NEWSPAPER FINAL BY: HARMONY MILLIGAN
Article! Doves cried when on Thursday April 21, music legend Prince died at his Paisley Park mansion in Minneapolis. No one can deny that he is one of the most influential and successful artists of all time. With classics like “Kiss” and “1999,” him sticking to the man when it came to keeping his music off online streaming, and his array of iconic outfits. One could say that we might never have an artist like him ever again. Instead of grieving, let’s take a look back on some of his biggest moments. It’s what he would have wanted. 1. Purple Rain When this film came out back in 1984, the uproar was incredible. Though some people have their critique on the acting, no one could (and still can’t) ever utter a negative word about the music for the film, which was all created by Prince of course. The film grossed $68 million in the U.S. alone, and $80 million worldwide. Which was awesome considering the movie only had a $7.2 million budget. “Purple Rain” granted Prince his first Academy Award in 1985 for Best Original Song Score. 2) Grammy’s To keep the record straight, in total Prince was nominated for 32 Grammy Awards during his career. Though he only had 7 of those under his belt, those are still amazing numbers. Not to mention, he had won over 30 awards of all different kinds throughout the entirety of his career. Say what you will about what you might think he “truly” deserved, but don’t discredit the numbers. 3) Rock and Roll Hall of Fame On March 15th, 2004, Prince was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which if you didn’t know already (or by the length of the title) is a big deal. Though many reflect on his George Harrison tribute of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” we forget that he had performance of his own songs that night. He starts with Sheila E’s “The Glamorous Life” before moving into “Let’s Go Crazy,” “Sign ‘O’ the Times,” the intro to Sam and Dave’s “Soul Man.” He then wraps it up with the funky “Kiss.” It was obvious to everyone that this was one of greatest sets in Hall of Fame history. 4) 27 out of 100 Late 2010, Rolling Stone created a list of the “100 Greatest Artists.” On this list, Prince had landed one of the higher spots as Number 27. The “ode to Prince” so to speak underneath a piece of artwork created of Prince was written by Ahmir Thompson, more commonly known as Questlove. He talked wonders about how much he meant to the music industry musically, as well as representation for black people on MTV. 5) 1991 MTV Performance This performance isn’t just a personal favorite of mine, but is claimed by some as one of the sexiest things to be aired on TV. But not just because of the choreography for those in the background. No patronizing here, nor will this become the butt of any joke, just some cheeky appreciation for costume design. When he first came on, performing “Gett Off,” all eyes are just on vibrancy of his outfit. Little does the anyone know that there is a surprise in store. Not until half through do we actually get a full shot of what we were all catching glimpses of every so often, his costume didn’t cover his butt. This wasn’t at all a wardrobe malfunction, which makes it all the more extreme. Along with Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson, another Prince Rogers Nelson will never come along again. Nor will someone have the persona that he had on stage. Let this teach us to appreciate what he have before it’s gone. If there’s anyway Prince would want you to remember him, it’s by partying like it’s 1999 and letting yourself be as free spirited as he was.
Reflection One thing I can say I’m most proud of with this article is the tone I have. I only want people to be happy when they think of Prince, because he and his music makes me happy. While his death was incredibly sad, the last thing the people need is another article that speculates his death further, or uses a tone that ruins the mere thought of Prince. One way this article shows good journalism writing is the references to Prince songs. For example, the title of the article is “Prince’s Pop Life”. One thing I would’ve changed is I could’ve gone more in depth with each topic. I always have had a problem reaching word count and it looks like there’s so little text
Article! Panic! At the Disco have existed for over a decade now and they still have a place in our hearts due to the popularity of their 2005 single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” Though only one member has stayed in the group throughout their time, the seemingly Panic! Atunstoppable the Disco have existed for over a decade now they still have a place our hearts to thecharts. popularity of their 2005 Brendon Urie, P!ATD continues toand make appearances in highinspots on thedue iTunes single, “I Write Sins Not Tragedies.” Though only one member has stayed in the group throughout their time, the seemingly unstoppable BrendonThough Urie, P!ATD to makea tradition appearances in high spots on the their iTunes charts. theycontinues usually execute of completely changing sound with each coming album, this new album seems to be a bit similar to their last one. In the words of their single, “This is Gospel,” they really did let this one go. Though they usually execute a tradition of completely changing their sound with each coming album, this new album seems to be a bit similar toNow, theirnow, last one. In the in words of entirety their single, “ThisBut is Gospel,” they really did let this one go. the album the its is good. if you asked what songs I wished were not on there and that I could have
taken out, had I the power, a couple would have been easily chosen. Now, now, the album in the its entirety is good. But if you asked what songs I wished were not on there and that I could have taken out, had I theOkay, power, a couple would have been easily enough joking around. Majority arechosen. quality songs, such as their very first single from Death Of A Bachelor, “Hallelujah.”
