62.12 Spartan Echo

LEAD NSU | See Page 5 Vol. 62, I ssue 1

Jonathan Mason | See Page 2

NSU Bowling Recap | See Page 5

Vol. 62, Issue 12

05.01.15

Tuition increase to affect athletics

The tuition is set to make a dramatic increase next semester and how much it will affect the Sports programs is still unknown. Photo from NSUSpartans.com

by Antonio

Garland

As tuition is set to increase next semester, so will the budget of Norfolk State’s sports division. It is preparing adjustments by developing strategies, seeking new revenues to cover additions of expenses and to perform efficiently.

Student fees pay for auxiliary enterprises which includes athletics. Around 70-80 percent of the athletic operating budget comes from student fees. Due to

08.29.14

“Trigga Reloaded” | See Page 8

the tuition increase, the academic program is looking for ways to help students involved in athletics succeed academically.

According to NSU athletic director, Marty Miller, the university needs additional revenue as it doesn’t just Affect athletes, but the entire student body. He feels the increase is necessary for providing resources to students.

“We need to have the

appropriate revenue to provide the kind of services that our students need here, including the student athletes.” said Miller. “What we’re going to have to do in athletics is to find alternatives to bringing in additional revenue so that we can continue to compete athletically and to graduate our student athletes.”

Scholarships are given, though the athletic division chooses students who can perform academically. Student athletes tend to have a higher graduation rate than the regular student body. The athletic division is looking to improve those numbers annually.

Currently, the academic division is in the planning stage of developing budgets for the 2015-2016 academic year for each sports program. Miller hopes sports fans will make contributions to support the athletic programs.

NSU admissions, exploring alternative enrollment options by

Mahogany Waldon

With the almost imminent closure of various Historically Black Colleges and Universities due to failed enrollment and financial downfall, Black colleges across the nation are doing what they can to improve admission rates; Norfolk State is no exception.

The university’s “First View” program will begin on April 18 and give prospective students an opportunity to visit the campus.

Despite the “First View”

program, Norfolk State will not only have to compete for admissions due to the fact that they are a Historically Black college, but also due to the fact that they are one of the schools that has struggled this past year.

In Dec. of last year, news went out that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, placed the university on a

• Continued on p. 3

The fate of future student admissions lies in the hands of past & present students of NSU. Photo by Storm Calder

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

spartan news

2

Mother and daughter graduate together

Jonathan Mason graces NSU by

by

Antonio Garland

Jonathan Mason, a Norfolk State University alumnus who graduated in 1995 and president of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., visited the campus during the Mass Communications and Journalism (MCJR) week to share his experiences as a student and how they shaped him into a sales director for radio stations, such as 77 WABC and WABC Syndication in New York. His goals were to show students he was where they are today and that they too could become successful.

Mason wanted students at NSU to understand they come from a university they should be proud of.

“Understand that the education they get comes as a result of what they put in to it,” Mason said.

A native from Pennsylvania, Mason attended NSU due to its excellent mass communications program. Being gifted academically and athletically, Mason was used to being treated with favor; however, he found it didn’t matter due to everyone being treated the same.

“I realized very quickly that in Norfolk State, it wasn’t about status. Every student was treated equally.”

After a few setbacks, Mason considered leaving the university. His parents told him to stay on campus to honor his commitment. Though he initially disliked this option, looking back he feels it was the

05.01.15

Antonio Garland

Mother and daughter Audrey Jackson and Latasha "Tasha" Jackson will walk across the stage together for May graduation.

Audrey began college in 1983, but put her career on hold after becoming a mother.

When she came back years later, Audrey felt out of place with a new generation of students. However, the students and her professors made her feel welcomed.

“It worked out very well,” she said. “It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Audrey said while they were equals as students, she still had to remind Tasha

she was still her mother.

On the other hand, Tasha gave her mother guidance on adjusting to new changes for her in college.

Tasha said going to school with her mother had good and bad moments, but she mostly enjoyed it.

One memorable experience from their time spent at Norfolk State was that they once dressed alike.

After graduation, Tasha is currently debating on studying for her master’s degree. She was also recently accepted into Regent University. Audrey is debating on returning to Norfolk State for her master’s degree studies.

