Hip Hop Wisdom Lesson #18: Go For It

Some of the greatest songs of all time are often inspirational and transformative in nature. They are many times generational and most artists would be considered lucky to have one such song. However, one particular artist has two that are applicable in this subject heading. I am speaking of Eddie Van Halen with ‘Jump’ and ‘Right Now’. Those two iconic songs are about seizing the moment and taking action.

Van Halen (Eddie) is considered to be one of the greatest musicians and songwriters of all time as he was the primary songwriter for the group. Although both songs were collaborative efforts to some degree, the music to both were original ideas of Eddie before being recorded. The songs speak to Eddie’s musical prowess because the songs were recorded in two different decades, under different circumstances, and with two different lead vocalists.

Eddie, like lots of immigrants, was bullied in some way because he was different. In those times mental health therapy didn’t have the platform it has gained in recent years. Therefore, in the mid to late twentieth century, kids found other outlets to free themselves of hurt and pain. In Eddie’s case it was music. He and his brother Alex would practice various instruments as children and eventually started forming bands in their teenage years. Eventually, after David Lee Roth joined them, they settled on the name Van Halen.

‘Jump’, the less lyrical of the two songs, was released in late 1983 and is Van Halen’s most successful single. It is a feel good, upbeat party type song. But, just because you can party to ‘Jump’ doesn’t take away from the message it implies. Whether your back is against the wall or not, when something you believe in is at the forefront of your mind or embedded in your heart, “might as well jump.” Take the chance on yourself and don’t be afraid of failure. That’s why everything you do has to be embedded in goodwill because where there is goodwill, there can be no shame.

Many people never take the leap of faith because they feel shamed in some way. Whereas, in the past, we have seen people that should have had some type of shame operating with near impunity. Hip Hop is elevation and upliftment in action, and if that’s what you want for yourself, you should want that for others with no reward in mind. The key to your success is jumping without having a sense of desperation. Remember, always aspire to be ahead of the curve.

‘Right Now’ signaled another chapter in the history of Van Halen. Being the more lyrical of the two songs, it was a sign of the times. The year 2000 was less than a decade away and people began having more of a sense of urgency because of the widespread conspiracy theories associated with the new millennium. Books, movies, songs, religious texts, and even bankers were predicting the impending New World Order. The 90’s were an incubator period for the new woke, especially as the internet began to expand day by day.

In Hip Hop, you saw changes in rappers lyrics. No longer was it about peace, each one teach one, or fighting the powers that be. Scarcity began to dominate the culture with lyrics that preached money over everything. Getting the money by any means necessary was the culture’s new calling card. Some heeded the call in a more positive way, others were graduating from the streets and told tales of selling dope and pimping.

Looking back, we see that every generation is overcome with a sense of panic. Whether it’s a pandemic, war, real estate crashes, moral dilemmas, police brutality, race riots, or general corruption, there will always be signs of the times. And that’s why right now is your tomorrow. Do not get engulfed in the perspective that some external force is going to decide your future. You decide your future. Like M.C. Shan said, “kill that noise.”

You can party like it's 1999, protect your money like Y2K, or prepare for 2012, but like 2Pac told us, “life goes on.” So, what you do today, will shape your tomorrow. Do the right thing for yourself and your future family today. Also, like Yoda said, “fear is the path to the dark side.” Do not be fearful of today’s traps set by the government, media, or corporations. If you were to watch ‘Tomorrow Never Dies’, you’ll get a glimpse of how the puppet masters try to manipulate you.

Anything you want to do, you can start right now. Even if there are time restraints, like you want to go back to school but the new semester doesn’t start for another three months. Prepare now and do everything to ensure you’re ready when that time comes. The following suggestions will help you put to bed any reservations you may have about getting started right now:

• Do things that boost your self esteem (what works for you)

• Create a bucket list and accomplish the items on it

• Meet the people you want to be like

• Get a mentor in the area of expertise you’re pursuing

• Educate yourself continuously

• Immerse yourself in new cultures

• Learn a new language

• Travel to new places

• Don’t listen to naysayers

• Pay attention to the signs the universe sends you