Kaylin Robinson
Staff Writer
The Outspoken Arts Collective of Jackson State University held its new members showcase, entitled “Hi-Def,” in the Jacob L. Reddix building on Nov. 5.
In total, there were 18 new members, consisting of four poets, five singers and rappers, two painters, a photographer who also danced, and even a young man that could make music using his voice.
The two emcees started the show off by getting the crowd warmed up, before introducing the performers.
The poets touched on heartfelt subjects, such as mental illness, domestic violence, the need for guidance, and political issues.
Each poet’s words were like powerful magnets pulling in the crowd with everyone anticipating the next line.
The singers sang with much emotion, hitting every note and run effortlessly. A lot of times, the crowd joined in singing the lyrics with them and yelling out “You better sing!”
The rappers hit every punchline and bar with intense aggression and gave so much energy in their performance.
They rapped about a variety of topics, like losing and finding themselves; what it is like for young people living in the struggle; and to even let people know that they will be one of the next hottest artists in the rap industry.
Once the audience got the hang of the song, they rocked with the artists and cheered them on as each recited captivating lyrics.
The painters and photographers captured the essence of human emotion in their works, and the dancer flowed and moved with swag.
When the show was over, the audience gave everyone who participated a standing ovation, cheering and showing love for all of the performers.
A few members from the audience shared how they felt about witnessing the showcase.
Ruby Pollock, a junior political science major from Puckett, Miss., expressed how she loves that Jackson State has so many talented students and seeing them in person actually felt like a real concert.
“I’m also glad they had a really good turnout, because a lot of times when there is a campus event, the turnout can be really iffy,” said Pollock.
Pollock went on to say that her favorite performer was Faith.
Faith is a singer and her act consisted of performing her very own song.
“She really just gave me Summer Walker vibes,” said Pullock.
Karen Williams, a sophomore psychology major from St. Louis, Mo., explained what the experience is like being a part of Outspoken Arts Collective.
“Being a part of Outspoken is really like being a part of a family. Everybody knows each other’s songs and we are all connected and working together. Everybody is just really close,” said Williams.
Be First to Comment