I by Kendrick Lamar
Reva G.
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It starts pretty early, I think. People are more used to being critical toward themselves than being accepting. And we're critical toward people like us, because they remind us of our own faults. This song by Kendrick Lamar is so unapologetically joyful, so accepting, that it feels radical. The bassline, originally performed by Stephen Bruner (Thundercat) is catchy in its own right. The solo at the end was the most difficult to learn, but it was immensely rewarding to glide over the notes as fast as he does.
Usually, I think I look pretty dumb when I play bass, so I crop my face out. But this song commands a personal connection between the artist and the audience. That's the whole point of accepting yourself, and I think that's what this song taught me.
Still, no matter how many people end up seeing this video, I'll remember the one thing I was thinking when I was jamming out in my bedroom:
"If you read between the lines, we'll learn how to love one another. But you can't do that -- I said, you can't do that -- without loving yourself first!"
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If I wasn't creative, I don't think I would be able to breathe. Playing music, especially jazz, has thought me to think on my feet and embrace my mistakes. That's not just applicable to art - it's also applicable to life.
