The Nubian Message

THE SENTINEL OF THE AFRICAN AMERICAN COMMUNITY AT NC STATE UNIVERSITY

NUBIAN MESSAGE

RALEIGH, NC n VOL. XI, ISSUE 11 n THENUBIANMESSAGE.COM n JANUARY 23, 2013

2 |January 23rd, 2013

Upcoming Events Jan. 24 |

The Revolution Will NOT Be Televised

To discuss the perception of African Americans in movies from the 1980s to present.

Sankofa Room, Witherspoon 126

Jan. 26 |

CSLEPS MLK Service Challenge

Help youth learn about MLK and the importance of service through participating in a large service project.

9:00am, Witherspoon

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50 Years of Progress and Change: I Was There Kelly Darden Contributor

O

n Monday, the 50th anniversary

On a lighter note we were able to see several

close to the lectern. Initially my assigned

of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s

celebrities entering the grounds including

area to watch the ceremony was behind

“I Have A Dream” speech, the

Tatyana Ali, Patti Labelle, Gabrielle Union,

the media wall on the jumbotron. After

nation’s capital was flooded as individuals

Katy Perry, and John Mayer. Of course there

making several trips around the area, I

of all creeds, nationalities, religious

were more but the biggest of the day were

ended up directly in front of the stage.

backgrounds and economic status came

Jay-Z, Beyonce, and everyone’s favorite

While there were some guests who weren’t

together to celebrate and witness the second

Scandal actress, Kerry Washington.

too happy with my relocation, including

inauguration of President Barack Obama I was one of those witnesses.

I traveled with my aunt but we quickly met people from all over the country. Within 30 minutes of arriving in Washington D.C. I’d made friends with people from Los Angeles, Dallas, Toledo,

Jan. 30 |

Gun Control, Gun Rights

Are you safe on campus ? Come discuss why or why not.

Sonfoka Room, Witherspoon 126

Harlem and everywhere in-between.

This year’s inauguration was said to have had a disappointing drop in attendance compared to the 2009 inaugural ceremony, but anyone who was there can contest that.

The crowd featured many a personalities including one activist who climbed 30 ft

Jan. 30 |

50 Shades of Red: the 3rd Annual Date Auction

Tickets $3 in advance from any W.E.S.T member. $5 at the event.

25% of proceeds will be donated to Dress for Success Triangle 7:00pm, Talley Ballroom

into a tree with a sign that read, “Pray for no abortion,” and made jeers at the President throughout the entire ceremony.

Needles to say, he was greeted by a swarm of police and handcuffs when he finally climbed down.

Although I attended the first inauguration, this time was more important for myself and others around my age. As a first time voter, it was rewarding to know that however small, I had some influence on the election.

During the inauguration, I spent all day talking to people from all over the

a man who was livid after having had his $5000 seat taken, this vantage point allowed for me to turn and see the crowd of over 800,000 people stretched across the mall, as President Obama solidified his career for another four years.

Beyonce being just 200 feet away as she sang the national anthem didn’t hurt either.

country and one of the most interesting

As a young adult I’ve become more

things to me, was that President Obama’s

invested in understanding the political

African American heritage didn’t hold

process and especially how it affects college

much importance to many people. DeKarlos

students. Seeing President Obama gave me

Blackmon of Huntsville, Ala. said, “I respect

a firsthand glimpse at change in America.

President Obama and what he represents to many people, but more importantly what he represents as President and its duty. Now isn’t the time to look at him as the “black” President but instead the President who happens to be black.”

While there are already questions about the 2016 presidential race and who will take over after the Obama Era, one thing is for certain— we have the next four years to enjoy the Obama family in the White House.

