Link to "The Baddest"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plPsnWFng0w

Song Analysis

     Krispy Kreme is a "Southern Speaking" rapper from Alabama.  Although he is an amateur, his sick beats and nasty rhymes have taken America by storm.  Krispy Kreme allows people of any age to understand and enjoy his masterpieces by using a low diction.  His most famous rap "The Baddest" uses multiple literary elements, whether he knows that or not. 
     "The Baddest" features many hyperboles.  The most apparent usage is in the lyrics:

 

I could beat you up even if you had one-thousand knives

Even if you had infinity knives.



 

Krispy Kreme understands that he cannot actually beat somebody up if they were armed with that many knives.  He also says that he has four hundred of multiple sperate things, two of which are houses and cars.  Krispy Kreme recently said in an interview that he exagerates because his co-rapper, Money Maker Mike, said that if Krispy says he only has one house, that nobody will listen to his music.  Esentially, Krispy Kreme uses hyperbole to increase his popularity. 

       In "The Baddest", Krispy Kreme aludes to a few things.  His lyrics:

 

 I fought two lions and won

 

 are referencing the bible.  A long time ago, Christians were persecuted using lions, and the fact the he won shows his power and that of Christianity.  Krispy also mentions two popular rap artists: Jay-Z and Beyonce.  By comparing himself to these icons of rap, he includes himself as a top artist, thus making him look better.

      Krispy Kreme takes advantage of similies as well.  He raps:

 

 I will punch you up into the air like a kite.

 

By saying this, he asserts his male physical dominance over the listener.  He shows his strength, and physicality, attemping to make himself more attractive to female fans.  He uses another comparison mechanism, metaphors, for the same reason.  Krispy Kreme insults his listeners, calling them slow, which also displays his superiority.  Towards the end, he raps the chorus with a fierce tone, to get his point across that he is the baddest.  Without the beat, it would still make sense, but would be less interesting and he may get off tempo.

     In "The Baddest", Krispy Kreme utilizes different forms of figurative language.  Despite having different words and references, they all have similar underlying meanings: they all point out Kristy Kreme's swagger level and how much better he is than his listeners.  Really, this song is just an ode to himself and Money Maker Mike. 

Journal of French Teen

     March 18, 1790.  It was a horrible day.  All I could this about was how torn I felt about this war.  Should I go?  All of my friends are, but that is not a good reason.
     "King" Louis XIV must not care about us.  We, the French people, do not agree with how he treats us, and apparently he does not care.  Our sides have been clashing for around one year, and nobody has budged.  Many of my townsfolk, here in Bel-Aire, have left to fight the monarchy, some of which are my friends.  Before he passed, my best friend, Optimus Prime, gave me his reasons for going.  He started: "|1- Our friends are 2-Why not? 3-..." thats when they shot him.  One of the king's soldiers overheard us slandering the king, and executed him on the spot.  He told me that I would be next.  So as I write this, I realize: I was meant to do this.  I shall go, in honor of my friend.  Of my townspoeple.  Of my family.  I will fight in this war, and the king will fall.  I will leave when I find the best opportunity.  If I do not write tomorrow, then I have already found my means of escape.  Good bye, and blss your soul- French Prince of Bel-Aire. 

Hero Analysis Revamped

                Heroes have been important for as long as people have communicated.  They appear in books and movies, and play a large role in our childhood and adult lives as a whole.  As history has progressed, so have the heroes and their details, but there are still many links to the heroes of old.

            There are a multitude of aspects of heroes that have not changed.  The majority of hero stories follow the same journey structure, which people have subconsciously adopted into their story.  There are still characteristics of ancient heroes that can be found in modern ones.  For instance, both Batman and Odysseus, heroes from very different eras, are brave and courageous, neither of them back down in the face of danger.  Heroes are often very intelligent, and can use their surroundings to benefit themselves.  Many heroes are also well-off, Batman has a mansion and Odysseus has a palace because he is a king.  Heroes are similar throughout history.

