Scarlet Magazine Fall 2014

THEM CLOUD KIDSTHEM CLOUD KIDSFind out about this club’s philosphy and

how they use it for the Newark CommunityFind out about this club’s philosphy and

how they use it for the Newark Community

LAVERNE COX VISITS RUTGERS-NEWARKSee what impact the television star left on the campus

LAVERNE COX VISITS RUTGERS-NEWARKSee what impact the television star left on the campus

DANNY’S SAYS GOODBYE:Danny Lee talks about the end of an era.

DANNY’S SAYS GOODBYE:Danny Lee talks about the end of an era.

THE MIND BEHIND THE MUSIC: Read about this Rutgers-Newark Student and Rapper

THE MIND BEHIND THE MUSIC: Read about this Rutgers-Newark Student and Rapper

VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 7 FALL 2014VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 7 FALL 2014VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 7 FALL 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

6 148 18

10 2412 28

PIMP MY RIDEStudents react to the bus upgrades.

AIN’T I A WOMAN?Laverne Cox’s visit speaks to more than the LGBTQ community.

THE END OF DANNY’SDanny Lee talks about his restaurant closing.

MORE THAN MAD DECENTThis is the block party you didn’t want to miss...

NEWARK IRONBOUNDExplore what the city has to offer outside of campus.

OHWONThis Rutgers-Newark rapper reveals what’s behind his music

UNDOCUMENTEDJose Antonio Vargas visits the Rutgers Newark campus.

SPREADING A LEGACYThem Cloud Kids reach the community with a global philosophy.

FALL 2014 | 1

LETTER FROM THE EDITORHello,

It’s been a long time.

During the course of the semester, our campus has been visited by the most renowned, from Laverne Cox to Jose AntonioVargas.Influentialpeopleoftenleaveapieceof who they are to those they touch. Their stories spread deep inside us.

But you don’t need a fan base to do the same. Whether or not you’re following Ubuntu like Them Cloud Kids, small gestures also leave a great impact. Sometimes, a free drink from Danny’s can make your whole day.

People come and go. But what they leave behind could meanmorethanmomenttheyfirstarrived.Thepeople we meet will help mold our legacies. What will yours be?

Kristine Villanueva | Editor in Chief

2 | SCARLET MAGAZINE

CREDITS

FACULTY ADVISORSRobin Gaby FisherChantal Fischzang

EDITOR-IN-CHEIF WRITERSEDITORKristine Villanueva Lee Caplan

Erin JeromeMazine MaciasKenneth Montoya

Scott NisleyHelena RuizAllyza Umali

Evan Le BlancMaxine MaciasAllyza Umali

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DESIGNERSART DIRECTORKaren May Cunanan Bryan Choi

Tiffany HaleDaniel JamrozBarrington McGregor

Lamont RoysterRyan SaavedraLisa Weng

Roshni Asawla

Them Cloud KidsRae Faith PhotographyAllyza Umali

FALL 2014 | 3

CITY OF ANGELSBy: Darren Kwan

PantoumCity Of Angels

A friend asked me to name a place I loved the most.

I remember my first love like a heart remembers to beatA beautiful girl with golden brown hair and eyes of the oceanShe gently touched the little box and smiledAn elegant diamond necklace with a heart in the middle

A beautiful girl with golden brown hair and eyes of the oceanShe pulled away as quickly as she entered my life An elegant diamond necklace with a heart in the middleThat cracked unevenly in half She pulled away as quickly as she entered my lifeA terribly wonderful love, preserved in time no one could touchThat cracked unevenly in half Like the necklace, first love was impossible to replicate

A terribly wonderful love, preserved in time no one could touchShe gently touched the little box and smiledLike the necklace, first love was impossible to replicateI remember my first love like a heart remembers to beat

The beginning to the end of a chapter in my lifeWe were the young loves that our older selves now reminisce about my first love, filled perfectly with our childhood innocence

I replied to the friend “The city- of Angels, where I loved the most.”


CITY OF ANGELS

FALL 2014 | 5

RUTGERS NEWARK:STUDENTS COMMENT ON NEW BUS SYSTEMBy: Erin Jerome

▶ Photo from Wikipedia


RUTGERS NEWARK:STUDENTS COMMENT ON NEW BUS SYSTEM

Rutgers-Newark along with the New Brunswick campus de-buted an enhanced bus system this school year. The changes to the Newark campus, which includes larger busses and ex-tended routes better connect the higher education institutions of the city. Students can now easily take advantage of the modifications to shorten their commutes and travel more easily between the different colleges. Undoubtedly a major improve-ment in mass transit in the area, the three core roots of the sys-tem have some major changes. The Campus Connect route now links Rutgers-Newark with NJIT, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, and the Broad Street station. Students travel-ling to Newark Penn Station can now catch the bus at Blumen-thal Hall, and commuters to nearby Harrison and Kearny will now have route stops at Kmart and Shop Rite.