One of the most memorable moments of the whole inauguration was being so

Nubian Message

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

STAFF WRITERS: CHRISTOPHER LYNN RYAN BARNES DESTINY MCNEIL AUSTIN GREEN SHAWN MURRAY AMANDA MCKNIGHT KALI SCURLOCK AARON THOMAS DEVONTE KEITH ALFRED ANDERSON TRAVIS GATLING ROBERT MARSHALL

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

Dr. Yosef ben-Yochannan: Dr. John Henrik Clark: Dr. Leonard Jeffries: The Black Panther Party: Mumia A. Jamal: Geronimo Pratt: Tony Williamson: Dr. Lawrence Clark: Dr. Augustus McIver Witherspoon: Dr. Wandra P. Hill: Mr. Kyran Anderson: Dr. Lathan Turner: Dr. M. Iyailu Moses: Dokta Toni Thorpe and all those who accompany us as we are STILL on the journey to true consciousness.

COPYRIGHT 2011 BY NORTH CAROLINA STATE STUDENT MEDIA, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

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January 23rd, 2013| 3

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Through Kelly’s Lens: Inauguration 2013 Photos by: Kelly Darden

President Obama greeting the crowd.

View of the Capitol Building.

Songtress Beyonce Knowles, singing the national anthem at the close of the inaugural ceremony.

Activist prostesting abortion in tree during convocation.

Kelly with actress Rosario Dawson during the inaugural ceremony.

4 |January 23rd, 2013

News

nubian message

“White Flight,” A Result of New Student Housing Complex Aaron Thomas Staff Writer

T

he rise of new student

pool parties and game nights,

apartments took over

and depending on how many

the city of Raleigh last

friends you have that live here,

year, giving students the option

you may have to get used to not

to live the lap of luxury.

having anyone to talk to. I think the most comfortable place here

Granite countertops,

is the gym.”

stainless steel appliances and state-of-the-art fitness centers

Developers constructed The

are some amenities that these

Retreat project for those who

apartments feature. The level

are able to afford its monthly

of luxury often experienced by

price tag. Located over the hill,

successful career persons is now

Apartments at The Retreat

available for students; so long as they are willing to pay up.

is evident. Though the curb “withdraw”

appeal is nice, some aren’t

or “draw back,” The ability to live in

it is in an area where wealth

buying into it.

generally from

affordable off-campus housing

danger. In a way, this

is good enough for some

lavish community

built beside Wolf Creek to

students. For others, paying

gives white students

contrast in appearance, that is,

more for the “at-home”

the ability to

the style, pool, and amenities,”

experience may be worth the

“retreat” from Wolf

said Leesa Moore a senior in

extra bucks. In most cases,

Creek, a complex

Communication and Film

white students are the ones able

that is heavily

Studies. “It’s more alluring, but

to afford these prices, leading

populated with

many to inadvertently engage

black students.

in “white flight” from once popular student complexes.

The Retreat opened in August 2012, giving students

“White flight,” as defined

the option to live in cottage-

“I think The Retreat was

To the left of the fence, is Wolf Creek, to the right is The Retereat.

difference between the two is price.

sophomore in Biochemistry, enjoys The Retreat, but agreed

Floor rates, which are the

to live there because her

by Merriam-Webster is “the

styled homes. It is decked out

cheapest available rent prices

departure of Whites from

with hardwood floors, back

start as low as $469 a month at

places (urban neighborhoods

porches to grill and relax on

Wolf Creek. The Retreat offers

or schools) increasingly or

and built-in bookcases.

floor rates as low as $615.

by minorities.” Wolf Creek,

95 percent white, which can be uncomfortable depending on

Walls believe The Retreat’s location all comes down to competition. “I do think The Retreat was built beside Wolf Creek intentionally because of capitalism,” he said. “It’s all about competition and The Retreat seemed to offer more amenities but at a higher cost.”

“The [cost of] rent at Wolf

a popular student-housing

offer similar incentives: a

Creek is what attracted me

complex, may be experiencing

shuttle to and from campus;

to live there,” said Bronchez

this as a result of a new

fully furnished units; and, all

Walls, a student majoring in

development, The Retreat, built

inclusive prices combining

Psychology and Sociology.

right beside it.

internet, cable, water and

“It was the lowest of all the

electricity. The most striking

apartment complexes that I

The word “retreat” means to

roommates wanted to. “It’s like

the situation,” said Torain.

predominately populated Both Wolf Creek and Retreat

Kimberlin Torain, a

not for those prices!”

looked at.”

