Nubian Message 02.20.13

THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XII, ISSUE 6 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n OCTOBER 17TH, 2012

Local Pastor Encourages Congregation Not to Vote Christopher Lynn | Staff Writer Kierra Leggett | Editor-in- Chief

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n August, Patrick Wooden, Pastor of The Upper Room Church of God in Christ in Raleigh, N.C. recorded a radio advertisement for the National Organization for Marriage in which he said, “President Obama has turned his back on the values of our community with his strong

endorsement of the homosexual President of the United States. movement… Join me in saying While the Church has al‘no more’ to President Obama.” ways been a uniting force and

Wooden is just one of the clergy are well respected in the many members of black clergy black community, many African encouraging their congregations Americans are not convinced that not to vote in this year’s Presiden- not voting is the right thing to do. tial election. Many feel that with “There will be many AfriPresident Obama supporting gay marriage, and Mitt Romney being can Americans who will say they a member of the Mormon Church, disagree with Obama’s stance on neither is a suitable candidate for that issue [gay marriage] but who

will [still] show up and enthusiastically vote for him on Nov.6,” said Kerry Haynie, a student at Duke University. He added, “There’s a tradition in the black church where the minister is seen as the leader of the congregation — but the minister is not a dictator.”

Ieisha Hall, a churchgoer at Wooden’s Upper Room Church of God in Christ said “I’m praying on it.” Hall also said that, “If God says

Pastor continued on pg. 2

N.C. State Drum Major: A Campus Celebrity

Diversity Week Begins with Columbus Panel

Kierra Leggett | Editor-in-Chief

T

Chelsea Gardner | Staff Writer

oday, N.C. State Marching Band Drum Major Aaron Thomas will get a haircut.

Thomas, 20, may not really need a haircut, but for the North Carolina native, Wednesday haircuts have become one of his pre-game rituals. “Typically the Wednesday before a game I get my haircut,” said Thomas, “Drum Majors don’t wear hats so I need to keep my hair fresh.”

On Monday, the African American Cultural Center, Africana Studies Program, and Multicultural Student Affairs in collaboration with various student organizations presented the MisEducation of Colombus: Columbus on Trial. In its second year, the program was held in the Washington-Sankofa Room of Witherspoon Student Center at 6 p.m. as a closing to Latino Heritage Week, and the starting program for Diversity Education Week.

One of N.C. State’s three drum majors, Thomas can be seen leading the N.C. State Marching Band during football games in the center of Carter Finley Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 57,583. With more than 50,000 pairs of eyes on him on any given game day, maintaining a good image is something that is important to join the Marching Band by to Thomas both on and off the field. after Walter Holmes, the first African In his words, “Image is everything.” American joined then, State College band director Dr. Paul Garcia, who Marching Band. During his audition, told him, “We’ll work with you.”

Thomas auditioned for and Thomas was required to play two was selected to join the N.C. State scales: Concert F- Scale and Concert Marching Band in 2010, 54 years D-Flat. He was selected on the spot

At the panel, students, faculty, and staff of various race and ethnicities gathered together to discuss and review the impact of Christopher Columbus in an educational platform.

Columbus continued on pg. 3

Celebrity continued on pg. 6

Nupe-tial Agreement Strikes Controversy DeErricka Green| Staff Writer

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obert Brown and As word of the video spread, The heartfelt video featured Nathanael Gay are gutsy. the Internet erupted with response. a collage of photos from the ceremony in front of family, friends This past month, the couple It was a source of conversation and Gay’s Fraternity brothers, set walked down the aisle in Lexington, on almost every social media site, to Jennifer Hudson’s “If This Isn’t K.Y. undeniably in one of the and “Kappa” became a trending Love.” The red and white themed “klassiest” wedding ceremonies of topic on Twitter after the public ceremony (or crimson and crème as the year. They then decided to share took notice that the men appeared some would argue) was complete this cherished moment with the world to be members of the prestigious with white tuxes, an excess of by posting a video on YouTube. Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. roses, horse-drawn carriage, and a young man carrying a sign that

Nupe-tial continued on pg. 3

2 |October 17th, 2012

NEWS

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Pastor continued from page 1

Columbus

One local area Christian academy principal, who decided to remain anonymous, said that he runs a biblically-based curriculum that features truths that mirror the Bible. He teaches that homosexuality is a sin, “but I feel it is up to the family nucleus to decide where they stand politically. It is not our job to sway the children to any political party, because there is a distinction between church and state.”

