Hip hop pioneer Ralph McDaniels spoke to Florida A&M students about his success in the music industry, sharing ways for them to do the same.
Credited with directing and producing more than 300 videos, including Nas’ “It Ain’t Hard to Tell,” Wu-Tang Clan’s “C.R.E.A.M.” and Black Moon’s “Who Got Da Props?” McDaniels said he was excited to have the opportunity to reach out. McDaniels addressed more than 150 students in the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication lecture hall on Tuesday.
“I definitely enjoy talking to young people, especially African Americans about getting into the business,” said McDaniels. “A lot of kids just need some motivation or to see someone they can relate to doing something they wish or aspire to be a part of.”
Invited by FAMU’s hip-hop Institute and music studies led by led professor Kawachi Clemons and Chirstopher Martin, McDaniels is one of the many speakers that has graced the campus.
“I love the fact that FAMU is always willing to bring someone in about their profession,” said Dan Mathis, a senior economics student from Fort Lauderdale. “McDaniels is truly a step out of the norm for most journalism students that don’t want to just focus on crime-fighting news.”