BSU’s “Spoken Dreams” Showcases MT’s Talent

“Spoken Dreams” was the theme of the Black Student Union (commonly known as BSU)’s first open-mic night. The night buzzed with talent, as dreams were not only spoken, but also rapped, sung and even danced. The event was kicked off by hosts Teriah Taylor and Marcus Pullian, two Seniors who used their playful banter to engage the crowd. The first act was JP Jackson and Matt Johnson, showcasing their b-boy skills and wooing the audience with their flips and head spins.  The following performances, by Emynee Carter reciting Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou, and Zoe Washington reciting an original poem entitled Nothing but Silence, each held a unique and distinct powerful message. Other inspirational acts were Roshumba Clarke’s rendition of Nelson Mandela’s inauguration speech and Dasia Sims with Aldeiaha Thompson’s performance of the poem Generation Next by Frank Withrow, which they gave their own flavor to by speaking about their own stuggles and aspirations for the future.  Tenisha Woodward, Dalvin Clifford and Diana Le all showcased their poetic talents by reciting their own original pieces.

Brent Clark, stage name Young B, let his lyrical talents flow, rhyming about the current issue in Haiti. Aldo Escoria stormed the stage, claiming his place as a rapper, while the young duo Maurice Gordon and Owen Woods took their performance “To the Top”. A highlight of the night was Bobo’s performance of “Do the Shuffle”, in which the Senior proudly boasted his love for Yu-gi-oh. The lyrical ladies Saweetie [Diamonte Harper] and Saharah Sisco, held their own amongst the guys illustrating their talent to freestyle.

Harmonizing Hazel Cardente and Jade Gomez sang “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys, with Jade returning for a second performance alongside Chris Crump to their remix of TI’s smash hit “Whatever You Like”. Emmanuel Saucedo crooned to the R&B tune “So Sick” by Ne-Yo, while Brittney Harvey preformed the sweet ballad “Hollow Men” by Justin Nozuka. Katrice Burrell  along with Dajaughn Ellis  transformed Chris Brown and Jordin Sparks’ ballad “No Air” into “No Pair” (get it?). The night dwindled down with the oh-so-smooth voice of Michael Oliver singing an original song – “She Wont Cry/Do the Thing Medley”. The last performer of the night, Eric Searcy, soulfully emitted his original tune “The World That I Came From,” while he strummed on his guitar.

BSU’s Spoken Dreams night was a dream for most of Monterey Trail young performers. For many,  it was the first time they were able to showcase their passions in front of their friends and peers. The night was not only one of dreams but for hope as well, as each attendee was asked to make a small donation toward the people of Haiti. In all, the night will be one to remember.

R.A. The Rugged Man: The “Illest” Underground Rapper

Lyrics of a rap song may be about everything – from life, love, night journals, sex, or even the rappers themselves.  But there isn’t anyone who raps about his own illness such as R.A. The Rugged Man.

 Though The Rugged Man isn’t as well known as Immortal Technique, Murs, or Vinnie Paz, he has his own style and his own expression in his. Due to his violent personality and certain sexual harassment lawsuits filed against him, R.A. was blackballed from the industry for some time, but he is still human, and of course humans do make mistakes.  The things we look at in him aren’t those mistakes, but what he did to overcome the barriers placed in front of him, and what he did to impress others just by using his lyrics – the lyrics of illness.

 Legally named Reginald Arbuckle Thorburn, R.A. The Rugged Man was born and raised in Suffolk County, New York on Long Island.  He started his career as a rapper at the age of 12.  Considered to be different than the rest, he was banned from performing live in most of the United States, and he was banned from recording studios and countless record labels. He did not give up hope, however; he used the underground to illuminate his name and develop a style that would macerate all the competitors by creating lyrics that all are real, related to life, and as sick as you can think about. 

 He was born into an ailing family.  His father was a veteran from the Vietnam War, who was seriously affected by the Agent Orange.  The potent chemical altered his family forever; his brother Maxx was born handicapped and blind, and died at the age of 10, while his sister Dee Ann couldn’t walk or speak.  The pains of losing and the pains of not being understood by anyone were his inspirations for his lyrics and raps – they told people about the torment that he had endured. Uncommon War: A Vietnam Story, one of the raps by R.A., went on to describe Vietnam and exactly what his father had to experience.

 Currently placed on countless lists of best underground rappers, it won’t be long until R.A. The Rugged man, the “illest” rapper, has the recognition he deserves.