Nupe-tial continued from page 1

During the event, Ashley Gaie, a member of the Caribbean Student Association, presented the indictments of Columbus. The charges were murder, treason, and cultural genocide. The panelists for the discussion, Dick Reavis, Dr. Clifford Griffin, and Rosa Salvedía, were asked to give their opinions on the indictments.

Area clergy who feel Church and State should remain separate entities have responded to Pastor Wooden’s radio advertisement.

Wooden replied to Gratewood’s letter with a seven-page letter of his own in which he stated, “Those who are promoting same sex marriage are not even smarter than a fifth grader!”

Reavis, a journalism professor at N.C. State said, “The man was not a hero.” He described the cultural costs that Columbus was responsible for through the use of the Spanish military.

Wooden is not the only member of black clergy offering up the same propaganda. In July, black pastors led by the Reverend William Owens, President and Founder of the Coalition of African American Pastors launched a nationwide campaign in opposition of same-sex marriage. On the CAAP website is a Marriage pledge which if signed indicates a commitment to traditional marriage.

This is not Wooden’s first brush with controversy in regard to homosexuality. As reported by the Huffington Post, Wooden made remarks during one interview earlier this year in which he said the majority of gay men will need diapers and a “butt plug” to

allegedly cease their unmanageable bowels, caused by anal sex.

Purvis, a graduate of his church’s Upper Room Christian Academy.

Wooden made claims in another interview that, numerous gay men were rushed to the emergency room to have items including cellphones and baseball bats removed from their anuses. “I know of a case where in a hospital, a homosexual male had a cellphone lodged in his anus and as they were operating on him, the phone went off. The phone started ringing,” said Wooden.

Purvis was deemed ineligible to play by the NCAA on Aug. 4 after it began a review of the Upper Room Christian Academy and its academic credentials. Purvis was cleared to play on Sep. 17.

Upper Room Christian Academy’s Executive Director, John Amanchukwu, has disclosed however, that the school is closing down its middle and high

In addition to his contro- school programs. According to versy sparking comments about Amanchukwu the closings extend homosexuality, the presidential from a lack of school funding. ballot, and same-sex marriage, Wooden has been in the news lately surrounding the eligibility of N.C. State basketball player Rodney

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Sentinel of the African-American Community at North Carolina State University KIERRA LEGGETT | EDITOR - IN - CHIEF

STAFF WRITERS: DESTINY MCNEIL TORISHA DOZIER CHRISTOPHER LYNN DEERRICKA GREEN CHELSEA GARDNER JEESSICA JOHNSON ROBERT MARSHALL ALEXIS TEASDELL SEHDIA MANSARAY RYAN BARNES PHOTOGRAPHERS KALI SCURLOCK JASMON CANNON

Only with the permission of our elders do we proudly produce each edition of the Nubian Message.

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October 17th, 2012| 3

continued from page 1

so,” she will vacate the Presidential ballot instead of voting for Rom- ney, even though he disapproves of same-sex marriage, because she just doesn’t “believe in Mormonism.”

Reverend Curtis E. Gratewood, Minister of Faith Hope and Justice Ministries in Durham, N.C. penned a letter to Wooden in which he stated, “I will not sit idly by and allow Ministers such as you to cause our Christian community to be sidetracked with the blindfold of homophobia and as a result, lead the poor, the elderly, the sick, the captives, the children and the oppressed off a cliff and deeper into the ditches of divide and conquer.”

