I love how artists draw inspiration from the reflections other artists that resonate across different generations and societal contexts. The connection between Walker's words and Lamar's adaptation reflects the ongoing relevance of certain themes, but also the dynamic nature of artistic expression. "The Colour Purple" gives us a character facing the battlefield of family dynamics, societal racism and domestic strife with incredible resilience - leaving us to wonder if our own life's challenges are going to break us or make us stronger. It's the kind of resilience that makes you realize that life may throw some curveballs, but you can choose to dance between them - dodging and weaving your way through, and eventually (hopefully sooner, rather than later) it will indeed be alright.
Are we going to be alright? I have to believe we will be, without hope what is left? Without fighting for what is right then what is left? When we answer no we will not be alright then what is left? I believe in “ keep on keeping on” then we will be alright. Never stop fighting for what is right then we will be alright. 🤗 We will prevail
Hey Ari:) I always enjoy your deep dives into music and so appreciate your perspectives and analysis. I can’t remember a time in my family, for generations, that we have not embraced and continue to reach for love, appreciation and joy, no matter what. You feel your feelings genuinely, you deal with what you must, and then you find your way back to appreciating things again, as difficult as that journey can be sometimes. It’s ingrained in my culture, black culture, to overcome adversity with faith in something bigger than ourselves. Whether it be religious or spiritual. There is just a sheer determination, and you have a definite knowing that you’re blessed, no matter what things look like right now, and “everything is gonna be alright.” Turning adversity into strength is a powerful tool that many people in my family, and our culture have deeply mastered, and they connect this to a deep faith. The mantra for me has always been: Don’t let anyone or anything take your joy! There’s always something to appreciate, right here and now, but you have to look for it, if you wanna see it.
Favorite Protest song: Sam Cooke, A Change Is Gonna Come. 🎶❤️
Ari through your writing we, or I should say at least I, can feel his resolve, determination, to be okay. Personally I feel we’ll be alright if only we can “stick together “. That seems to be getting so hard to do since our Country is so divided. I hope we can get it together for the sake of our democracy. We have to remember the old saying “there is power in numbers”......then we’ll be alright. Thanks for this newsletter Ari, great and inspiring as usual. 🔥🙏💕🤷🏼♀️
I was listening to Teddy Pedergrass, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes “Wake Up Everybody “ earlier today-a cry within really for swift action and change. Justice seems to be real slow or not happening at all.
Thank you Ari for that beautiful analysis. Despite everything that life throws at us, we are going to be alright. And we need to push back against hate, adversity, and injustice. But we have to fight individually and we have to fight as a society against these things that are destroying our country. We will survive!❤️❤️❤️
Wow Ari -- talk about deep questions... you really asked one here. One of the thoughts that crossed my mind was Joyce Vance's closing line of all her newsletters: "We're all in this together." And we definitely are. It's just that there are so many fractures in our society right now... how much of it as a whole is "together"? How many are capable of thinking of the USA as a beautiful country, beautiful in its diversity of landscapes, languages, people that comprise it, and how many can think back to its founding ideals, see and appreciate how far it has come in what, 238 years?
Yes, we've faced threats, big ones, military ones, the intrusion of Fascism before and during WW II, the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the 20-year occupation of Afghanistan. But this threat that has originated by an individual that never should have occupied the White House as #45, but conned his way in, and now wants to be "elected" Dictator for Life, can literally mean life or death for the country as we know it. What's actually worse, as if anything could be, his existence is tearing apart the progress and what unity in diversity we have built over these two centuries.
We now have less than a year to truly come together with the faith, hope, optimism, organizational abilities and fighting spirit to keep our democratic republic and continue to build on it, We have in the past and are now relying on our Constitution and the Rule of Law to make things right. We have brilliant minds in these fields, and they need to be listened to, read, watched and the truth absorbed into our very beings. We have to KNOW that what is happening in the country is wrong, is counter to everything most of us believe in, not necessarily from a "religious" point of view, but from a basic acceptance of a scientific fact that "we're all made of star-stuff" (Carl Sagan) and as such we are all human beings on a very small planet, yet are part of this vast Universe, which reveals surprises to us every day. We have to KNOW that we are worth the fight, and worthy of the potentially amazing future that awaits us.
Bottom line: "Are we gonna be alright? " In my little opinion, if we as a unified force get our sh*t together, organize, support the honest candidates, kick the "Maggots" butts out of our government, and have a unified Democratic government... We will not just be alright... we will THRIVE as a people and be able to live together peacefully and with love. VOTE BLUE !! (It is a beautiful color -look at the sky!)
OH, Ari I didn't forget, you asked if we had a "protest" song that particularly resonated, well how about Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman"?
Thank you Ari for being you. I appreciate you very much and hope I get to meet you in person one day. MSNBC watcher and Hip hop enthusiast on L.I. from the Bronx.
