Tony's Digital Scrapbook

Timebeat

 

This is a screenshot from leogeo.com. It's called "timebeat" and I was awestruck the first time I saw it. This particular page has a surreal, eerie, Tim Burton-esque feel to it. Each number is scattered across the page nonchalantly. However, all of the digits serve a purpose (to tell time). The best way to describe their movements is organized chaos.

 

Rakim

 

Rakim, also known as "The God MC," is truly an inspiration to me. Unlike many of today's rappers, Rakim's rhymes are clearly well thought out and contain complex wordplay and depth usually absent from the repertoire of many of today's rappers. Metaphors, similes, and complex rhyme schemes, qualities usually reserved for skilled poets, are found in all of Rakim's songs. In addition there are frequent biblical references, testaments of spirituality, and advocacy for the knowledge of self.

The 18th Letter (Always and Forever)

18th letter Lyrics

These are the lyrics to Rakim's song "The 18th Letter (Always and Forever)." Although the song was recorded in 1997, it still sounds amazingly fresh and innovative. As noted before, Rakim uses biblical references and stresses spirituality and mental elevation. Besides the message in this song, I am truly impressed with the fact that Rakim plays every instrument, including the string arrangements. I tend to craft a lot of my work based on Rakim's approach to music, lyrics, and poetry, so when someone tells me that I remind him or her of Rakim, I consider that a great compliment.

Listen and Learn

 

 

Here is the audio to "The 18th Letter (Always and Forever)." In addition to the haunting backdrop with sweeping strings and eerie background vocals, Rakim's laid-back, effortless delivery adds to the song's total effect. Fifteen years later, the song still delivers.

DarkPoet-"Random Thoughts"

 

This is one of my original works called "Random Thoughts." Like Rakim, I focus on wordplay and meanings within meanings. I also composed all the background music and played all the instruments (keyboards, guitars, bass guitar, strings). If there is a slight similarity to "The 18th Letter," both lyrically and musically, it was purely intentional. Enjoy...

 

 

Tony Austin

CMS Student

Clayton State University

Updated: September 29, 2008