DR. COMMON! RAPPER/ACTOR COMMON AWARDED DOCTORATE!

DR. COMMON! RAPPER/ACTOR COMMON AWARDED DOCTORATE!

For hip-hop fans, Common‘s intelligence, lyricism and artistic skill speak for themselves. With hip hop classics like “I Used To Love Her” and movies like “Just Wright,” Common has cemented himself as a hip hop legend. But when the MC, actor, writer and philanthropist agreed to speak at Florida A&M University’s commencement, he had no idea what he was in store for.

“Once I started to pursue my entertainment and my music career, I never thought about the fact that ‘Man, I can get a doctorate,’” said Common.

The rapper was there to speak to students from the College of Science and Technology, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities and School of Environment.


Common says that his activism started in undergrad.

“It was things that I experienced here that I didn’t experience in my hometown of Chicago,” Common explained to ABC 27 WTXL. “Meeting people from other parts of the country. I was able to keep an open mind. I learned a lot.”

In all, more than 12,000 students graduated from the university this Spring.

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) is a public, historically black university in Tallahassee, Florida. Founded in 1887, it is located on the highest geographic hill in Tallahassee. It is the 5th largest historically black university (HBCU) in the United States by enrollment and the only public historically black university in Florida. It is a member institution of the State University System of Florida, as well as one of the state’s land grant universities, and is accredited to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctoral degrees by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The 2019 edition of the U.S. News & World Report college rankings placed the university 9th among all HBCUs and 2nd among all public HBCUs. The university is classified as an R2 Doctoral Research University under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, which denotes higher research activity. For 2017, the National Science Foundation ranked Florida A&M University 216th nationally and 2nd among HBCU for total research and development expenditures.

Congrats to Common and all of the graduates!

Original post was published here.

Class of 2019: Mom follows Florida A&M twins to Tallahassee – and earns her degree

Class of 2019: Mom follows Florida A&M twins to Tallahassee – and earns her degree

Original post was published here.

In most cases, college-bound students find themselves counting down the days, eager to leave the home nest and parents behind, to move on campus, meet new friends and get underway with studies.

Parents, in the meantime, shield their anxieties and wish them well, while inwardly jumping for joy at this rite-of-passage send-off.

But, in rare circumstances, there are cases like Madelyn McClarey and her twin sons’ decision to study at Florida A&M University – together.

Rather than leaving mom back in South Florida, Aaron and Aubrey Hough insisted she join them in Tallahassee.

On Saturday, they will celebrate as McClarey crosses the stage at the Lawson Center, graduating with a degree in English from Florida A&M.

For the single mom, it represents a finish line that she’s been edging toward since completing business school in Staten Island, then returning to South Florida following a divorce, holding down full-time jobs, volunteering in her sons’ schools and traveling with them as a band parent.

But what landed her at FAMU was the opportunity presented to her twins, Aubrey, a music business major who will be graduating this fall and Aaron, who is earning a specialized degree in music composition and expects to graduate in the summer or fall 2020.

The family that studies together stays together

McClarey’s sons did well in their studies and are talented musicians, earning Best & Brightest scholarships, meaning they could have gone to Broward College at no cost.

But both were inspired by Chandler Wilson, their band director at Hollywood Hills High School in Hollywood, a FAMU graduate and former Marching 100 member.

He planted the seed.

The twins, enamored with FAMU, were accepted and had the opportunity to join the band. But there was a catch.

“I knew they wanted to go to FAMU, they loved FAMU, but they looked at me and asked, ‘What about you?’ I told them I would stay in South Florida and finish my degree, but they said they would not go to FAMU if I didn’t come to Tallahassee.”

That nearly floored her.

“I was really shocked, I laughed,” McClarey said, sitting in a corner of the busy Coleman Library a week before finals. “I knew we were really close, but I didn’t expect them to react like that.

But I said, ‘fine, I’ll pack, let’s go.’”

McClarey took a one-year leave of absence from her job as a language coach at Sheridan Hills Elementary and found a townhouse in Tallahassee. The twins were on campus and now in off-campus housing. McClarey and an older son, Blake, who is finishing his studies at Tallahassee Community College, live together.

She enrolled at TCC, earning an associate of arts degree, with honors. In 2016, she enrolled at FAMU through the IGNITE program, which offers students from transfer schools meeting academic standards, guaranteed admission.

She’s majoring in English, with a minor in Education.