A new app also improves the bus system, giving route informa-tion and estimating the arrival of the next bus. Students wait-ing for the Kearny bus at stops around campus complained about the imprecision of the app, and explained how they aren’t getting home as quickly as possible during rush hour.

“I use the app, but it’s not accurate,” said freshman Valeria Seguenza. NJIT grad student Gheysar Niknam agreed.

“I use the app, but it’s kind of useless,” he said. “And I’ve been waiting for this bus for 45 minutes.”

The bus stop in front NJIT’s Engineering building is packed from five to eight p.m., with many students waiting to take the bus to Kearny. NJIT senior Mary Correa avoids the crowds by walking to Boyden Hall to catch the bus.

“The new busses are nice,” she said, “but I feel like the older ones, [they] came more regularly.”

Kinks aside, larger busses with more seats means improved transportation around campus and easier commutes for many students. The Rutgers New Brunswick bus system is one of the most efficient in the country, and the enhancements to the Newark system are a necessary step in meeting the needs of the urban campus.

“The new busses are nice,” she said, “but I feel like the older ones, [they] came more regularly.”

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By: Maxine Macias

What was once considered as a landmark of Rutgers-Newark is now gone. What used to be a busy, but often-relaxed atmosphere of Danny’s Deli is now replaced with steel roll up grilles. Formerly located on University Ave., the restaurant closed down last May and has left many wondering why. According to Danny’s former owner Danny Lee, it wasn’t supposed to close until May 2015, when his lease was up. According to Lee, building owner John Kwak was going bankrupt and the building complex was being threatened with foreclosure. Kwak had given Lee two options, stay without a renewed lease or leave. “When I found out that he wouldn’t extend my lease, I just took my stuff and left,” Lee said.

Danny’s had another location on Broad Street that closed down for different reasons. “It was a really bad area, that location got broken into 3 times, so I just decided to close it,” Lee said. Lee had been taking some time off before starting on a new career venture in November where he’ll be doing fashion marketing in New York City.

While Lee seems to be moving on, students on campus are saddened by the loss of their local favorite, some admitting they eat there up to four times a week. “I’m very disappointed because I would go there often to eat breakfast and lunch,” Delia Duran said. When asked what she would like to see replace the deli, she said she’d like to see something similar. Many others provided similar responses like student Jeffrey Vasquez. “Something similar where you could get a home cooked meal, a decent breakfast [be]cause most of the places on this campus are horrible,” he said. Danny explained that while students may miss his restaurant, he feels exactly the same. “I miss the place because it was my first business, but I don’t have any regrets,” Lee continued.

Despite Danny’s having loyal customers, he also had unsatisfied guests who are indifferent to the closing of the restaurant. Melissa Resaul, a student at the Rutgers-Newark Business School, had only eaten at the deli once and vowed to never return. “I just felt that the way they prepared food wasn’t clean or up to standards,” Resaul said. Shazeeda Ahmad, another one-time eater at Danny’s added, “I didn’t

DANNY’S LEAVESCAMPUS

DANNY’S LEAVESCAMPUS


really like the food, it kind of tasted bland.” Instead, they hope to see a healthier option or perhaps Panera Bread at the location. Despite the mixed reactions to Danny’s closing, another Rutgers alumni and former customer of Danny’s was shocked but remains hopeful.

“It’s sad to see him go because I’ve been going to Danny’s since it opened and he’s been here for a really long time. He was like a landmark here at Rutgers.” Alex Wang, a former graduate of the Rutgers Business School, will be opening up another deli in place of Danny’s called Uptown Grill. He hopes to bring a high-end twist to your average deli and believes in providing the highest quality meats, cheeses, and bread.

Wang also brought in a head chef from an upscale bistro, Satis Bistro, in Jersey City to be his partner. Wang says the price will be a reflection of the quality of food going to be served. Wang is also opening up a ramen noodle shop next door, called Nori Ramen, where the former Metro deli used to be.

“We know there’s college students here but nowadays, people really care about the quality of food that they eat” Wang said. Wang also hopes to create a fun environment for students and Newark residents alike. He hopes to hold events in the parking lot and is even hoping to get a liquor license to eventually open up a bar. He hopes that his restaurant will do just more than serve food. “Our main goal really is to bring in the community around Rutgers as well,” Wang said.

