so... Ari... Thank God for you! You seem to understand the intricate unity and symbiosis of Art and Society. Your Show, The Beat, does imperative work in a democracy.
Your reflections on "Music Shapes Politics" were spot on; Including that "conservatives" not only understand how it works, but they are using it... as all fascists have always done.
Great article Ari. I'm just beginning to understand hip-hop and its value to our culture overall. These artists are the real social commentators of their generations. That was the first thing I thought of when hearing David Bowie's Man who Sold the World for the first time, then Diamond Dogs, and I could go on from there. I still feel that he predicted trump, because look at the way things have turned out since his time in office. I won't be around 50 years from now as me, possibly reincarnated, but it will be interesting to see the ultimate impacts that hip-hop and rap have on society overall that far down the line. Ari, you are in the vanguard of understanding and educating the rest of us about the importance of this musical form, and may you always be. And the Beat Goes On!!
I’m happy you were able to attend. You definitely were in your element. Music is good for the soul, and you can tell you love it and you’ve got “Soul”.
Fox News is nothing but an ignorant fascist network. They don’t exist in my world.
My favorite song was God Did🔥at the end of the Grammys. I also loved the Hip Hop 50 year anniversary celebration. That was excellent.🔥
I love the relationship between you and your brother. Nothing better than family. I have two sons and their relationship is similar to yours and your brother.♥️ Thank you for sharing your 1st experience at the Grammys. It was awesome!
All the performances Sunday were outstanding; They were all performed with genuine love, by the artists and definitely took you for a ride. Whether you were willing or not. (Fox apparently was not; They go sled riding in the desert.) Of all the performances Sunday I enjoyed the performance by Samara Joy the new up and coming singer from the Bronx. Incidentally, you and your brother looked quite handsome. Keep on Keeping on.
Ari, forgot to tell you, I was elated to be able to say I was familiar with an artist, when my kids were puzzled about who they were. Nonchalantly, I stated, “Oh, I know so-n-so, Ari introduced him or her to us.” Was cracking up inside; it felt great! So, THANKS!👏🏽😂
So much to say about this newsletter! I watched the Grammy’s and thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING and was on such a high when Samara Joy won. Jazz is alive and well and permeates many genres of music. I was happy for Bonnie Raitt- to win for best song at 73. It’s wonderful that you got to experience the event and the parties because you love music, and you do so much to make us aware of what joy music can bring to our lives. You bring the art of hip hop/rap into the world of news and journalism on your show and give the recognition it deserves. Maybe you should get a Grammy for that contribution. Great that were able to share the experience with a loved one, you both looked so happy. Every musical act I saw was “art in motion” and I agree, like physical art , it’s open to interpretation, it’s representative, cerebral and emotional. You can like something or not, but art is never “wrong.”
As to Tucker Carlson- and others on Fox who have cult worshipped a man ( a false god) and knowingly deceived the public - their reference to Satin is ludicrous and they can point their fingers right back to themselves. Indeed interesting no mention of the very moving performance of God did- shows you where Tucker’s mind and heart are (not).
Thanks for sharing the photos and your experience. I don’t know Orville Peck but his outfit is pure Art!
Music always tells a story because it comes from the life experience of the writer/composer, as well as often times the performer. In our country we are blessed because of the great variety of cultures, races, and geography (be it rural, urban, big city, northern, southern, eastern, western) that influence those living there and bringing forth their reality. Often, we learn of others' reality because of their music, which hopefully allows us to open our minds and eyes to all kind of possibilities!
Loved this years Grammy’s, especially the ending. The performance of all those great artists was amazing and actually brought me to tears, they put that much feeling into it. I can only imagine what a thrill it was for you to be there for several days Ari, I have to say that you looked “partied out” on the Beat Monday but like you said, it was “good tired”. Thanks for taking us with you, the closest most of us will ever get. Thanks again for the ride.🔥🙏❤️🤷🏼♀️🐰
These were the most inclusive and diverse Grammys to date! It was incredible!! Kudos and props to all the winners and all the nominees🎶❣👍 Tucker Carlson is clueless!
Thanks for the report, Ari. Your photos and reporting reinforce why Tucker and the right wing are so frantic - the country is changing, and they can't control it. The majority of Americans are fine with the broad spectrum of races, genders, sexualities, etc. in this country, and that is a threat to the white, male, christian power structure. If we can just fight the voter suppression and disenfranchising until the minorities become the majority, we will still have the USA!
Ari, I remember that you asked about the music concerts that we have attended. I am not sure if anyone answered this question but here is my response:
Janet Jackson (I had to choose: Sade or Janet Jackson because their NYC concerts were one week apart)
Pitbull
Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Lady Saw and more (at the Radio City Music Hall)
Alicia Keys
Drake
Rihanna
Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Beyoncé
Favorite concert is Beyoncé’s 2016 concert (a few months before announcing that she is expecting her twins). I love that concert because she (and Jay-Z too) invited all the who’s who in NYC hip hop as headliners plus DJ Khaled…this was the highlight of that concert.