Do you have an opinion that you would like to be heard?

She continued, “Around here, you already stand out for being black and some people will go out of their way to not wave back if you wave at them or whatever. They have some social events, like

{

YOUR VOICE

}

Though some have deemed the migration of white students from Wolf Creek to The Retreat, white flight, it appears that it may instead simply be enjoying the perks of a more disposable income.

Do you think The Retreat has prompted “White Flight?” “i know some ratchet white people who stay in Wolf Creek. I really think the Priess Company is just trying to monopolize on both the lower and higher income residents.”

Ivana Jones junior, FTM- brand management

editor@nubian.ncsu to see it published inside of the Nubian Message!

“I think The Retreat is set up for white people since it is at a higher price point.”

Alyssa Johnson sophomore, criminology

News

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January 23rd, 2013| 5

Student Creates Outlet For “Beautiful Pain”

N.C. State Student Tianna Spears brings post-abortion support group to campus Kierra Leggett Editor-in-Chief

A

bortion is rampant the African

believe, I’m probably not going to come,”

counselors, suicide

American community.

said Spears. “Society puts us in these

hotlines, [resources

little boxes, but we are so much larger

for] mental health and

than that.”

depression.”

Founded in February of 2012, The

Spears, a business major,

Beautiful Pain Movement is a coed post-

facilitates The Beautiful

abortion support group that provides a

Pain Movement sessions.

judgment-free zone for people to discuss

She tailors each session

their abortion experiences.

to fit the needs of each

The proof is in the

pudding.

Or so it would seem.

The anti- abortion group Protecting Black Life released findings in 2012 which revealed that 79 percent of Planned Parenthood’s surgical

While many post-abortion support

abortion clinics are located in minority

groups cater exclusively to women,

neighborhoods.

it was important to Spears that The Beautiful Pain Movement be open to all

But as N.C. State junior Tianna Spears

sexes. “Men don’t get looked at enough

knows, abortion is something that affects

when it comes to abortion,” said Spears.

people of every color. “[The media]

“Abortion doesn’t just affect the female;

tries to put that stereotype on AfricanAmericans, but you’d be surprised at the women who have had abortions,” said Spears. “It’s everybody. It’s really common.”

rights movements. The Beautiful Pain Movement fills that void.

“If I’m looking at something and they are affiliated with something that I don’t

and I’ve come to find the best way to help people is through experience.” said Spears.

topic,” said Spears, “The first week is

the process.”

about developing relationships. I want

witnessing both the lack of support and

with the anti-abortion or abortion

just have personal experience with this,

who she has either known or included in

The Beautiful Pain Movement after

Tianna Spears

or anything like that. I

“Each week we start with a different

for a close friend last year. She created

abortion support group not affiliated

not a psychology major

it affects pretty much everyone in her life

Spears was a part of the abortion process

Uncommon, however, is a post-

group of individuals. “I’m

people to feel secure and safe before we jump into something that’s so sensitive.

From there we set up goals so that there isn’t any stagnant growth.”

making The Beautiful Pain Movement an officially recognized organization at N.C State The first Beautiful Pain Movement support group session of the semester is scheduled to take place today at 6 p.m. in 119 Harrelson Hall. Before graduating and relocating to California, Spears hopes to make The Beautiful Pain Movement a non-profit organization.

“I just plan on taking [The Beautiful

trauma her friend dealt with after having

A native of Durham, Spears held her

Pain Movement] with me and touching

an abortion. “I looked up counseling for

first support group session this past

the lives of people that I meet while I’m

her and then I started compiling a list

September in downtown Durham. At

moving about and starting my career.”

of resources that someone could use if

the end of last semester Spears, went

they needed them, like post-abortion

through the simple week-long process of

Affirmative “Play Action” Is the Rooney Rule Rigged?

