My Critical Distance Always Changes

By February 19, 2018BlogPost

My critical distance alters numerous times depending on what I’m looking at. In particular, my hip-hop critical distance sways dramatically depending on which artist I’m listening to. For instance, artists I’m not an avid fan of (I.E. Drake, 21 Savage, Kyle, Jeezy, Kodak Black, etc.), my critical distance is usually more distal (unless the beat is too catchy, than I’m proximal). I think my mindset is like this because I’m not too attached to these artists, which let’s me view their music more objectively than closely subjectively. On the contrary, when I hear new songs from artists I love (I.E. Big Sean, Travi$ Scott, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator, etc.) I’m noticeably much more proximal. I most likely have this mindset because I’m overly attached to these artists and eagerly anticipate any move they make, whether that be music, clothing or anything else (like an interview or social media post). My proximal mindset will most likely continue with these artists’ new songs until I listen to said song about 10 ten times, which is when the initial “awe” of the song is typically subdued. From here, I can finally look at said new song with a much more clear mindset, focusing on it more objectively overall. I’ve noticed that this initial distal blocking results from my over attachment to these artists. Over attachment leads emotional blinding, which is something every passionate fan goes through.

2 Comments

  • Gerald says:

    I can agree to what you are saying about critical distance. It does changes when you listen to various artist. All artists have different flows and their beats are certainly different, or even when an artist rap on the same beat. Your critical distance changes and this was a good topic to discuss.

  • Ian Ware says:

    How do you not like Drake or Kodak Black? I mean I’m only guessing from the list you gave but it looks like you enjoy people who are real lyrist, guys who can really spit. I feel as though Drake has that a wittiness and a clever flow throughout his entire career. While Kodak Black is now more recently is starting to have real meaning in his tracks, for example, “Roll in Piece” and when he was featured on “Spar” with Dreezy and 6lack.