Tiffany Edmondson
Staff Writer
One is from Chicago, Ill., two are from Michigan, and one is from Jackson, Miss. Together they are all students at Jackson State University. Meet the SuperTeam: Jabari Gross “JB”, Philip White “Philie Phresh”, Rickey Williams “Rick Flair” and Lewis Marshall “Akbar; rising hip-hop moguls who all met while studying at JSU.
While under the management of Marshall, these distinguished students are making their mark around campus, within the city and even on the radio waves. They haven’t even graduated and already have two tracks in rotation at local radio stations in Jackson.
JB has a track called “One Night” and Rick Flair is featured on a track called “Dream Catcher” with Lou Writer, another JSU student and music sensation.
Within three weeks, all of the SuperTeam artists will have songs hitting the airwaves.
From catchy tunes to motivational lyrics and hooks, the SuperTeam is trying to make it in the music industry by working hard as students and as upcoming artists. They are students during the day but when night falls, it’s grind time.
Outside of class, you can find these guys chopping it up in the studio, recording their latest track or on Twitter and Facebook promoting themselves, their music, and JSU’s movement of upcoming artists.
Aiming to become an ambassador for underground music on campus and in Chicago, Gross said, “I want to create factual based music about myself and the people around me so I can bring more value to black culture.”
Marshall, an industrial technology major from Battle Creek, Mich., has been managing the group and has been very instrumental in their success. Gross said that they met Marshall when he sold shoes and decided to combine his skills with their talents to form the SuperTeam.
Since then, the group has created several tracks and mixtapes, performed around the city and at JSU’s Street Jam, including becoming the first rap group to perform at JSU’s “Live at the Legacy” talent showcase series. These are only a few accomplishments but they mean a lot to them as aspiring artists, students, and as a group.
“We are on the verge of major success and with continuous work we will definitely make it,” said White, who is a graduating mass communications student from Detroit, Mich. Though music is important to all of them, there is something that bridges the gap that most young male artists don’t have and that’s an education.
During an interview, Gross stressed how education is the key to success for their society and how they can use what they have learned and experienced in college to elevate them to the next level.
Hopefully, their hard work and dedication can advance them to the top of the billboard song charts or to the top of their graduating class. One thing is for sure, the SuperTeam is focused on their goals of graduating from JSU, becoming professional artists, and creating unique music.
