’t have time to do research on other beats”. I personally feel like this whole situation was a coincidence.

"Look at What you've done"

                                                                                                                             Mikhala Andrade

                                                                                                                          December 5, 2011

                                                                                                                               P.O.S: G block

                                                                                                                                  Fiction Story

                                                                      Look at what you’ve done

“Is this shit real, should I pinch you? After all the things that we been through, I got you...Look what you’ve done…Look what you've done for me now...You knew that I was going to be something. When you're stressed out and you need something, I got you...look what you've done.” I keep repeating one of my lyrics to myself, and I don’t know why. My hands start to tremble, and shake. I could feel the sweat on my palms. “Hey, um Drake you’re going to get called in 20 seconds” I simply nod my head and say thank you. I honestly thank God for blessing me with my talent, I thank him for bringing me this far. I never thought that I would be at the Grammy’s right now, accepting an award. is this all a dream? Two years ago I was a lost kid, had family problems, and didn’t even have money to support me and my mother. I didn’t have a dad to look up to, and support us. So I had to be man of the house. My mother and I would always argue about money, because well... there wasn’t any money. Mom would always complain and always yell at me because I didn’t have a job or didn’t have money.

“Aubrey! I can’t take this anymore!”

“What? Why you mad for?”

“Haha... Why I’m mad? Well I’m mad because your ass is too lazy to get a damn job, and support the family.”

“What family? You’re always trying to come at me, when your ass always spends money on stupid shit, like really mom? Cigarettes?”

“Oh shut the hell up Aubrey, you’re just like your father; you guys are like twins  ...you both don’t do shit for the family.”

I remember that day so clear, I was hurt. I told her that I hate her, and I left the house. Five days later she called me.

“Hello Aubrey?”

“What do you want?. .. are you going to yell at me, because I don’t have money for you to go spend on cigarettes?”

“Aubrey… no I called because I’m sorry for all the bs I said, and that I love you.”

“Mom, I know we are having a bad time in life, but I’m sorry for the way I was acting, I love you too”

“Come back home sweetie, please I need you around.”

Even through the rough times, I love my mother; she’s my best friend. If it wasn’t for her I wouldn’t be at the Grammy’s right now. “And the nominee for the best male hip-hop artist goes to Drake!” As I walk on stage, my heart drops. You would probably think that I am use to it, considering the fact that I have performed in front of thousands of people. But this is different, the whole atmosphere was different. Words cannot explain the feeling of being on that stage. The beautiful lady gave me a hug, kisses on the cheek, the trophy and also whispered into my ear saying I deserved it. The moment she said that, immediately I felt the cold chills on my back. I decided it was the right time to make my speech. “Hello, um wow! Ahaha am I really here right now? Wow, first I want to thank God for everything he has given me. I want to thank my mother for being there for me, showing the right way, and never losing faith in me. Thank you to my uncle, Uncle Joe you’re like my father thank you so much for always encouraging me to do what I want to do, Thank you to all my fans, thank you for my team YMCMB till the death of me!” as I was walking out I yelled “Look at what you’ve done for me, thank you!”

"Look at What You've Done" By Drake

[Verse 1]
It’s like ’09 in your basement and I’m in love with Nebby
And I still love her but it fell through because I wasn’t ready
And your back hurt, and your neck hurt, and you smoking heavy
And I sit next to you, and I lecture you because those are deadly
And then you ash it and we argue about spending money on bullshit
And you tell me I’m just like my father, my one button, you push it
Now it's "Fuck you, I hate you, I'll move out in a heartbeat"
And I leave out and you call me, you tell me that you're sorry
You love me, and I love you, and your heart hurts, mine does too
And it's just words and they cut deep but it's our world, it's just us two
I see painkillers on the kitchen counter, I hate to see it all hurt so bad
But maybe I wouldn't have worked as hard
If you were healthy and it weren't so bad
Uh, maybe I should walk up the street, and try and get a job at the bank
Cause leave it up to me, J, and neeks, we're probably end up robbing a bank
Then Wayne calls on my phone, conversation wasn't that long
Gets me a flight to Houston in the morning
Oh it's my time, yeah, it's on
He's thinking of signing me, I come home
We make a mixtape with seventeen songs
I almost get a Grammy off of that thing
They love your son man that boy gone
You get the operation you dreamed of
And I finally sent you to Rome
I get to make good on my promise
It all worked out girl, we shoulda known
Cause you deserve it