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IRONBOUNDIRONBOUND

Don’t know what to do this weekend? Looking for something new and exciting? Why not stop by Newark’s very own Ironbound section. Experience fine dining along with top of the line shopping. More into the nightlife scene? No problem. The Ironbound is filled with clubs and bars guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest of party animals.

Locals believe the Ironbound name derived from the large metal working industry of the city’s past. Many of the past Ironbound residents found themselves working in the metal industry during the 19th and 20th century when this community was founded.

The Ironbound is an extremely unique and diverse neighborhood known for its rich heritage as well as its vivacious activity. This decadent neighborhood is home to some of the most incredible and authentic Brazilian and Portuguese cuisine in the state of New Jersey. Many even dare to say the United States.

By: Lee Caplan


IRONBOUND

IRONBOUNDIRONBOUND

As a result of early 19th century immigration, the influx of ethnicities created a demand for a more native and familiar style of foods. Thus introducing new restaurants and eateries. Naturally, these new eateries and restaurants were an astounding success. The Ironbound’s eclectic food culture reflects a pivotal moment in the United States development. Newark’s Ironbound contains a population of over 25 percent Portuguese. This makes for some incredibly irresistible Iberian restaurants.

The Ironbound is a socio-cultural Mecca spanning for over four square miles. This ethnically dense neighborhood is jam packed with hidden gems and one of a kind art that you will not find anywhere else. It is a perfect example of the modern day American Dream for Portuguese and Brazilian immigrants.

Newark’s Ironbound is also famously known for being the home of legendary Jazz singer Sarah Vaughan as well as home of the late James Gandolfini.

So if you are looking for a new cultural experience filled with authentic cuisines, fresh fish, fine wine, and clubbing, come down to Newark’s Ironbound.

“This ethnically dense neighborhood is jam packed with hidden gems and one of a kind art that you will not find anywhere else.”

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There are currently 11.3 million undocumented Americans residing in the U.S. as of March 2013, according to a Pew Research Center’s preliminary estimation.

JOSE ANTONIO VARGASBy: Kenneth Montoya


JOSE ANTONIO VARGASBy: Kenneth Montoya

There are currently 11.3 million undocumented Americans residing in the U.S. as of March 2013, according to a Pew Research Center preliminary estimation. The figure was close to the 11.2 million in 2012. The number of undocumented immigrants living in the U.S has stabilized since the end of the Great Recession. Without signs of rising, the undocumented population are likely to be long term residents with U.S-born children.

“There is no such thing as an illegal immigrant,” said Vargas. “I feel that term is so degrading.” “Documented” first premiered on CNN in June. But the experience watching at Rutgers-Newark was unlike watching from home. Audience members were interactive through social media and were encouraged to tweet their reactions on the film. Participants also recorded their definition of American for Vargas’s Define American campaign, where he advocates for immigration reform.

Although undocumented, Vargas has been published as a journalist in the Huffington Post, the Washington Post, and the New York Times where in 2011 he penned a personal essay revealing his status as an undocumented American. Although the battle for immigration reform continues on, it was clear that these advocates for immigration reform have no signs of stopping.

Vargas arrived on September 12th to showcase “Documented” in the Essex Room, a documentary in which he reveals his struggle as an undocumented American. Jian Carlo Tello and Marisol Hernandez, both undocumented students at Rutgers-Newark, accompanied Vargas during a Q &A panel after the showing. During Vargas’s visitation, attendees were able to see how closely the nation’s immigration problem affects the Newark campus. “There is a unique opportunity on campus to raise awareness, host more events, install safe spaces, and language,” said Tello.

Both Tello and Hernandez lobbied to pass the Tuition Equity Act of New Jersey. The act passed on January 7th and allows college students to pay the same amount for tuition as residents of New Jersey. Although progress has been made with immigration reform, Vargas said he feels that there is much more that can be done.

“Obama and his administration had promised to have an impact on immigration reform, but this topic is not that personal to him,” said Vargas.

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By: Allyza Umali

Well hell to the yes she is! Laverne Cox, a proud and strong transgender woman, is a prime example of one of our generation’s most important and influential people fighting for equality, love and empathy. But what people don’t know is the story behind the woman she is today and what her plans are for the future of the LGBTQ community.