“My mother’s family is from North Carolina A&T and Fayetteville State, and so growing up, we were always encouraged to write, to speak properly, to not only verbalize our ideas, but also to be able to write fluently,” she said of her choice of major.

At FAMU, she has thrived, immersing herself in organizations such as the FAMU English Guild, where she served as president, the National Council of Negro Women, and serving as historian for Phi Delta Kappa, a professional organization for educators.

During the summer, she’s worked with the North Florida Freedom Schools program at FAMU’s Developmental Research School, which helps bridge the gap for children with reading deficiencies.

“Madelyn McClarey is absolutely amazing,” said Natalie King-Pedroso, associate professor in the Department of English and Modern Languages. “She is one of the most life-affirming people I’ve met during my tenure at FAMU.”

‘We look out for each other’

McClarey’s twins have their own life on campus, but they remain close. She recalls one conversation following their performance at a football game.

“I asked them if they needed me to do anything for them and they said, ‘No, Mom, you have done everything a parent should do.’ “

Aubrey said it was “important” for them to have their mother move to Tallahassee from their base in South Florida.

“It wasn’t exactly luxurious, but our mother was smart enough to make her situation work, and we were all the more fortunate to grow up how we did in the sense that because of her balancing struggle and success the way she did, we developed our own values.”

Aaron is equally inspired.

“I’m most proud of the fact that she was able to earn this degree despite having gone through so much as a single parent and as a person,” he said. “I’m glad that she was able to see her decision with this degree through, and it means a lot to our family that she is able to attain her degree finally, regardless of the many familial situations throughout her collegiate experience.”

McClarey is planning on continuing her educational journey at FAMU. She’s applying to a multidisciplinary graduate program, where she will major in history.

Pausing for a moment, she is reflective. It hasn’t always been easy, but she and her sons remain focused. She’s proud that their independence has not diminished the close bond that has been affirming for each of them.

“We look out for each other,” she said. “We are willing to wait our turn for great things to happen. We sacrifice time, material things. That’s just what we do. We celebrate each other all the time.”

Big Daddy Kane & 9th Wonder To Be Inducted Into North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

Big Daddy Kane & 9th Wonder To Be Inducted Into North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame

In the mid-2000s, Little Brother released one of its most significant collaborations to date. “Welcome To Durham” found Big Pooh, Phonte, and 9th Wonder putting on for their city. The Chitlin Circuitinclusion also featured a legendary guest, Big Daddy Kane. Kane, whose work Phonte praised in lyrics on The Listening, had made North Carolina his home in the days since Veteranz Day. King Asiatic used the song to notify fans of his relocation, and praise his new environment as a “Brooklyn in the South.”

Nearly 15 years after “Welcome To Durham”, 9th Wonder and Big Daddy Kane are each headed to the North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame. On October 17, 2019, 9th will be inducted into the Hall, which also includes George Clinton, Jodeci, Thelonious Monk, James Taylor, John Coltrane, and Chuck Brown, among others. An event will take place in Kannapolis, North Carolina. The museum is free (accepting donations) and open to the public Monday to Friday.

In addition to Grammy Award-winning production and a high-profile music career, 9th Wonder (aka Patrick Douthit) has been deeply involved in bringing attention to talent in his state. The accomplished DJ regularly holds events in North Carolina. He has served as an educator at Duke University and North Carolina Central University, among others. Meanwhile, 9th set up shop with Jamla Records in the state. The label’s flagship artist, Rapsody, is a native of Snow Hill. In 2018, her Laila’s Wisdom album was nominated for two Grammy Awards.

The induction comes during an extraordinarily prolific time for 9th. In the last year, he and his largely NC-based production team, The Soul Council, have produced albums for Black ThoughtSmif-N-Wessun, and the Jamla Is The Squad II compilation, in addition to an expansive instrumental release. 9th and the Council are currently preparing to release the latest collaboration with Murs, The Illiad Is Dead And The Odyssey Is Over.

Meanwhile, Big Daddy Kane has demonstrated how sharp his skills are. Last year, B.D.K. joined longtime DJ Mister Cee for a comprehensive interview and a dazzling Funkmaster Flex freestyle. The Brooklyn native also worked with Ghostface Killah.

According to the North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame website, tickets for the October 17 event will be made available to the public this spring. Inductees, also including Elizabeth Cotten, Merle Watson, and Mitch Easton, will be performing.

Original post was published here.

