Nina Simone reminds us that intentions are often misunderstood but often may not be good. We can't always readily get to intentions. Often we are victims of intentions. Then it's too late. Nina understood the depth of such a struggle. Know thyself.
I've read your essay a couple of times. Its varied themes and references have motivated philosophical thought and memory, especially on being known and accepted, emphasis on the latter. The pain of truly being seen and known for one's authentic self, yet rejected either in spite or because of, is searing and everlasting. It behooves us all to re-examine powerful cultural biases we may have unwittingly absorbed or actively embraced, along with existing toxic structures and practices. We must do better at tolerance, acceptance, and living together. As an old lady, I'm embarrassed to remember the sixties, the great music and rebellion that inspired and encouraged then, yet still obscured and left in place, so much human misery and cruelty.
Ari, thanks for opening this up for all to see this week's music essay! I appreciate that! As a fan of Nina Simone's music, I was eager to see what you were going to write about her and you sorta did a switcheroo. I'm not mad because I like Lil Wayne also. Not on the same level as Nina, however but I can appreciate the music comparison and breakdown of lyrics. Both artists are speaking from a place of vulnerability. As you mentioned, Nina is openly pleading and even displays some shame. Whereas Wayne is wanting to be fully seen for who he is, but brushes it off as it's not his problem if you don't. As another poster pointed out, he claims to not care but he clearly does. You don't take the time to write a song about being misunderstood if you didn't care how people see you. About a year or so ago I watched the documentary on Nina Simone and up until then I didn't know too much about her life's background, just her music. But her background makes this song mean so much more. And if you know anything about Wayne's background you see where he's coming from as well in his recontextualized version of the song. Nina Simone is a musical giant and her songs are poetry set to music. Some of the biggest hip hop artists sample her songs and I wonder how many people even recognize this. Thanks again Ari for sharing your essay. I have to say I miss your writing! I'm glad you're writing again, you're very good at it. I also enjoy your lyric breakdowns. I don't always catch the meaning of some lyrics, so it's nice to see it laid out so nicely in explanation.
I read your essay and I like how you take the time to dissect and explain everything so people can understand what Nina Simone and Lil' Wayne are saying to us, the listener. Your analysis is noteworthy and I will re-read it several times to grasp the full meaning of it all. I, too, am a huge Perry Mason fan; must be why I love your show every evening! :-)))
This piece is so deep; your words dissect his song in a way that cuts to the core of our humanness. For we are all searching to be understood. How you expand what you wrote in this essay helps me realize there is no explaining to be done if you get the essence of what that person is all about because between you it is just “understood.” Excellent piece which really hit me in the heart.
What a beautiful baby!!! Thank you always, dear Ari, for your tender heart and writing - such a joy for me. Please have a beautiful weekend with joy, love and peace forever! Ellie Elan
I am not a rap/ hip hop listener,(though I do enjoy your references on the show).But reading the lyrics was a very interesting view on how some artists try to explain to us things that we sometimes don't understand. We need to be more aware of some of the messages being expressed in song.
Thank you for the share Ari. Plenty to ponder here and appreciate your development. The biblical and religious imagery fascinate to no end. ( One of my majors, English; it's been said we see Someone everywhere ☺️) After his laying it all out there, he tells any and all, if he's dismissed, well it's so on them. At various stages in life, myriad degrees, this track can become personal and relatable to all of us. Appreciations as always.
wow a brilliant article ari, thx so much, this poetry is deep, i love how you explain it, i would never have been able to understand it, that's why it's so interesting, it's not just a bunch of senseless words lol, i understand the frustration of being misunderstood, i believe many people, especially today only want their ears tickled, and don't have the respect and humility to have a constructive conversation. last year i had to trust a lady to help me with my personal documents, information etc etc, wow it must have sounded like we were having a fight lol, so when i left i told the lady, "now that was a good debate." lol oh thank god:)
Hi Ari, as always, a great essay. I’m not a Lil Wayne listener; however, to respond intelligently, I listened to the music, with the accompanying orations. I found it intense and informative. Mr Wayne expresses his brightness and intelligence is unseen; that there are negative assumptions and associations; that he is judged, but that he doesn’t care. In contradiction, he says, “I wear my HEART on my sleeve.” Seemingly, he does care. Our hearts is our being. Further, he suggests, “It’s their failure and problem, if they can’t even see the bright star burning in the sky…” Sometimes, we can’t see the stars in the sky-through clouds, bright lights, fog and the like. Perhaps we can’t see him, because once again, in contradiction, there are tattoos, dreads, bling, chains, grilles, oversized eyeglasses. Now, all of that is okay, but since people tend to be visual, they internalize what they see. Anything beyond that requires work. As we know, most of us are not willing to provide that. Don’t know when he recorded that musical message, but I, for one, learned something about him. I wish him well.
Interesting points, and agree there is some tension/complexity in saying he doesn't care, but also being a sensitive artist with his 'heart' on his sleeve
Thank you for explaining the song; it was very interesting to me. Have you ever read the book "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. It is all about how being black or being "other" causes others to project onto you what they want you to be. I think every person--or nearly every person--feels "Other" to those outside of themselves at times.