The “Orange is the New Black” actress graced a jam-packed Essex Room of over 600 students and staff members on a Wednesday evening as a strong LGBTQ advocate giving her speech “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, Paul Robeson Campus Center and Housing and Residence Life, the special evening embarks one of Laverne Cox’s 2014 college tours.

Standing tall and courageous, the “Orange is the New Black” actress stunned in a purple dress with black trim, showing off some leg, her brown-blonde locks flowing past her shoulders. Cox is beautiful and confident walking up to the podium.

Opening her speech with a quote from Cornel West – “Justice is what love looks like in public.” – Cox preaches by saying “transgenders could use a little love and justice today” and follows her statement with a hair flip causing claps and laughter in the audience.

Well hell to the yes she is! Laverne Cox, a proud and strong transgender woman, is a prime example of one of our generation’s most important and influential people fighting for equality, love and empathy. But what people don’t know is the story behind the woman she is today and what her plans are for the future of the LGBTQ community.

The “Orange is the New Black” actress graced a jam-packed Essex Room of over 600 students and staff members on a Wednesday evening as a strong LGBTQ advocate giving her speech “Ain’t I a Woman?”

Sponsored by the Chancellor’s Office, Paul Robeson Campus Center and Housing and Residence Life, the special evening embarks one of Laverne Cox’s 2014 college tours.

Standing tall and courageous, the “Orange is the New Black” actress stunned in a purple dress with black trim, showing off some leg, her brown-blonde locks flowing past her shoulders. Cox is beautiful and confident walking up to the podium.

Opening her speech with a quote from Cornel West – “Justice is what love looks like in public.” – Cox preaches by saying “transgenders could use a little love and justice today” and follows her statement with a hair flip causing claps and laughter in the audience.


She continues her talk and says her inspiration roots from admirable feminists such as Sojourner Truth, bell hooks and Judith Butler, who she says all their “words are like oxygen” to her, she says.

But on the other side of inspirations, she tells her backstory, the struggle of a young Roderick Laverne Cox, who was bullied and criticized by peers and teachers but still gained the love and respect from his mother as he transitions from a man to a woman.

She says her love for dancing dates back to grammar school and that the hobby saved her life from all the negativity she faced growing up.

“If we can find something we are passionate about, it can be lifesaving,” Cox said.

She recalls being exposed to the arts and said it was the happiest time of her life. But it wasn’t until she moved to New York City and experienced the nightlife where she felt celebrated.

Today, Cox still celebrates her transition, but pushes for a better future for transgender individuals like her.

“Trans lives matter,” she says ending her speech by referencing to the death of 21 year-old transgender woman Islan Nettles.

With4 another standing ovation from the crowd, the room became a congregation of hoots, chants, and words of encouragement.

Following a Q&A portion hosted by LGBTQ & Diversity Resource Center Director Maren Greathouse, Laverne Cox answered a few questions that were submitted by attendees prior to the event. Questions varied from lighthearted to serious, Cox seemed to have fun answering questions as she took a few more from the audience.

“If we can find something we are passionate about, it can be lifesaving...”

FALL 2014 | 15

Who are your role models?

I wouldn’t say role models, I call them “possibility models”. Leotyne Price… She was the first black opera singer. She was so good at what she does that it transcends her. Can you do my hair? (Referencing her role as Sophia

in “Orange is the New Black”)

You can’t afford me, honey! Hahahaha!

What advice do you have for them [transgender/LGBTQ youth] in, sort of, taking that next step?

Well, whenever I give advice to young people, for me, I think it’s always important to stay in school and to value your education. Because I believe education is freedom and I wouldn’t be who I am today, where I am today, without my education valuing it. And it’s often not safe for a trans kid to stay in school, as I talked about, and if all possible figure out a way to stay in school, get a GED if it’s not safe, get an education. Figure out a way to get really educated.

And I think, too, I know early on in my transition I was so hard on myself because my initial goal in my transition was to pass and was to blend in. And I was so hard on myself when I didn’t. I was so hard myself when I would walk down the street and someone would call me a man, I would often say “What am I doing wrong?” and I was just so hard on myself. So I would say don’t be so hard on yourself, and I would say challenge yourself, and to try and be your best and do your best at things. But try and not get into the self-talk stuff because, I know when I look back on myself, early transition, staring, looking at photos for a project… I was beautiful. I was really beautiful but I did not feel beautiful. So embrace this time in your life and embrace who you are right now even as you embark on a journey where you want to change and become more of yourself. It’s important to really celebrate where you are right now and love that.

Q&A


What do you think is your biggest obstacle after all the success?