Hi Ari, seeing this newsletter, lets me know that YOU are alright! Blessings! I’ve been concerned. These are difficult times: Anger abounds from country to country, in Congressional House and Senate Hearings, in City Council Meetings, to the plain ol’ driver, speeding in the next lane. So, John Lennon’s “IMAGINE,” is my political song for these times. Perhaps a conversation with Yoko Ono would be great, to explore Lennon’s thinking and process for the song. Imagine is certainly apropos for today.
This is a question my ancestors have been asking for hundreds of years but with the understanding that yes we can make it; we just have to go through it. The Black Lives Matter movement is still going.. This fight, plight, is all of ours. Denying democracy, due process, etc all, for one group is denying it for all of us.
Marvin Gaye and John Coltrane are always excellent choices. Lately, I have been listening to Nina Simone daily. She’s another to consider.
I almost forgot to comment on your post. Nicely done, Ari.
I watched Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear on Jen Psaki broadcast yesterday and he was well spoken about Democratic accomplishment and about Joe Biden's many gains in the face of adversity. He needs a bigger platform and more exposure. Check him out, Ari...
Listening to tonoght's BEAT with Rob Reiner, He said that we have been apart of a "248 year experiment" which caused to to think. It is a 248 year experiment in how a government can evolve. Over those years we have evolved in volting, civil, human rights and freedom. Going backwards, de-evolution should not be a policy! We do not need nor want an authortarian, totalitarian autocratic government. You & MSNBC have become one of those who are standing up and rowing back the tide of a fascist MAGA Party. Hold the tourch of Liberty high, stay true and keep us informed.
I’ll be honest, I always have a somewhat difficult time capturing all the phrases (bars) in rap music so I often times miss all the symbolism.
Ari, I appreciate so much your careful explanation and interpretation of the Artist’s thoughts because I so much want to put the entire piece together and understand the intended meaning and message within the Artist’s chosen words.
I especially love it when you interview the Artist on your show and you both discuss the bars and their intention. It’s a gift because for me it’s like learning a language. I understand the basics and you and the Artist introduce me to the advanced level.
Are we going to be alright? I think we are. There is still so much more goodness than wrongheadedness in the world…and every act of goodness has power!
Thanks, Ari, for your goodness and for helping us to better understand these complex challenges we face. You make a difference!
I love how artists draw inspiration from the reflections other artists that resonate across different generations and societal contexts. The connection between Walker's words and Lamar's adaptation reflects the ongoing relevance of certain themes, but also the dynamic nature of artistic expression. "The Colour Purple" gives us a character facing the battlefield of family dynamics, societal racism and domestic strife with incredible resilience - leaving us to wonder if our own life's challenges are going to break us or make us stronger. It's the kind of resilience that makes you realize that life may throw some curveballs, but you can choose to dance between them - dodging and weaving your way through, and eventually (hopefully sooner, rather than later) it will indeed be alright.
Are we going to be alright? I have to believe we will be, without hope what is left? Without fighting for what is right then what is left? When we answer no we will not be alright then what is left? I believe in “ keep on keeping on” then we will be alright. Never stop fighting for what is right then we will be alright. 🤗 We will prevail
Hey Ari:) I always enjoy your deep dives into music and so appreciate your perspectives and analysis. I can’t remember a time in my family, for generations, that we have not embraced and continue to reach for love, appreciation and joy, no matter what. You feel your feelings genuinely, you deal with what you must, and then you find your way back to appreciating things again, as difficult as that journey can be sometimes. It’s ingrained in my culture, black culture, to overcome adversity with faith in something bigger than ourselves. Whether it be religious or spiritual. There is just a sheer determination, and you have a definite knowing that you’re blessed, no matter what things look like right now, and “everything is gonna be alright.” Turning adversity into strength is a powerful tool that many people in my family, and our culture have deeply mastered, and they connect this to a deep faith. The mantra for me has always been: Don’t let anyone or anything take your joy! There’s always something to appreciate, right here and now, but you have to look for it, if you wanna see it.
Favorite Protest song: Sam Cooke, A Change Is Gonna Come. 🎶❤️
Ari through your writing we, or I should say at least I, can feel his resolve, determination, to be okay. Personally I feel we’ll be alright if only we can “stick together “. That seems to be getting so hard to do since our Country is so divided. I hope we can get it together for the sake of our democracy. We have to remember the old saying “there is power in numbers”......then we’ll be alright. Thanks for this newsletter Ari, great and inspiring as usual. 🔥🙏💕🤷🏼♀️
I was listening to Teddy Pedergrass, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes “Wake Up Everybody “ earlier today-a cry within really for swift action and change. Justice seems to be real slow or not happening at all.
Sing it with me Ari family:
The world won’t get no better
If we just let it be……
Wake up everybody
We got to make a new way 🩵
Much love
Happy holidays❗️
Thank you Ari for that beautiful analysis. Despite everything that life throws at us, we are going to be alright. And we need to push back against hate, adversity, and injustice. But we have to fight individually and we have to fight as a society against these things that are destroying our country. We will survive!❤️❤️❤️
Perfect newsletter for these trying times we’re living in. Are we gonna be ok? I have to believe we’ll be ok!
