Black Alley
Learning MaterialsWordplay is brought to you by the Office of English Language Programs, American Music Abroad, and American Voices.
Artist: Black Alley
We have created lesson plans and a video series to use in the classroom. Scroll down to see all lesson materials or download the full package here.
Featured Song: “Be Me”
We have provided multiple formats for different classrooms, including:
- Official Music Video
- Lyrics-Only Video
- Audio Version
1. Official Music Video
“Be Me” by Black Alley
2. Karaoke (Lyrics-Only) Video
“Be Me” by Black Alley
3. Audio-only Version
“Be Me” by Black Alley
Be Me
Video Activities
Song Inspiration
Black Alley talks about the story behind their song.
About My Instrument
How the drums work with Black Alley’s style.
Spoken vs. Written
How speaking differs from writing, especially through lyrics.
Song Writing Process
How Black Alley writes their songs through storytelling.
Culture References
How “Be Me” is about being your authentic self.
Hood Rock Style
Black Alley’s unique genre of trap, rock, and gogo.
Discovering New Music
Black Alley’s trick to discovering new songs and artists.
Drumming Exercise
Learn some simple rhythms (even if you’re not a drummer).
Lesson Plans
Download these lesson plans for use in the classroom. Refer back to the videos above while teaching. These publications are available free of charge online: http://www.americanenglish.state.gov
Glossary
A2 Level Words
- already
- anymore
- free
- just
- let
- map
- over
- own
- perfect
- real
- still
- way
- while
B1 Level Words
- either
- performance
- somehow
- used to
- worth
B2 Level Words
- exposed
- lives for
C1/C2 Level Words
- acceptance
- perception
- endorsement
Snapshots
Click to watch!
Short question videos to use in the classroom to start new conversations in a modern “Stories” format.
The short games can be used with the Snapshot videos for a quick activity in the classroom.
SNAPSHOT ACTIVITIES
Snowball Fight
Students try to match answers to with the students who wrote them.
Stand Where You Stand
Students move to a specific spot in the room, and stand together to show answers to a prompt.
Quiz, Quiz, Trade
Students ask and answer a series of set questions in pairs.
Choreography
Students compete to remember gestures and sounds created for common vocabulary.
Count Me In
Students compete to make small groups as quickly as possible.
About The Artist
Black Alley
- Genre: go-go, hip hop, Hood Rock, rock
- Group Size: 5 members
- Location: Washington, DC, USA
- Artist’s Homepage: https://www.blackalleyband.com/
Washington, D.C. based BLACK ALLEY has been pushing the art of music to its rhythmic limits for some time now. Determined to create a unique musical elixir, Black Alley has taken the finest ingredients of rock, hip-hop, and go-go to create their own genre-bending sound called “Hood Rock”.
With endorsements from national recording artists such as Raheem DeVaughn and Jill Scott; hip-hop standouts Common, Big KRIT, & Wale; producers Tone P and Chucky Thompson; super engineer Young Guru; and legendary musicians Doug E. Fresh and Sheila E, Black Alley is striving to rock harder and put on for the culture.
In September 2017, BLACK ALLEY won Musicology’s first-ever Paisley Park Battle of the Bands in Minneapolis, MN. The contest, held at the late great estate of Prince, was judged by some of Prince’s former band members who worked closely with the legend. Even before the national recognition that came along with winning the Battle at Paisley Park, Black Alley was, and continues to be, one of the most followed, trend-setting, and sought-after music groups hailing from the nation’s capital.
Black Alley was also hand-selected to perform at the inaugural South By South Lawn Festival (SXSL) held at the White House and spearheaded by former President Barack Obama.
Classroom Survey
Tell us what you think! Participants of Wordplay programs worldwide are asked to complete this survey to help us deliver better programs every time.
Click here to complete: https://forms.gle/8Go6kfbH3g7WX8Mu9
Promoting the learning and teaching of American English around the world is an integral part of the Department of State’s efforts to foster mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. Increasing the English language capacity of audiences overseas deepens and enriches their engagement with American counterparts and builds lasting bridges between cultures. English language learning is also key to increasing access to the many exchange programs administered by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and other academic and professional exchange opportunities in the United States, particularly for potential grantees from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities. In addition, English language programs advance the Department of State’s economic statecraft and foreign assistance goals by expanding access to the local and global job markets, particularly among youth.
The Office of English Language Programs designs and manages programs to promote language learning and support the teaching of English in countries around the world. These programs are administered through local American Embassies and Consulates and are overseen by Regional English Language Officers. The Office of English Language Programs also provides academic expertise and develops English teaching and learning resources for use worldwide. The American English website provides links to multimedia resources and information on exchange opportunities for teachers and students of English as a foreign language.
Black Alley and other artists in the Wordplay program come from the American Music Abroad program. Visit americanmusicabroad.org for more information about the program and artists.
Wordplay is brought to you by the Office of English Language Programs, American Music Abroad, and American Voices.
More information available at:
https://americanenglish.state.gov/