News

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Salvedía, a community activist and organizer, agreed.

She felt that it was important to discuss the cultural costs and tell the truth about Columbus. “It will change the future if we start talking about things as they really were,” she said. “I am here with all of those scars from those actions.”

Griffin, a political science professor at N.C. State, discussed Christopher Columbus’ depiction in American history books. “It’s a whole trajectory of misinformation,” said Griffin.

However, Griffin was conflicted in deciding how he would charge Christopher Columbus.

“If it weren’t for Christopher Columbus, I probably wouldn’t be here having this conversation.”

Salvedía said without hesitation, “Let’s convict him.” She told the audience that his indictments affected humanity. “This is not something to celebrate. …He didn’t do anything to promote any kind of advancement or enrichment.”

She continued by saying, “The objective of Columbus was to come and to take.”

Taylor Springs, the President of the Native American Student Association, gave a testimony discussing proactivity in putting an end to culture misrepresentation.

She said, “Seek wisdom, not knowledge.” To her, the purpose of this program was to gain wisdom and cultural competence. In addition to the panel, an 18-minute satirical video was shown depicting Christopher Columbus in present-day court. The video mostly discussed the violence of Columbus and the Spaniards. It stirred many different reactions based on the comedy and content.

Derek Oxendine, Assistant Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, challenged the audience to continue to reflect and discuss how Columbus affected them.

Sophomore Lea Rhynehardt said, “I never took the time to actually think about what Columbus did.

Come The Groo e r ms He

read: “Here Come the Grooms.”

Despite this elegant celebration of love, all across social media, as well as radio stations and news sites, the words of congratulations and support have been drowned out by the deafening roar of disapproval, not only from the public, but also some members of Kappa Alpha Psi.

Brown and Gay, as well as harsh personal opinion.

It was originally reported and further spread that both Brown and Gay are members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. However, this is not the case. Brown has confirmed, via Twitter that only his husband is affiliated with the Fraternity.

Other errors concerning the couple and the ceremony were corrected when Gay went on the nationally syndicated “Tom Joyner Morning Show” this past week in order to set the record straight.

Comments such as “[Brown and Gay] are supposed to be brothers, you don’t marry your brother,” “It was a mistake to associate [Kappa Alpha Psi] with their personal lives,” and “This is a disgrace to the principles Gay told Tom Joyner and [Kappa Alpha Psi] was founded the rest of the Tom Joyner Mornon,” extended across social media ing Show crew, “There was no outlets, radio and blogs across the affiliation whatsoever to Kappa country. in my wedding … this was not a

Many of these negative Kappa wedding…our colors were comments stemmed from not based off the Kappa colors like misinformation regarding most of the articles mentioned.”

DeErricka’s Opinion: Often times in our society, and especially the African American community, conversations about sexuality (not to mention “nontraditional” sexuality) tend to get brushed off and rest to the side. No one wants to talk about homosexuality and what that means to an individual’s “blackness.”

However, when homosexuality infiltrates the African American community in its storied institutions, like the church, fraternities or sororities, everyone creates uproar.

Robert Brown and Nathanael Gay’s decision to share their love and commitment to each other for the world to see should not be diminished to a debate about letters and color scheme. However, the prejudice revealed in this week’s worth of comments shows that this conversation is great needed.

But what really is all the fuss about? Is

Gay insisted that while the color scheme of the ceremony was red and white, comparable to crimson and cream (the official Fraternity colors), the theme was chosen as a symbol of their love. “My husband loves the color[s] red and white […] red and white is kind of a symbol of love,” said Gay.

