Devils rap Song.

[DevilinLA]

First off - props to the guy for rockin' the Red. Intentionally or not - we need more of that.

Second - My feelings about music and musicians are EXTREMELY POLARIZING and I recognize it. It comes from 3 music degrees and over 20 years in the business. I APOLOGIZE in advance if I offend (or offended) anyone. It's not personal - and its just ONE opinion. So, if you are on the sensitive side - PLEASE don't READ On.

My definition of "true musician" or "master musician" is akin to a professional. In my experience anyone who usually declares to have mastered an instrument usually hasn't. After all my study - I still haven't. A true master musician is the complete package - fully trained. He can sight read any piece (from BAch cello suites to jazz transcription to the most difficult contemporary music). They understand the most sophisticated aspects of chords and harmony. Their ear is unsurpassed and they can transcribe any melody, chord progression, or rhythm from one hearing. They can improvise a beautiful melody. they can be unique and yet are diverse enough to duplicate styles. They have achieved the highest level of technical prowess on their instrument - but do not use it as their sole method of making music- only as another tool for the betterment of the music where appropriate. Number of instruments one plays doesn't matter or isn't more impressive - but mastering your "voice" on one is a long road enough for one lifetime.

These skillsets differ from that of a composer, artist or songwriter.

A true musician has practiced 8-10 hours per day for over 10 years at least - if not a lifetime, and has probably studied music at the conservatory level for a degree.

Like a NHL player - these folks invest as much time.

Sure learning any audio software takes time, lets say even a year or two to fly on it - but it is nothing in comparison to dedicating a life to an instrument. A good analogy is learning to get good at NHL11. That game is ridiculous complicated compared to 15 years ago. It takes hours upon hours just to learn how to shoot and check. It may take a lot of investment - but pales in comparison to becoming an NHL player. Technology is a great tool, but only when used AS a tool. That is where today's music generation differs - technology has become more affordable - but musicianship has not been stressed as much. Fewer people want to invest in the long haul.

Is there room for amateur music - of course! No doubt.

But if Bach, Coltrane, or even Mozart was alive today - I have no doubt they would be sickened (not by the styles), with what the evolution of musicianship has become. Would they use the software? Sure , but combined with all their years of studying music.

Is there room for hip-hop - of course - it IS ART and it reflects the culture and society of today.

Grouping any of these folks with people that studied music for a lifetime, instead of ordering the bottle of Crystal, is a gross injustice in my humble opinion.

Again - the guys wearing and representing the Devils - so he's passible in my book.

Sorry again - I'm not trying to take a shot at anyone personally - I just have some extreme views (that are no more valid than anyone else's) from doing this for a while.

Edited February 18, 2011 by DevilinLA

[Scottie2Hottie]

First off - props to the guy for rockin' the Red. Intentionally or not - we need more of that.

Second - My feelings about music and musicians are EXTREMELY POLARIZING and I recognize it. It comes from 3 music degrees and over 20 years in the business. I APOLOGIZE in advance if I offend (or offended) anyone. It's not personal - and its just ONE opinion. So, if you are on the sensitive side - PLEASE don't READ On.

My definition of "true musician" or "master musician" is akin to a professional. In my experience anyone who usually declares to have mastered an instrument usually hasn't. After all my study - I still haven't. A true master musician is the complete package - fully trained. He can sight read any piece (from BAch cello suites to jazz transcription to the most difficult contemporary music). They understand the most sophisticated aspects of chords and harmony. Their ear is unsurpassed and they can transcribe any melody, chord progression, or rhythm from one hearing. They can improvise a beautiful melody. they can be unique and yet are diverse enough to duplicate styles. They have achieved the highest level of technical prowess on their instrument - but do not use it as their sole method of making music- only as another tool for the betterment of the music where appropriate. Number of instruments one plays doesn't matter or isn't more impressive - but mastering your "voice" on one is a long road enough for one lifetime.

These skillsets differ from that of a composer, artist or songwriter.

A true musician has practiced 8-10 hours per day for over 10 years at least - if not a lifetime, and has probably studied music at the conservatory level for a degree.

Like a NHL player - these folks invest as much time.

Sure learning any audio software takes time, lets say even a year or two to fly on it - but it is nothing in comparison to dedicating a life to an instrument. A good analogy is learning to get good at NHL11. That game is ridiculous complicated compared to 15 years ago. It takes hours upon hours just to learn how to shoot and check. It may take a lot of investment - but pales in comparison to becoming an NHL player. Technology is a great tool, but only when used AS a tool. That is where today's music generation differs - technology has become more affordable - but musicianship has not been stressed as much. Fewer people want to invest in the long haul.

Is there room for amateur music - of course! No doubt.

But if Bach, Coltrane, or even Mozart was alive today - I have no doubt they would be sickened (not by the styles), with what the evolution of musicianship has become. Would they use the software? Sure , but combined with all their years of studying music.

Is there room for hip-hop - of course - it IS ART and it reflects the culture and society of today.

Grouping any of these folks with people that studied music for a lifetime, instead of ordering the bottle of Crystal, is a gross injustice in my humble opinion.

Again - the guys wearing and representing the Devils - so he's passible in my book.

Sorry again - I'm not trying to take a shot at anyone personally - I just have some extreme views (that are no more valid than anyone else's) from doing this for a while.

This is why I decided not to major in music. Makes you take a much MUCH deeper look into what people and yourself actually listen to. Not that thats a bad thing. But with the way I am, I would over analyze and it would drive me nuts.

But yeah dude I get what you are saying.

[DevilinLA]

This is why I decided not to major in music. Makes you take a much MUCH deeper look into what people and yourself actually listen to. Not that thats a bad thing. But with the way I am, I would over analyze and it would drive me nuts.

But yeah dude I get what you are saying.

We cool.

Never give up making music though - however you do it!