Just breathe and have faith and everything gonna be ok!
That’s what my momma always said! Thank you Ari for this inspiring newsletter, your positivity and optimism shines through in you❤️
Wow Ari -- talk about deep questions... you really asked one here. One of the thoughts that crossed my mind was Joyce Vance's closing line of all her newsletters: "We're all in this together." And we definitely are. It's just that there are so many fractures in our society right now... how much of it as a whole is "together"? How many are capable of thinking of the USA as a beautiful country, beautiful in its diversity of landscapes, languages, people that comprise it, and how many can think back to its founding ideals, see and appreciate how far it has come in what, 238 years?
Yes, we've faced threats, big ones, military ones, the intrusion of Fascism before and during WW II, the wars in Korea, Vietnam, and the 20-year occupation of Afghanistan. But this threat that has originated by an individual that never should have occupied the White House as #45, but conned his way in, and now wants to be "elected" Dictator for Life, can literally mean life or death for the country as we know it. What's actually worse, as if anything could be, his existence is tearing apart the progress and what unity in diversity we have built over these two centuries.
We now have less than a year to truly come together with the faith, hope, optimism, organizational abilities and fighting spirit to keep our democratic republic and continue to build on it, We have in the past and are now relying on our Constitution and the Rule of Law to make things right. We have brilliant minds in these fields, and they need to be listened to, read, watched and the truth absorbed into our very beings. We have to KNOW that what is happening in the country is wrong, is counter to everything most of us believe in, not necessarily from a "religious" point of view, but from a basic acceptance of a scientific fact that "we're all made of star-stuff" (Carl Sagan) and as such we are all human beings on a very small planet, yet are part of this vast Universe, which reveals surprises to us every day. We have to KNOW that we are worth the fight, and worthy of the potentially amazing future that awaits us.
Bottom line: "Are we gonna be alright? " In my little opinion, if we as a unified force get our sh*t together, organize, support the honest candidates, kick the "Maggots" butts out of our government, and have a unified Democratic government... We will not just be alright... we will THRIVE as a people and be able to live together peacefully and with love. VOTE BLUE !! (It is a beautiful color -look at the sky!)
OH, Ari I didn't forget, you asked if we had a "protest" song that particularly resonated, well how about Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman"?
Thank you Ari for being you. I appreciate you very much and hope I get to meet you in person one day. MSNBC watcher and Hip hop enthusiast on L.I. from the Bronx.
Hi Ari, seeing this newsletter, lets me know that YOU are alright! Blessings! I’ve been concerned. These are difficult times: Anger abounds from country to country, in Congressional House and Senate Hearings, in City Council Meetings, to the plain ol’ driver, speeding in the next lane. So, John Lennon’s “IMAGINE,” is my political song for these times. Perhaps a conversation with Yoko Ono would be great, to explore Lennon’s thinking and process for the song. Imagine is certainly apropos for today.
This is a question my ancestors have been asking for hundreds of years but with the understanding that yes we can make it; we just have to go through it. The Black Lives Matter movement is still going.. This fight, plight, is all of ours. Denying democracy, due process, etc all, for one group is denying it for all of us.
Marvin Gaye and John Coltrane are always excellent choices. Lately, I have been listening to Nina Simone daily. She’s another to consider.
I almost forgot to comment on your post. Nicely done, Ari.
I watched Kentucky Gov Andy Beshear on Jen Psaki broadcast yesterday and he was well spoken about Democratic accomplishment and about Joe Biden's many gains in the face of adversity. He needs a bigger platform and more exposure. Check him out, Ari...
‘Alright’ is the perfect rallying cry for BLM in a time when finding optimism may feel almost impossible 💪🏼
Listening to tonoght's BEAT with Rob Reiner, He said that we have been apart of a "248 year experiment" which caused to to think. It is a 248 year experiment in how a government can evolve. Over those years we have evolved in volting, civil, human rights and freedom. Going backwards, de-evolution should not be a policy! We do not need nor want an authortarian, totalitarian autocratic government. You & MSNBC have become one of those who are standing up and rowing back the tide of a fascist MAGA Party. Hold the tourch of Liberty high, stay true and keep us informed.
Keith Loomis ..
I’ll be honest, I always have a somewhat difficult time capturing all the phrases (bars) in rap music so I often times miss all the symbolism.
Ari, I appreciate so much your careful explanation and interpretation of the Artist’s thoughts because I so much want to put the entire piece together and understand the intended meaning and message within the Artist’s chosen words.
I especially love it when you interview the Artist on your show and you both discuss the bars and their intention. It’s a gift because for me it’s like learning a language. I understand the basics and you and the Artist introduce me to the advanced level.
Are we going to be alright? I think we are. There is still so much more goodness than wrongheadedness in the world…and every act of goodness has power!
Thanks, Ari, for your goodness and for helping us to better understand these complex challenges we face. You make a difference!