THE TIME I MET TRAVIS SCOTT AND THE WHOLE A$AP MOB
(Word Count: 779)
Now I know what you're thinking. You're probably interested in how i met rapper Travis Scott, and am friends with the whole rap group A$AP mob.
A$AP MOB
In fact, you're probably slightly jealous. It was quite funny actually. Before I tell you how, you're going to need to know some background info. But don't just skim down, looking for the part I dive deep into the story you're most likely very jealous about, because i'll know - and i'll be disappointed. To start, I grew up in a town right next to Rutgers, Edison, New Jersey. The town is so big they had to split it into 3 different zip codes, and even 2 different high schools. My entire senior class consisted of about 650 students and their were about 2400 students at the school - to give you some context of how big my school was, it would take me 5 minutes to go from one end of the building to the other.
My High School
Top Golf - another hangout spot in Edison
Living in Edison genuinely felt like living in a city sometimes. It always amazes me that people drive upwards of 20 or 30 minutes just to come spend time at a mall that is just 5 minutes away for me and my friends. A lot of my high school days were spent hanging around this mall, since it was so close to my high school. Ironically however, almost everyone I know from Edison absolutely hates Menlo Mall! They often drive to Bridgewater or somewhere else far away for the same experience here. Just goes to show how too much of something can ruin that experience.
Menlo Mall
Where I Grew Up
Getting my license on my 17th Birthday was a life changing moment for me. For those of you who remember your first time being able to drive, - even if you still shared a car with a family member like i did through high school - it just gives you a new level of freedom. Being able to drive where you want, finally gave me that sense of being an "adult". Driving to school, driving to go hangout - even driving down the street to get milk was an exhilarating experience - I loved every moment of it. Of course, soon after the many, many, MANY, responsibilities of becoming an Adult came on to me. I miss the simpler days - where having the best Pokemon or deciding between the tropical or fruit punch CapriSun was the biggest concern. Here's a picture of me as a kid. DO YOU THINK BABY ANEESH WAS WORRIED ABOUT PASSING CALCULUS?
"Watchu lookin at?"
"Yeah Yeah that's cool man, but where's the part about Travis Scott and the mob??"
Patience is key, we're almost there I promise. To fully understand the story, I need to tell you more about myself!
First of all, all throughout my life I've always been into music. I spend hours a week trying to find new music and discover more people. I am a strong believer that no matter what mood you are in, no matter what's going on in your life - music can help you escape into a different reality. One of my all time favorite artists is indeed Travis Scott.
Meek Mill's Album: Dreams and NightMares
I'm also a huge fan of A$AP Ferg from the A$AP Mob and Meek Mill. There's often a lot of stereotypes when it comes to Hip-Hop music these days - saying their all about gang affiliation and drugs and money. While those things are included in the culture of hip-hop, I also see songs talking about a Hustle. Dreams and Nightmares talks about living up to your potential - that no matter where you start from, you can end up on top and successful. Hip-hop motivates me to study harder, work harder, and be a better person.
One of my favorite songs
Alright, so now you know all about me, where I grew up, somethings I value dearly, and some of my music tastes. Now, I haven't been completely honest with you, and I'm not really too sure how to tell you all this. So um... uh, I never exactly really um *met* Travis Scott or A$AP Mob - I kind of just said that so you'll click on the title, and I said it's at the end so you'd pay more attention to my Blog. Yikes this is kind of awkward now. If it makes you feel any better, this one time i fell pity to clickbait to. *MAKE 1,000 DOLLARS A WEEK FROM HOME* the article said. It even said the Washington Post - which I later found out was misspelled. Man, there are liars all over the internet. Shame on those guys - people really need to be more honest these days.
I'm one of the people that drive about 25 minutes to Menlo Mall from East Brunswick because our local mall can't even be called a mall. Edison was the place to go for food and entertainment for my friends. I lived on the far side of town so I couldn't get anywhere without a car and having the luxury of my own car I became everyone's chauffeur. Living in such a large town a car gives you freedom that most people take for granted. Although I'm disappointed you didn't have an actual story about Travis Scott and the A$AP Mob the title did get me excited. The Work remix is my go to song for a pump up song at the gym. I had a chance to see Kanye West, ScHoolboy Q, and Kendrick Lamar live but Kanye West was rained out at Governor's ball two years ago, and Kendrick Lamar couldn't make it to Governor's ball last year for ScHoolboy Q's set which are probably the biggest disappointments in my life.