Alfred Anderson Staff Writer

T

he Rooney rule requires that all

more African American coaches in the

minority hired. The case of former head

the NFL is dominated by white coaches,

NFL teams interview at least one

league until 1979. Before the Rooney rule

coach of the Chicago Bears, Lovie Smith,

more African American coaches will

minority candidate for head-

was implemented, there were only six

especially stirred up controversy.

have to rise up and go for these jobs,” said

coaching and senior football operations

minorities who held head coaching jobs:

jobs.

Tom Flores, Art Shell, Dennis Green,

Named for Dan Rooney, the chairman of the league’s diversity committee, this regulation was established ten years ago in

Ray Rhodes, Tony Dungy and Herman Edwards.

Since this time, there have been twelve

Smith, who was hired a year after the Rooney rule was established, won

Teammate Maurice Morgan said,

ten games last season. As a result, he

“there doesn’t always seem to be many

was interviewed for many of the head

African American coaches who want to be

coaching vacancies, however was passed

head coaches in the NFL.”

order to give minorities more leadership

African American head coaches and one

over in favor of other coaches like Andy

opportunities within the organization.

Hispanic head coach hired by NFL teams.

Reid, who only won four games last

However, four of these coaches were

season.

Despite the implementation of this rule, there is a current absence of minority leadership in the NFL. The first African American head coach in the NFL was Fritz Pollard. He coached and played for the Akron Pros and the Hammond Pros for four years, before being removed from the league in 1926. Afterwards, there weren’t any

interim head coaches and only four of the coaches are still actively coaching in the

defensive-end Mike Rose.

When asked their opinion about the

As a result of the lack of progression, the NFL is now discussing an option to expand the Rooney rule. The expansion would require teams to also interview

lack of minority, specifically African

minority coaches for vacant coordinator

American, head coaches in the NFL,

jobs and president jobs. Although the

members of N.C. State’s football team

NFL has not made a final decision about

to give a few more minority coaches

shared their opinions. “It’s definitely due

the expansion of the rule, many around

opportunities, the league isn’t satisfied

to the fact that it takes many coaches years

the league hope that this can create a

with the progress that has been made. Last

to become head coach at any level and

bigger pool of potential head-coaching

season, there were fourteen head coaching

when it comes to the NFL, it could take

candidates and team leaders, while also

and front office jobs filled, with only one

even longer. Also, since head coaching in

improving opportunities for minorities.

NFL. Though the Rooney rule has helped

6 |January 23rd, 2013

Perspectives

nubian message

The Gospel Truth & Black Mental Health What happens when prayer isn’t enough?

Amanda McKnight Staff Writer

“

That only happens to white

the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment

folks.”

wherein groups of African Americans were purposely refused

“Just pray about it.”

treatment and misled about their syphilis diagnoses, there is an entire

These are two of many phrases that

generation of African Americans

are commonly heard within the African

who do not trust doctors. These

American community. When it comes to taking care of your mental health, the black community as a whole seems to be under the impression that seeking help

individuals feel as though they are being taken advantage of and swindled; this mistrust is then transmitted onto the next

shows weakness and is not a necessity.

generation, and so on.

Is the prayer mentality advocated by

Today, we do not have to

the black Protestant faith causing more

live our lives in fear of health

harm than help?

providers. Overall, they are trained

“No more is your pastor or an elder in the community the only option when it comes to taking care of your mental health. ”

treat and provide care for their patients

Cornelius to suicide, hopefully more

more is your pastor or an elder in the

providers. For counseling services to

people will follow the example of Jackson

community the only option when it comes

be truly helpful to a congregation, the

and get the help they need before it is too

to taking care of your mental health.

clergy must be trained and have access to

late.