Poignant essay. Nina Simone has always sung from the depths of her soul I think begging mankind to not dismiss her power. I think Lil Wayne does the same thing. Sometimes his words hit me like James Baldwin - right between the eyes. I thought your analysis was so thoughtful. What a foolish species were are refusing the truth in front of us
I listened before I read your essay. I agree with comments by “ Barbara”. Why does Lil Wayne thinks he’s the only individual or group of people that are misunderstood. We all are at times. We are all at one time or another questioned about our motivations. Sounds like he wants to be a victim. Where’s the high road here? And, I feel like you left us hanging- mid thought.
I preface this comment by noting that Nina Simone is one of my QUEENS in the land of music. As a singer and songwriter, myself, Nina represents a pinnacle that I can never hope to touch (on a technical level, because I am more of an easy listening/smooth jazz type singer, not soul or blues, though I have sung some folk that might be considered "blues-ey")...that said, while I respect Lil Wayne for kicking this track off with a woman who was a soldier in the fight for equal justice on two fronts (i.e., her gender and her color), what I cannot get my head around is the use of "the 'F' word," almost as a filler...especially as it alternates with references to God and citing the "Hail Mary..." mind you, I was born and raised Catholic, but have not been in the pews for many years, by this point, and I embrace many faiths and creeds, from Judaic Mysticism, to Buddhism, to New Thought (energy psychology and spirituality), and my husband, also a songwriter (jazz cat--though he broke out as a trumpet player on Rick James' first album, 'Come Get It,') would just turn the song off the second he heard "the 'F' word" anywhere near a God reference (he was born and raised Baptist). I say all of that to say that I gave this track a fair shake. While I appreciate the spirit of his rap commentary, my bottom line is that if "what's understood ain't got to be explained," then an F-bomb need not be thrown in, almost as a space holder, just for the sake of it...just don't sing or say anything on that beat, bro...'s aignt...I am hip to the struggle, and am a warrior in it, myself, but for me, the sampling of Ms. Simone's iconic track in this tune is, on the one hand, the best thing about it, and on the other is desecrated by the way much of the rest of the track plays out...again, for ME...other commenters, please don't come at me for being a square, I just think that if we want hip hop and rap with a message to get the most attention in a broader, more "common" or populated listening space, some respect for decorum and mostly decent language is probably something to consider. Thanks for this opportunity to hear this track and to comment, Ari. We appreciate you!
Nina Simone reminds us that intentions are often misunderstood but often may not be good. We can't always readily get to intentions. Often we are victims of intentions. Then it's too late. Nina understood the depth of such a struggle. Know thyself.
I've read your essay a couple of times. Its varied themes and references have motivated philosophical thought and memory, especially on being known and accepted, emphasis on the latter. The pain of truly being seen and known for one's authentic self, yet rejected either in spite or because of, is searing and everlasting. It behooves us all to re-examine powerful cultural biases we may have unwittingly absorbed or actively embraced, along with existing toxic structures and practices. We must do better at tolerance, acceptance, and living together. As an old lady, I'm embarrassed to remember the sixties, the great music and rebellion that inspired and encouraged then, yet still obscured and left in place, so much human misery and cruelty.
Ari, thanks for opening this up for all to see this week's music essay! I appreciate that! As a fan of Nina Simone's music, I was eager to see what you were going to write about her and you sorta did a switcheroo. I'm not mad because I like Lil Wayne also. Not on the same level as Nina, however but I can appreciate the music comparison and breakdown of lyrics. Both artists are speaking from a place of vulnerability. As you mentioned, Nina is openly pleading and even displays some shame. Whereas Wayne is wanting to be fully seen for who he is, but brushes it off as it's not his problem if you don't. As another poster pointed out, he claims to not care but he clearly does. You don't take the time to write a song about being misunderstood if you didn't care how people see you. About a year or so ago I watched the documentary on Nina Simone and up until then I didn't know too much about her life's background, just her music. But her background makes this song mean so much more. And if you know anything about Wayne's background you see where he's coming from as well in his recontextualized version of the song. Nina Simone is a musical giant and her songs are poetry set to music. Some of the biggest hip hop artists sample her songs and I wonder how many people even recognize this. Thanks again Ari for sharing your essay. I have to say I miss your writing! I'm glad you're writing again, you're very good at it. I also enjoy your lyric breakdowns. I don't always catch the meaning of some lyrics, so it's nice to see it laid out so nicely in explanation.
I read your essay and I like how you take the time to dissect and explain everything so people can understand what Nina Simone and Lil' Wayne are saying to us, the listener. Your analysis is noteworthy and I will re-read it several times to grasp the full meaning of it all. I, too, am a huge Perry Mason fan; must be why I love your show every evening! :-)))
Perry Mason!
This piece is so deep; your words dissect his song in a way that cuts to the core of our humanness. For we are all searching to be understood. How you expand what you wrote in this essay helps me realize there is no explaining to be done if you get the essence of what that person is all about because between you it is just “understood.” Excellent piece which really hit me in the heart.
