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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325 Witherspoon Student Center Box 7138 NC State University Raleigh, NC 27695-371 PHONE NUMBER: 919.515.1468 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: ncsu.nubian@gmail.com TWITTER: @NUBIANMESSAGE Facebook.com/NubianMessage
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
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“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
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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
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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.