"Lose Yourself" Eminem (Tone)

 A wide variety of tones such as: nervous, hopeless, confused, motivated, anticipated and courage are used throughout the song "Lose Yourself" by Eminem. Using these specific tones to help give the listener a sense of the emotional roller coaster that he goes through from the beginning of the song to the end of the song.
       As Eminem begins the song using a nervous, hopeless and confused tone to show how he felt when he was trying to show everybody he has a musical talent. Having to stand on stage, competing in rap battles and having to prove everybody wrong. The stress and pressure that he experienced caused him to lose his first battle and make everyone believe he was a "choke artist" and wasn't ready to compete against these other rappers. Eminem found himself having to make a decision that impact his future. This decision was whether to compete in these battles, or continue to live the poor and unsuccessful life he was currently living in.
     As Eminem decides to go and compete in the rap battle, he shifts the tone to a more positive and motivated tone. This transition and shift helps the listener understand the necessity and importance of succeeding. If Eminem loses these rap battles, his chance to become successful could disappear and he will have to return to his normal life. He knows he only has "One shot" and he can't "miss his chance to blow, this opportunity only comes once in a lifetime".
      Describing Eminem's dominating performances in these battles, and how he quickly finds himself rapping in the championship battle against the previous rap battle king; Eminem once again shifts the tone to a adrenaline rushing and highly anticipated tone. This tone is the most important tone and thoroughly shows the listener that he has achieved his goal and finally accomplished his dream of becoming the "best rapper to ever live in Detroit". Eminem is crowned the king and new opportunities await him, as he can finally earn money and help out his Mother and daughter.
     The tones used throughout the song helps the listener understand how he feels. The struggle he went through, and hard work he had to put in was so significant in this song because he had to overcome so much fear and pressure in order to become successful. This song reflects his emotions and concerns that he faced before finally deciding that he needs to prove to everyone wrong and show how talented he is.

"Rock n' Roll Band" & "Have A Cigar" Dual Thesis

     Using a first person perspective and set tone to portray the lack of care a record contract label shows towards new and upcoming bands, "Rock n' Roll Band" by Boston and "Have A Cigar" by Pink Floyd both set a tone of sarcasm that offends and disrespects these bands as they understand how money is the only thing these record labels care about and not the talent.

                                                                                 -Ryan Landry

Portraying the hard work and dedication that both artists put into their careers in rap music are shown throughout  "Now or Never" by Kendrick Lamar and "Til I Collapse" by Eminem as they both explain that they won't give up.