Coffee Mugs Every Black Woman Needs To Start Her Day Off Right

Coffee Mugs Every Black Woman Needs To Start Her Day Off Right

Ugh, mornings! No matter how blessed you’re feeling on the inside, rising and shining to adult every day can be a struggle. Between work, family and friend commitments, chances are, you’re in need of some serious motivation to get your day started. 

A warm cup of your favorite coffee or tea is usually a great way to jumpstart your mood, but in case you need a little something extra to remind you of your magic–we got you!

available at teaplusshade.com $18
available at messinabottle.com $16

Original post was published here.

De La Soul Recall The Origins Of The Native Tongues & The MC Who Started It

De La Soul Recall The Origins Of The Native Tongues & The MC Who Started It

Original post was published here.

Earlier this month, De La Soul’s episode of Drink Champs featured an extensive and newsworthy preview. N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN released the part of the discussion where Posdnuos, Dave, and Maseo addressed their ongoing, and sometimes public negotiations with Tommy Boy Music surrounding the digital revenue and rights to the Long Island, New York trio’s first six albums.

While those discussions between De La’s team and its former label are presumably ongoing, Drink Champs published the full interview with Plug 1, Plug 2, and Plug 3. It includes that previously-released part of the discussion, as well as some noteworthy history surrounding the group who is currently celebrating 30 years since releasing platinum-certified debut, 3 Feet High And Rising.

At 44:00, DJ EFN reads a request from Native Tongues member Monie Love. Monie suggested that the crew recall a story involving Queen Latifah’s birthday party, the Violators’ Chris Lighty, and Dave (fka Trugoy) and Mase’ handling B.I “She said ‘big fight at Queen Latifah’s B-day party, back in the day, at M.K.’s in Manhattan,’” reads EFN. “She said, ‘Maseo rockin’ knots too.’”

“Dave too,” interjects Maseo, as the three Grammy Award-winning artists laugh, along with EFN and Noreaga. “That was when Chris and ’em got into it?” Dave asks his band-mates. Posdnuos replies, “Yeah. [Some people] slashed Chris’ face.”

Maseo takes over. “It was the night Chris Lighty got cut in his face. It was pandemonium that night. That’s all. You step up for your family and handle sh*t, pretty much.” Plug 1 and Plug 2 recall Jungle Brothers being present, along with Queen Latifah, and Lighty’s Violators crew. “Out of all that that was goin’ on, somebody tried to steal the [cash] register,” Dave remembers with a smile.

Chris Lighty, who passed away in 2012, was a member of the Native Tongues super-group with De La Soul, Jungle Brothers, Queen Latifah, Monie Love, A Tribe Called Quest, Black Sheep, Leaders Of The New School, Chi-Ali, The Beatnuts, and others. Lighty would go on to manage the careers of Tribe, LL Cool J, Puff Daddy, Busta Rhymes, 50 Cent, as well as N.O.R.E.

This part of the Drink Champs conversation goes to the origins of the Native Tongues. Although the collective never released an album, it led to several incredible collaborative songs, including De La Soul’s “Buddy” and its Native Tongues remix.

Asked about the collective, Dave begins, “We had this gig in Boston. Jungle [Brothers and Finesse & Synquis were] on the bill as well.” N.O.R.E. asks who was originally down. “To begin with, it was us, Tribe, and Jungle,” Dave confirms. He credits Jungle Brothers’ MC/producer Afrika Baby Bam for coming up with the idea. “We met at a gig, exchanged numbers, wind up hanging out [later].” He continues, “From there, it created a relationship. Eventually, we was in the studio; we invited them to the studio. For us, the studio was just [a place] to invite friends. And if you happen to be there, you’re gonna be a part of what’s going on.”

In 1988, the JBeez (which also included Mike G and Sammy B) made “The Promo” and “Black Is Black,” featuring Q-Tip. In 1989, 3 Feet High…Jungle Brothers’ Done By The Forces Of Nature, and Latifah’s All Hail The Queen included members of this spawning group. In 2018, the Black Eyed Peas released “All Around The World,” which involved the late Phife Dawg, Pos’, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad.

Elsewhere in the interview, at 1:10:00, Posdnuos recalls Prince interrupting an Electric Lady Studios session he had booked with The Roots’ Questlove during the recording of 2000’s AOI: Mosaic Thump. “I’m a Prince fan, but as a man, I was f*ckin’ pissed,” Plug 1 admits when The Purple One was less than apologetic for commandeering all the rooms in Jimi Hendrix’s studio to show his upcoming album to the Warner Bros. Records brass.