There were 80000 spectators at the MetLife Stadium…it was a lot of fun😃😃😃
Good evening and Happy Thursday (Fri-YAY Eve) Ari and everyone 😃
Ari, thanks for sharing your experience at The Grammys in this newsletter. I was looking forward to reading this😃
From viewing your pictures I can tell that you and your brother really enjoyed The Brunch and The Grammys. I hope that you had the chance to meet and chat with Jay-Z😃😃😃
I love DJ Khaled’s positive vibes and his song God Did. I actually thought that the table filled with food was real…I mean the food was real😂😂😂 The last supper style table setting is so on point.
As for the comments from the Fox News and the conservatives, it is expected. They don’t have to watch the Grammy performance if it is too satanic. No one is forcing them to watch.
Those negative Debbie Downers “holier than thou” people🙄
What’s your favorite song or performance of all time?
Favorite song or performance of all time…hmmmm🤔 This is tough…I am not sure if I have one😄
About this year’s Grammys performance:
I like the 50th year Hip Hop anniversary celebration with the pioneers of rap music and the finale, God Did 😄
It is about time that hip hop is celebrated. It is a genre of music that is here to stay.
Thank you Ari for the recap of a great evening at the Grammy's. The GOP is so stuck. If its not white, its not worth watching or listening to for that matter. Very Sad :-(
Keep the music alive. Let's ensure that Democracy survives by exercising our vote! It's the only
way to avoid civil war which is exactly what the fascist rightwing wants. I think the meme of 2023 should be what Republican Nancy Mace said recently to a fellow Republican Lauren Boebert in their own party's ongoing civil war: "Just kidding Lauren, don't shoot." (ala Bye Felicia.)
This conversation has been going on for years and hopefully still will. I remember talking with my open minded mother and very close minded father about music. How they interpreted my brothers anti war songs of the 60’s and my younger brothers and my rock music that came later. But at least my mom was willing to listen to it. Being an old broad hip hop has never been my thing but you have enlightened me to the genre. I just wish there wasn’t so much foul language in the songs. There’s so many more ways to get your point across without going to the gutter. I appreciate you Ari.
so... Ari... Thank God for you! You seem to understand the intricate unity and symbiosis of Art and Society. Your Show, The Beat, does imperative work in a democracy.
Your reflections on "Music Shapes Politics" were spot on; Including that "conservatives" not only understand how it works, but they are using it... as all fascists have always done.
Great article Ari. I'm just beginning to understand hip-hop and its value to our culture overall. These artists are the real social commentators of their generations. That was the first thing I thought of when hearing David Bowie's Man who Sold the World for the first time, then Diamond Dogs, and I could go on from there. I still feel that he predicted trump, because look at the way things have turned out since his time in office. I won't be around 50 years from now as me, possibly reincarnated, but it will be interesting to see the ultimate impacts that hip-hop and rap have on society overall that far down the line. Ari, you are in the vanguard of understanding and educating the rest of us about the importance of this musical form, and may you always be. And the Beat Goes On!!
I’m happy you were able to attend. You definitely were in your element. Music is good for the soul, and you can tell you love it and you’ve got “Soul”.
Fox News is nothing but an ignorant fascist network. They don’t exist in my world.
My favorite song was God Did🔥at the end of the Grammys. I also loved the Hip Hop 50 year anniversary celebration. That was excellent.🔥
I love the relationship between you and your brother. Nothing better than family. I have two sons and their relationship is similar to yours and your brother.♥️ Thank you for sharing your 1st experience at the Grammys. It was awesome!
All the performances Sunday were outstanding; They were all performed with genuine love, by the artists and definitely took you for a ride. Whether you were willing or not. (Fox apparently was not; They go sled riding in the desert.) Of all the performances Sunday I enjoyed the performance by Samara Joy the new up and coming singer from the Bronx. Incidentally, you and your brother looked quite handsome. Keep on Keeping on.
Ari, forgot to tell you, I was elated to be able to say I was familiar with an artist, when my kids were puzzled about who they were. Nonchalantly, I stated, “Oh, I know so-n-so, Ari introduced him or her to us.” Was cracking up inside; it felt great! So, THANKS!👏🏽😂
So much to say about this newsletter! I watched the Grammy’s and thoroughly enjoyed EVERYTHING and was on such a high when Samara Joy won. Jazz is alive and well and permeates many genres of music. I was happy for Bonnie Raitt- to win for best song at 73. It’s wonderful that you got to experience the event and the parties because you love music, and you do so much to make us aware of what joy music can bring to our lives. You bring the art of hip hop/rap into the world of news and journalism on your show and give the recognition it deserves. Maybe you should get a Grammy for that contribution. Great that were able to share the experience with a loved one, you both looked so happy. Every musical act I saw was “art in motion” and I agree, like physical art , it’s open to interpretation, it’s representative, cerebral and emotional. You can like something or not, but art is never “wrong.”