“Alternative Mental Health Services: The

majority of the black community. The church house was the only place that provided solace in a world full of duress.

Lack of funds, time and trust were also

losses of rapper Freddy E. and icon Don

in a connection with formal health care

Public Health published an article entitled

health care was not an option for a

white counterparts, both are lacking

with minimal impact upon daily life. No

In 2002, The American Journal of

In the past, access to proper mental

Baptisim in New Bern, N.C.

recent

professionals who know how to diagnose,

professionals in the community for severe cases.

While prayer and spirituality are both a big part of healing for some, mental

Former Illinois Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., a

health is not something that can continue

Role of the Black Church in the South”

son of one of the country’s most honored

to be swept under the rug and ignored.

that studied the state of mental health

reverends, recently checked into the Mayo

Unless your pastor has a degree in clinical

programs in Southern churches. They

Clinic to be treated for bipolar spectrum

psychology or psychiatry, he cannot

found that while black churches offered

disorder according to the Associated

administer the proper care.

more services for mental health than their

Press. He did so with the public support of his father and constituents. With the

factors for people in seeking health care.

Due to medical misconduct, such as

Many of us know “the Lord helps those that help themselves.” Does it not apply in this situation?

Battling Black Bias For Barack DeErricka Green Managing Editor n the days leading up to his inauguration, the scandalous comparison of President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler and

restrictions on assault weapons.

After the last press conference of President Obama’s first

compare a man like President

a bias exists: any judgments

or because his skin is the same

Obama to Adolf Hitler and

made against President Obama

color as mine.

Joseph Stalin?

are met with a side-eye and immediately discredited.

During both runs for

term, images of the President

Hitler was known for his

once again.

surrounded by children

oratorical skills, while both he

It is undeniable that the re-

heavily petitioned the support

spread across the web.

and Stalin were known for their

election of an African American

of the African American

Since his first term, the

Some individuals, including

military and political command.

President marks the realization

community. Yet the argument

President has been juxtaposed

conservative representatives of

They both also used their

of a long-awaited dream for

can and will continue to be

with dictators over political

Fox News, have suggested that

executive authority to control

many in this community. It is

made that he has failed to

issues from health care and taxes

the photos resembled those of

actions that, in their opinion,

also incontestable that President

successfully address important

to - most recently - his proposed

“tyrants who have used children

threatened the well-being of

Obama has implemented many

issues within our community.

gun policy reforms.

as props” - Hitler and Stalin

their respective countries. Our

brilliant changes for the country

specifically.

illustrious President, similar

during his first term, as well as

to these men? I don’t see the

in the time leading up to his

resemblance.

second inauguration.

Crime among African

Joseph Stalin reared its head

While keeping most of the

presidency, President Obama

Race relations in this country appear to have gotten worse.

details of his proposal private,

Backlash by users of social

President Obama did outline his

media occurred almost

desire for stronger background

immediately, as usual. This

Though the analogy may be

However, like anyone else, he is

newscast; the President’s own

checks for gun purchases, limits

was especially true within the

a little extreme, it raises an

not without his flaws. He should

the President’s own hometown

on the availability of high-

African American community,

important point. It seems that

not be immune to criticism

has become the murder capital

capacity magazines and some

because how could you possibly

within the black community

because of his place in history,

of the country. The job market

Americans worsens with every

Bias continued page 8

Perspectives

nubian message

January 23rd, 2013| 7

Rooney Rule in Ruins A response to the lack of minority coaches in the NFL Jenice Jamison Technician Sports Editor

T

he underrepresentation of

coach or general manager position, but

a college football powerhouse that was

VP of color in 2011 with the Philadelphia

minorities in positions of power

that obviously didn’t make a difference this

essentially a farm system for the NFL.

Eagles. Jerry Reese was the first African-

in the National Football League

offseason.

At the time of his retirement in 1997,

American general manager to win a Super

Robinson held the record for the most wins

Bowl with the New

in college football.