What a beautiful baby!!! Thank you always, dear Ari, for your tender heart and writing - such a joy for me. Please have a beautiful weekend with joy, love and peace forever! Ellie Elan
I am not a rap/ hip hop listener,(though I do enjoy your references on the show).But reading the lyrics was a very interesting view on how some artists try to explain to us things that we sometimes don't understand. We need to be more aware of some of the messages being expressed in song.
Thank you for the share Ari. Plenty to ponder here and appreciate your development. The biblical and religious imagery fascinate to no end. ( One of my majors, English; it's been said we see Someone everywhere ☺️) After his laying it all out there, he tells any and all, if he's dismissed, well it's so on them. At various stages in life, myriad degrees, this track can become personal and relatable to all of us. Appreciations as always.
I read you, fellow English major!!
Just watched Nina Movie on Hulu she had so much talent and a true credit
wow a brilliant article ari, thx so much, this poetry is deep, i love how you explain it, i would never have been able to understand it, that's why it's so interesting, it's not just a bunch of senseless words lol, i understand the frustration of being misunderstood, i believe many people, especially today only want their ears tickled, and don't have the respect and humility to have a constructive conversation. last year i had to trust a lady to help me with my personal documents, information etc etc, wow it must have sounded like we were having a fight lol, so when i left i told the lady, "now that was a good debate." lol oh thank god:)
Hi Ari, as always, a great essay. I’m not a Lil Wayne listener; however, to respond intelligently, I listened to the music, with the accompanying orations. I found it intense and informative. Mr Wayne expresses his brightness and intelligence is unseen; that there are negative assumptions and associations; that he is judged, but that he doesn’t care. In contradiction, he says, “I wear my HEART on my sleeve.” Seemingly, he does care. Our hearts is our being. Further, he suggests, “It’s their failure and problem, if they can’t even see the bright star burning in the sky…” Sometimes, we can’t see the stars in the sky-through clouds, bright lights, fog and the like. Perhaps we can’t see him, because once again, in contradiction, there are tattoos, dreads, bling, chains, grilles, oversized eyeglasses. Now, all of that is okay, but since people tend to be visual, they internalize what they see. Anything beyond that requires work. As we know, most of us are not willing to provide that. Don’t know when he recorded that musical message, but I, for one, learned something about him. I wish him well.
Interesting points, and agree there is some tension/complexity in saying he doesn't care, but also being a sensitive artist with his 'heart' on his sleeve
This was interesting. Thanks Ari
Thank you for explaining the song; it was very interesting to me. Have you ever read the book "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison. It is all about how being black or being "other" causes others to project onto you what they want you to be. I think every person--or nearly every person--feels "Other" to those outside of themselves at times.
Poignant essay. Nina Simone has always sung from the depths of her soul I think begging mankind to not dismiss her power. I think Lil Wayne does the same thing. Sometimes his words hit me like James Baldwin - right between the eyes. I thought your analysis was so thoughtful. What a foolish species were are refusing the truth in front of us
Thanks Truda
I listened before I read your essay. I agree with comments by “ Barbara”. Why does Lil Wayne thinks he’s the only individual or group of people that are misunderstood. We all are at times. We are all at one time or another questioned about our motivations. Sounds like he wants to be a victim. Where’s the high road here? And, I feel like you left us hanging- mid thought.
I suppose this is the version of "All Lives Matter"? Yuck.
I preface this comment by noting that Nina Simone is one of my QUEENS in the land of music. As a singer and songwriter, myself, Nina represents a pinnacle that I can never hope to touch (on a technical level, because I am more of an easy listening/smooth jazz type singer, not soul or blues, though I have sung some folk that might be considered "blues-ey")...that said, while I respect Lil Wayne for kicking this track off with a woman who was a soldier in the fight for equal justice on two fronts (i.e., her gender and her color), what I cannot get my head around is the use of "the 'F' word," almost as a filler...especially as it alternates with references to God and citing the "Hail Mary..." mind you, I was born and raised Catholic, but have not been in the pews for many years, by this point, and I embrace many faiths and creeds, from Judaic Mysticism, to Buddhism, to New Thought (energy psychology and spirituality), and my husband, also a songwriter (jazz cat--though he broke out as a trumpet player on Rick James' first album, 'Come Get It,') would just turn the song off the second he heard "the 'F' word" anywhere near a God reference (he was born and raised Baptist). I say all of that to say that I gave this track a fair shake. While I appreciate the spirit of his rap commentary, my bottom line is that if "what's understood ain't got to be explained," then an F-bomb need not be thrown in, almost as a space holder, just for the sake of it...just don't sing or say anything on that beat, bro...'s aignt...I am hip to the struggle, and am a warrior in it, myself, but for me, the sampling of Ms. Simone's iconic track in this tune is, on the one hand, the best thing about it, and on the other is desecrated by the way much of the rest of the track plays out...again, for ME...other commenters, please don't come at me for being a square, I just think that if we want hip hop and rap with a message to get the most attention in a broader, more "common" or populated listening space, some respect for decorum and mostly decent language is probably something to consider. Thanks for this opportunity to hear this track and to comment, Ari. We appreciate you!
Thanks for sharing your perspective on it!
Totally agree!