09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 8:08 pm
The latest release by R&B singer Trey Songz, entitled Ready was definitely a highly anticipated one. After the June 30th drop of Anticipation, the mix-tape, the countdown began. Trey had been releasing music for years, but his new release featuring the up and coming rapper Aubrey “Drake” Graham, and his non-stop flood of music hitting the mix-tape scene has really created a buzz for himself. The pretty boy’s album follows suit with a barrage of lyrical mood- setters, club bangers, and of course his infamous slow jams. If you are seriously into slow jams and “baby-makers”, then this is definitely the C.D. for you.
Starting off with the sensual “Panty Droppa,”, Trey weaves his words seamlessly into the mid tempo melody as he tells the story of a late night encounter ending with that trademark “panty droppa.” “Neighbors know my name” leaves little to the imagination as Trey reveals his most intimate thoughts over a mix of electric guitar, and a perfect beat that titillates your senses and arouses your imagination. Another favorite of mine, “Be Where You Are”, is a familiar story to us all. Seeing that girl or boy for the first time, and all the thoughts that go through your head—From their hair style, the picture of them getting dressed, talking to their friends on the phone, and building the courage to step to them and see if your key fits the lock to their heart. The desire is felt. The thoughts are heard and the questions are answered all in an attempt to be where you are. “Black Roses” fasts forward to the end of a relationship. Trey explains his confusion at the thought of her heart not being his anymore, and all he has to give her is his black rose as a symbol of their dying love. We have all had those relationships that ended with confusion and lingering feelings. We remain hurt because something about that person just will not let you let them go, and this is the tale of the song “Holla If Ya Need Me.” You know it might not be the best decision, but you want them to know that you will always be there for them and they can simply “holla” if they need you.
Unfortunately, with all of the beautifully written songs, Trey never seems to open up and show his true range and depth as an artist to the audience. His vocals remain almost stationary in that, if you are a Songz fan, it is all too familiar and maybe too comfortable. However, Trey definitely knocked two songs out of the park with the emotion, the lyrics, and surprisingly his range with “Yo side of the bed” and “Jupiter Love.” “Yo Side of the Bed” eerily reminds us of the late legend Michael Jackson and builds up to a slow release as the main instrumentals drop out and make room for the powerfully understated words of Mr. Songz. I can feel the words and the empty feeling of losing that one, his one. As I listen to the song, I feel as if the pain radiates through his soul, but perfectly flows into the melody. His falsetto holds the remnant of tearful nights as he replays the day she left over and over again in his mind. The track plays perfectly and does not seem forced or
planned. Overall a masterpiece, if you take the time to truly feel his words.
Lastly, my personal favorite song of the entire album, “JupiterLove,” is ironically out of this world. The simplicity of the melody falsely lulls you into a sense of security. Your body relaxes, your eyes close, and the bass line becomes your heartbeat as the song envelopes you. Oddly the words compliment the beat instead of the beat complimenting the lyrics and right as you think the song is ending, he blasts you with a taste of the Trey that I knew could not help but show his face on the album. I feel that this new Trey is just getting warmed up and there will be much more to come. Overall, the album was a huge success sporting amazing lyrics, out of this world music, and of course Mr. Trey Songz.
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 8:07 pm
Reality shows have taken over a large percentage of what is shown on network television. Whether we admit it or not, it is exciting knowing what is going on in the lives of others. Now, we don’t even have to leave our living rooms to be intrusive. Reality TV like everything can be too much of a good thing. Bad representations and stereotypes of certain groups begin to arise and mess with an individual’s perception. The popular reality T.V. show “College Hill” is a perfect example of everything that is wrong about the way black people are described and portrayed in the media.
In my opinion, they shouldn’t have ever aired that show. If they were going to market it as the “black real world” they should have filled the airspace up with actual news or a funny sitcom. I personally miss shows such as “A Different World” and “Martin”. They were funny, smart, and you didn’t come away from the show thinking black people were loud-mouth, uncivilized criminals.
I will admit that I was excited to watch the show when I first heard about it. I had never heard of a show that was centered on black college students. In previous reality TV shows black people have not been shown in a good light. On some shows there is always the token black person in a sea of non-black people. On other reality programs like “COPS”, the black people always end up in jail. I really thought “College Hill” was going to be different. I guess I was wrong.
You can sum “College Hill” up in two words: sex and fighting. When they are not sleeping around, they are having sex. When they are not having sex, they are fighting. I am sad to say that every season there has not been much change. Yes the drama can be entertaining for a while, but as a black person in America it puts such a negative connotation on what it means to be black. Once they are on the show they rarely mention school. The show is supposed to be about black college students AND school. Some of the “students” even go to community colleges. It seems as if they are moving further and further away from the academic requirement of the show. After a while the only requirement to be a cast member will be you have to be black. So much for the college thing, right?
