Kalen Nicole

Culture: the customary beliefs, social forms, and material traits of a racial, religious, or social group; also the characteristic features of everyday existence (as diversions or a way of life) shared by people in a place or time (popular culture, southern culture -merriam-webster.com

In appreciation for the Migos’ album Culture, my obsession with analysis, summer and instrospection, I present an self-analysis of things and people has influenced my cultural perspective categorized by Migos hits.

This post is in no way intended to be satirical, just an analysis of culture in conjunction with my adoration of hip-hop music and being 21.

My culture derives from my experiences and how I was raised:

My culture is influenced my perceptions of right and wrong, normal and abnormal, and has constructed frameworks for which I interact with and assess others and perceive the world around me. Many of my biases are learned behaviors developed from my cultural upbringing. From my culture, I have developed a love for others and a habit of respecting everyone. Though my culture has had some negative influences on my perception, I believe that negativity is outweighed by the positivity. I was taught to respect others, even if I do not immediately relate to others or completely understand their customs. 

“If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.” – Isaac Newton

If I do any good in my life, it is because those before me and those around me have paved the way for me to succeed. This is a post acknowledging where I have come from and celebrating what has allowed me to be where I am today. This one is for my people, for my Migos and amigas.

With that being said, hit it DJ!

Bad and Boujee- 

Bad, a colloquial term whose understood meaning contrasts that of its literal meaning. To be bad and to be associated with Black womanhood is to be good. Bad implies being attractive, independent and desirable.

Throughout my public school tenure, there were very few students who looked like me. During adolescence, one’s feeling of attractiveness correlates to how much one feels in relation to the opposite gender. Being in the minority of Black students, feelings of self-consciousness derived from being in the minority and just being a teenage Black girl in America- I did not feel very attractive between 7th and 11th grade. Furthermore, I went to prom with a group of friends and we had a great time. At this time in life, I did not feel bad, but I believe I was still boujee.

Pipe It Up:

To me this song conveys getting high, with pipe serving as an abbreviation for crack pipe. My interpretation, differs from the song’s intention, which is simply to hype up the party or social gathering, in this case the word “pipe” is used to replace the more traditional word “hype”.

Despite the dichotomy of possible interpretations, I did not do drugs and or party in high school. I was very involved in extracurricular activities, excelled academically and maintained a part time job from 10th grade through graduation. My interests, priorities (and parents) differed from those of my peers, but I don’t really feel like I missed out on anything.

Out Yo Way: 

Any who know me, know that I love my parents! First they are easy to love, and second I’m an only child so there weren’t to many other adventure partners on deck.

They have sacrificed a lot to ensure that I had a shot to be successful, helping me study for tests, teaching me to read at age 3, helping with projects, endless prayers, support, coming to every one of my basketball games, selling Girl Scout cookies and believing in me.

When I’m nervous about something my dad has always said, “You’re just as good as everyone else.” This statement has allowed me to face every uncertainty head-on. My parents are my biggest supporters, not just for supporting the good I do, but also correcting me when I make a mistake and empowering me to be the best version of myself.

I’ve always been free-spirited, and now that I’m older, they’ve adopted the phrases, “Just do your thing.” or “Do you.”

They have truly gone out their way in raising me. I’m eternally grateful. Through God’s ordinance, their support has given me confidence, class, creativity and so much more.

Wishy Washy:

I am pretty private person. I’m open, honest and opinionated, but I have trouble opening up to people. I believe this was a learned behavior/ coping mechanism from dealing with inconsistency in the past.

Since beginning college, I believe I have gotten to be a better person and in turn a better friend. I’m pretty close with my circle and I am thankful to have them in life. Please behold: The Squad.

What The Price?

The relationships I have with my cousins cannot be bought.

They support me, know my mistakes, laugh at some of my jokes, call me grandma and love me unconditionally.

My cousins have served in several capacities in my development. As an only child, they were my siblings and close friends. As a minority in school, they validated my skin color and hair styles, when no one else looked like me. As my peers, they helped me form my identity through dialogue, shopping trips and life lessons.

We are all on college now, and we are closer than ever, “no surprise.”

I’m going to Takeoff now, but this post was fun and I hope it Offset some of my more serious topics. I’m Kalen Russell, and I have one question:

How you gon’ Big on Big?