A Jesse Dele Series: Music and it’s complexity

We all listen to music. Be it Christina Shusho with her Bible-based music, Wakadinali’s outspoken & hitting hip hop bars or Youngboy’s Never Broke Again; gritty, mysterious yet melodic and introspective tracks…. everyone listens to some form of music.

A case study.

“When a kid hears a song and repeats it over and over, from the alpha state and into the subconscious mind, it can have power over the mind.”-Micheal Jackson.

There is some truth in Michael Jackson’s words. For instance, children emulate their favourite rappers and everyone in general. Is it possible to shape the thoughts, opinions, decisions and actions of a person? Yes.

This is why parents have to teach their kids early that they have to be disciplined. Doing abc….. avoids certain outcomes. Getting older; new things are introduced with a gradual increase of seriousness. Listening to songs for instance “Drills”, which are senseless murders of people who live on a different street; may cause one to normalise violence and want to become like these artists.

Dayvon Bennette “King Von”, was a famous rapper who rose to fame in 2020 during the height of COVID. His music is primarily about murder, running a gang that deals drugs and robbery; putting sex, money and substance abuse first. Despite making millions Dayvon paid dearly with his life. Most of his friends have ended up in jail. He is connected to at least 11 murders in Chicago.

Photo Courtesy – Dayvon Bennette

Watching his documentary got me rooted to the spot as I thought about the power of music. Have you noticed every male wants to be a “gangster” these days due to this glorified and normalised lifestyle?

Hip-hop and rappers mostly show us that being materialistic is all that matters. They live dangerous and fast lives portraying a lavish lifestyle and how they can attract any female. These are negatives. Kentrell Gaulden “Youngboy Never Broke Again” said recently, “he isn’t big on fatherhood.” Ironically he has 11 children.

On the other hand, Jahseh was trying to change his life by making meaningful music as seen in his final album “?” with popular tracks like “Moonlight” which talks about a woman. However, he was a domestic abuser of his girlfriend at the time. His lead single ”Sad” (a personal favourite) speaks of his experiences with depression and suicidal thoughts. He talks about regrets and his romantic turmoil in his lyrics; I gave her everything she took my heart and left me lonely…

Photo Courtesy-Jahseh

The many negative connotations are devastating but as with anything in life, there can’t be light with darkness. All these people also have some positives we can learn from such as Kentrell’s work ethic, he drops more music than your favourite artist and all his stuff is fresh & X’s slow transformation was inspiring and his versatility was unmatched.

Conclusion.

We should be aware of the messages hidden within songs, their ultimate agenda, what the artists promote and their character as well. All these can affect our lives. Be it fashion, sexual orientation, substance abuse, morals, beliefs, religion and overall character. Balance is key as with everything and as adults, we know what is right and wrong. Enjoy your music and artists.

Jesse Dele.

*This article is originally written by Jesse Dele.