[Hook]
Is this shit real, should I pinch you?
After all the things that we been through, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done
Look what you've done for me now
You knew that I was gonna be something
We stressed out, and you need some, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done

[Verse 2]
It's like '06 in your backyard and I'm in love with Jade
And I'm still in love, cause when it's that real, it's when it doesn't fade
And my father living in Memphis now he can't come this way
Over some minor charges and child support that just wasn't paid
Damn, boo-hoo, sad story, black American dad story
Know that I'm your sister's kid but
That still don't explain the love that you have for me
I remember sneaking in your pool after school dances
Damn your house feel like the Hamptons
For all of my summer romances
I never really had no one like you man this all new shit
Made the world I know bigger, changed the way that I viewed it
Had all this fighting going on at the crib
You would calm me down when I lose it
Told you I think I'm done acting, I'm more in touch with the music
You said either way I'll be a star, I could go so far
Talked to me, you got to me
You tossed the keys and loaned me your car
Yeah, just a young kid in a drop-top Lexus
Hopin' that I don't get arrested
Just another kid that's goin' through life
So worried that I won't be accepted
But I could do anything, you said that, and you meant that
You took me places, you spent that, they said no, we went back
Checks bounce but we bounce back
I put all the money in your accounts back
And I thank you, I don't where I'd really be without that,
It worked out man, you deserve it

[Hook]
Is this shit real, should I pinch you?
After all the things that we been through, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done
Look what you've done for me now
You knew that I was gonna be something
We stressed out, and you need some, I got you
Look what you've done, look what you've done

            #OVOXO

Song 2 Sure thing by Miguel

  Mikhala Andrade                                                                                                                                              

Nov. 11.2011

 Song Analysis 2

                                                              Sure thing by Miguel

In today’s generation a lot of people don’t believe in the emotion love. Due to the fact they haven’t met their soul mate yet or have been hurt in the past by someone. However most people believe that in life everyone will find true love, and find their soul mate. And eventually will have a strong relationship with each other. Balancing from first to second person point of view, in the song “Sure Thing,” Miguel uses simple analogy, a sweet loving tone, and powerful imagery to convey that even though there may be obstacles in the future, no matter what their love is a “sure Thing.”

In the song Miguel uses a lot of uncomplicated analogy to show us how much love he has for his soul mate. “If you be the cash, I’ll be the rubber band, if you be the match, ima be your fuse.” When Miguel says that, he’s making an analogy and showing us the listeners that no matter what he will always be there with her. Miguel also makes another analogy when he says “Painter baby… you could be the news, I’m the reporter babe, you could be the news, cause you’re the cigarette and I’m the smoker.” This quote conveys that Miguel and his soul mate were meant to be, and shows how they click with each one and other. Miguel furthermore uses another tool (tone) to show us that his love for his soul mate is a “sure thing.”

Miguel’s lovely soft tone helps the listener get a better picture of how powerful his relationship with his soul mate is. While listening to the song, listeners cannot help but take notice on how his voice is so sweet and beautiful. In order to make his point across, he uses his voice as an advantage to show us that he is in love and that he is sure that he has found his true soul mate. “This love between you and I  ...is simple as pie” His relationship with his partner is very simple and beautiful. The song is a work in progress, because the tone he uses displays his feelings and how he feels about his relationship.

The great imagery that Miguel uses conveys a message in his song. Which is how precious love can be. “Even when the sky comes fallin, even when the sun don’t shine, I got faith in you and I.” Miguel uses simple imagery to show how even when the world is coming to an end, he will still be there for her; and has faith that his soul mate will do the same for him. “Put your lil hand in mine, even when we’re down to the wire babe, even when its do or die, we can do it simple and plain, cause this love is a sure thing.” Miguel says this to convey his simple love to his partner, and even when dies he will still love her because he knows that his love for her is powerful.