De La Soul is currently preparing to release an album produced by DJ Premier and Pete Rock. During the Drink Champs episode, they briefly describe taking a recent studio session with Preemo and testing the results in the Gang Starr member’s car.

Wu-Tang Clan Now Has A District Named After It In Staten Island

Wu-Tang Clan Now Has A District Named After It In Staten Island

Yesterday (May 4), part of the Park Hill section of Staten Island, New York was officially renamed the “Wu-Tang Clan District.” The rechristening is in honor of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late O.D.B. Meth’, Raekwon, Ghostface, and U-God are some of the Wu founders that grew up in this section of Shaolin, as well as Cappadonna. The New York City Council voted unanimously in favor of renaming the area. The sign stands at the intersection of Targee Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. At the ceremony, which Inspectah Deck and others attended, a sign was added to the corner. Visitors can now officially “Enter the Wu-Tang.”

City council member Debbie Rose had this to say in conjunction with the unveiling. “This is a great day where we have an opportunity to honor our own hometown heroes, the young men who put Staten Island on the map internationally. They overcame all types of challenges, to not only become Rap artist and Hip-Hop artist but to inspire and challenge the music world,” Rose said, according to The Staten Island Advance.

To commemorate the moment, Raekwon the Chef was among the Clan founders who uploaded a video of the street sign unveiling on the rainy Saturday afternoon. The crowd present for the event can be heard cheering and chanting “Wu-Tang” as the reveal commences.

The Wu-Tang Clan also have their own official day in New York on November 9. Now, the Wu-Tang can be celebrated for an entire day, in a neighborhood that they made proud.

This month, Wu-Tang, Public Enemy, De La Soul, and DJ Premier are part of the Gods Of Rap Tour in the United Kingdom. Wu is in the midst of their 25th-anniversary run. On May 10, the Sacha Jenkins-directed documentary, Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics And Men, will make its television debut on Showtime. RZA is also executive producing the dramatic series, Wu-Tang: An American Saga for Hulu that is currently revealing some of the actors (and fellow Rap artists) who are playing the members of the Clan and its affiliates. Additionally, RZA and band-mate Ghostface Killah are making a Horror movieAngel Of Dust, based on their real-life experiences.

Original post was published here.

‘Intercepted’ Drama Series From 50 Cent & La La Anthony In Works At Starz

‘Intercepted’ Drama Series From 50 Cent & La La Anthony In Works At Starz

The Power duo of executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and co-star La La Anthony are teaming for a new series project at Starz. The premium cable network has put in development Intercepted, a soapy drama from 50 Cent and his G-Unit Films and Television, with Anthony attached to star and executive produce.

Intercepted is based on Alexa Martin’s bestselling novel of the same name. It is the first of the three-book series The Playbook, inspired by the eight years Martin spent as an NFL wife.

Described as a funny and fresh contemporary romance, Intercepted centers on Marlee Harper (Anthony), who is the perfect girlfriend. She’s sure had enough practice, dating her NFL-star boyfriend for the last 10 years. But when her relationship unexpectedly ends, she vows to never date an athlete again. Only one problem: Gavin Pope, the new star quarterback in town, has Marlee in his sights.

Actress/TV personality Anthony has real-life experience as a WAG she can draw upon for the role; she has been married to NBA star Carmelo Anthony.

Intercepted is part of the rich new overall deal Jackson and G-Unit inked with Starz last fall. G-Unit also is developing the series Black Mafia Family and Vanguard for the premium cable network, owned by Lionsgate.

Martin’s The Playbook series was published by Berkley, a division of Penguin Random House.

50 Cent, born Curtis James Jackson III, executive produces Starz’s flagship drama series Power, on which he also starred for the first five seasons and directed an episode. Additionally, he executive produces a hot legal drama pilot at ABC, written by Hank Steinberg.

In addition to her co-starring role on Power, Anthony is a bestselling author. Her recent TV credits include Star and The New Edition Story.

Original post was published here.

Chadwick Boseman To Play African Samurai ‘Yasuke’ In Deal With Picturestart, De Luca Productions, Solipsist & X●ception Content

Chadwick Boseman To Play African Samurai ‘Yasuke’ In Deal With Picturestart, De Luca Productions, Solipsist & X●ception Content

Fresh from playing the African warrior king Black Panther in Avengers: EndgameChadwick Boseman has officially aligned himself to play Yasuke, the first African samurai to swing a sword in Japan.