            A lot of characteristics have changed as well.  Nowadays, the consumers really enjoy antiheroes, or just people that are not liked by their cities.  Batman is hated by most of Gotham, the police are always after Spider-Man, and nobody liked Shrek.  It is common for heroes to be very technologically advanced.  For example, Iron-Man has a bulletproof flying suit.  In modern times, hospitality is not as important as it was in ancient Greece.  This is because our society does not hold it as a must-have trait.  Also heroes tend to not have much family, at least not that they talk to.  Of course, history has taken its toll on aspects of heroes.

            Part of these details that have changed is the obstacles that heroes face.  Heroes from ancient times battled against very different things versus now.  People like Odysseus more often fought uncontrollable phenomena like nature and the gods’ wrath.  Modern heroes fight similar things, but not as often.  Now, more often than not, people are fighting physical objects, namely technology.  This ranges anywhere from guns, to armor, all the way to giant, advanced, magical robots from another dimension.  Odysseus never fought technology.  He was too concerned with the gods, usually Poseidon, the qualities of the native people, and how to get home.  None of these deal with technological advancement.  The driving details of heroic stories have changed greatly.

     Heroes have been important throughout history.  The qualities of heroes differ because the hero often has qualities that are highly revered by that civilization.  Through this, we can infer a society's high qualities based on their heroes.  Odysseus is the embodiment of the Ancient Greeks.
     Homes describes Odysseus as almost a demigod.  He is an excellent leader, although his crew attempts a mutiny.  According to Nausicaa, Odysseus has "... looks like the gods..." (Homer 92).  Odysseus is very mercurial; he tells the cyclops that his name is Nobody, so that the cyclops will not know who has hurt him.  Odysseus is resourceful.  Circe calls him "Odysseus of the many devises" (Homer 153).  As are many characters in the Odyssey, he is hospitable, to every guest.  He is distraught when the cyclops does not welcome Odysseus and his crew with the customary gifts and food.  Odysseus talks with a level of eloquency that is unmatched by mortals.  Numerous times, this saves him.  It proves to Nausicaa that he is not a savage, and shows her father, the king, that he is a well educated man, which makes him even more valued than a "normal" guest.  Odysseus is very well-rounded individual.
     Many heroes follow catharsis, meaning that they have one fatal flaw.  Odysseus is no exception.  He suffers from hubris, or excessive pride.  His pride gets him into some sticky situations.  The whole reason that Odysseus cannot get home safely is because he could not help but tell the cyclops his name as Odysseus escapes.  It is also why Odysseus's crew despises him, to an extent.  Hubris is not a good quality, especially not in a hero.

Hero Analysis

                Heroes in media have been important ever since people could communicate.  They appear in books AND movies, and play a large role in our childhood and lives as a whole.  As history has progressed, so have the heroes and their details, but there are still many links to the heroes of old.

            There are a multitude of aspects of heroes that have not changed.  The majority of hero stories follow the same journey structure, which people have subconsciously adapted their story to.  Besides that, there are still characteristics of ancient heroes that can be found in modern ones.  For instance, both Batman and Odysseus are brave and courageous, neither of them back down in the face of danger.  Heroes are often smart and can use their surroundings to benefit themselves.  Many heroes are also well-off, Batman has a mansion and Odysseus has a palace because he is a king.  Surprisingly, heroes are similar throughout history.

            A lot of characteristics have changed as well.  Nowadays, the consumers really enjoy antiheroes, or just people that are not liked by their cities.  Batman is hated by most of Gotham, the police are always after Spider-Man, and nobody liked Shrek.  It is common for heroes to be very technologically advanced; Iron-Man has a bulletproof flying suit.  In modern times, hospitality is not as important as it was in Ancient Greece, this is because it is not thought of as a must for an honorable person.  Also heroes tend to not have much family, at least not that they talk to.  Of course, history has taken its toll on aspects of heroes.

            Part of these differing details is the obstacles that heroes face.  Heroes from ancient times battled against very different things versus now.  People like Odysseus more often fought uncontrollable phenomena like nature and the gods’ wrath.  Yes, modern heroes fight those same things, but not as much.  Now, more often than not, people are fighting physical objects, namely technology.  This ranges anywhere from guns, to armor, all the way to giant, advanced, magical robots from another dimension.  Odysseus never fought that, he was too concerned with what Poseidon had in store for him.  The driving details of heroic stories have changed greatly.