Sam, I am jealous. You've met people I've actually heard of! Good response--this is exactly right, to key on a point the writer has made and add your own experience. You'll have to tell us the Kanye West story some time. And yes, it's crazy how some music is perfect for gym work-outs. That's the power of some of these more well-known musicians, they change how we feel.
You have such a strong and funny voice. I love that you are doing a direct address to the reader (as in "you are probably wondering..." This is smart----it draws the reader and creates a closeness that's hard to get with other forms of address. You've also created suspense (as you are well aware...). This is another smart technique in writing, because it keeps the reader engaged, makes us turn the page. You even caution us not to speed ahead, knowing that we will want to. HOWEVER, in fiction, I would call this an "ah-ha"' ending. An "ah-ha" ending is like a "gotcha," it means that you're playing with the reader and then we leave the story feeling tricked and disappointed. The most popular form of this trick in fiction is to end with "it was all a dream!!" So, keep your reader in mind, or you will lose us. That said, your dealing in the specifics (naming the mall, explaining how there are three different zip codes to give us a sense of size), keeps us invested. Keep doing that. Keep giving us all the details that you can. You're writing is funny and fun to read. Hang on to that spark, and push yourself to give the reader even more than you think she needs. Lastly, consider adding some links. I am so totally uncool that I don't know who Travis Scott is. It's hard to admit. You'll have to catch me up. P.S. If you haven't already, try watching the British version of The Office. It's nightmarish and uncomfortable and utterly enjoyable.
You got me with the title completely, and I'm into every artist that you mentioned in this blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm one of the people that drive about 25 minutes to Menlo Mall from East Brunswick because our local mall can't even be called a mall. Edison was the place to go for food and entertainment for my friends. I lived on the far side of town so I couldn't get anywhere without a car and having the luxury of my own car I became everyone's chauffeur. Living in such a large town a car gives you freedom that most people take for granted. Although I'm disappointed you didn't have an actual story about Travis Scott and the A$AP Mob the title did get me excited. The Work remix is my go to song for a pump up song at the gym. I had a chance to see Kanye West, ScHoolboy Q, and Kendrick Lamar live but Kanye West was rained out at Governor's ball two years ago, and Kendrick Lamar couldn't make it to Governor's ball last year for ScHoolboy Q's set which are probably the biggest disappointments in my life.
ReplyDeleteSam, I am jealous. You've met people I've actually heard of! Good response--this is exactly right, to key on a point the writer has made and add your own experience. You'll have to tell us the Kanye West story some time. And yes, it's crazy how some music is perfect for gym work-outs. That's the power of some of these more well-known musicians, they change how we feel.
DeleteDear Aneesh,
ReplyDeleteYou have such a strong and funny voice. I love that you are doing a direct address to the reader (as in "you are probably wondering..." This is smart----it draws the reader and creates a closeness that's hard to get with other forms of address. You've also created suspense (as you are well aware...). This is another smart technique in writing, because it keeps the reader engaged, makes us turn the page. You even caution us not to speed ahead, knowing that we will want to. HOWEVER, in fiction, I would call this an "ah-ha"' ending. An "ah-ha" ending is like a "gotcha," it means that you're playing with the reader and then we leave the story feeling tricked and disappointed. The most popular form of this trick in fiction is to end with "it was all a dream!!" So, keep your reader in mind, or you will lose us. That said, your dealing in the specifics (naming the mall, explaining how there are three different zip codes to give us a sense of size), keeps us invested. Keep doing that. Keep giving us all the details that you can. You're writing is funny and fun to read. Hang on to that spark, and push yourself to give the reader even more than you think she needs. Lastly, consider adding some links. I am so totally uncool that I don't know who Travis Scott is. It's hard to admit. You'll have to catch me up. P.S. If you haven't already, try watching the British version of The Office. It's nightmarish and uncomfortable and utterly enjoyable.
Honestly such a lit post, when I saw your post I thought about when I saw them live in concert it made me think about how lit they are . #RIPYAMS
ReplyDelete