University of Michigan sophomore Travis Jones III, 19, stands with his mouth taped shut with “#We Can’t Breathe”

The notion of a city being denounced from a basic human right to fresh, clean water is a concerning issue that not only needs to be addressed, but also apprehended in a pragmatic manner because retrospectively speaking, the progressiveness of our communities will certainly be impacted negatively; if we continue to live as voiceless victims of racial and economic divisions that plague our nation’s vitality.

The Flint Water Crisis should be used as a platform to create better opportunities, by addressing health issues and financial concerns; for those whom are explicitly impacted. As we look at the situation at hand, problems become much more confusing. Egotistical personalities have superimposed themselves on this city’s water disaster, which could ultimately generate a false reality of hope for the residents and other conscientious if we allow it to.

According to hip-hop mogul, Russell Simmons, “”It’s not a natural disaster but they should be able to do more. What’s happening here, this kind of environmental racism could be happening in many other parts of the county. If this were Beverly Hills, it would be a minute before we found out and a second before someone would be blamed and be brought up on charges.”

Although the water epidemic has brought new attention to the city of Flint, it most certainly isn’t a new concept. We’ve seen what celebrities’ persuasiveness, and a strong media presences can bring to a crisis situation similar to The Flint Water Crisis.

Ferguson Market & Liquor, Mike Brown was allegedly last seen here before his death; becomes prime destination for looters.

Today, urban communities around America are growing substantially. Pain and suffering has monetized an environment of joy; even through the face of tragedy, and with or without the presence of media attention. Residents young and old are becoming more educated in all things social justice, business development, while understanding public policies that affect the vitality of inner-city neighborhoods, to ensure measures of a quality life are given to everyone in these communities.

Darius Simpson, an Eastern Michigan University student from Akron, Ohio, carries water he brought to donate for Flint residents.

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It seems the education system remains locked into the work of Kendrick Lamar, discovering new ways to incorporate his talented offerings. As we know, New Jersey High School found endless inspiration behind the project To Pimp A Butterfly, arranging sessions that deeply interpreted the intelligent wordplay.

It comes as no surprise therefore, that Kendrick’s craft is forming the basis of a scholarship, taking directions to a whole new level. The program titled “Be Alright” has been launched by Philadelphia’s Oogee Woogee organization  and has an exciting way of reaching fresh talent.

Offering $1500 to a lucky student, the association is challenging individuals to create a three minute video, outlining the positivity that lies within hip-hop. Of course viewers will be central to this contest, having the option to select their favorite candidate.

With the program already set to launch nationally, we look forward to seeing great results in the future.

Why not check out the promotional video below?

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Education is something LeBron James caringly promotes, as he channels his attentions towards making a difference. There is nothing more encouraging than seeing an idolized sports player inspiring the youth, and this time he has a great reward in mind.

A six year mentoring program held by the LeBron James Family Foundation is a subject of attraction, since completion of the program, actually promises a FREE scholarship.
Supported by the University of Akron, the NBA stars I Promise course is likely to help shape the futures of many.

Up to 2,000 children are set to benefit from this platform, and we are guessing there will be many ready to attend. Well, who wouldn’t want the chance to enter college for free?

We look forward to hearing positive feedback in the time ahead.

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The infamous Dean’s List Tour strikes again with yet another collective project brought to you by its creator and mastermind, Scott Morris, and the tour mates that are rocking universities and colleges all over the U.S.! Majority of the artists hail from NYC but the sound is so diverse and unique. This is the tours second Christmas project and this one is a classic! With ballads from singers like Cocoa Sarai and Venor Yard, to spontaneous and wacky lyrics from rapper Kwoat. Scott Morris and his band of artists are definitely in he holiday spirit and they want you to join the festivities by STREAMING and DOWNLOADING  A #DEANSLT Christmas Special EP today!

CHECK OUT THE TRACK LIST BELOW:

STREAMING:

DOWNLOAD HERE!

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Photo, Erin Dougherty

Standing amidst a sea of young men in light blue collared shirts and navy blue slacks, Darrell Branch is an authoritative figure. Dawning equally studious attire, the producer known as Digga advises his students on matters of copyright protection, illegal downloads and contract terms. He has been teaching at Renaissance Leadership Academy (RLA), a Harlem middle school, for five years. The transition into education from music was a practical one for the Harlem born entrepreneur.

Darrell began his professional career in 1997 as the exclusive music producer for Undertainment Records. In this role he earned executive producer credits on Cam’ron‘s gold-selling debut album Confessions of Fire. He was also instrumental in the formation of The Diplomats and even conceptualized their American eagle-themed logo. From there, he was off to the races – producing tracks for superstar artists such as Jay Z, 50 Cent, Ludacris and Jennifer Lopez.