As with most reality shows they have the different personalities like the macho man, the girly girl, the annoying person, and so on and so on. They only have one studious person on there and everyone always says they are boring. It sounds ridiculous to say that someone is boring because they do not pick fights and have drunken one night stands. If that makes me boring then I will be boring for the rest of my life.
The thing that worries me the most is the stereotypes that are being shown to those who do not have regular contact with black people. If they don’t spend too much time with a black person they will form their opinions on what they see on TV and there will definitely be some fear and misunderstandings. A friend of mine went to France recently and she said that the French (if they didn’t know any Americans personally) thought all Americans were country bumpkins with hill- billy accents. We as Americans would be appalled and maybe even offended by this way of thinking. The same thing can happen with those who watch “College Hill”, but do not have any black friends. This show only reinforces those ideas about black people being rowdy thugs with nothing else to do.
It saddens me that B.E. T would endorse this type of television program. B.E.T is arguably the largest television channel dedicated to black music, news, and other sources of entertainment. I think it should be their responsibility to uplift us as a community and be a beacon of hope and creativity to America’s black youth.
“College Hill” has not yet made it to NCSU and in the back of my mind I hope it does not. I’d rather not have drama from my university displayed across the televisions of America. If it does come here I would hope that the cast members would remember that they are students and need a good reputation if they want to succeed academically. If they want to be a reality TV star that’s a different story. Make good choices and do not take your life lessons from programs such as “College Hill.”
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 8:06 pm
As a group of about 40 people sat around in Stewart Theater, a panel of 16 administrators including Student Body President Jim Ceresnak was eager to hear input from the students, faculty, and alumni about what they wanted in their next chancellor. Last Wednesday, the Chancellor Search Committee hosted the open forum event.
Various topics were discussed at the forum including wanting a chancellor who is focused on the students as well as the image of the university. “The next chancellor should be focused on the well-being of the students and understand their prospective as well,” said Beth Miller, a graduate student in Statistics. Adam Compton, a senior in Agriculture Business, commented that too often students are “shoved” aside and that we (the university) need someone who will look at the students for who they are. Echoing the others before him, one student wants a chancellor to have open communications with the students and not afraid to listen to them either. One student expressed a need for an individual who is proactive and visible to all, an issue that many felt plagued the previous chancellor.
Others were concerned about the current financial situation here at State and want someone who will be fiscally responsible and figure out how to deal with the cutbacks among classes and professors as well as the cost of books, tuition and fees, and the financial aid crisis that the university is experiencing. Another issue that was raised is the need to improve Talley Student Center. As a second generation alumni from the university elaborated, our student center is the “worst” amongst other universities and unacceptable considering our rival, UNC-Chapel Hill, has a far better student center than we do.
However, the need for a chancellor who will help State move on from one of the most controversial events in its history, the Mary Easley saga, was echoed throughout the meeting. “Our new chancellor should not dwell on what happened in the past (referring to what happened with Mary Easley and the former Provost and Chancellor) and should focus on how to bring this university together and move forward,” said Kylee Phillips, the President of the InterResidence Council and a senior in Accounting.
After the forum concluded, some of the members of the panel stayed around to talk and listen to the students even further including Ceresnak. “The comments made here today were very valuable and will help me make a good and able decision as a representative of the student body on the panel,” he said. To answer the question that many students have, he went on to explain the selection will take a few months or longer but that it is in order to make sure that the committee is making the right decision for the university as a whole.
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 8:02 pm
The most pervasive and omnipresent debate in the United States today is without a doubt the debate on healthcare reform. The push by the Obama administration to change much of the basic fabric of healthcare in the United States has resulted in some of the most over the top political theatre in recent history. People shouting down their legislative representatives, teary diatribes against a supposed Marxist revolution, and even gun toting protesters have all become commonplace at the town halls where healthcare reform is being “debated.”
With all of the political posturing, it can be easy to forget the realities of current healthcare situation in the United States, and the especially tenuous situation in the African -American community. According to a study done by the Commonwealth Fund, a charitable foundation that advocates for increased health coverage for Americans, African- Americans and Hispanics are by far the most commonly uninsured racial demographics in the United States. The Commonwealth Fund’s study found that about a third of the African- American population had been uninsured at some point in the past year, and a whopping 62% percent of the Hispanic American population had been uninsured at some point.
