Untrapped

Music has always been a cultural connection for African-Americans. Even if people are experiencing a struggle, music has always been an outlet for people. "Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life, bringing peace and abolishing strife" - Khalil Gibran." This quote means music brings peace to the soul, eliminating anything bitter. In the documentary, Untrapped the story of Lil Baby, the Director reveals that struggle is real, but with determination, hard work, and consistency you can turn rags into riches.

Struggle and poverty play a critical role in this documentary as Dominique strives to become the number one rapper of the new generation. The tale was if you live in poverty you most likely wouldn't make it out. In Untrapped Dominique stated "kids my age were in jail, so I hang with people 23 and up." (11:01-12:00) Dominique's logical approach was to become a hustler because he was surrounded by older men who hustled. He began consistently hustling to make money. Because Domonique was another young black man trying to make it out of the streets, he got taken up in the system. After Dominique began his rap career, he was dedicated to giving back to his community. Dominique stated" I use my life problems to connect with music" He used his struggles to make lyrics to a song.

Throughout the film, there were multiple accounts where people spoke on behalf of Dominique's impact on the music industry and community. Dominique began working hard in the studio in 2019. By 2020 his album my turn went number one. Dominique believed he was the voice of the unspoken and unheard people. In the documentary his producer stated  "I saw the potential of him before he saw it." (30:45-30:59). Music plays a big part in my culture. Without music, people would not be able to come together and connect as a community. Watching and writing this documentary helped change my perspective on several aspects of life. Although you come from a struggle, poverty, or, little to nothing, with consistency, hard work, and dedication you have the willpower to do anything.

In the documentary, Baby spoke highly about how he always grinds. Watching this documentary gave me the motivation to keep going. He expressed how he found a way to connect to the culture, speak for us, and give back to his community all while working on music for the world. Everyone has the same 24 hours a day. It is up to you how you presume it. The consistency of his art got him to number one. If you consistently go for what you know to be where you want you can play later.

Lastly, writing and watching this documentary taught me patience. You can't rush the things you want in life. Everyone has a different path. Never envy the next person your time will come. In The documentary, Domonique grew up in poverty. The tale was that no one in poverty would make it out. Dominique beat the statistics. He waited his turn and became a major influence on today's generation. The documentary made me realize it's easier to work hard now and play later.

Reflection

Music plays a big part in my culture, without music people would not be able to come together and connect as much as we do through music. Watching and writing about this documentary changed my perspective on many things. For instance, although you come from a struggle of poverty or little to nothing, with consistency, hard work, patience, and dedication you have the willpower to do anything you want.

In the documentary, untrapped Lil baby spoke highly about how he was always a hustler. Anything Dominique wanted or put his mind towards he proceeded to get it. Watching this documentary gave me motivation and a view of the world I have yet to see. He expressed how he found a way to connect with his culture, speak for the unspoken, and give back to the community all while making money and producing music for the culture. The consistency of his art got him to number one. If you consistently strive to get where you want to be, you can rest later. Everyone has the same twenty-four hours a day. It's up to you how you presume it.

Lastly, writing and watching this documentary has taught me patience. you can't rush the things you expect out of life. Everyone has a different path. In the documentary, Dominique grew up in poverty. The tale was if you grew up in the projects you would not make it out. Dominique beat the statistic, he waited his turn and became a big impact on today's generation. Completing this assignment widens my perspective of the world. I learned to work hard now so I can play later.