Gay also speculated that though he and his partner did upload the ceremony video onto YouTube, he believes that a rival Greek organization reposted the video with the intention of it going viral: “I have no other choice but to believe that it came from another Greek organization. They took a great day …threw it out to the media and put a huge spin on it so that it would be very controversial and it became a disgrace,” said Gay.

this a debate about a man “demeaning” his fraternity, skin color, or the link between the two in a heteronormative society?

tional and physical love a common fixture of everyday life for the ancient Greeks,

Concerning the status of Gay’s affiliation to Kappa Alpha Psi, it has been confirmed that he is a member, but his husband is not. Many were up in arms because they believe it was a mistake for Gay to associate his fraternity with his lifestyle.

many men practiced what was known as pederasty: open sexual relationships between older men and adolescent boys. The older men would also mark boys with letters that they themselves wore, in order to show ownership.

Thus, for those in opposition, think about the ancient Greeks. Think about the idea that when a Greek Traditionally, in the ancient proudly displays his letters on Greek clothing, cul“No one wants to talk is ture, about homosexuality and he reprethere what that means to an senting was a individual’s ‘blackness.’” a society more that is modassociern ated accepwith a tance rich and of homosexuality. Most of beautiful tradition of homothe respected and revered erotic ideals.

Greek citizens were active

For those people, a small history lesson is in order.

participants in homosexual sex.

Not only was emo-

For the most part, the only regret Gay seems to have throughout this en-

tire ordeal is the backlash his fraternity has received.

To those people, here’s another lesson.

The fundamental purpose of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. is “achievement in every field of human endeavor.” These “nu-lyweds” willingness to live their truth and display an intimate moment for the entire world to see is a major step. This is an achievement that many people never see in their lifetimes, gay or straight.

Robert and Nathanael are both living up to the fraternity’s purpose, as well as redefining it with this major milestone.

This controversy put a damper on a beautiful display of commitment between two people who clearly love each other. It impresses upon us once more that honest conversation, not homophobic jokes, needs to occur in the African American community before homosexuality is fully accepted, let alone embraced.

4 |October 17th, 2012

Perspectives

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Romney Make Strides in Election Jeremiah Killimanjaro| Contributor In a recent poll Governor Mitt Romney has extended his lead by three percent over President Barack Obama nationwide. The sudden shift in momentum is undoubtedly the result of last week’s opening Presidential Debate as well as a less than stellar commentary by the current president. Governor Romney is enjoying his first lead of the campaign, however after an intense Vice-Presidential debate conducted this past Thursday night it remains to be seen whether or not this lead will carry out through Election Day on Nov. 6.

If these last few debates have taught us anything they show that these elections will provide no landslide victory for either candidate. Governor Romney’s dominance of the first Presidential Debate partnered with what many analyst view as a swift recovery

by Vice-President Joe Biden at the Vice-Presidential debates clearly illustrates this point.

This election, like many others will depend not on the adamant supporters of the candidates but rather the undecided voters in swing states. This past weekend Governor Romney traveled to Ohio

to speak on military spending as well as address the nation for the first time since the Vice-Presidential debate.

changed the tides? In my particular opinion if Romney can continue dominate the topics and conversation in the same fashion he has been then his momentum will carry him the

“I come to you with this rest of the way. commitment, when Paul Ryan and I become president and vice president- An argument can be made -and I mean when we become over logistics concerning moderators president and vice president--we and other semantics however in will do everything in our power to the grand scheme things when keep America strong,” said Romney the history books are written they as he addressed a crowd of thousands won’t say the 2012 presidency was outside of Lancaster, Ohio’s City decided by moderators. Needless to Hall. say we all have a duty to ensure that our voice is heard so I encourage

Despite these and other all of you to pack the polls on the enthused statements as well as 6th and remember that regardless of an impressive supporter turnout, who wins we still will need to stand support for President Obama in united as a nation. the state of Ohio still surpasses Romney’s by humble margins.

Knowing the importance of winning over the swing-states, Romney had this to say in his closing statement, “You’ve got to get your friends to help us win Ohio. If we win Ohio, we take back America; we keep this Send us a Letter to the country the hope of the Earth.”

Want to have your voice heard?