Poor health coverage would seems to also result in an unhealthy African-American community. According to a report from the Center for Disease Control African Americans are more likely to die from heart disease, cancer especially colon and prostate cancer. HIV/AIDS have also been a larger problem for the African-American community than any other racial community in the United States. Nearly half of the people suffering from HIV/AIDS in the United States are African-American.
For any of these disturbing statistics to change, the African American community has to look as healthcare as not just a political issue, but a personal one. While African Americans may in fact be genetically predisposed to have certain diseases, not all health issues are out of the control of the individual.
First of all, if you don’t have health coverage, you need to do everything you can to get it. Obviously, the chances of you getting seriously ill are slim, but if you get seriously ill and need health care, the chance of you being able to get coverage after you become ill is slim to none. The chances of you being able to pay out of pocket for treatments for serious illnesses is even more remote unless you just won the lottery or were born with a multi-million dollar trust fund.
Past just getting health insurance, African Americans and America as a nation has to look at healthcare as prevention just as much as it looks at it as treatment. Risk factors for things like diabetes and heart disease are heavily affected by the diet and lifestyle of potential victims. If you want to be healthy into middle age and later life, proper diet and exercise are not optional, they are required. The same viewpoint has to be taken with sexual health as well, no form of contraception is perfect, but the risk of catching many STDs is greatly reduced by using protection.
Healthcare for African-Americans is certainly a confounding issue in many ways, but the best way that most people can positively affect it right now is to take personal steps towards being healthier and secure in their personal life. Get insured, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. No matter what happens with the healthcare debate in Washington, DC, your health should always be a personal priority in everything you do.
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Too often in this day and age, it is heard and said that the music played in mainstream simply has no substance. Lyrics are devoid of meaningful aspirations and deep-seeded foundations. Many rap songs played on the radio now have gained fame simply because of a catchy hook or club playability. But what about hip hop? It has long since remained a musical genre that has had painfully slow comings into mainstream, unless spit by a popular emcee, and has stayed for the most part underground. Yet it has always been a musical entity that has spoken countless truths, millions of memorable bars, and dope beats. Now, more than ever, [hip hop] artists are stepping outside the box; creating what I have personally dubbed as a “Hip Hop Renaissance”. So as I’m thinking about who’s become “hot” or “fresh” lately in the underground music world I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s artists that have been in the game for awhile but are just now gaining recognition and popping up on the radar of most. Recently brought into the mainstream scene, underground artists such as Wale, Drake, Kid Cudi, J. Cole, and the Cool Kids are making their mark. Among them are even more new hip hop extrordinainaires moving into the Hip Hop Renaissance.
In July, Complex.com, an online blog version of the magazine, did a fashion story within their style features section on some of the new revolutionary faces in hip hop; entitled “Leaders of the New Cool” and calling them hip hop’s new “class”. The fashion story then spun off into a Complex sponsored mixtape entitled “Leaders of the New Cool” that features: The Cool Kids, The Knux, B.o.B, Charles Hamilton, Big Sean, and many others. The 28-track mixtape is hosted by Mick Boogie and DJ Treats and creatively brings together the artists songs.
“Leaders of the New Cool” has touches of old school hip hop and brings about a nostalgic feel as it incorporates some old school hits. For instance the track “Hollywood Hiatus (Cool it Now)” by U-N-I mixes snippets of New Edition’s “Cool It Now” and he drops bars on a cover beat from that song. Inspirational reminiscence to other hip hop stars such as Outkast and Lupe Fiasco are audibly present on the mixtape and some beats have a Gnarls Barkley feel to them as well. In my comparisons of them to other well-known artists, I in no way mean to diminish or take away from their own individuality or unique talents and presence in the game.
All the artists on, the mixtape indeed bring an undiluted and eclectic flavor to the hip hop game and provide an essential need for a change in music. As B.o.B says in his track “Generation Lost”: Honestly I don’t listen to rap/because when I turn on the radio/ out comes crap.” Floating above and beyond catchy hooks and club playability “Leaders of the New Cool” is a prime example of undergrounds hidden talents and the need for its transition into mainstream.
*To listen to/download the “Leaders of the New Cool” mixtape visit Complex.com and go to the music page.
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 8:00 pm
Chains
Thoughts of the struggle
Actions of the wise
But yet and still
We rule our own demise
Be strong they say
Hold on….we may
But there is still the misconception
Of our direction
Constantly blinding our perception
Work SO hard,
And believe in all things new,
BUT
What about you?
Are you in this game
For the fame,
The love,
Or to hide the shame?
Forget THEIR past,
And make your present a legacy.
