Don't Hate, Appreciate

Today I sit in class watching "Newsies". Such a classic movie. Great story, awesome music, and meaning. I listen to the kid next to me talk about the talent show at my school. At first I'm thinking, "Just watch the movie..." And then another kid asked why he was dressed the way he was and he said he was auditioning for the talent show. This took me by surprise. Nothing against him, I just didn't picture him as the "talent show" type. They asked what he was going to be doing and he said rapping. I kind of thought of "oh...." I don't have anything against rap, I just don't like it that much. Being the music person I am, I have always said, "I don't hate any music, I just don't like certain types, but I appreciate it all. It all takes talent." Rap has always been that type of music where I try not to hate and appreciate it, but if its on the radio, I can't help but turn it down or change the station. This kid started talking about rap and what he raps about. He started to talk about his dad and how he passed away and that before he died he promised him that he would succeed. He started talking about how no one in his family has graduated and how no one has gone to collage. He said he is going to try and succeed some how. If its school, a rapping star, whatever, I know this kid will succeed. He has something to keep him going. I know can look at rap music differently and truly appreciate it. I now know its not just words to a beat. It all means something. That's what music is, it's life. It's the perfect way to express how we feel. It doesn't matter if its some show tune from "Newsies" or Snoop Dog. They all have something in common. Hope. So don't hate, appreciate.