What values are preset in that ballad that may have influenced songs like “The Message” or “N.Y. State of Mind?

Answer: The main are values I found in John Henry’s ballad were work hard (be the best or achieve better than what they have) , and to maintain perseverance. The value of being industrious starts with an idea, or a dream. In the ballad he John Henry says in the beginning, “ When I grow up I’m gonna be a steel-driving man.” This is significant because he is saying that he wants to have an occupation rather than doing nothing his whole life. The same value of being industrious was soon in “The Message”. They rap about how the child says that he does not want to go to school, and all of the foolish things they have witnessed. Then they rap about how that is not smart. When I heard and read that part of the song, it let me know that they wanted out of their life style and that they wanted better. In “N.Y. State of Mind” Nas says, “ Investments in stocks, sewing up blocks.” He is saying that he wants better and he uses they way he does that is by using his writing lyrics and rapping. The other important value shown in the ballad and the songs is perseverance. In the ballad John Henrys lady shows perseverance because although he was killed she took the hammer and still went to work like a man. This value is shown in “The Message” because he says “Don’t push me’ cause I’m close to the edge.” He then explains his life and the this unsafe environment and we see his perseverance because he has not gone over the edge and he still endeavors for better. Also in “N.Y. State of Mind” Nas raps about a similar situation , but he talks about how his writing helps him to contend and that he knows he was made to write.