As the Director of Sales for WABC and WMBM in New York, Mr. Jonathan Mason, Sr. knows what it takes to survive & thrive during & after college. Photo by DeQuan Moss

right decision.

“I thank God that my parents didn’t let me come home. I’ll tell you why. The greatest experience I had in my life was being a student on the campus of Norfolk State University,” said Mason.

From personal experience, he said the students should be proud of the school, due to several teachers making a positive difference in his life. Because of this, he graduated with a bachelor's of science degree in news and public affairs with a minor in public relations. Despite the racial challenges he faced, Mason became one of the only African Americans in the country presiding over broadcasting sales for ma-

jor radio stations within a general-market company, like New York's WABC and WMBM. “If you’re passionate about your profession, take what you can get to get your foot in the door.”

Mason said people shouldn’t pursue a job, but a career. While in college, students should spend time sharpening their swords and fine tuning their skills.

He also encouraged students to not follow a career just for money.

“Don’t run for money.

Find something to do that you’re passionate about and you’ll never get up in the morning and go to work, because it’s something that you love to do.”

Proud mother & business major Audry Jackson looks forward to graduating with her daughter, sociology major Latasha Jackson, in Spring 2015. Photo by Storm Calder

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

05.01.15

spartan news

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• Continued from front page 12 month probation. The university is now faced with the task of finding new incentives to gain students in wake of its earlier setbacks.

Regardless of the probation, students and faculty still maintain a degree of pride throughout campus that things are definitely improving.

The university is also continuing to defy the odds on a national scale.

The Norfolk State University Honda Campus All-Star Challenge quiz team advanced to the semifinal round at the annual HBCU National Quiz Championship this year

and Dr. Mikhail Noginov, a researcher for the Department of Physics was named a Virginia Outstanding Scientist by Gov. Terry McAuliffe.

Dr. Andrew Arroyo of the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies, provided research this year at the university’s Undergraduate Research Symposium on Historically Black Colleges and the non-black students that attend them.

To some, his research may be surprising due to the fact that most people associate Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the Black community.

This assumption, while val-

id, is not always the case.

The idea of opening HBCUs to non-black students has been an ever-present matter since the founding of many schools of color.

“The latest research demonstrates that HBCUs are excellent choices for all students, regardless of race.” said Arroyo. “It’s also critical to remember that HBCUs have never discriminated against any populations. That’s part of what makes HBCUs unique. We have no history of segregation or discrimination. So, it’s important to be clear that we are open to all students, and we always have.”

When it comes to improving admissions at Norfolk State specifically, Dr. Arroyo ensures the university is on the right track and is taking “new initiatives geared towards the continuous improvement of admissions,” but he believes it’s the students who are on the front lines of the battle for admissions.

“Students themselves can move the needle on admissions numbers probably more than any other group of stakeholders. Take pride in your institution. Influence friends and family to become Spartans. Wear your school gear and colors with pride everywhere

you go. Bleed Green and Gold,” said Arroyo. “Determine to be a cut above.

Make people in your circles of influence want to be like you. Give them reasons to look up to you.

Then, when the time is right, tell them about NSU. If each student recruits just one person, the entire landscape of NSU can be transformed. We owe it to the brave founders of this institution, we owe it to future generations who will need this place, and we owe it to ourselves.”

NSU alumni talk secrets to success by

Antonio Garland

Norfolk State alumni returned to campus on April 2 to share how to play the game of success in today's technology driven climate. They consisted of Vincent Ellis White (2002), Katie Barrie (2011), Iisha Scott (2008) and Angela Moore (1995), each specializing in mass communications.

Success is a marathon, which is ran gradually through a period of time. White, who's currently employed with the Virginia Department of Social Services, said he had to learn as he went. He constantly built connections, relationships and networked with others.

Barrie, who is currently a writer and an on-staff producer for Discovery Network, focused on never settling where she was and looked to making herself better.

“With making relationships, you have this mindset of who

is this person and how can they get me a job, how can they get me in a door,” Barrie said. “Instead of looking at people as bait, try and form a relationship with them, because those relationships will [assist] you.”