As for me;
I tell the chains to set me free.
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Bass bumping through the studio walls, lyrics running through his head, singing from his heart in the booth, 8 bars here, 16 bars there…and a masterpiece from the soul is created.
“It’s like everything I do can be interpreted through music…I can’t imagine my everyday life without it, he said. “Music is like food to my soul.”
Mike Elemba discovered he had fallen in love with music when he realized he had the talent to be successful in the industry. Not only does he sing, but he plays instruments as well. However, his understanding of how much music can affect people’s lives is the most intriguing aspect of this artistry.
M-Bass has been performing locally recently in an effort to gain more experience and recognition in the world of music. Bass embraces the opportunity to showcase all the hard work that he has put into all of his music. Several doors have opened for the artist since he has begun to perform at different events. Bass has also performed locally at Dorton Arena, weddings, birthdays, church events, and the Back to School Jam on campus recently. He is a perfect example of how practice makes perfect. He has also had great exposure to various local and major artists such as Bow Wow, Day 26, P Diddy, and Ryan Leslie.
Mbass is a part of Minor Crisis Entertainment, a local production, promotion, and management company for aspiring artists. It was founded in the spring of 2009, and since has begun to become a major movement with a growing base of supporters and fans.
M-Bass is currently working on an album that has specific qualities that sets it apart from other local artists. It is too often that some artists are afraid to take a risk and expose themselves and their audience to different sounds and genres…well Mbass isn’t one of them. It is admirable that he can take many sounds and turn it into to something that is his own as well as likeable.
“If I could interpret my album in one word, it would be eclipse, like when the sun and the moon become one creating something very different, he said. “I look at it as two different people…two different personalities combining to create something different…a shock, diverse, and new, it tells two different sides of me…Mbass is the party yet sexy and elegant.”
Countless hours in the studio with both sides of Mbass have gone into making this album, so it is appropriate that its title is “Mbass in the making.” The Minor Crisis singles are posted on Facebook, Myspace, and Youtube, and have been receiving great response from listeners.
So to what great legends do we owe the influence upon this rising star? Greats like Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, and Musiq Soulchild are all inspirations to Mbass. Other icons such as The Dream, Raheem Davaughn, and Ryan Leslie have also played a part in the making of Mbass.
We can expect great things from this local artist in the future. His drive, hard work, determination, and raw talent are proof enough that his dream to be one of the greatest artists is well on its way to coming true. Be on the lookout for up and coming artists from Minor Crisis, and if you want to know more check out the Minor Crisis Entertainment Facebook group for more information.
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 7:58 pm
You walk in to awkward stares reading you, measuring you up to the standards of a man.
Sit back and let the melodies and the harmonies of this orchestra take your mind off of the stress outside of those doors.
Hear the Chittin’ and the Chattin’, the rumors and hand clappin’, just an old back slappin’ good time.
Read the faces of the onlookers and build the courage to stand up and take your place upon the throne to be…pampered, looked at, talked to and made to look your best…all, of course, at your request.
Crescendo to the lovely melody as you close your eyes and drift away, from stress from pencil pushin’ from shower sharing from fly clothes wearing to peace until the melody falls flat and you feel Samson’s good luck charm fall from its home to your ears, from your ear to the floor.
Damn.
He should feel like a whore being paid for the services that all men adore, all men implore.
Back to that hand slappin’ and chit chattin’ world.
Thrust from your throne and shown to the door.
Still, you walk with a new type of swagger look at yourself in the windows of cars right now Michael Jackson couldn’t be badder…back to the room to the mirror making sure every lock is perfectly chopped.
Just that weekly trip down the street and to the barbershop
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 7:56 pm
As the recession continues to worsen in the opinions of some, one thing is sure to go on- the lives of college students. With the possibility and reality for some of less financial resources this academic year, the pack is back in full force.
Unemployment has increased substantially across the U.S. Food and gas prices have skyrocketed and the credit market is frozen. Some students have opted to move back home and help their families, while others are taking the economic challenge head on. It’s hard enough finding good employment prospects without work experience and having a complete education, but the weakened job market has made it even tougher for college students. Even if one lands a job, there’s no guarantee that the hours or pay are enough to live on.
So, are we doomed for a poverty stricken school year? No! The challenge is to live effectively on less. For starters, I believe one should create a budget. You can’t always account for the little things that pop up but if you have a ballpark idea of what your expenses are, the chances of you running into financial emergencies become less.