Which was what everyone was saying when the group gladdened their fans with their comeback. Okay, enough joking around. Majority are quality songs, such as their very first single from Death Of A Bachelor, “Hallelujah.” Which was what everyone waslyrically saying when gladdened comeback. This song is thatthe patgroup on the back thattheir you fans needwith fromtheir someone every once a while. And that someone is Urie, featuring
some high notes no one thought were humanly possible. This song lyrically is that pat on the back that you need from someone every once a while. And that someone is Urie, featuring some high notes no onesong thought Another that were stoodhumanly out waspossible. “Emperor’s New Clothes.” Due to the demonic and spectral theme from the music video (probably because of how close Halloween was during the time of the release), and with lyrics like “If it feels good, tastes good, It must Anotherbe song thatDynasty stood out was “Emperor’s Newmight Clothes.” to the demonic spectral fromvibe the when musichearing video (probably mine. decapitated. You just see aDue ghost tonight”, oneand gets a very theme villainous this song. because of how close Halloween was during the time of the release), and with lyrics like “If it feels good, tastes good, It must be mine. DynastyHowever, decapitated. You justamight see ghost that tonight”, a very villainous when hearing this song. there were couple ofasongs wereone not gets my cup of tea: one isvibe “Crazy=Genius.” However,I am there were afor couple of songs were my cup of tea: one is “Crazy=Genius.” a sucker choruses. No that matter thenot utmost vocabulary that is brought to the table, I have some basic criteria for what is a good song. I am a sucker for choruses. No matter the utmost vocabulary that is brought to the table, I have some basic criteria for what is a good song. Although I loved the musical approach it took with the drums and trumpets that resembled something from the very early 20th
century, hearing the line, “You could set yourself on fire”, just makes me hit the skip button. Although I loved the musical approach it took with the drums and trumpets that resembled something from the very early 20th century, hearing The the line, couldGood, set yourself onand fire”,the justDirty” makes the skipfor button. other“You is “The the Bad, andme myhitdistaste this song even confuses me. The title is annoying, yet music
from P!ATD’s debut album with titles such as “London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines” will leave me fondly The other is “The Good, thefor Bad, andtothe Dirty” and my distaste for this song even confuses me. The title is annoying, yet music from reflecting on them years come. P!ATD’s debut album with titles such as “London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines” will leave me fondly reflecting on them forMoving years toon, come. the track which the album got it’s name from, “Death of a Bachelor”, has made the favorites list. This number has an obvious Sinatra flare in the lyrics, and goes extremely well when mixed with its modern backing track. The label, “best song on Moving on, track seems which the album got it’s name from,you “Death a Bachelor”,Year.” has made the favorites list. This number has an obvithethe album”, to fit just right...that is until hearof“Impossible ous Sinatra flare in the lyrics, and goes extremely well when mixed with its modern backing track. The label, “best song on the album”, seems to fit just right...that you hear “Impossible “Impossible Year” is is until the conclusion that bringsYear.” emotion into the heart and mind for the Panic! At the Disco fan. It is a ballad that
will stick around for generations to come and succeeds all other songs that came before it. “Impossible Year” is the conclusion that brings emotion into the heart and mind for the Panic! At the Disco fan. It is a ballad that will stick around for generations to come succeeds songs it. but it causes one to contemplate on the end track Not only does this song also and make me thinkall ofother Sinatra, whothat is acame hero before of Urie’s, “The End of All Things” featuring a just as dramatic of a name. Not only does this song also make me think of Sinatra, who is a hero of Urie’s, but it causes one to contemplate on the end track “The End of All Things”all featuring a just as dramatic a name. Through the disappointments and of high moments of listening, the concluding track wraps it all in a bow. For those who enjoy,
its another ‘hats off’ to the musical deities behind it. For those who do not, that is okay. This album is not here to make everyone Throughhappy, all the itdisappointments is here to simplyand be.high moments of listening, the concluding track wraps it all in a bow. For those who enjoy, its another ‘hats off’ to the musical deities behind it. For those who do not, that is okay. This album is not here to make everyone happy, it is here to simply be.
