Express Yourself

A long time ago I finally had the opportunity to watch the movie “Straight Outta Compton”, which is the story of the rise to fame of rap music group NWA.

A few weeks before though, when I first saw the trailer, I was already hooked. I knew right there and then that I wanted to watch it because I was very curious to know about their story.  Although I knew who Dr. Dre or Ice Cube were and have heard of NWA before, I never knew that they were friends when they started the group or that they were members of NWA at all. So, watching the movie was like watching a solved puzzle, all the scattered pieces were finally forming a greater picture together.

You might not be that interested in rap music at all, but if you give yourself the opportunity to watch the movie, watch it trying to see the story behind the movie. How just a group of friends shared a dream and believed in it so much and put the necessary effort to accomplish it that it became true. Stories of dreams fulfilled, accomplished ideas and incredible stories to be told pretty much forever and ever, and this one is theirs.

It’s crazy to think and believe that stories like this actually do happened. 

SPOILER ALERT

There’s so much to say, I might say too much and ruin the movie for you. Just so you know. However, I might say just enough for you to get curious enough to go watch it.

Did you know that when NWA started, Ice Cube was only 17 years old? That Dr. Dre was 21? 

Yeah, me neither.

In 1989, Ice Cube and MC Ren, both only 19 years old, wrote the song “Express Yourself.” Dr. Dre and Dj Yella, produced the song. They were only 24 and 21 respectively.

A part of the song goes like this… (Feel free to imagine yourself rapping)

“It’s crazy to see people be

what society wants them to be. But not me!...

Express Yourself… from the heart.

Cause if you wanna start to move up the chart

Then expression is a big part of it”

The song talks about speaking up, to let your voice be heard and be who you want to be. What amazes me is how group of kids joined by their friendship and a passion for music, especially rap music, established a culture through their music with lyrics full of cold truth and great beats that became their voice to the world and also the people’s voice. Their songs seem to be inspired by their own personal experiences, and also from other people’s; realities that many are able to relate with and share. And to think that they came from one of the most dangerous cities in the United States and with the rarest of chances to succeed to many.

“Our art is a reflection of our reality”

                                  Ice Cube

NWA and its members’ story are unique and nobody else can repeat, replace, or make them better. It is their story and that’s it. Now it’s your turn to write yours.

What one can accomplish on its own is a really great achievement. But how one can influence and inspire others with your own accomplishments, I think, is a greater achievement.

Rapper Eminem was discovered and mentored by Dr. Dre. 

Later Eminem discovered rapper 50 Cents, who also was mentored by Dr. Dre. 

Other rappers like Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and The Game were also guided and influenced in their careers by Dr. Dre.

In 2014 Apple purchased the company Beats Electronics from Dr. Dre and business partner, Jimmy Lovine, for $3 billion.  Dr. Dre’s take was $620 million.

“I've looked at pictures that my mom has of me, from when I was four years old at the turntable. I'm there, reaching up to play the records. I feel like I was bred to do what I do. I've been into music, and listening to music and critiquing it, my whole life”                                                     

Dr. Dre

Ice Cube is considered by many as a very talented lyricist, songwriter and rapper because of his ruthless honesty. One day, his friend, John Singleton, encourage him to try writing a screenplay for a movie. Trying his best, Ice Cube co-wrote with DJ Pooh the screenplay that became the famous comedy “Friday”, where he also starred as one of the main characters. 

The movie made $28 million worldwide and it only cost $3.5 million to make. After that, Ice Cube not only started to be in more movies but also wrote and produced the sequels “Next Friday” and “Friday After Next”.

“Don't worry about being a star, worry about doing good work, and all that will come to you”

                              Ice Cube

Now, Dr. Dre is 50 years old and Ice Cube only 46. Who knows what else they will come up with. Oh, and, by the way, they were also the producers of the movie, “Straight Outta Compton”.

If by any chance you don’t get to watch it, just know this: 

Believe + Hard Work = Success 

A lot more things need to be done along believing in your dreams and working towards them. But I believe that those two sums it up, and the movie shows that.

Don’t forget, as the song goes, to express yourself. Say what you want to say and do what you see yourself doing through your talent, your idea and/or your dream. You never know where it might take you and whom it will influence to also pursue their own.

Their story is just another proof in a long list of other people that it is possible to achieve your dreams if you really believe in them and work hard and smart to reach them.

Yes, it might get difficult sometimes, but it won’t be something you can’t take on. 

“God won't give you more than you can handle”

                        1 Corinthians 10:13

Remember that, especially in difficult times. And remember to never stop dreaming... never.

“Say what you want to say today because tomorrow might be too late”