I think it’s myself. And I think it’s still the whole process of loving and accepting myself of not self-sabotaging is a continual process. It’s not something that you get and your life is just suddenly amazing. It’s something I have to continually work on every single day.

And I work really hard, haha. I’ve probably taken on too much. I’m very over committed right now. So learning to say “no” has been a really huge challenge for me, trying to take care of myself first and not wanting to take care of everybody else and making everybody else happy. And that’s hard. That’s a really really hard part because I want to make everybody happy and I don’t want anybody to be disappointed in me or mad at me but I have to take care of myself first or I won’t be a bit of use to anyone. So finding the balance between self-care and doing service so that I’m okay…

I have a guest spot on a Bravo show called “Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce” and one of the actors on it, we were chatting on downtime and he said, “Different levels, different devils.” So even when you’re “successful,” there’s always something. And I’m still the same person. I still bring all of the baggage that I had before I was on a hit TV show. I still have all the stuff, and it still needs to be worked on and worked out.

Do you listen to Beyoncé?

Girl, where have you been?! She asked me if I listen to Beyoncé! Yeah, girl. YEAH!

What’s your favorite Beyoncé song?

That’s always really hard.

I’m obsessed with Beyoncé, so I think my favorite song… Top five! “Get Me Bodied” always makes me wanna dance, “Flaws and All” also from B’Day, from the Beyoncé Experience Tour, she’s crying but she’s singing (sings) “I’m a trainwreck in the morning…” Okay. Haha. And right now, I’m obsessed with “Jealous” from the self-titled album. But I go through different phases where I’m into different Beyoncé songs. I still love “Drunk In Love”, I still love “***Flawless”. Flawless is mage. Flawless is magic. I woke up like this, by the way.

XY

FALL 2014 | 17

By Allyza Umali


MORE THAN A MAD DECENT SUMMER

It was a little bit after 4:00pm on August 9, 2014, a Sunday afternoon in Coney Island’s MCU Park when festivities for the Mad Decent Block Party (MDBP) have already begun. Big Gigantic, Vic Mensa, Dougie F & DJ Fire, and Mad Decent Records’ very own Dillon Francis, DJ Snake, Flosstradamus, Grandtheft, and of course, frontman Diplo were on Brooklyn’s roster this year. As a first time attendee of the block party, and a member of the press, I honestly did not know what to expect. But I did know I would be in for a whole day of music and dancing (twerk and trapping).

Upon arrival, the baseball stadium was half way filled while a long train of ticketholders that were still lined up outside the venue waiting to get in. There was no set time on when to be there, attendees were free to go whenever they wanted to. Waiting in line wasn’t as bad considering how fast it was going and the music being played during DJ Snake’s set can be heard outside. But as press, getting inside and around the minor league baseball stadium was just a quick credential check and you were free to have all access.

“My name is DJ Snake and I f*cking love you!” the DJ yelled out as he signs off with his last song “You Know You Like It.”

Walking towards the side of the stage, crowds of people were dancing, raising drinks, singing along to the beat of the Parisian DJ.

FALL 2014 | 19

MORE THAN A MAD DECENT SUMMER

Coming off the stage, the “Turn Down For What” DJ greeted and took pictures with friends and fans but was soon rushed as he had a flight to catch for a gig that same day. However, he was more than gladly to take me into the lounge area to get a word or two from him.

“I don’t really speak English,” the French-native said to lighten up the mood. Wearing his signature shades, donning all black with a shirt that read “KARMA” across his chest, DJ Snake leaned in to make sure he could hear and understand what I had to ask.

AU: How does it feel to be part of the Brooklyn stop for the Mad Decent Block Party?DJS: That was crazy. That was my first time doing the Mad Decent [Block] Party tour. You know, like, this is crazy. All the Mad Decent Block Party family going all over the country… It’s just crazy! [I] feel blessed!

AU: You played at Rutgers New Brunswick last year, how was that experience? When will Newark turn up with you?DJS: It was fun! That was my first experience [to play] in that [college] crowd. Maybe next year! We’ll see, we’ll see! I will do my best!

“All the Mad Decent Block Party family going all over the country… It’s just crazy! [I] feel blessed!”


Back on the field, the charming Dillon Francis was in the middle of his one-hour set that was shortly joined by Diplo for a mix. Ending his set with “Get Low”, the college-filled crowd were throwing their hands up, and bobbing their heads in sync once the beat dropped.

