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Jun 30, 2023·edited Jun 30, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

Hey Ari, Ironic that you picked a trip down memory lane as a topic for this newsletter. In the past few weeks, with all the commencements and especially with all the talk about Nixon and Watergate, my thoughts have gone down memory lane also. Watching the Anchors of the Watergate days and wondering if thinking back 25 years, you ever thought, as you accepted your high school diploma, that you would ever be an Anchor that future generations would see on "Old" news reels of the "Donald Trump" debacle? Just think about all the teens watching now who will see you again when they're in their 40's, 50's or older saying "I remember that guy, he quoted Rap & Hip Hop". Just wondering how you feel about being the Walter Cronkite of the future or if you could ever have imagined yourself in this position. Sorry if I just made you feel OLD. I admit I got a good laugh just thinking of you sitting with Martha for six plus hours. Thanks for all you do Ari and BTW....Happy #6. Sure hope your not getting bored with us and will be around for many more. Happy Summer. (So when & where will the vacation be this year??? Your over due for one)

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Hi Ari, glad you’re mixing work and pleasure. You may not be one of the activists in prison reform, but you certainly stay aware and share that knowledge with your viewers. Sitting next to Martha Stewart, gave you an opportunity to ask for a Martha/Snoop interview. Sure would like to see that on “The Beat.” My music hall of fame list is much too long, but the other day, I listened to Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes, “Wake Up Everybody.”

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Jun 30, 2023·edited Jun 30, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

Hi Ari, so glad to have you back. You and your MSNBC team have been working so hard to keep us informed on all the breaking news, Thanks!!!!

On todays topic, it's a wonderful change of pace to think about music, and the impact that so many artists and their music have in our lives. I grew up in the 60's and 70's. With so many amazing songs that have impacted my life, it's really hard to choose any favorites So many memories of childhood, school days, college, and now family life. I simply just see all these songs as the soundtrack of my life. Even now that you have introduced me to the hip hop/rap genre, I will be remembering you and The Beat. Thanks Ari!!! Have a blessed weekend!!!

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Jun 30, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

Great reporting Ari and so many honored musicians. Wonderful and thank you. 😊

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Dear Music Man Ari,

I appreciate the word evolve. I see that in all 3 of these phenomenal stars. You bring us truth and capture the essence of all who are able to evolve and continue on in the age I am in now. My life is better for having you in it along with those three. Every day is a joyous teachable moment. I’m so proud of you for verging off the track and taking us down this adventurous lane with these authentic people. Best always, Sherry Mangan

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Jun 30, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

Just SOME thoughts ARI? Those are many. Well I would love to share that being at the Philosophy of Hip Hop event in Brooklyn a couple of weeks ago made me think of others in MY hall of fame. Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu stand out.

And getting a chance to hear you break down some Andre 3000 lyrics and say hi was pretty awesome too!

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I am so happy for Snoop. He along with Tupac(a genius like Malcolm X) were so vilified by institutional American culture and both spoke only the truth- beacons of love and change

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Rather than thinking about roads not taken I like to focus on roads that I can take- moving forward. On another note, I really enjoyed hearing you on Neal Katyal’s podcast (the link to it was in Joyce Vance’s Newsletter). You have a brilliant intellect but I was really touched when you spoke about your grandparents. And, when you can manage it, would you do anther in-depth piece on the lyrics of a rap artist of your choice? Thanks Ari for always raising the bar (bars) :)

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Hi Ari! Glad you are enjoying the summer and getting out and about. As a Brazilian some of my favorite song writers are Gilberto Gil, Milton Nasimento and Chico Buarque.

American song writers I like are Dolly Parton, Robert Winslow Gordon, and Kris Kristofferson.

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Hi Ari and thanks for stepping out of current events to share this. I grew up in Oakland, my late father was an Oakland policeman. I watched Dear Mama and have done more reading on the Panthers both previously and since and from what I’ve gathered, I lean more towards team Tupac for what was done to him and you know I’m an old broad.

Every generation has its poets, wether the written word or in song. Mine leans towards Van Morrison, Nina Simone but you have enlightened us to more current poets. Thank you. We can never stop learning. Enjoy your time off, you certainly deserve it. Rosalie

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Your fallback today with Brian B Dot Miller was so much fun to watch, especially when he mentioned his fallback, who would have thought...I am so glad that you continue to bring these unknown but well known artist to the public thru your show The Beat.....I’m going to start the countdown Ari, I’m betting it won’t be long before you will be introducing someone who needs no introduction for your fallback segment, Jay Z and or Drake...😋

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Jun 30, 2023Liked by Ari Melber

Ari, what’s on your summer playlist?

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Hey Ari:) It’s crazy how time flies. I remember getting my NWA tape and couldn’t stop listening to this new controversial rap music! Sounds like the songwriters event was a really fun long night! Yes, we music peep, tend to go the extra mile with a party hang. I think we all have that night owl thing in common:) I have to give it to my dad on this one, Johnnie Taylor, Stax artist, he is my all time music hall of famer. There’s an organic soul articulation, and power to his voice, music and stage presence that can’t be duplicated. He has a record called ‘Eargasm’, which is one of my favorites! The single of that album was Discolady. Also, Cheaper To Keep Her, and Who’s Making Love To Your Old Lady (While You Were Out Making Love), are singles I love! He and his music truly inspired me more than any other, but he’s also my dad, so I’m a bit bias of course:) He passed away in 2000, but his music lives on and continues to inspire, including , the next generation of soul/ blues musicians coming up. Which I know makes him happy. Love your writings! This was great! Art, music, culture, politics. You always got us covered:) Have a fun weekend! Sending you good vibes and sunshine from LA! Happy 4th! 😁✌🏽☀️💥

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I really appreciate your take on current events, music, and life in general. Your viewpoint is original and engaging, always. I’m happy to be a new subscriber here because I’m always interested in what you have to say. Plus we appreciate the same music… so extra kudos (there’s the ex-Variety writer coming out… 🤷🏻‍♀️) to you for always integrating your passions for music and honest, pragmatic journalism. Plus, The Beat just might be my favourite tv program. Keep up the excellent work. 🙏👍🔥

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Jun 30, 2023·edited Jun 30, 2023

Hello Ari and everyone😃😃😃

Happy Fri-YAY😃😃😃

Oh Ari how much I miss your newsletter... I know that you were working on overdrive keeping us informed with all that is happening (too many moving parts).

My summer is off to a good start...cannot complain.

I went to Sake Tasting (my first Sake tasting) in NYC last week

Songwriter’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, eh? That sounds interesting and so awesome.

Yes indeed, Tupac would have been a great activist... I don’t subscribe to Hulu... I would have loved to watch this documentary.

The documentary on the Parchment prison on A&E - if I find it, I will watch...I am not sure if it will be shown again.

Who’s in my music hall of fame? To me, all the rap/ hip hop pioneers especially De La Soul are in my music hall of fame.

Happy 50th anniversary to Hip Hop😃😃😃

Have a nice weekend and Cheers🍾🥂

Question: when is the annual Zoom call this year?

Sandra

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The voice I miss the most is the incomparable Levi Stubbs of 4 Tops fame. He could do it all...

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