Scott talked about her career as a meteorologist for ‘13News Now’, crediting her previous job as a traffic reporter as adding to her experience.

For those pursuing a career, Scott said you have to take small steps while following a career, sending out emails and internships.

Moore, a comedian, recruiter for Peace Corps and former Spartan Echo writer said you will always be striving for success in each level you reach; graduating college, obtaining a career, working to better that career, etc. While

it’s easy to network, Moore said the key is to maintain those relationships. She encouraged students pursue opportunities outside the classroom, especially those in their first year.

“Take advantage of it.

You may not have money, or it may cost you something, but the road to success is going to cost,” Moore said.

“Either it’s going to cost you your time to put in the seeds to get to that level of success or it’s going to cost you by not achieving it, so it’s up to you.”

Barrie said one should take failure as a learning experience. She also said if you don’t put in the work now, it will be harder to get chosen for a job. “When you’re here, your entire focus is honing your craft and be amazing at everything you do, learning

everything you can.”

Scott said while a career has difficulties, once you’ve obtained your chosen career, you never have to work a day in your life.

“As long as you are passionate about it and you love what you’re doing, it’s not as bad as waking up at 3 ‘o clock in the morning,” Scott said.

White said to never brush aside anyone in the department, as those people could be the ones who you look to for a job or an internship.

Moore encouraged those who are pursuing a career to do it for themselves.

(From left to right) Angela Moore, Iisha Scott, Dr. Wanda Brockington, Katie Barrie and Vincent Ellis White. Photo by DeQuan Moss

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

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spartan sports

05.01.15

Basketball

Honors

by

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5/3 vs. Coppin State 12 p.m.

5/5 vs. Virginia Commonwealth 5 p.m.

5/7 vs. Jackson State 3 p.m.

5/7 vs. Jackson State 6 p.m.

5/8 vs Jackson State 12 p.m.

Kazahna JoyCe

Although both Norfolk State’s men and women’s basketball season came to a heart breaking end in the semifinals of the MEAC tournament, there are a few Spartan “Ballers” that still have a reason to hold their head high.

Norfolk State University (NSU) Women’s basketball had a surprising season ending with an 11-5 (MEAC) record. Adding to their historic win over the Hampton pirates earlier in the season, the Lady Spartans managed to take some big post season honors.

Senior guard Rae Corbo landed a spot on the MEAC All-Tournament Team for the second year in a row. Corbo led the Spartans in scoring, averaging 18 points per game in their final three games of the MEAC tournament, helping the Lady Spartans reach the tournament semifinals for the first time since 2005.

Corbo joins Suawana Taylor as the only players in school history to earn MEAC All-Tournament Team honors twice in their four years at NSU. While the senior made noise this year earning her spot on the All-Tournament Team, the rookie Kayla Roberts also made some noise of her own.

The freshman forward was voted as the Virginia Sports Information Directors (VaSID) University Division Women’s Basketball Rookie of the Year.

Roberts also was named MEAC Rookie of the Year, and ranked number 14 in the MEAC in scoring.

The freshman from Miami Gardens, Florida was also named Rookie of the week seven times throughout the season.

As for men’s basketball, the Spartans had honors from a couple of their players as well.

Juniors Rasheed Gaston and Jeff Short were both named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) All-District Team.

Short was also named to the seventh annual second team All-America by the BOXTOROW. The junior guard led the Spartans to a second place spot in the MEAC, and also ranked second in the MEAC and top 30 in the nation in scoring.

For the Spartans men and women’s teams the success is bound to go on.

Short and Gaston will be returning for Men’s Basketball, and Kayla Roberts will be returning for the Lady Spartans.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

05.01.15

spartan sports

NSU Bowling recap

NSU Athletes receiving laptops by

Quarterback Michael Pierson & many more NSU athletes received laptops this semester, courtesy of the Spartan’s athletic advisor. Photo by Reginald Thomas by

Davonte Smith

The student athletes of Norfolk State University received HP laptops for the first time this semester. The athletic advisor gave laptops to the student athletes who are on a full scholarship.

Christina Ruffin worked three years in the Norfolk State athletics department as the athletics academic coordinator. Ruffin’s responsibilities include advising all NSU student-athletes on issues of NCAA eligibility requirements and monitoring progress toward their degrees.