As to Tucker Carlson- and others on Fox who have cult worshipped a man ( a false god) and knowingly deceived the public - their reference to Satin is ludicrous and they can point their fingers right back to themselves. Indeed interesting no mention of the very moving performance of God did- shows you where Tucker’s mind and heart are (not).
Thanks for sharing the photos and your experience. I don’t know Orville Peck but his outfit is pure Art!
Music always tells a story because it comes from the life experience of the writer/composer, as well as often times the performer. In our country we are blessed because of the great variety of cultures, races, and geography (be it rural, urban, big city, northern, southern, eastern, western) that influence those living there and bringing forth their reality. Often, we learn of others' reality because of their music, which hopefully allows us to open our minds and eyes to all kind of possibilities!
Loved this years Grammy’s, especially the ending. The performance of all those great artists was amazing and actually brought me to tears, they put that much feeling into it. I can only imagine what a thrill it was for you to be there for several days Ari, I have to say that you looked “partied out” on the Beat Monday but like you said, it was “good tired”. Thanks for taking us with you, the closest most of us will ever get. Thanks again for the ride.🔥🙏❤️🤷🏼♀️🐰
These were the most inclusive and diverse Grammys to date! It was incredible!! Kudos and props to all the winners and all the nominees🎶❣👍 Tucker Carlson is clueless!
Thanks for the report, Ari. Your photos and reporting reinforce why Tucker and the right wing are so frantic - the country is changing, and they can't control it. The majority of Americans are fine with the broad spectrum of races, genders, sexualities, etc. in this country, and that is a threat to the white, male, christian power structure. If we can just fight the voter suppression and disenfranchising until the minorities become the majority, we will still have the USA!
Ari, I remember that you asked about the music concerts that we have attended. I am not sure if anyone answered this question but here is my response:
Janet Jackson (I had to choose: Sade or Janet Jackson because their NYC concerts were one week apart)
Pitbull
Elephant Man, Beenie Man, Beres Hammond, Lady Saw and more (at the Radio City Music Hall)
Alicia Keys
Drake
Rihanna
Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake
Jay-Z and Beyoncé
Beyoncé
Favorite concert is Beyoncé’s 2016 concert (a few months before announcing that she is expecting her twins). I love that concert because she (and Jay-Z too) invited all the who’s who in NYC hip hop as headliners plus DJ Khaled…this was the highlight of that concert.
There were 80000 spectators at the MetLife Stadium…it was a lot of fun😃😃😃
I saw Bette Midler live years ago - phenomenally talented - awesome show!
Good evening and Happy Thursday (Fri-YAY Eve) Ari and everyone 😃
Ari, thanks for sharing your experience at The Grammys in this newsletter. I was looking forward to reading this😃
From viewing your pictures I can tell that you and your brother really enjoyed The Brunch and The Grammys. I hope that you had the chance to meet and chat with Jay-Z😃😃😃
I love DJ Khaled’s positive vibes and his song God Did. I actually thought that the table filled with food was real…I mean the food was real😂😂😂 The last supper style table setting is so on point.
As for the comments from the Fox News and the conservatives, it is expected. They don’t have to watch the Grammy performance if it is too satanic. No one is forcing them to watch.
Those negative Debbie Downers “holier than thou” people🙄
What’s your favorite song or performance of all time?
Favorite song or performance of all time…hmmmm🤔 This is tough…I am not sure if I have one😄
About this year’s Grammys performance:
I like the 50th year Hip Hop anniversary celebration with the pioneers of rap music and the finale, God Did 😄
It is about time that hip hop is celebrated. It is a genre of music that is here to stay.
God Did! Hov Did! Ari Did!
Cheers
Thank you Ari for the recap of a great evening at the Grammy's. The GOP is so stuck. If its not white, its not worth watching or listening to for that matter. Very Sad :-(
Keep the music alive. Let's ensure that Democracy survives by exercising our vote! It's the only
way to avoid civil war which is exactly what the fascist rightwing wants. I think the meme of 2023 should be what Republican Nancy Mace said recently to a fellow Republican Lauren Boebert in their own party's ongoing civil war: "Just kidding Lauren, don't shoot." (ala Bye Felicia.)
This conversation has been going on for years and hopefully still will. I remember talking with my open minded mother and very close minded father about music. How they interpreted my brothers anti war songs of the 60’s and my younger brothers and my rock music that came later. But at least my mom was willing to listen to it. Being an old broad hip hop has never been my thing but you have enlightened me to the genre. I just wish there wasn’t so much foul language in the songs. There’s so many more ways to get your point across without going to the gutter. I appreciate you Ari.