Prior to these debates public opinion of Governor Romney was questionable to say the least.

However, after these recent shake ups we have to wonder has Romney

The Haute Seat

editor@nubian.ncsu.edu

themselves, along with the rest of the world, desiring to be “cuffed” or tied down by a serious relationship.”

In addition to Urban Dictionary’s definition, Clutch Magazine gives five tips in preparing for “Cuffing Season.” These tips include “re-uping” on lingerie, finding a “go-to scent,” and perfect your pout with “kissable lips.”

I

n today’s society, the pressure on women to look beautiful is immense. In major magazines, with every flip of the page, there is a beautiful girl with flawless skin and long, flowing hair. This is something to be desired, especially since “Cuffing Season” is underway. For those of you unfamiliar with “Cuffing Season,” according to the Urban Dictionary it is when during “The Fall and Winter months people, who would normally rather be single or promiscuous, find

With all this in the midst, personal upkeep is critical, but misappropriation of this can also be critical. Recently, in this 70-plus degree weather, I’ve seen females wearing scarves and sweaters trying to overdress. Sure its 50 degrees in the morning, but by the time noon rolls around, it’s warm. While you’re still wearing your wool scarf and sweater, your neck smells like Sauna Juice.

Piling on tons of make-up doesn’t help either.

To me, you just end up looking like a pasty-faced bag lady. I know you’re trying to get “cuffed,” but not by the Fashion Police. So, to all of those being indicted on these charges, I hereby sentence you to the Haute Seat.

A Legacy of Hate

@chasej33: “Even the moderator caught Mitt Romney in a lie. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

@namemonte: “After more passion & fire from that debate, it is more clear that every eligible voter needs to weigh in. It’s too personal. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

@chasing_lYfe:“Many of us be-

lieved that the 2008 election was one of the most important ones. It was, but the 2012 one is more so than ever. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

@marshyJR: “Read between the rhetoric in this debate. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

Editor at

While the cold weather and prolonged indoor activity cause singles to become lonely and desperate to be cuffed, ladies, the fact that it is Cuffing Season is not your excuse to rock a $50 sew-in or try one of those make-up tutorials you watched on YouTube.

Christopher Lynn | Staff Writer

Here’s what you all had to say about Tuesday’s Presidential Debate on Twitter:

October 17th, 2012| 5

Perspectives

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@hi_imsarcastic:“it’s not a

women’s issue, it’s a family issue. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

Matthew Crittenden, a Senior majoring in Psychology captured this photo of the Free Expression Tunnel shortly after Midnight on Monday. Crittenden, 21, said ,“I’ve been here for four years, so I’ve heard about stuff like this before, but I’ve never been the person to find it. I was surprised, and what happened was a disappointing reality. I was most surprised to hear that people had seen it as early as Saturday. Conceivably, hundreds of people have walked past it.”

@MandaMandaShow_: “Pres.

Obama is more in his element with a town hall style debate. We have known since 2008 he’s not the best debator. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

@MrNewAttitude:“Nonverbal

communication is the sole winner within a verbal debate. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

@IX_BIllieJean:“Mitt Romney isn’t fit to be President because he continues to cut off President Obama. #NUBIANMESSAGE”

Want to see your tweet featured in the NubianMessage?

Live tweet with us Monday during the final Presidential Debate using the hashtag

#NUBIANMESSAGE

2008

Monday’s display of hate speech was not the first time that racial and homophobic slurs were found within the Free Expression Tunnel. In 2008, following the election of President Barack Obama the above was spray painted on the tunnel walls.

The graffiti led to a Secret Service investigation.

2010 Vandals took to the walls of the Free Expression Tunnel again in 2010.

Advertise

Your Voice: Are you surprised by the recent hate speech found in the Free Expression Tunnel?

“I am surprised that people are that bold to put hate speech in the tunnel.”