York Giants in

has come under scrutiny over the years, specifically in the 2000s. Sixty-seven percent of its players are African-American, but less than 10 percent of the direct leaders of these men, the head coaches, are from the same racial background.

The NFL had five African-American head coaches during the 2012 season, two less than the season before. Black Monday, the day after the last day of the regular season, wasn’t kind to African-American head coaches as two of the eight head coaches fired were black.

When the coaching carousel ended with the final vacancy being filled for the 2013 season, no African-American head coaches were hired. Every franchise complied with the Rooney Rule, stating that each team must interview a minority for a head

The 2012 Racial and Gender Report Card for the NFL by Richard Lapchick, Philip Costa, Tamara Sherrod and Rahman

While he never got an opportunity to

2008.

Anjorin of the University of Central Florida

show what he could do at the professional

The NFL has

gave the NFL a B+ in head coaching

level, he paved the way for many African-

definitely taken

diversity. That grade has a high possibility

American football coaches to rise through

a step back in its

of being demoted in 2013.

the ranks of college football.

progress towards

The talent pool of African-American

Also, because head coaches are

head coaches is deepening, but are the

considered the face of the team, and even

wheels churning too slowly? The number

the franchise, we tend to forget about

of men of color at the helm is obviously a

other prominent positions within the

depressing one, but slow progress is better

organization that could benefit from

than none at all.

diversity.

Consider this, Eddie Robinson, arguably

In 2011 the number of vice presidents

the most famous face in black college

of color in NFL franchises fell from 17

football, never got a shot at the NFL due

in the prior season to 13, according to

to its institutionalized racism. Robinson

the previously mentioned report. Pamela

turned Grambling State University into

Browner-Crawley was the only female

reaching balanced racial representation in its franchises on and off the field, the tools are in place for men and women of color to thrive in the NFL. The doors may be closed by the few organizations that choose not to recognize the leadership qualities and talents of people of color, but the NFL has made significant progress in enforcing diversity in its franchises.

Save The Drama For Lo’s Mamas Atlanta rapper petitions for revival of cancelled reality show

Devonte Keith Contributor

Y

our boy Young L-O won’t take

were enough to garner negative attention

N-O for an answer. Now that his

and numerous petitions against the airing

shot at reality television fame

of the show. All My Babies’ Mamas was set

has been cut short with the cancellation

to air on the Oxygen Channel Jan. 15, until

of his show All My Babies’ Mamas, Lo is

rumors surfaced that the plug was pulled

petitioning for the show’s revival.

on the pilot episode.

Carlos Walker, 36, better known by his

In our generation, we see many reality

families.

Shawty Lo calls himself a young Hugh Hefner and is proud of his large family.

While its nice to see that he maintains a good relationship with his kids and their mothers, this show provides negative implications about the changing condition

races and cultures. So where do we draw the line? Do we continue to produce shows that push the societal envelope for views and funny tweets, or do we stop watching shows that portray people in a manner that is not representative of their true self?

The answer still remains unclear, but

stage name of Shawty Lo was set to air a

television shows that push the envelope.

of black families. Are we led to believe that

one thing is for certain: we cannot be led

reality television show about life coexisting

It may seem as though there’s a reality

all black men have numerous children by

by reality television’s example.

with his 11 children, 10 baby’s mothers and

show for every aspect of life, but the

numerous women? Shawty Lo’s show was

19-year-old girlfriend titled, All My Babies’

only show that almost parallels All My

best left unseen.

Mamas. The cameras followed Lo and his

Babies’ Mamas would be Sister Wives, a

somewhat extended family through their

reality show dealing with polygamy on

everyday lives as they lived under one roof.