Telemachus WW

     My father, Odysseus, has been gone for 18 years.  I am currently being eaten out of house and home by a group of rude Suitors.  These horrible men are attempting to court my mother, Penelope, and they do not care about my financial state. 
     I was recently visited by the Goddess Athena, Daughter of Zeus.  She has told me to go on a journey to inquire about my father.  She said to hold an assembly, and then gather a crew to man a ship, both of which I have done.  I set sail and arrived at the beautiful Pylos, home of Nestor.  They have recieved me very kindly, allowing my crew and I to feast and sacrifice to the gods with them.  Nestor let me sleep in his palace for the night with Peisistratus. 
     I set out again yesterday in a chariot, led by two horses, alongside Peisistratus.  Last night we stopped and stayed the night in Pherae, in the home of Diocles.  We went even further today, and it is now dark.  I shall retire to bed.

Sir Massive Pecs of Sheenville

            It was a regular day in Sheenville.  Not a political figure was campaigning, not a gang fighting, and not a homeless person asking for money.  It was a perfect opportunity for the Man Power Puff Girl, Sir Massive Pecs of Sheenville, to relax.  He had a giant mansion, with an Olympic size swimming pool and a basketball court. Sir Massive Pecs of Sheenville, with a six foot seven inch height, was a giant among the people of his town.  He had huge pecs, ripped abs, and biceps that could crush a human head if he flexed.  Sir Pecs also had a decent mane coming from his chin, as well as perfect looks.  He was like Aston Kutcher times one-thousand.  His side-kick, Mini Pecs, was his best friend.  Mini Pecs had a beautiful sister, she was a supermodel named Victoria. 

            On this day, at about 2:30 a.m., Victoria was taken from her room in Pecs’s mansion.  When the heroes awoke at precisely 6:30, Victoria was nowhere to be found.  When they realized there was a note on the golden fridge, they decided to read it.  The note said:

            “By the time you read this, Victoria and I will be making our way across the border.  I am taking her to an undisclosed location, definitely not my mother’s house. I demand the shaggy mane of Sir Pecs.  If I do not receive this by 3 tomorrow, I will make her say something morally degrading to you.  You had best meet my demands, because right now, I am thinking of what I will make her say!!! Teehee”

            “Holy flex Pecs!! Did you read that?! What are we going to do? We need to find her.  Who do you think took her,” Mini Pecs exclaimed.

            “Why, I bet it was none other than my arch nemesis, Mojo Minaj!! Filthy coward.  I bet he is at his mother’s house.  I remember where it is, we always used to play Call of Duty together.”  Sir Pecs replied angrily.

            So the duo set off, headed to Mojo’s location.  The easiest way to get there was flying, but since Mini Pecs had not fully unlocked his flight perk, he rode on Sir Pecs’s yellow light stream.  About a quarter of the way there, Sir Pecs was beginning to feel exhausted.  They stopped at the gym to refuel.  Sir Pecs used the bench press.  He did three sets of fifteen at 575 pounds.  Mini Pecs did pull-ups.  They each grabbed a 5 Hour Energy shot on the way out the door.  Midway though the flight, Sir Pecs’s light started to fade.  They had barely made it to the half-way point before Sir Pecs needed a break.  His food tank was running on empty, so they stopped at a nearby taco stand, Pedro’s Nonstereotypical Tacos.  Rumor had it that place had the best tacos in all of the land.  The rumor was right.  Ironically, there was a unicorn shop across the street, so they bought Mini Pecs a brand new unicorn.  So the heroes set off again.  This time they made it further without taking a break because Sir Pecs did not have the stress of Mini Pecs on his rainbow. 

            On this leg of the trip, Sir Pecs and Mini Pecs landed about five miles from their approximate destination.  Once they got very close, Sir Pecs whipped out his scent analyzer to lead them to the exact whereabouts of Victoria and Mojo Minaj.  Sure enough, Mojo’s mother had not moved in the twenty years since Mojo and Sir Pecs played together.  Sir Pecs drew the lay-out of the house and the team created a plan of action.  The house was two stories.  There was not a basement.  That brought the optimal hiding places to two spots, the bathroom or his bedroom. 