Jacqueline Nicholson worked seven years for the Athletic department. Nicholson enters her fourth year as the assistant athletics director for academic support after serving coordinator for a couple of years.

Nicholson oversees the operations of the Student-Athlete Academic Support Office which includes a team of academic

coordinators, interns and tutors. Both Nicholson and Ruffin played major parts in making sure Norfolk State athletes maintain success in the classroom as well as on their playing grounds.

“Mrs. Nicholson and Mrs. Ruffin distribute them, but the NCAA funds giving the laptops and tablets to student-athletes.

We just have to return it at the end of each semester,” freshman women’s basketball forward Io Chaney said.

Student Athletes grades suffer mostly due to missed class time. Football players tend to miss less class time because they usually travel on the weekends, but as for baseball, basketball and softball, they miss an extensive amount of class time.

According to the NCAA Eligibility website, “In Division I, student-athletes must complete 40 percent

of the coursework required for a degree by the end of their second year.

They must complete 60 percent by the end of their third year and 80 percent by the end of their fourth year. Student-athletes are allowed five years to graduate while receiving athletically related financial aid.

All Division I student-athletes must earn at least six credit hours each term to be eligible for the following term…”

The NCAA has been under fire in previous years for not administering proper equipment to student athletes with the tools they need to maintain good grades and represent their institutions in athletic competition.

“I think it’s very beneficial because when we travel on the road for games, we have something small and portable to work on assignments on the bus,” said Chaney.

5

Davonte Smith

After having an overall successful season, Norfolk State Women’s Bowling came to an end in this year’s Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) championship game against No. 9 University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES).

The Hawks managed to come back from trailing the Spartans 3-0, to winning 4-3 in the best-of-seven Bakers series match up.

This was the number six seed Spartans’ second title match appearance ever.

Norfolk State Bowling finished with a 60-38 overall record, making this the fifth time in six years that the Spartans have reached 60 wins.

“I’m very pleased with our season, we had our ups and downs but it was still a great season,” said head coach Wilhelmenia Harrison.

This season will be the last for five Spartan seniors, including Courtney Williford and Delilah Bethel, who both were named to the MEAC All-Tournament Team.

Bethel led the Spartans this year averaging 181.2 in 30 games, making this her

second-best average in her four years at Norfolk State.

Along with Bethel and Williford, Norfolk State bowling will lose Courtney Brown, Ashely Buck and Kelsea Yarbrough.

Kelsea Yarbrough played 43 games including head to head battle average of 180.7 with 7,770 pin falls and high of 238.

“The five seniors bonded very well this year and they’ve been playing together since their freshman year,” said Harrison.

This year’s senior class won the MEAC southern division title three of its four seasons under Harrison.

“Even though we lost in the MEAC Championship, every year our goal is to win the Southern Division, MEAC Tournament and a chance to win the NCAA Tournament,” Harrison said.

Despite coming short of this year’s MEAC title and losing five strong seniors, the Spartans look forward to next season with freshman Briana Gardner and Megan Marciano, who will be returning next year.

According to NSUSpartans.com, NSU finished the season with a 6038 overall record, the fifth time in the past six years the Spartans have reached the 60-win plateau. Photo by Reginald Thomas

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

spartan lifestyle

6

Summer fun in the sun

LEAD NSU: the Spartan evolution

by Jazmine

Students are looking to make new memories and to take a much needed break from their academic life as NSU scholars. Photo by Storm Calder

By Io Chaney

It is almost that time of year again. Summer – when the sun is out, the wind is blowing just slightly and the sky displays a nice hue of blue.

For college students, it is the most anticipated season of the year with the weather, events and memories. Summer is the one time students do not have to worry about classes – that is if they are not enrolled in summer classes.

“I can’t wait to spend time with family and relax with them. I’ll also go back to my job and make some money. Aside from that, I will be working out for this next football season, because we have to come back early to get ready for game one,” freshman mass communications major Chris Lee said.

Summer is a great way to get away from all of the stress from school and enjoy the freedom of not having to wake up for classes.