Chris Belton Sophomore Psychology

In

“I’m not surprised by this, because as a society we’re free to give our opinions about the differences in people. I feel hate speech makes people feel good about themselves, something like bullying .”

e Mit Patel Junior Computer Engineering

6 |October 17th, 2012

Lifestyle

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Celebrity continued from page 1

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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October 17th, 2012| 7

Black Cinema Takes Over The Silver Screen In the middle of the fall season, as films begin their hopeful campaign for award glory, there’s a lot for us to look forward to with regards to black cinema.

Alex Cross

DeErricka Green | Staff Writer

Release Date: Friday October 19th

The Man with the Iron Fists

Release Date: Friday, November 2nd

A junior, double-majoring in political science and communication, Thomas began playing the trumpet at age 12. He eventually transitioned to the mellophone. In 2010, he graduated from Harnett Central High School in Black River Township, N.C. but not before leading the Harnett Central Band as drum major during both his junior and senior year of high school.

Having enjoyed his experience as drum major in high school, Thomas entered college with his heart set on one day leading the N.C. State Marching Band. “Coming out of high school, the drum major experience was really fun. I knew on the collegiate level it would be a lot harder, more challenging and [that there would be] more expectations, but it was something I looked forward to,” said Thomas.

As drum major, Thomas’ responsibilities

include not only leading the band during game hazing is very prevalent, but I feel like for day performances but also assisting the band someone to be in danger doing something they director and leading practices. “I literally do enjoy…I just don’t agree with that,” said Thomas. stuff for the band every day,” said Thomas.

One of the only African Americans to Despite his busy schedule and the hold a leadership position within the N.C. State challenges of balancing school and band, Thomas Marching Band this year, for Thomas this does still makes time to give back to the community, come with a sense of pressure, however he also assisting the Broughton High School Band views it as a “huge honor to carry on the legacy.” during their Tuesday and Thursday practices.

A campus celebrity in his own right, While he currently helps out as a volunteer, Thomas is looking to gain a permanent position. Thomas is constantly recognized on campus as “the guy who makes hand gestures on the A marching band enthusiast, Thomas was field during football games.” However, with surprised to learn about the recent investigation plans of obtaining his Master’s Degree in of hazing taking place within the North Carolina Broadcast Journalism from Howard University, Central University Marching Band, and even Thomas does not mind all the attention; in more so about the death of Florida Agriculture fact it’s his favorite aspect of being a drum and Mechanical University Drum Major, Robert major. “Just knowing that someone is always Champion, “I know in a lot of the HBCU bands, watching you, someone is always looking up to you whether you’re on the field or off the field, it’s a great feeling,” said Thomas.

The feature film directorial debut of Wu-Tang’s feared leader, The Man with the Iron Fists is a high profile project on almost everyone’s “to-see” list. It stars RZA himself, as well as Russell Crowe, Pam Grier, Lucy Liu and former WWE superstar David Bautista. With a line up like that, plus Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth as producers and a $20 million budget, how can this film be anything but awesome?

The movie centers on feudal China, where, since his arrival, a blacksmith (played by RZA) has been forced to create tools of destruction by radical tribes. When war breaks out in the village, the blacksmith is put in the position where he must use ancient energy to transform himself into a human weapon. Fighting against treacherous villains, the blacksmith must find the strength and power to become the savior that his village needs.

Brooklyn Castle

Release Date: Friday, November 2nd

What’s On Aaron’s Ipod?

“The Greatest Love of All”

- Whitney Houston “Baby I’m Read” -Gerald Levert

“Beauty” - Dru Hill

This documentary premiered at the South by South West film festival this past spring where it won the award for Best Documentary. Brooklyn

Castle tells the story of I.S. 318, an inner-city junior high school that is home to a chess team that has won more national championships than any other in the United States.

Now, a series of deep budget cuts threatens to undermine everything these kids have worked to accomplish. This film follows the challenges these minority students face in their personal lives, as well as in their sport, and how despite everything they continue to checkmate the odds.