Soon after, Big Gigantic took over and showcased something different than the others. Yes, there was a bunch of bass bumping beats, but this group incorporated instruments for their performance. The Colorado-based group gave an electro-hip-hop-jazz twist on their set that even included a saxophone solo.

When the sun began to set, it was time for the DJ everyone has been waiting for - Diplo. Known for producing moombahton (reggaeton and house music, also known as “twerk music”) and getting inspiration from Jamaica, the world renown DJ/producer turned the whole field into a twerk fest. Playing tracks from Major Lazer to his solo stuff, and even mixing a Spice Girls classic, Diplo invited Kiesza on stage for a special remix of her hit song “Hideaway.”

Closing the night out were Chicago-based trap gods J2K and Autobot, best known as Flosstradamus. The dynamic duo took the crowd into a different dimension with all black and gray attire as they wave a huge black flag with their logo (a triangle with an exclamation point inside it). As the music began to start playing, the two took off their hoodies and face masks to reveal their identities. It wasn’t before long until the first beat dropped into their set and Flosstradamus clearly made Mad Decent Block Party a legit block party filled with college students.

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Towards the end of their set, Flosstradamus invited Rae Sremmurd and his entourage up to the stage for a special remix of “No Flex Zone”. The exclusive mix was soon followed by mixes that consisted of throwback hip-hop tracks and mixes from fellow label mates at Mad Decent.

Besides the special guestings of Rae Sremmurd and Kiesza, also spotted in the crowd were French Montana and Katy Perry. Coming out for DJ Snake, there were talks backstage of French Montana and the Parisian native doing a collaboration in the near future. While on the other hand, Katy Perry supported friend and rumored beau Diplo. Sporting a green top, skirt, and bucket hat that made up the whole outfit, the

“Dark Horse” singer attempted to be incognito with her posse who were also with matching get ups.

No matter how you were dressed or how you were dancing, to classify Mad Decent Block Party as another typical electric dance music (EDM) festival would be false. From afar it may seem like it but the block party takes its own concept. Inviting local food trucks to the event, giving out free water to stay hydrated, security, staff and attendees were on the lookout for each other. Whether someone wanted to be lifted on to someone’s shoulders or someone wanted to be closer to the stage, people were willing to help one another. Because in the end, it was all about enjoying the music and having fun.


“Because in the end, it was all about enjoying the music and having fun.”

FALL 2014 | 23

By: Scott Nisley

Omotade Fatiregun just pulled an all–nighter. Aside from a quick power nap, he’s been up all hours studying for his Econometrics exam. Like any other college kid, the demands of a heavy course load and the unenviable task of hitting the books well after midnight can put a crimp on a 21-year-old’s sleep schedule. Fatiregun has a tired look on his face for sure, but the young rapper better known as “OhWon” in Newark’s underground hip-hop circles, hasn’t lost his style.

While he’s already released a few songs in the form an EP, Dream With Eyes Open is the rapper’s first serious full-length project that came out in September. OhWon first got exposed to music when he was a kid, listening to stuff he heard around the house. He knew everything from Motown and R&B from his father, and from his mother, a love for rhythmic artists such as Chaka Khan and Fela Kuti, the godfather and archetype of Afro Beat. OhWon listened to the likes of Barry White, Al Green, and Stevie Wonder as well as traditional African music. But it wasn’t until later that he discovered hip-hop while watching 106 & Park with his aunt; a show that had a countdown of all the popular hip-hop songs of the day.

DREAMINGWITH BOTHEYES OPEN


Photo from zouchmagazine.com

“I can remember her playing different popular songs around me,” OhWon says. “She would hog the TV and all we would watch all day was MTV and BET.”

OhWon didn’t always live in New Jersey. He spent most of his childhood here, but he was born in London. His parents, who hail from Nigeria, wanted to leave the country to give their son a better a chance to lead a fruitful life. His father wanted to give him a good shot at an education. The only way to do that was to be overseas. At the time, his father couldn’t get a visa to the U.S, but instead, got a visa to go to London.

Soon after, he and his family returned to Nigeria before immigrating to the U.S. five years later. The rapper says that his background and living in different parts of the world has a great influence on his music. While the subject matter in his songs often seems localized to Newark and the

surrounding areas, it actually touches on the things he’s seen elsewhere. “A lot of the times, I’m actually talking about Africa and Nigeria and some of the things I saw down there,” OhWon says. “Using the language of hip-hop and sort of bridging the gap between here and there.”

While the rapper comes from a music loving family, his parents who have always put education first, weren’t thrilled with their son’s interest in pursuing a music career. OhWon respects his parents’ more conservative views, but insists that his passion lies in the music. Still, the Economics major always puts the time in when it comes to school.