This song is very special, and it shows true love. In the song, Miguel shows his auedience what true love is. And he shows it by using positive analogy, a beautiful tone, and easy imagery. Life can be really lonely at times and depressing when you don’t have your soul mate. However Miguel courage’s the listeners to take risks and find their soul mate. He also makes the listeners believe that in life, no matter what stage you’re in, you will find a special love that is a sure thing.

"Live without pretending, Love without depending, Listen without defending, Speak without offending.
-Drake

Little Green Thesis

         Shifting from second to third person point of view, In “Little Green,” Joni Mitchell uses a melancholy tone, uplifting personification, and a natural imagery to convey that life is too short to be upset, and one should be happy.

" Soul music is timeless."- Alicia Keys

                                                                                                                                   Mikhala Andrade

                                                                                                                                November 4, 2011

                                                                                                                                 Poetry of song: G

                                                                                                                                  Song Analysis

                                               

                                                    “Little Green” by Joni Mitchell

                In life there are many obstacles that we face each day. Even though the obstacles in our life might be challenging to overcome. People should always keep their head up, because at the end of the day “life moves on.” Shifting from second to third person point of view, In “Little Green,” Joni Mitchell uses a melancholy tone, uplifting personification, and a natural imagery to convey that life is too short to be upset, and one should be happy.

                Mitchell uses a lovely tone to illustrate how life is too beautiful to waste, and that everyone should be a “gypsy dancer.” While listening to the song, listeners cannot help but take notice on how her voice is so calm and beautiful. In order to make her point across, she uses her voice as an advantage to show us that she is not stressing about her problems in life. “You’re sad and you’re sorry, but you’re not ashamed.” Yes Mitchell does struggle, but through it all she is not ashamed of her past decisions in life. The song is a success, because the tone she sings the song in describes her real emotion, and how Joni feels about her own situation.

                Joni uses a variety of seasonal personification to convey that life is too short to be upset, and one should always be happy. In the song Joni says “Call her Green and the winters cannot fade her.” In reality winters cannot fade someone. She also says “like the color when the spring is born.” Joni is using the tool: personification because spring can’t be born. “Like the nights when the Northern lights perform,” there is no such thing as northern lights performing or dancing. All of these quotes that she uses portrays the beauty of the seasons, the idea of being a free spirit and a happy life.

                Mitchell paints a naturalistic picture in our heads, to show us that we only live once, so we should make the best of it.”Hearing that everything’s warmer there, so write him a letter and say her eyes are blue.” She is describing the baby’s eye color. “Like the nights when the Northern lights perform, there’ll be icicles and birthday clothes, and sometimes there’ll be sorrow.” The author paints a visual in our heads, and also shows us that in life we are going to have our good days. However sometimes we are not always going to have great days, but we should always be happy.

                Life is a beautiful thing that God gave us, and Joni helps us the listeners see that. Even through the rough times, people should always look at the positive side. Some people don’t believe that life is worth living, and think that life sucks. But little do they know that God gave us a life, because we all have a purpose in this world. Like they all say “life is good.”

The reason why I picked this theme & genre :)

 The reason why I picked this theme & genre is because I love hip-hop and Rnb.I also believe that songs that are in the Hip-hop & RnB categories have a special message that protrays the emotion l o v e .

Same Girl by R.Kelly ft Usher

                                                                                                                                 Mikhala Andrade

                                                                                                                                Poetry of Song

                                                                                                                                    10.24.11

                                                                                                                                1 Song analysis

                                                                   Same Girl

                Assuming is to make a judgment or a claim without knowing the truth or facts. In our society, a lot of people assume things. Whether it’s good or bad. Usually when people assume things, they happen to be wrong. Shifting from an introduction of talking about a girl, to the realization that they both are with her. In “Same girl,” R.Kelly and Usher utilizes determined tone, powerful imagery, and scandalous irony to show us the listeners that they have been talking to the “same girl.”