Brooklyn Castle paints an incredibly moving portrayal of African American (and other minority) youth that is rarely seen on screen; this is a documentary that could never put audiences to sleep.

This film probably has raised the most eyebrows since trailers hit the airwaves. Adapted from the James Patterson series starring a doctor/police detective/ psychologist, the film tells the thrilling story of Dr. Cross’ face off with a serial killer known as “The Butcher”. As an ex-

operative, “The Butcher” is easily one step ahead of the police at all times. When the battle becomes personal between Cross and the killer, it seems the doctor has met his match. Will he stop at nothing to capture this murderer?

From the plot, it seems as though this movie would have audiences glued to their seats.

Why the eyebrow then? Alex Cross stars Tyler Perry as the lead character in his first action role.

Though Idris Elba was originally slated for the role (the ladies would have loved that!), when the film changed production companies and directors, it was Perry that sealed the deal. Tyler Perry, action star? Granted, the short two-minute trailer with a shirtless scene is too short to judge his potential prowess in the role, but once you have seen a man portray a gun toting, chain smoking, Amazon grandma for over six years, it’s hard to think of them as anything else. Perhaps Madea should have been cast as Alex Cross instead.

Flight Release Date: Friday, November 2nd film Washington stars as Whip Whitaker. Whitaker is an airline pilot that, incredibly, lands his plane when a malfunction takes place mid-air, saving everyone on board in the midst. He is hailed a hero, but because of the added attention and a FAA investigation into the malfunction, Whip’s substance abuse problem is brought to the limelight. Questions arise as to what was really at fault that day, or who? Flight brings director Robert Zemeckis back into live-action films (his last was 2000’s Cast Away, starring Tom Hanks). This, along with Don Cheadle and Garcelle Beauvais co-starring makes Flight sound like an dramatic Let’s be honest: anything starring Denzel Washington is an automatic doozy of a film. must-see for most of us. Flight seems like no exception. In this

8 |October 17th, 2012

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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Food & Liquor 2: A Great American Rap Album Part 1 Shawn Murray| Contributor

A review of Lupe Fiasco’s third album.

A

fter being in production for four years, it has finally arrived— Food and Liquor 2: The Great American Rap Album (FL2). Fans have long awaited the release of this album as well as the return of the socially conscious stylings of rapper Lupe Fiasco.

The sequel to his highly praised debut album Food and Liquor, Lupe comes back with a lyrical vengeance as he commentates on everything that is wrong with this broken, yet functional world that we live in.

From beginning to end, Fiasco fans will love this album, which offers everything that every Fiasco fan wants: great melodies and beats, hard hitting conscious lyrics, and great features that add to Fiasco’s tracks, rather than take away from them.

The introduction, a hard-hitting, sociallyawakening spoken word selection delivered by Fiasco’s sister Ayesha Jaco, sets the tone for the overall album. As you dissect its every line, you find little messages wrapped inside a bigger one. With the intro, listeners will know that this is not an album for those who seem to be living in a world where they see nothing wrong.

First set to be released in June 2009, the release of FL2 was postponed due to the release of Fiasco’s L.A.S.E.R.S album.

FL2 points out some of the flaws and hypocrisy society brings upon us, including

Many critics bash Fiasco for addressing controversial flaws which no one really seems to the same issues over and over again. Fiasco speak upon, as if they were taboo. Social problems responds to those critics with a sort of lyrical like police corruption and single parenting middle finger saying, “I know you’re sayin’, (“Strange Fruition”); fiscal responsibility, ‘Lupe rappin’ ‘bout the same s**t’/ Well, gangs and gun control (“ITAL [Roses]”); the that’s ‘cause ain’t s**t changed, b***h.” use of the n-word (“Audubon Ballroom”); and sex abuse in the church (“Lamborghini