Reflection Reflection What I love most about this article is that i’m not afraid to give out criticism. that is one of the most important parts of an album review, after all. I have funny parts and my tone overall is just very light hearted and not worrying about if someone will disgaree with what i say. One thing I would fix is my adjectives. some are more plain, while others are cooler. I feel like expanding my vocabulary will make me a better writing in general.
Article! Nina simone has been hailed by many as one of the most iconic artists of all time. Both a legendary jazz/blues performer and civil rights activist, she is more than just an artist. She is practically a goddess. Panic! At the Disco have existed for over a decade now and they still have a place in our hearts due to the popularity of their 2005 single, “IAs Write Notindustry Tragedies.” onlywith onemany member hasthey’ve stayedchosen in the group throughout their time,onthe seemingly unstoppable the Sins movie doesThough nowadays stars, to create a movie based simone.hovever, one small Brendonproblem Urie, P!ATD continues to make in high spotssimone on the is iTunes charts. exists. The actress whoappearances landed the role as nina zoe saldana. Though Many they usually a tradition“what of completely their each zoe coming this newwhat album to be a bit of youexecute may be thinking, is the bigchanging deal? Nina is sound a blackwith woman, is a album, black woman, is seems the difference?” similar toActually their last In the words of their single, is Gospel,” did let this go.colorism. theone. difference is quite a huge deal.“This Simone did not they just really face racism, sheone faced Now, now, thewas album in the its entirety good. But ifdid younot asked what songs I wished were notgirl on there and that I could have taken out, grew She judged because her is complexion match what an “attractive” black was “supposed” to look like. Simone had I theuppower, a couple would have been easily chosen. feeling less significant than other black girls because of things like facial features. Going through these hardships is what influenced her music. If this crucial aspect of her life is ignored in the film then what is the point of showing such an incomplete Okay, enough joking depiction of around. her life?Majority are quality songs, such as their very first single from Death Of A Bachelor, “Hallelujah.” Which was what everyone was saying when the group gladdened their fans with their comeback. While saldana is certainly a good actress, she does not have any of the features that simone has. Saldana is a light skinned afThis song lyricallywoman. is that pat on the back that you need fromchange someone once while. And that someone is Urie, featuring some ro-latina All her studying of simone won’t the every fact that shea is playing this role because of the privilege she has. high notes no one thought were humanly possible. Now, of course, saldana does not have all the privileges white people have (if you don’t know what is meant by this, google Anothersearch song that stood out was and “Emperor’s New to Clothes.” Due to the demonic theme from music video (probably “white privilege” come back this). However, because sheand is aspectral lighter shade, she isthe able to not suffer from being as becauseunprivileged of how closeasHalloween was during the time of the release), and with lyrics like “If it feels good, tastes good, It must be mine. darker black women. Dynasty decapitated. You just might see a ghost tonight”, one gets a very villainous vibe when hearing this song. Saldana herself has said in interviews that she is finds it uncomfortable to talk about her race all the time because she believes However,that there a couple of songs notnot mywanting cup of tea: one is “Crazy=Genius.” shewere not just defined by herthat race.were While to conform to what others say you are is understandable, what she is not realizing is that she is under a privilege that she doesn’t have to think about her race often. I am a sucker for choruses. No matter the utmost vocabulary that is brought to the table, I have some basic criteria for what is a good song. Simone never had that privilege. She could not just ignore her race. That being said, saldana isn’t the one to blame here. AlthoughBecause I loved the musical not approach it took with color, the drums and trumpets thatmakeup resembled something from the(shown very early 20th This century, of saldana being the “right” she is forced to wear to darken up her skin above). looks hearing unnatural the line, “You could set yourself on fire”, just makes me hit the skip button. when it is compared to the complexion of an actual dark skinned black person. The other “The the Bad, and Dirty” and my distaste thisissong even me. The yetback music Soiswhy is Good, this important? Justthe look at these lyrics. “myfor skin black, my confuses arms are long, mytitle hairisisannoying, woolly, my is from strong. P!ATD’s Strong debut album with as “London Bypart Machines” will leave me fondly reflecting on enough totitles take such the pain inflicted Beckoned again and Songs again.”About TheseMoney lyricsWritten are a big of simone’s identity. them for years to come. Simone’s music is a reflection of the aspects of her life. If there is going to be a biopic that shows her life, shouldn’t there be an Moving on, the track it’s name from, of aofBachelor”, has made theher favorites has an obviactress, whowhich facesthe thealbum same got struggles in her life“Death because her skin tone, playing to makelist. theThis filmnumber successful with capturing ous Sinatra flare in the lyrics, and goes extremely well when mixed with its modern backing track. The label, “best song on the album”, it? seems to fit just right...that is until you hear “Impossible Year.” “Impossible Year” is the conclusion that brings emotion into the heart and mind for the Panic! At the Disco fan. It is a ballad that will stick around for generations to come and succeeds all other songs that came before it. Not only does this song also make me think of Sinatra, who is a hero of Urie’s, but it causes one to contemplate on the end track “The End of All Things” featuring a just as dramatic of a name. Through all the disappointments and high moments of listening, the concluding track wraps it all in a bow. For those who enjoy, its another ‘hats off’ to the musical deities behind it. For those who do not, that is okay. This album is not here to make everyone happy, it is here to simply be.