“I do scary things with my eyes when I rap, too...I’m just trying to get your attention and make you look at me, just capture you.”

FALL 2014 | 25

“They’re very heavy on education,” OhWon says of his parents. “I don’t think music would have been their first choice of profession for me to go into. But their thing is, ‘as long as you work hard and get your education you can pretty much do whatever you want.”’ OhWon says he keeps his songs at arm’s length from his parents. While they support him in his endeavors, he explains that his parents have heard one or two songs but he doesn’t play his music for them because rap doesn’t fit their musical taste.

When OhWon writes his raps, he writes what he feels, how the beat of the song makes him feel, or what he feels is necessary to say. One of the tunes on the new album is a song based off a beat that he sampled from Bob Marley called “Is this Love.” While it’s about a girl OhWon sees in a club, the rapper builds his character from a composite of different girls he’s seen in the club over time. The song darkly hints that while the girl seems happy and carefree on the surface, it suggests that she might be doing the drugs to escape from some kind of inner turmoil. The song says: She making wrong decisions, she

fucking for prevision, she doesn’t mind cause in her life there ain’t no optimism...She thinks she bad, she knows she bad, I think she evil, she says she love me, I don’t believe her, don’t believe her.

OhWon also shot a music video for the album’s first single “Warzone” in the old, dilapidated Essex County Jail with a few of his friends. While sneaking in, the crew had to step over hypodermic needs, broken glass, and piles of rubble. In his own words, the song is about “drugs, urban decay, and the mentalities that turn somebody’s community into literally a war zone.” Working in that environment never made OhWon nervous for a second.

OhWon got his rap name when he and his brothers signed up for the local football team and their coach was unable to pronounce their Nigerian names. The common factor that he and his brothers had however, was the fact that each of their names started with the prefix “Omo,” a syllabic addition that originated directly from their father’s name. Since Omotade

Photo from soundcloud.com/OhWon


was the oldest of the four brothers, he became ‘O One,’ while his younger siblings became ‘O Two,’ ‘O Three,’ and ‘O Four.’ Later the fledgling sportsman took his football name and revamped it for rap, creating the tougher punchier, “OhWon.”When OhWon hits the stage, he says something strange happens. It’s almost as if he takes on a different persona with an aggressive edge that holds the crowd glued to him while he puts on the show. Sometimes he gets so into it, that every move he makes in the spotlight seems to come more from instinct, than from a calculated or premeditated approach.

“You’re not thinking anymore,” OhWon says. “You’re just acting. All of a sudden you know what to say on stage, and you know what to do. You know that when you’re closing the show, you go jump on top of the couch and perform from there and close out. You know to jump into the crowd.”

“Just because of the subject matter of the song, it was like, ‘This is exactly what I’m rapping about!’ So it felt right to be there.”Like lots of rappers, OhWon has a tough look. He might even look imposing if you passed him in the street. But beneath it all, he’s a soft-spoken sweetheart of a guy who only wants his music and art to be heard. It’s not an attitude that’s unique to him, but it’s one that gives him courage enough to take a chance and prove to the skeptics and naysayers that he has something worthwhile to offer this world.

It’s the kind of courage you can only have in your twenties. There are those who believe that everyone has an opportunity to do something great in their short time alive on Earth. Unfortunately most people either get too scared to take the chance, or they fail to reach out and grab it when the MC drops the microphone in their hands. But one thing’s for certain, OhWon has a firm grasp, and he’s not letting go.

FALL 2014 | 27

By: Helena RuizPhotos By: Rae Faith Photography

THEM CLOUD KIDS

The late and influential Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done” - Them Cloud Kids embodies this thought.

Them Cloud Kids, also known as TCK, is an up and coming youth empowerment organization based around Ubuntu, a South African philosophy translated to “I am who I am because of who we all are.” Popularized by Mendella, TCK hopes to promote human kindness, compassion and unity.

“All of our lives we’ve been told that the sky is the limit but the sky is not the limit, it’s only the view,” says club member, Shane Fuller.

The club started in December 2013 at the Rutgers University Newark campus by students Jewell Palmer, Shane Fuller, Ngima Wambugu and Kira Antoine. But Ubuntu’s roots reach much further.