Cutting costs is not as hard as you may initially think. Instead of going to see a movie as soon as it hits theaters, wait a few weeks and see it on campus at Witherspoon Cinema for a fraction of the price. Is dining out killing your pockets? Before you eat out, make sure you’ve used all your dining hall meals. I know eating at the dining halls can be monotonous, but you’ve already purchased the food, so you might as well take advantage of it. Before going grocery shopping, clip coupons. Saving fifty cents here and there can really add up. Ladies, are hair and nail salons breaking your bank? Trade weekly appointments in the salons for monthly appointments and touch up your hair and nails at home during the weeks between. Not only does this save money, but it is a good way to spend personal time away from the stress of school and work. My favorite pastime, window shopping, in recent years, has become torturous and at times damaging to my finances. So instead of going to the mall every time I get the urge to shop, I shop online. There is no distracting music and no pushy salespeople. Shopping pages upon pages of merchandise makes me really assess whether I want to enter my credit card and mailing information and wait days for it to actually get to me. I’ve found that this method of shopping helps me see what I really need versus what I want or could save for and purchase later. In a crowded mall, wants and needs become more or less the same.
With all the news about the recession and money saving commercials, the media has illustrated this time as one of deprivation. And for some it truly is, but if your basic needs, such as food, clothing, and shelter are taken care of, that ten dollar burger at your favorite restaurant takes the back seat to buying gas to get you to work every day. It is all about perspective and priority. So, I challenge you to live effectively on less!
09 Oct
Posted October 9, 2009 at 7:55 pm
The beginning of the school year is a time of hopes and dreams. Incoming and returning students feel the buzz of new relationships and the anticipation of new classes. August is a beacon of second chances and new beginnings. Don’t take this new year for granted. Set your sites on what you want and do everything in your power to accomplish your goals.
A dilemma students may face is finding goals to set. Some people in their 40’s and 50’s still have no idea what they want to do with their lives. You need to know that this ok. We are all different and do not develop on the same plane. Some individuals know from a young age exactly what they want to do others need more time to figure this out. The only things we should all have in common are dreams. If you don’t have dreams then you don’t have anything.
Another point we all need to understand is the old saying, “Rome wasn’t built in a day”. Just because you may be at the bottom of the ladder now does not mean you will always be. We all need to grow and change in order to fully appreciate our hidden talents and values. Take baby steps and reevaluate yourself along the way. Give yourself some time. The famous actor Morgan Freeman won his first Academy Award when he was 67 years old for the film Million Dollar Baby. In many instances we want instant gratification, but we have to learn to wait.
Risk taking is something that is very hard to do. If an opportunity rises, by all means, take it. External influences like family and friends can get in the way of us taking these risks, but we need to ask ourselves what we really think is right. If it is an opportunity that you will kick yourself for if you don’t do it, do it. Now these risks should not include things like drugs or having a one-night stand. Don’t do anything that could potentially put you in harm’s way. Do something that will expand your potential and increase your understanding for the human existence.
Making this year “your year” is what everyone should work toward. Your goal doesn’t have to be big like becoming CEO of Microsoft or Editor in Chief for Ebony magazine. It can be something small. If you are really interested in politics join Student Government, College Democrats, College Republicans or any other political group that suits your interest. If you want to play sports there is a plethora of club and intramural athletics to choose from. Student Media is a great place to fulfill your creative genius in more ways than one. If you have a passion for the arts, NC State can also facilitate that. Music, drama, dance and visual art are all parts of Arts NC State and being a part of something like that is wonderful.
Dwelling on the past can be detrimental to your positive development. If you keep beating yourself up for the mistakes you’ve made in previous years or the wrongs that were done to you by others, you will never move on. The key is to accept things as they are and move forward. I am not saying forget, but use the negative to positively affect the future. As the saying goes, “you live and you learn.” We all have to learn one way or another. Let your light shine in the present.
In this new year, we should all be focused on reaching our highest potential. Reaching your highest potential includes doing away with those that are negatively impacting your life. If you have friends that call themselves your friends but do not have your best interest at heart, let them go. You don’t need them. We as human beings are social beings in a social world so we need each other. The distinction is that you do not need everyone. If all of your friends just want to talk about themselves, give them a mirror. They can be narcissistic with themselves all day long. It is hard to cut the cord with a love interest or a significant other because you may share a special bond that runs deep. It is best for you, if you know they are not going to benefit you, to free yourself from them as well. As college students our futures are as bright as the sun and no one should stand in the way of that.
Make the school year 2009-2010 your year to shine. Join more clubs, raise your GPA, and make new friends. You need to be happy within yourself before you can be happy with someone else. Concentrate on what makes you unique. Most importantly, love yourself for who you are and never give up.