Reflection Reflection I thoroughly enjoyed writing this article. I am passionate about spreading word about social injustices and for the rights of others. Racial issues aren’t something that people want to always talk about, which i why i think is also one of my more bolder articles. One thing i have to say is that i wish i could’ve said more. Like i said earlier, i always have problems reaching word count. I see the goal but when i type out all that i have to say, i fall short. One other thing i would like to improve on for next school year is never having to worry about word count.
personal essay
leavehave home I always surenow I have at least these threeinthings: mydue keys, wallet,ofand phone. Panic!When At the IDisco existed for overmake a decade and they still have a place our hearts to themy popularity theirmy 2005 That isn’tSins that someonly people, but you believe amount oftime, times would unstoppable single, “I Write Notsurprising Tragedies.” to Though one member haswouldn’t stayed in the group the throughout their theI seemingly Brendon Urie,one, P!ATDsometimes continues totwo, makeofappearances in high on the forget those things. In spots the past asiTunes a kid,charts. I had some trouble remembering it,
because I tried to sort of brush off the whole “you’re almost a teenager, which means, you’re almost an adult
Though they usually execute a tradition of completely changing their sound with each coming album, this new album seems to be a bit which equals more responsibilities” thought. I tried to relish in the kid in me that was left similar to their last one. In the words of their single, “This is Gospel,” they really did let this one go.
because I knew soon it’d all be gone.
Now, now, the album in the its entirety is good. But if you asked what songs I wished were not on there and that I could have taken out, had I theBut, power, a couple would have been easily chosen. at the same time, I loved the idea of growing up as a kid. I felt so alive just from the pure thought being
able to drive, I still do. (I mean, except for when I’m actually on the road practicing.) I couldn’t wait until I’d get
Okay,my enough Majority are get quality songs, such as theirclasses very first(as single from Death A Bachelor, “Hallelujah.” firstjoking kiss,around. get a boyfriend, into smart people younger me Of probably would’ve put Which it) andwas on what everyone was saying when the group gladdened their fans with their comeback.
top of everything else, be totally good looking. Of course, everyone else who was older and obviously smarter than me isalways meback to never grow growing uponce is inevitable even now I have a hard time This song lyrically that pattold on the that you needup. fromBut someone every a while. Andand thatat someone is Urie, featuring some accepting high notes no onethat. thought were humanly possible. AnotherIsong stoodit’s outgrowing was “Emperor’s Newthat Clothes.” Due to the demonic themegrown from theup. music video (probably don’tthat think up itself has saddened me, butand thespectral way I have I haven’t ever had because of how close Halloween was during the time of the release), and with lyrics like “If it feels good, tastes good, It must be mine. a first kiss, let alone a boyfriend. I haven’t even gotten my full license yet and I always get anxious driving. I Dynasty decapitated. You just might see a ghost tonight”, one gets a very villainous vibe when hearing this song.
