In the reading, Lessig uses the example that, with a brief given in court, "Everything is drawn from cases that went before, presented as if the argument now presented is in fact nothing new" (52). The similarity with Lil Wayne's song is that a majority of the aspects in his song (rhyming patterns, punchlines, timing, etc.) draw from Wiz's original creation and change it only in some minor aspect. For example, in his chorus for Black and Yellow, Wiz raps "screamin' that's nothin', when I pulled off the lot, that's stuntin'." Alternatively, Wayne's chorus includes him rapping "Pittsburgh Steelers, that's nothin', that Super Bowl ring, that's stuntin'." This remix pays homage to the catchy rhymes and clever timing which made the original so popular by making slight changes throughout the song.
These changes, however, completely alter the message of the song from an ego-boosting anthem about cars, money and Pittsburgh to a song purely cheering on the Green Bay Packers. Lessig states that "The remix is meant to do something new" (52). The contrast in message from Wayne's song and the original is multiplied by the fact that the two cities represented by each artist would soon face each other in the Super Bowl. It seemed like Wayne, a known Packers fan, wanted to even the playing field heading into this huge game by giving Green Bay an anthem similar to the one Steelers fans had been playing all season. Therefore, he altered the message with his remix and did something new.
I really liked Lessig's way of summing up the two sides when discussing how creativity will be governed: whether the "ask permission" norms be extended from film and music to text or the norms of "quote freely, with attribution" spread from text to music and film (55). It's interesting that he's separated the choices this way instead of just public vs. private because, in his representation, the conflict is not simply about monetary issues, but rather attributing ideas to or acknowledging the work of the original creator. Wayne doesn't flat out say "Thanks Wiz for the beat, I'll take it from here", but rather he pays homage to the style and creativity that makes the song so good, which in my opinion shows even more respect and appreciation for the original. He could've just taken the beat from Black and Yellow, made up a completely different chorus and changed the rhyme scheme and flow so that the remix had barely and resemblance to Wiz's song. This remix, however, seems to "cite" the widely popular original song by using such strong similarities that it's quality of being a remix is undeniable.
Interesting post (and brownie points for the Packers reference...as a Lil' Wayne fan, when I heard this song before the Super Bowl, needless to say I was beyond happy). I'm curious here if you think his use of Wiz is a purposeful citation for those who get it? Or is it a use of something that he liked that provided a good template for his song? Either way, I suppose it's a remix but for Lessig, these 2 options might hold different weight.
ReplyDeleteGood analysis. I love hip hop and I like the song (both versions) but I am a little tired of some songs being remixed over and over like "Black and Yellow" and a bunch others.
ReplyDeleteEven if they are good.
Nice post. Really good song. I agree with Simon, there comes a point of saturation with remixes. I like to compare it to movie sequels. Most of the time, the first movie is the best one. But every once in a while a good one will come along and blow us all away (like this one). It's when you remix something too much that it starts to lose meaning.
ReplyDeleteIts all about the packers! and the remix Wayne did for the superbowl was good. I almost like the remix version better. Even though the remixes of black and yellow (and other popular hip hop songs) might sound repetitive, the fact of the matter is that this particular remix was sending a message in support of the packers. Thats what a good remix is all about.
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