                Through out the song, R Kelly and Usher have this determine tone to catch this woman that they believe they have been dating at the same time.  Using dialogue they show how they are really determined to catch her, and make her feel really stupid. “Don’t like the way that she’s been going about, going about. Kells what you think that we should do about it, about it? (Usher).”  R Kelly replies “Call her up at her home. She won’t know that I’m on the phone. Homie we about to bust this trick. Ask her to meet up with you and I’m going to show up too!” Then Usher responds by saying “and she won’t know what to do! And we’ll be standing there singing same girl.” In this part of the song, listeners can clearly see how determined and focused they both are to reach their goal. Which was to confront the girl, and make her embarrassed and feel ashamed.

                 In the beginning of the song, R.Kelly also uses powerful imagery to describe the girl that he has been talking to. “She stands about 5’4”, coka cola, red bone.” When R.kelly describes what the girl looks like, Usher makes a connection, and uses more imagery to convey that he believes he’s talking to  the same girl. “Wait a minute hold on dog. Do she got a crib? By the waffle house?  Do she got a beauty mark on the left side of her mouth? Went to Georgia Tech? Works for TBS? Man I can’t believe this s*** damn!” In this part of the song, Usher and Rkelly feel betrayed and feel that they got played.

Due to the fact they feel stupid for falling for the same girl, they both decided to get revenge. The plan was that Usher was going to ask the girl to go on a date with him, and then surprise her with Rkelly being there. So that way she would feel the same way that they were feeling. However the song is ironic because at the end of the song R Kelly says “and she won’t know what to do, and we’ll be standing there singing same girl.”But in the music video as they were singing “same girl,” the girl that they both thought they were talking to, has an identical twin.

In life we always seem to assume things, when really we shouldn’t be assuming. Due to the fact that we can always be dead wrong. This song has great morals, and teaches us that we shouldn’t assume and try to get revenge back. Because we can always end up looking stupid at the end.

                                                                    OVOXO -Take care<3

                                                                    D R A K E
                                                                  "Take Care"

                                                  R.I.P to one of the BEST RnB singers <3
                                                    (January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001)

 In the song "Sure Thing," Miguel uses intense imagery, intelligent tone and powerful hyperbole to show us that "even when the sky is falling,"there is still hope.

Miguel Sure Thing

Sure Thing- Miguel

"Love you like a brother
Treat you like a friend
Respect you like a lover

You could bet that
Never gotta sweat that [x4]

If you be the cash,
I'll be the rubber band.
You be the match,
I will be your fuse, boom!
Painter baby,
You could be the muse.
I'm the reporter baby,
You could be the news,
'Cause you're the cigarette,
And I'm the smoker.
We raise a bet,
'Cause you're the joker,
Truth tho.
You are the chalk,
And I can be the blackboard
You could be the talk,
And I could be the walk.

Even when the sky comes falling,
Even when the sun don't shine,
I got faith in you and I,
So put your pretty little hand in mine.
Even when we're down to the wire babe,
Even when it do or die,
We could do it baby, simple and plain,
'Cause this love is a sure thing <3

You could bet that,
Never gotta sweat that [4x]

You could be the lover,
I'll be the fighter, babe.
If I'm the blunt,
You could be the lighter babe
Fire it up!
Writer baby,
You could be the quote,
If I'm the lyric baby,
You could be the note.
Record that!
Saint, I'm a sinner,
Prize, I'm a winner,
And it's you
What did I do to deserve that.
Paper baby,
I'll be the pen
Say that I'm the one,
'Cause you're a ten.
Real and not pretend!

Even when the sky comes falling,
Even when the sun don't shine,
I got faith in you and I,
So put your pretty little hand in mine.
Even when we're down to the wire baby,
Even when it's do or die,
We could do it baby, simple and plain,
'Cause this love is a sure thing<3

Now rock with me babe,
Let me hold you in my arms,
Talk with me babe yeah, yeah [2x]

This love, between you and I,
Is simple as pie baby
It's such a sure thing (such a sure thing)
Ooh it such a sure thing (such a sure thing)

Even when the sky comes falling,
Even when the sun don't shine,
I got faith in you and I,
So put your pretty little hand in mine.
Even when we're down to the wire baby,
Even when it's do or die,
We could do it baby, simple and plain,
'Cause this love is a sure thing<3