don’t think I’m good looking. My life right now isn’t anything like I thought it would be. I’m not sure if it’s the fact there that were present me doesn’t any of about herself is why I get so upset, or maybe I feel like However, a couple of songs like that were notthese my cupthings of tea: one is “Crazy=Genius.” I’ve let past me down. These are all the things I’ve wanted to do and I barely accomplished any of them. If past I am ame sucker choruses. mattershe the utmost vocabulary thatshe is brought the table, Ime? have Or some basic criteria what is a good sawfor present me,Nowould be happy? Would even to recognize even want to?for The mere fact song.that I know none of these answers, mixed with my internal tendency to think negative, I’ve become glum. I’ve basically taught myself to strive for what I’ve always wanted but is that what I really want? I don’t even know Although I loved the musical approach it took with the drums and trumpets that resembled something from the very early 20th century, what good mesetanymore. hearing the is line, “You for could yourself on fire”, just makes me hit the skip button. The other is “Theyes, Good,I still the Bad, and andthings. my distaste for thisifsong confuses me. The title is yet goes music wrong, from I mean, want allthe ofDirty” those But what theyeven all turn meaningless? Myannoying, first kiss P!ATD’s debut album with titles such as “London Beckoned Songs About Money Written By Machines” will leave me fondly reflecting my first boyfriend is horrible, I end up hating driving. Is all of this self hatred worth it? It’s not like it won’tonever them for years to come.
happen. It just hasn’t yet. I try to tell myself, “So what if it’s happened to everyone else? You are not them. You areon,you.” Butwhich it isn’t about that. These are myofpeers, fully has capable things, I’ve yet tohas achieve. Moving the track thejust album got it’s name from, “Death a Bachelor”, made of thedoing favorites list. This number an obvi- I look toflare them forlyrics, guidance, and if I feelwell likewhen there is awith part me that I can’t relate to them, someous Sinatra in the and goes extremely mixed itsof modern backing track. The label, “bestthen song there on the is album”, seems to fit wrong just right...that is until hear “Impossible Year.” thing with me andyouI need to catch up to speed as fast as I can. This isn’t a good thing I know, but I can’t help it. “Impossible Year” is the conclusion that brings emotion into the heart and mind for the Panic! At the Disco fan. It is a ballad that will stick around for generations to come and succeeds all other songs that came before it.
But even without these social circumstances, I try to make myself proud of myself by doing whatever I can. I take tougher I do to getwho along others, I get involved the school. I strive to get to Not only does this songclasses, also make memy thinkbest of Sinatra, is a with hero of Urie’s, but it causes onewith to contemplate on the end track “The straight As,featuring and remove toxic people of my life. Though it may be hard to do all of these things at once, I End of All Things” a just as dramatic of aout name. remind myself that this is my future on the line. All of these are beneficial for college. If I can’t get a boyfriend Throughorallbe theone disappointments andpeople high moments of listening, track wraps it all in a bow. For those who enjoy, its of the hottest in school, I can the do concluding my best academically. another ‘hats off’ to the musical deities behind it. For those who do not, that is okay. This album is not here to make everyone happy, it is here to simply be.
Even if I’m nothing like I wanted myself to be as a kid, I’m happy. I have chosen a career that I aspire to go into. I have amazing friends who have made me feel more alive than I ever have. I have a newfound love for writing for the school newspaper and am going to be one of the section editors for next school year. I am becoming more and more comfortable in the body that I’m in and have been happier than ever before. Every year outside of middle school where I was the unhappiest, I am evolving into this better person. A person who isn’t afraid of sharing what they were before because she knows that other people may be going through the same thing.
Reflection
Most of all, I am becoming an adult. I have sprouted into this person who is doing a pretty good job at balancing her responsibilities, given her circumstances. Every day I am growing up and though I’m still afraid of what lies ahead, I know I’ll get there with ease. Whenever I’m doing something responsible, I take a step back and look at myself, astonished. “Look at me go,” I say, “Look at what I have turned into.” Past me, if technology has advanced so much that you are able to read this, I want you to know that you are fine the way you are. You won’t be the first to have a boyfriend, or even have your first kiss by the time you are practically 17. But, do not fret. You will learn that these things take time, as does everything. You are going to do great things in the future, no matter what we decide to do. I have faith in us that we will know what to do when time comes around. Keep relishing in your childhood, but do not fear the inevitable. Love yourself dearly and do not be afraid of being yourself. We spent too much time doing that in middle school. Eat your v egetables and play outside. And always remember these three things: your keys, your wallet, and your phone.