Mesmerize

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

• hottest
• charts
• all over
• blowing up

• hit
• smash hit
• deep
• gruff

• countered
• hardcore
• sensitivity
• duet

• thug
• at the top of their game
• bumpin'

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

“Mesmerize” is one of the hottest songs on the charts. It’s playing over and over again on radio stations across America and the video is all over MTV. Performed by Ja Rule and Ashanti, the song is simply blowing up. It’s no big surprise though. Both Ja and Ashanti have had big hits on their own, and one of their other songs, “Always On Time” was a monster smash too.
Read on to learn more about “Mesmerize.”

Dialog

1. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Ja Rule is one of the most popular performers on the hip-hop scene. He’s has an extremely deep and gruff voice that sounds really good when countered by a soft and smooth voice like Ashanti’s. Ja’s lyrics have an interesting mix of hardcore attitude and soft sensitivity. “Mesmerize” is a great example of both Ja’s ability to perform beautiful duets, as well as his great songwriting capability. Check out some of the lyrics:
[Ja] Girl your stare, those eyes I
[Ashanti] Love it when you look at me baby
[J] Your lips, your smile I
[A] Love it when you kiss me baby
[J] Your hips, those thighs I
[A] Love it when you thug me baby
[J] And I can’t deny I
[A] Love it when I’m with you baby

 

Quizzes

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Lesson MP3

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