            Sir Pecs broke the door down by flexing his chest and they were in the house.  The duo split up, Sir Pecs took the right and Mini Pecs took the left.  Once they discovered that the first floor was clear, they teamed up for the top floor.  They broke down the bathroom door, but there was nobody in there.  That left one possible place: Mojo’s bedroom.  Sir Pecs found the door unlocked, so there was no need to break it in.  They found Mojo and Victoria in the back corner, nut with a surprise.  There was an entire hoard of bad rappers!!

            “The only way to get to me is by facing every one of my minions,” Mojo declared cynically. 

            “Than that I shall,” Sir Pecs said with authority.

            So the rap battles began, Sir Pecs and Mini Pecs taking on two rappers at a time.  At one point they heard a female voice.  It was Buttercup, assisting the Pecs.  Once they had beaten seventeen rappers, Sir Pecs threw the marker for juggernaut gear to be airdropped in.  Now he did not have to fight the rest, Sir Pecs just pushed his way through to Mojo.  That was his final test.

            “So you have defeated my posse, but can you defeat me?  I am the best of the best, and my rhymes are second to none.” Mojo stated.

            Then it began, the most epic of rap battles in history.  It was too swag for anyone other than the chosen ones to hear.  It took place over three hours.  Lines were getting ugly, and Mojo was losing the battle.  Finally it happened, the one hit KO of rap:

And my swagga level so high

I am just too fly.

Y’all must be hatin,

Bucuz you just fakin!

            Mojo’s body exploded out of pure awe.  And so, the day was saved, thanks to: Sir Pecs, and his side-kick, Mini Pecs!!

Archetype

     The definition of archetype is a universally understood symbol.  Archetypes are very prominent in mythology, but are often incorperated into modern media.  Some archetypes are: shadows, children, soul, and a divine couple.
     Another easily identifiable archetype is a journey, very commonly used in the hit show, "Family Guy".  In many episodes the father, Peter, or son, Stewy, goes on a journey.  Who experiences it or what it is depends on the episode.
     Journeys signify a quest for knowledge, usually about the self.  If one looks shallow and without analyzing, it appears that the journey is out of pure entertainment.  Sometimes they are obvious, like when Peter leaves the Drunken Clam after drinking heavily, and drives home.  Midway through the ride, {eter crashes into a tree.  Peter is thown out of the car and dies because he forgot his sealtbelt.  Before he moves on to the next world, Death meets with Peter and explains what had happened.  Peter is shown he would be like in ten years if he kept drinking the way he did, then if he had never touched a drop.  Death teaches Peter about drinking in moderation.  Peter learns something about himself, and he is given another chance.
     This archetype is key to the show because often times that is what the episode is about.  Each episode is usually centered around that journey.  It is the story line.  Without a journey, the family would just be sitting on the couch and talking.

Mythology

     Mythology has played a key role in society throughout history.  Their importance, however, has changed over time.  In the beginning, mythology was used to explain aspects of life.  Today it is used for studying and entertainment.
     In ancient Greece, myths were created to make sense of why things were happening.  Much of what requires an explanation deals with nature.  People wondered why it flooded so they created a myth about it. They said it was because they had angered Posiedon, God of the Sea, and he was making them pay.  Or that there was another god (or goddess) that made crops grow.  Myths also told stories, so children that could enjoy them too.
     Mythology has taken on a new role in 21st century society.  Now it is used to study history, and how the ancient people thought.  This has changed for one key reason: modern people use science to understand how grass grows.  Computers and electricity were not availabe to the Greeks, or else they may not have created myths.  The thing that has stayed the same is that children still enjoy some version of them.  Disney took the myth Hercules and made it into a movie.  They put their own spin on an ancient story and made it fun for modern children.
     Overall, mythology's role has changed, but it is still very important.  As long as people still learn, and Disney keeps popping out movies, mythology will never get old.