Prince Haiti, a recording artist from Haiti has been recording for several years and has been using his talent for a higher purpose. The 2011 track and video ‘Made It Out Alive’, was produced and created in behalf of the Haitian Relief Project. To further contribute to relief efforts. The music video tells of the courage, strength, endurance and long suffering with the ongoing struggle that the Haitian people have been contending with to recover from ‘the largest, most powerful earthquake that occurred in that region’ on January 12th, 2010. It was one of the most devastating earthquakes in the northern hemisphere and took the lives of thousands of people and contributed to thousands of persons missing, including Prince Haiti’s mother and sister. Prince Haiti brings within his performance, music and vocal abilities, a heart felt desire to help with the ongoing efforts to find missing persons and general relief. To encourage governmental authorities , charitable organizations, local authorities and citizens to continue their efforts in the search and recovery of missing persons, also, to aid in the rebuilding efforts. The video is dedicated to and for that ongoing effort.
The introduction of Made It Out Alive, is a solemn one indeed. A low rumbling sound giving the impression of wind is the foundation of this track. after four seconds another note follows, giving the impression of a tumbling effect. This gives the listener the further effect of a downbeat, followed by an actual news broadcast that precedes the initial musical introduction. Just as suddenly and unsuspecting as an actual earthquake would be, there is a build up to crescendo. That shows the creative side of the artist.Prince Haiti has the ability to create music that reflects an actual feeling and combine it with horrific realities. A soft secondary intro is cleverly introduced by piano to mimic a ‘calming ‘ feeling, followed by percussion that keep a steady beat, which by the way can be compared to a beating heart or marching. The stability of the rhythm provides a considerable amount of consistency. The piano play is a wonderful adoring and gives the song a comfortable feel that envelopes through to the end. ‘We won’t quit, we ‘ll keep on fighting, we gone keep on fighting .’
The first few lyrics and throughout the entire track, are a profound statement that sends the watcher and listener to ground zero of this disaster within their imaginations and in a reminder of this occurrence. That what ever the victims of that tragedy have gone through, are going through and what ever the results they are not going no where. Also perhaps an encouraging chant, possibly echoed by rescuers, digging through debris. The melody is sweet and soothing and Prince Haiti’s vocalization throughout the track are both electrifying and soothing. Bells and cymbals can be heard also throughout the track which give an impression of gradual change. ‘I’m almost finished’ ,’I won’t quit I’ll keep on fighting’is echoed thought the track. Overall, the desired effect is that of progression and change. A nice subtle change. Nevertheless, the track ‘Made It Out Alive’ stands alone in its background. It can be classified as hip-hop due to the rapping of the lyrics, however, it leads the foreground in music directed toward a type of beneficial leadership and is in a category by itself. Prince Haiti with his talent and skill and the ability to assist in overcoming this tradgedy and simultaneously encourage perseverance to assist in doing so in such a motivational creative way, via music video are a direct result and a constructive means of delegating action in the most effective meanofuniversally, through music. Prince Haiti has a style that is as refreshing as it is unique and I anticipate further recordings and am anxious to see the results of his continued efforts.
By Linda Dawkins