Always a teacher at heart, Branch ran the Online Beat Tutorial website from 2004-05. But he found that having a site that hosted videos was expensive. “I used a site from India for people to create an account and put up videos. It was costing me a lot and I wasn’t making that much money.” He began to receive emails from all around the world. People wanted to learn from an American producer.

It was around this time that Branch got a call from Qadir Dixon, the principal at RLA. Both attended the University of New Haven, where Branch received his degree in Music Business. Together, the former basketball teammates thought up an idea for a new type of music class which would have its very own studio. After countless hours of sharing the vision through meetings and phone calls, Dixon successfully wrote several grants to pay for the studio equipment.

“I wanted to bring Darrell here because he’s a great role model, a leader and an example of hard work and believing in your dreams,” says Dixon of his dedication to the cause. “Parents don’t always want the kids in the house playing trumpets, but they can still zone out. Who better to teach them?”

Darrell Branch and Principal Qadir Dixon – Photo, Erin Dougherty

With a teaching position in place, Branch began to conceptualize Music Biz Kids, Inc., which would become home to a learning management website. He made a personal investment of approximately $5,000 to establish the site. He has spent another $10,000 to keep it up and running. He created the materials with a focus on music technology, music theory and music business. All of the curriculum is aligned with the New York State and Common Core Learning Standards (CCLS).

Fast forward to today, and the results are clear. There is well over $100,000 worth of equipment in Mr. Branch’s classroom including a full vocal booth. Students use new model Mac desk stations with M-Audio midi keyboards and Sennheiser headphones. The recording software of choice is Reason. But even surrounded by all of this top-tier machinery, the main engine of classroom instruction is the Music Biz Kids website Branch developed. Through this system, 7th and 8th graders are learning the basics of intellectual property, which protects a revenue stream that is integral to the music industry: publishing.

He’s a superstar. Guys who did not want to come to school have graduated high school and built studios in their homes. He’s inspiring kids to be scholars. They want to be just like him. – RLA Principal, Qadir Dixon, on Branch’s impact

Each student has their own account. The website has contract templates that scholars can customize to the rights they want to retain for their works. Games such as hangman are used to answer questions such as: “What is a copyright owned by the government that anyone can use for free?” (The answer is public domain.) Students are asked to reflect on what they have learned in fill-in-the-blank fashion. When they make new beats, they upload them under their account so that Branch can listen to them anywhere. He is uniquely equipped to both teach them the business principles and critique their budding production skills.

When a scholar can’t figure out the answer to a problem he has come across on Music Biz Kids, Branch coaxes out the answer: “Let’s say I just got these new kicks, and they only belong to me… It begins and ends with the letter E.” After a few students guess wrong, he brings the concept even closer to their everyday experiences. “What do they say when you can’t get it anywhere else?” There’s momentary silence. “Exclusive!” a student at his left finally calls out. They had likely heard this on the radio when a new record was being dropped by one of their favorite DJ’s.

RLA scholars hard at work – Photo, www.rlascholars.com

The investment that is being made into the youth here is astonishing. There is even a student-run record label connected to the class. They can participate as A&Rs, producers, artists or videographers. Every role that exists at any other label is available. When I ask about a giant-sized check for $500,000 from Def Jam to RLA hanging above the vocal booth, Branch smiles and explains that it is not real, but an effective visualization technique. “I tell them this is a check, this is how you get paid.” Indeed it is. The groundwork is being laid for a new generation of thought leaders in music, business and beyond. “Some kids don’t appreciate what they have. It may not get through to them now, but a few years later, they will understand. They will have the skills.”

The Music Biz Kids platform is a copywritten learning system. RLA is just the beginning, a trial to show that it actually works. Branch is focused on connecting music with different subjects such as ELA, science and math. “Music is math,” says Branch, who expects to expand soon by licensing the use of his website to other schools.

“I’m in the trenches. I’m with the kids from the hood who I can really directly influence. I want to give them the exposure to the opportunities and show them what is available. I can say I worked with Jay Z and sold 30 million records, but that wears off with [them]. They want to learn it from you, not just hear about it.” – Branch

Aside from his work at RLA, the “Many Men” producer will be releasing his first book, The Beat Game, shortly. It is an autobiographical/instructional look at the business behind making and selling music in hip-hop. He also teaches online courses and maintains an active blog, whose latest post on “The History of Ratchet R&B Music” takes a video journey back as far as the 1970s.

In his classroom, however, it is a no nonsense atmosphere. When a heated conversation over a Yu-Gi-Oh game breaks out in the corner of the room, Mr. Branch gives swift instructions to put the cards away. There’s a different game to be studied in this class: music. And according to Digga, its applications are endless.

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