Erik Feig’s Picturestart has teamed with Mike De Luca and his De Luca Productions banner, Stephen L’Heureux and his Solipsist banner, and Boseman and Logan Coles’ X●ception Content to produce the film adaptation of the story of Yasuke, who served under Japanese warlord Oda Nobunaga in 16th century Japan.

Yasuke was a native of Portuguese Mozambique who was brought to Japan as a slave to Jesuit missionaries. The first black man to set foot on Japanese soil, Yasuke’s arrival aroused the interest of Nobunaga, a ruthless warlord seeking to unite the fractured country under his banner. A complex relationship developed between the two men as Yasuke earned Nobunaga’s friendship, respect — and ultimately, the honor, swords and title of samurai.

Doug Miro is writing the script. he co-created the hit Netflix series Narcos, which he continues to write and exec produce alongside co-creator Carlo Bernard and showrunner Eric Newman.

“The legend of Yasuke is one of history’s best kept secrets, the only person of non-Asian origin to become a Samurai,” Boseman said. “That’s not just an action movie, that’s a cultural event, an exchange, and I am excited to be part of it.”

The Yasuke project has been percolating for awhile and Feig and the producers started it at Lionsgate when Feig headed production there. It shook loose when he left. MGM recently set a rival Yasuke project that has a script by Stuart C. Paul, and Whalerock Industries’ Lloyd Braun and Andrew Mittman producing.

Beyond Black Panther/T’Challa, Boseman has most recently starred as Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get On Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall. He will next star in STX’s 21 Bridges, which he and Coles also produced along The Russo Brothers and Madison Wells Media. Boseman is represented by Greene & Associates Talent Agency and Management 360.

Original post was published here.

Serena Williams Just Slayed The Met Gala in Off-White Kicks and a Ballgown

Serena Williams Just Slayed The Met Gala in Off-White Kicks and a Ballgown

This year’s Met Gala theme–“Camp”–is all about embracing the unexpected and Serena Williams hit the red carpet in a canary yellow combo that did just that. 

As co-chair for the night’s festivities, the 37-year old tennis star made a practical fashion choice in pairing her dramatic Versace gown with custom kicks by Off-White designer Virgil Abloh.

With hubby Alexis Ohanian in tow, the tennis pro revealed on the red carpet that it was actually Vogue editrix Anna Wintour who suggested she retire her heels. 

This isn’t the first time Williams made waves in Versace at the Gala–in 2017 she debuted her baby bump while wearing a custom green look by the brand.

As founder of Off White, Abloh made history last year, becoming the first Black artistic director at Louis Vuitton. 

Hats off to Serena for showing this brother some love at an event where designers of color are notoriously underrepresented.

Original post was published here.

‘We Finished the Script’: Ice Cube Sends Internet in a Tizzy with Details for Next Installment of ‘Friday

‘We Finished the Script’: Ice Cube Sends Internet in a Tizzy with Details for Next Installment of ‘Friday

Ice Cube definitely got a lot of people’s attention when he posted a message about his 1995 film “Friday,” which reached its 24th anniversary on April 26. And now, following the success of sequels “Next Friday” in 2000 and “Friday After Next” in 2002, the rapper has followed that post with news of when he wants the fourth movie in the franchise released.

“To the 24 years that have flown since this came out, all I gotta say is… BYE, FELICIA,” wrote Cube last month. “Do you want the next chapter??”

Then on a recent episode of ESPN’s “The Jump,” Cube said the script is done and is currently undergoing edits from the film studio. But he’d love for it to hit theaters on April 26, 2020, for the 25th anniversary of the first film. 

“We pushing for it, we finished the script, we getting notes from the studio and it’s going back and forth,” he explained. “We’re going to get into pre-production and start hiring people. It would be nice for this to come out on the 25th anniversary.”

And for those who badly want Tucker to be in the new film, he said it’s a possibility but only if it makes sense.

“I don’t know. I talked to [Ice] Cube about it,” he said last year on the ESPN podcast “The Plug.” “He told me he was working on some stuff. And if it comes together right, I’m definitely gonna look at it and see if it works. ‘Cause I never say never; I definitely want to check it out. If it works, it’s a possibility.” 

“At this point, I want to make sure that it’s the right thing to do,” added Tucker. “‘Cause you don’t want to do something for money if it’s not the right thing to do. ‘Cause then it disappoints fans.”

Original post was published here.