Treatment Assignment- Good Music

All my life, I’ve been a fan of all genres of music regardless of when it was created or who created it.  My interest in music ranges from Gospel, Pop, Rock n Roll, Rap, R&B etc.  In my opinion, the most popular artists have been the individuals who discovered ways to incorporate their own life experiences within their music.  I find it easier to make a connection with music when I’m able to relate to certain songs.  We as human beings have all experienced loss, rejection, emotional pain etc.  At times, some of us may listen to music as a way of escape, relaxation or motivation.  I feel that many people may not be aware of the power, influence and affect that music has on each one of us.  One song has the ability to lift up a person’s spirit for the day.  Although record sales have been at an all time low recently because of downloading, there are certain artists who are still able to make a major impact on the billboard charts as well as on the Soundscan.  If fans have a large amount of respect or love for certain artists and musicians, they are going to find ways to support them.

            In my spare time, I enjoy reading and listening to interviews about artists discussing the creation of their upcoming albums.  It appears that a large number of artists choose to create personal songs as way of therapy.  On many occasions, different artists did not expect for these songs to skyrocket the way they did.  They didn’t intend for their more personal and intimate songs to transform into hit songs.  The fact is that their intention was to get certain things or issues off of their chest.  Music is art, and we use art as a means of expressing ourselves. Relieving stress and finally using our talents as a way of being either discovered or heard.

Telling Stories: Lies Never Survive

Lies Never Survive

(Three knocks are heard at the door.  Mrs. Stewart answers.)

Mrs. Steward: Hello Stan.

Stan: (responds in a respectful manner) Hi Mrs. Stewart.

Mrs. Stewart: How’s your Mom?

Stan: She’s actually doing fine. She just got off of work an hour ago.

Mrs. Stewart:  That’s great.  Well don’t you forget to tell her I said hi.

Stan: I won’t forget.  I’ll let her know as soon as I get home.  I promise. 

Mrs. Stewart- (smiles) If you’re looking for Rick he’s upstairs in his room.

Stan: (takes off) Thanks Mrs. Stewart.

Mrs. Stewart: And try not to make too much noise up there!  Rick’s father up there sleeping.  He has to work an extra shift tonight.

Stan: (cheerfully) We wont!!!!!

(Stan knocks on Rick’s door.  Ricks opens the door)

Rick: What’s up Stan?

Stan:  Not much.  When are you going to clean up your room?  It’s a mess in here.  Damn.

(Stan begins to sit down)

Rick: Don’t sit there!  Let me get this up first.

Stan: What was that?

Rick: My underwear.

Stan:  (Shakes his heard.) That’s nasty.  Anyways, why did you call me over here?

Rick: Oh, You wouldn’t guess who I saw today?

Stan: Who?

Rick: Adam Steinfield.

Stan: Wasn’t he in our algebra class last year? (Rick nods his head to symbol “yes”) What about him?

Rick: Well he works at FYE, and he told me that Jay’z is going to be there tomorrow doing autograph signings for his new album.  I also heard that he’s looking to sign a local rap group to Roc Nation.  I was thinking that maybe we could go down there and slip him our demo CD.

Stan: Sure. (Doesn’t believe him) Just like the last time you lied telling that Snoop Dogg was playing ball in Greg’s backyard.

Rick: Come on Stan.  Would I set you up like that?  This is me here, your friend.  And how often do we get the chance to meet Jay-z in person?  This is our shot.

Stan: Aight, that’s what’s up.  What time are we going up there tomorrow?

Rick:  Well, we should probably meet up there early before everyone else gels gets there.  I was thinking we should probably be up there at about 5 am.

Stan: That’s early.  We gotta do what we gotta do.  No grind no shine.

Rick: Right.  But don’t be late, our music career depends on it.  We’ll be celebratin  and poppin bottles in no time.

Stan:  I feel you.  I gotta go pick up my little sister from violin practice, but I’ll see you in morning alright.  Peace.

Next day

(Phone rings.  Rick answers the phone)

Rick: Hello

Andre: What’s good Rick?

Rick:  (Yarning) Shit.  I’m chillin, watching TV, and listening to music.  Not much is going on around here.

Andre:  Well, today is your big day.  The both of yall been grinding and waiting on that big break.  This is it.

Rick: What do you mean?

Andre: Rick Ross is putting on a car wash for charity this afternoon on Georgia Ave.  You two should go down there and spit a sixteen for him.  And take some songs with you.

Rick:  That’s great.  I’ll let Stan know the good news as soon as he gets here.  Peace.

Andre: Aight, make me proud.  (hangs up)

Stan (walks invisibly angry) Why did you tell me that Jay’z was going to be at the record store today?  I was asking employees about his scheduled autograph signing, and nobody knew what the hell I was talking about?  You had me up there looking like a damn fool.

Rick: (laughing). Aww man.  You actually believed me.  Haven’t you checked his touring schedule.  He’s performing in Berlin today.

Stan:  What?  You think this is a joke or something?  You had me wake up at 4 this morning knowing that he wasn’t going to be there.

Rick: (in an amusing manner/ laughing) Did he throw up the Roc sign?

Stan: You actually find this funny?

Rick:  Yeah, I didn’t think that you believed me.  It was just joke.  Anyways, Rick Ross is going to be sponsoring a Car Wash on Georgia Ave today.  Real talk.  I just got word from Andre this afternoon.  This is our chance.

Stan:  You actually think that I’m going to fall for the same trick twice?  You must be out your damn mind.

Rick:  No, I’m serious.  We’ve been working so hard on this music for the past two years.  I’m telling you.  This our ticket.  Chances like this don’t come around often.

Stan:  I’m out.  Don’t call me no more.  (exits)

RIck:  Stan,  now I apologize for what happened earlier, but you have to believe me!  I wouldn’t lie about this!

            “Lies never Survive” takes place in Northwest Washington D.C.  The play mainly focuses on two close friends who dream of someday becoming famous rap stars in the music industry.  However, one friend (Rick) gives his friend Stan false information by informing him that Jayz would be signing autographs as well scouting local talent for his record company.  Their friendship takes a turn for the worse after Stan discovers that Rick was lying about the whole situation.  Because of his dishonesty, Stan chooses not to believe Rick in the future about other music opportunities.   

            This play was actually inspired by the story “The boy who cried wolf also know as the Shepherd Boy.”  The original short story was written by Aesop.  However I was unable to locate a specific date in which it was created.  Although, I’m positive that the “Shepherd boy was written during the BC era.  The story was first written in Greek before it was translated into English.

            The play “Lies never Survive” pretty much teaches readers that you would must treat others how you would like to be treated.  There’s a time to play as well as a time to be serious.  It’s also best to be honest to the people around you.  If you’re known for always telling lies, then they will probably not believe you when you’re actually telling the truth.  I’m not saying that people should not tell lies at all, because that is not always possible.  However, you can lose the trust of the people who support you if you’re constantly being dishonest to them.  It’s becomes difficult to place your trust in someone who is known for constantly telling lies and not thinking or considering the well-being of others.