College beach week in Virginia Beach is the last weekend in April. It is basically a way for college students to get a taste of summer before it actually gets here. Tickets for events and parties during

beach week can be purchased on eventbrite.com There are also many concerts in the Hampton Roads area that will be taking place this summer, including performances from Wale and Meek Mill.

While some students are out partying and enjoying the festivities, others are just grateful to have a lighter course load.

“I look forward to the good weather and getting away from academics for three months. I also may take two classes,” senior kinesiotherapy major Rickey Foreman said.

Over the summer, many students go on vacations with friends or family, start internships and even work summer jobs. Many find that the three months of summer go by way too fast; however, every student tries to make the best out of his or her time off.

“I look forward to the adventure of summer, because for a month or so you have total control of your life. You could take a road trip across the U.S. or go live in Europe for a month or two and nothing is holding you back, except for funds,” junior nursing major Brianna Boyd said.

05.01.15

Wiggins

Upon meeting the new Student Government Association (SGA) president, Antwain “Twain” Davis there were many questions to ask him; however, the most necessary question for the occasion seemed to be what is an ideal SGA president, and out of the qualities necessary for the role which do you feel are necessary to represent the student body?

Davis said, “I feel as if an ideal candidate would invoke power as a leader, not only for their leadership abilities, but for the respect that he promotes to others.” He then concluded, “I feel as if I am the ideal candidate because I invoke the presence of a leader that is needed to actually get work done in order to secure a legacy at NSU and bring back student and community involvement.

Davis spoke highly of Norfolk State University.

His mother is an alumna and he feels that the university is a part of him.

He plans to rebuild ties between NSU and Booker T. Washington High School in order to bring back the community environment that this university once held.

This is all incorporated in his campus moral initiative LEAD NSU, which will involve initiatives that will help bring back a family atmosphere to the university.

Davis is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., but makes an important note

that he is a separate entity from just being a part of a Greek organization. Rather than disowning the fact of Greek affiliation, he points out that although being an Alpha man is a very important part of his personal make-up, it is important to have personal ideologies and beliefs.

“Being that I am the first out of my siblings to go to college, it is imperative that I get to reach my fullest potential as a man to provide a role model for my two younger sisters,” Davis said.

Along with the conversation he spoke of the fees and rising tuition and he is in full agreement that the costs are getting outrageous, but promised that he wanted to make NSU a more student-friendly environment.

Davis understands that being a transparent leader is vastly important within any type of practice of power. He is working to establish an open-door relationship that he hopes leads to the changes that will prove positive for NSU’s future.

Junior Nursing major Twain Davis will serve as the SGA’s new president. Photo by Tykhari Coles

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

05.01.15

spartan lifestyle Q&A on SACSCOC probation of NSU

What is the SACSCOC? The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the regional body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states, including the Commonwealth of Virginia. The SACSCOC (the “Commission”) is a private, nonprofit voluntary organization that is located in Atlanta, Georgia.

7

editors Jason Gill Editor-inChief

Are institutions on Probation still accredited?

Yes. Institutions remain accredited by the SACSCOC while on Probation.

Why was Norfolk State University placed on probation SACSCOC? The SACSCOC placed Norfolk State University on Probation for twelve months after its review of Monitoring Reports and financial statements related to finances, governance, adequacy of full-time faculty, educational program assessment, and policy adherence. The University is required to host a SACSCOC Special Committee On-Site Visit during the fall of 2015 to demonstrate its compliance with the Principles of Accreditation – the accreditation standards of the Commission.

How long will NSU be on probation?

The University was placed on probation for 12 months. It is anticipated that the SACSCOC will review NSU’s accreditation status at its December 2015 Annual Meeting.

Will NSU lose its accreditation?

No. While the action taken by the SACSCOC to place NSU on probation is very serious, the institution continues to be accredited. The NSU Board of Visitors and administration say they are fully committed and prepared to implement all of the necessary corrective actions to satisfactorily address the cited compliance areas of concern.

Does NSU’s probation status affect my financial aid?

No. The University remains accredited by the SACSCOC and is therefore, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to offer and award federal financial aid to eligible students.

Does probation impact the accreditation of departments that are accredited by other associations?