TLC. The difference in the shows lies in

Commercials and sneak peeks of the show

the stereotypes it brings about for black

Oxygen Channel also seems to give shows such as Bad Girls Club to viewers that perpetuate stereotypes among other

Follow the Nubian Message on Twitter @nubianmessage

8 |January 23rd, 2013

nubian message

Trinidad Jame$: Don’t Believe ‘Em, Just Watch

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Courtesy of: trindidadjamesgg.com

Bias continued

Shawn Murray Staff Writer

C

from page 6

oming onto the scene with one gold watch, two gold

that have some sort of social commentary. For example his

chains, six gold rings like its nothing, Trinidad Jame$

quote, “Hypebeast we know about ya, don’t buy shoes unless

has blown up with his single “All Gold Everything.”

they’re popular,” has been widely used as a way to call out those

Decked out in Versace loafers and a silk shirt, Jame$ has definitely made a fashion statement with his eclectic image.

Recently, Jame$’s music has been getting a lot of publicity among other artists, big time producers as well as label owners, but not much is known about Jame$ himself. He has virtually exploded onto the airwaves and mixtape sites over night.

During a recent interview with Power 105.1 FM’s The

who follow trends only because they are popular.

Another great example of social commentary within his lyrics can be found in the song “Giving No F**ks.” “I don’t understand these people just like I don’t understand this government,” said Jame$. “ “All I see is these new buildings, but single mothers still struggling. I still see these homeless children, they ain’t got no role models.”

Breakfast Club (Charlemagne Tha God, Dj Envy, Angela Yee),

With his eccentric fashion, catchy

Jame$ sheds some light on

hooks and down to earth messages

how he got into rapping and making his mixtape. Before the release of “Don’t Be S.A.F.E,” Jame$ spent most of his time running a men’s fashion boutique in Atlanta.

“With his eccentric fashion, catchy hooks and down to earth messages in some of his tracks, Jame$ is an interesting person to keep an eye on to see what kind of dynamic he will bring to mainstream rap.”

and turn it into something worth while. Astonishingly, Jame$ has been a serious rapper for only ten months, and already has become a household name amongst rap fans, and has been performing shows all over the country.

Jame$ is a bold individual which can be determined by his gaudy fashion choices, catchy beats, and memorable lyrics.

Many hip-hop fans would also classify Jame$ as a trap rapper (a rapper who raps about materialistic values such as women, cars, money and drugs). In actuality, Jame$ has a brilliant formula, taking trippy trap beats and mixing them with trap-like lyrics

to see what kind of dynamic he will bring to mainstream rap.

As for now, Trinidad Jame$ has

time in jail however, that he making music just for fun, he decided to take his love for music

interesting person to keep an eye on

other racial group, the unemployment rate being roughly 15% according to CNN. A disproportional amount of African Americans are still being imprisoned for menial crimes.

And still, African Americans are quick to defend the President at any cost and act as though any ounce of critique is completely ridiculous.

It is true that it is not President Obama’s job to be solely the president of “black America.” However, it IS the job of our community to press for these issues to be addressed. President Obama already has

It wasn’t until he spent some made the decision to rap. Having some prior background in

in some of his tracks, Jame$ is an

for African Americans is the worst of any

said that h has plenty of new music, but he is mainly focusing on making more new music videos off of “Don’t Be S.A.F.E. “I honestly don’t want to give you new music until you know who this guy is on this first project right here,” said Jame$.

Judging from the acronym of “Don’t Be S.A.F.E” (which is too explicit to say), he does speak some hidden truths about what’s going on in the music community. Truths being that there are some sensitive people out there in the world who just can’t handle the ups and downs of everyday life. In a way, Jame$ is giving the audience a breakdown of his perspective while sharing a few things in his life that he likes. Whether it’s them OG Jordans, them high socks, or no shirt on, he’s stunting.

enough “yes men.”

Our community has to stop acting as though criticism is a criminal offense. likewise, our community has to stop acting as though criticism is synonymous with “hate.” If I and others criticize President Obama, it does not mean we dislike him.

On the contrary, it is because we support our President that we criticize some of his actions.

Criticism, when it’s constructive, is a powerful tool that can help us a people continue to rise. Progress cannot be made on flattery and devotion alone.