CLOUD KIDSThe late and influential Nelson Mandela once said, “It always

seems impossible until it’s done” - Them Cloud Kids embodies this thought. Them Cloud Kids, also known as TCK, is an up and coming youth empowerment organization based around Ubuntu, a South African philosophy translated to “I am who I am because of who we all are.” Popularized by Mendella, TCK hopes to promote human kindness, compassion and unity. “All of our lives we’ve been told that the sky is the limit but the sky is not the limit, it’s only the view,” says club member, Shane Fuller.

The philosophy is both broad

and old. At it’s core, Ubuntu

promotes community,

human connections,

and caring for all individuals...”

The club started in December 2013 at the Rutgers Univer-sity Newark campus by students Jewell Palmer, Shane Fuller, Ngima Wambugu and Kira Antoine. But Ubutu’s roots reach much further. The philosophy is both broad and old. At it’s core, Ubutu promotes community, human connections, and caring for all individuals.


CLOUD KIDS

“It always seems impossible until it’s done”

According to Media Club South Africa, the term was first used in print in 1846 but did not become well known until South African author Jordan Kush Ngubane wrote about it in the 1950’s. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu also used Ubuntu during his anti-apartheid campaign in the 1980’s, in which Nelson Mandela was also an advocate. Today, TCK utilizes this philosophy as a tool for our generation and for the community.

“During a discussion about current issues we realized that our generation as well as upcoming ones needed direction,” says Fuller, who is also a Resident Assistant in Woodward Hall for first year students.

TCK was recently granted permission for a mentoring program at the PennRose Development Center in Newark, which houses senior citizens and low-income families. Catering to the children who live in the developments, Them Cloud Kids’

Mentoring Program provides them with homework help and lessons surrounding anti-bullying, etiquette and conflict resolution. All mentees are Rutgers Student Volunteers and have been screened and matched with a mentee based on compatibility.

“We are inspiring our peers to become better role models for our youth and we believe everyone should go above and beyond the clouds and reach for the stars. We want to encourage our peers as well as the youth to help one another reach towards the stars, which is a representation of their individual goals,” Palmer says.

We are inspiring our peers to become better role models for our youth and we believe everyoneshould go above and beyond the clouds and reachfor the stars...”

FALL 2014 | 29

“During a discussion about current issues we realized that our generation as well as upcoming ones needed direction.”


The philosophy is both broad and old. At it’s core, Ubuntu promotes community, human connections, and caring for all individuals.

According to Media Club South Africa, the term was first used in print in 1846 but did not become well known until South African author Jordan Kush Ngubane wrote about it in the 1950’s. Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu also used Ubuntu during his anti-apartheid campaign in the 1980’s, in which Nelson Mandela was also an advocate.

Today, TCK utilizes this philosophy as a tool for our generation and for the community.

“During a discussion about current issues we realized that our generation as well as upcoming ones needed direction,” says Fuller, who is also a Resident Assistant in Woodward Hall for first year students.

TCK was recently granted permission for a mentoring program at the PennRose Development Center in Newark, which houses senior citizens and low-income families. Catering to the children who live in the developments, Them Cloud Kids’ Mentoring Program provides them with homework help and lessons surrounding anti-bullying, etiquette and conflict resolution. All mentees are Rutgers Student Volunteers and have been screened and matched with a mentee based on compatibility.

FALL 2014 | 31

“We are inspiring our peers to become better role models for our youth and we believe everyone should go above and beyond the clouds and reach for the stars. We want to encourage our peers as well as the youth to help one another reach towards the stars, which is a representation of their individual goals,” Palmer says. “We want to emphasize the importance of creating a positive connection between universities and their surrounding communities and we are going to our Student Organization as a model.”

TCK has a prevalent social media presence, existing on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Tumblr as a means for promoting their events. They can be searched by the username Them Cloud Kids or with the hashtag #TCKUBUNTU.


“We want to emphasize the importance of creating a positive connection between universities and their surrounding communities and we are going to use our Student Organization as a model.”

FALL 2014 | 33

Them Cloud Kids see themselves growing into an international organization that will continue to promote positivity in not only the youth but all generations of life.


Some of the events include “Cloud Cyphe”, in collaboration with an empowerment group called UCYPHE, where artists come together and perform for charity. They will soon have their own website to provide more information on these types of events.

The Cloud Kids is in the process to becoming an official Rutgers student organization and are finalizing a membership packet for anyone that would like to join. The packet will include background information about the organization and its origin, a self-exploration of Ubuntu and information on how being a Cloud Kid fits into the individuals’ life.

As for the future, Them Cloud Kids see themselves growing into an international organization that will continue to promote positivity in not only the youth but all generations of life.

FALL 2014 | 35

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Scarlet Magazine Fall 2014