Now days, everyone in the rap game is Angels”) are just some of the underlying rapping about the same central subjects (women, themes that are addressed on the album. money, drugs, clothes, and cars), but marketing it differently. Not too many rappers are Social awareness has always been a addressing current social situations that seem to trait in Fiasco’s music as he wraps them [wraps be a constant in their audience’s day-to-day life. what?] all into clever lyrical stories. “B***h Bad” is a prime example of his story telling

“Cash rules everything,” Fiasco skills, as he breaks down the popular phrase, said in a song (Around My Way) featured “Bad B***h,” and how it affects the perspectives on the new album - sort of a spin-off from of both young males and females in the world. the Wu Tang Clan’s acronym C.R.E.A.M. (Cash Rules Everything Around Me).

“Disclaimer: this rhymer, Lupe, is not usin’ ‘b***h’ as a lesson…Just like

Coming off the heels of his last album that, you see the fruit of the confusion/ He L.A.S.E.R.S, which received mixed reviews caught in a reality, she caught in an illusion” amongst his fan base, FL2 is a great improvement.

Ryan’s Rundown: The Latest in Pop Culture Chris Brown Breakup Chris Brown publicly announced his breakup with his model girlfriend Karrueche (KA-ROO-CHI) Tran due to his renewed “friendship” with Rihanna. “”Karate Kick” was the first serious relationship that Brown had been involved in since his violent fallout with Rihanna back in 2009. Brown released a statement saying, “I have decided to be single to focus on my career, I love Karrueche very much but I don’t want to see her hurt over my friendship with Rihanna.” No shocker there… In August Rihanna confessed that she still loved Chris in an exclusive interview with Oprah and went out of her way to hug and

kiss him at the MTV Music Video Awards show. Brown also released a short, minute and half long, video titled “The Real Chris Brown” where he vents to the camera about loving two people at the same time. Since then, Chris Brown and Rihanna have been seen out partying together quite frequently while poor little “Karaoke” has been at home tweeting sad thoughts. Even though the future looks bright for Rihanna and Chris brown’s rekindling flame, I doubt this is the end of this love triangle. We will probably see more of “Kibbles n’ Bits” in the future.

Album Art for Food & Liqour 2 If you are a fan of good – pardon me – great music, then I advise you to buy this album. I guarantee that this is one for the collection and a musthave (in addition to all his previous albums).

If you are socially unaware and think that this world is perfect, then you need this album.

Very powerful lyrics and unique features over good beat selections are what make this album one for the collection and such a strong work of poetic and lyrical art.

It is hard to come by albums that stand out as much as this one. Especially in an era of hiphop where “Bandz a Make Her Dance,” yet social inequalities will not even make her think twice.

This album is exactly what hip-hop needs: a social awakening of what is going on in the black community, as well as the world.

Gunplay Arrested

Less than two weeks ago a video surfaced on the Internet showing Gunplay being assaulted, beaten, and slammed by 50 Cent and his G-Unit goons during the filming of the BET Hip Hop awards.

He willing turned himself in to police early last week after his public altercation with G-Unit drew attention to his still active warrant for an earlier assault on his accountant. Gunplay is currently being charged with armed robbery and aggravated assault with a firearm and could serve life in prison if convicted on both charges.

Cleveland Bus Driver Uppercut

Last week a video went viral online showing a Cleveland Regional Transit Authority bus driver, Artis Hughes, delivering a savage, Mortal Kombat style finishing move uppercut to a female passenger. The passenger was 25-year-old Shidea Lane. The bus driver attacked the woman, who initiated the fight, after he was cursed at, spit on, and finally punched. The video sparked much controversy over the timeless debate of it never being acceptable

for a man to hit a woman. During the video, Hughes can be heard telling onlookers, “I don’t care.

She want to be a man, I’m going to treat you like a man.” Neither Lane nor Hughes pressed charges after the incident. The altercation took place on September 18th however; Regional Transit Authority officials received word of the video on last Thursday and chose to suspend Hughes until a full investigation has been conducted.