The probation decision does not affect the accreditation status of other academic programs that are currently accredited by specialized accrediting associations. NSU will keep the specialized accrediting associations informed as it works to remove the SACSCOC sanction of probation.

Does NSU have other academic or specialized program accreditations?

Yes. Norfolk State University has numerous programs accredited by prestigious associations.

For a full list, please visit http://www.nsu.edu/provost/accreditation-and-affiliations.

How will NSU’s probation affect my Fall or Spring Graduation? Will employers want to hire me?

The value of your NSU degree will not be diminished and is just as valid as it was before the sanction of probation. You will still graduate from an accredited institution with a legacy of producing high performing graduates. The SACSCOC sanction did not arise from concerns about the quality of NSU’s academic programs.

How will NSU’s probation affect my ability to gain internships?

The SACSCOC sanction does not reflect concerns about the quality of NSU’s academic programs. Faculty will continue to provide excellent instruction and programs to ensure that students remain highly competitive for internship opportunities.

How will NSU’s probation affect my ability to apply for graduate school?

You will still be a graduate of an accredited institution. The SACSCOC sanction did not arise from concerns about the quality of NSU’s academic programs. NSU graduates will continue to be highly competitive for admission to any graduate program.

How can I stay informed about new developments regarding NSU’s status with SACSCOC? Norfolk State University has information on its website on accreditation, in general, at www.nsu.edu. Any new developments regarding the SACSCOC decision will be posted on the website at under accreditation at www.nsu.edu.

What can I do to help?

Share with your friends, parents and family the following information.

• Norfolk State University remains an accredited institution of higher education.

• NSU is a great place to learn, live and work.

• Accurate information about what probation really means is on the NSU website.

• NSU is committed to removing the probation sanction.

Danielle Kirsh Online/ Managing Editor

Antonio Garland News Editor

Malaun House Lifestyle Editor

Kazahna Joyce Sports Editor

Chantelle Polite Entertainment Editor

Tykhari Coles Multimedia Editor

Mario Lawrence Graphic Design/ Layout Editor

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu

spartan entertainment

8

05.01.15

Trey Songz to release “Trigga Reloaded”

by

Richelle Hammiel

After the 2014 release of Trigga and the Between the Sheets Tour, Trey Songz has proved time and time again that his career is far from over.

Through the course of his career, he has managed to deliver us album after album, never ceasing to give us an earful of either his signature slow jams or upbeat club bangers.

According to www. billboard.com, Trigga, Songz’s last album, managed to reach number one on the billboard charts.

His album has set the bar pretty high for other artists to follow.

We heard from multiple artists on this album, such as Nicki Minaj, Juicy J, Justin Bieber, and more.

Fans must anticipate who

by

Chantelle Polite

This spring, Vin Diesel and fellow “The Fast and the Furious 7” -- also referred to as “Furious 7” -- co-stars took us on “one last ride” in the seventh installment to the Fast and Furious film series.

Dominic Toretto (Diesel) and his crew of foreign car racers find themselves, once again, in the middle of foreign conflicts that involve thievery,

and what will be brought to the table for the June 23 release of Trigga Reloaded.

Seeing that “Trigga Reloaded” will be Songz’s 7th album along with his release of numerous mixtapes, his fans have continued to support his music and his career.

This far into the game, Trey, also known as “Mr. Steal Your Girl,” still hasn’t lost his touch with his fans.

As a sneak peak of what we will get on the album, Songz has premiered a video for his song “Slow Motion,” which is only one of his hits on the upcoming album.

Both the song and video are true to his lusty yet seductive sound.

Though Songz is most-

ly referred to as a singer, he often brings out his inner rapper, which is also as lyrically on fire as is his singing.

Until the album is released, fans must wonder just what side of Songz will we get on “Trigga Reloaded?”

With the name Trigga Reloaded, we must ask ourselves, what exactly does that title mean?

Though we can’t get his thought processes behind the name, just imagine what is to come.

Is it possible that Songz and his team will provide us with a whole new persona, a new image, a new sound, or overall a new side of creativity?

Trey Songz is set to release his 7th studio album, “Trigga Reloaded,” in 2015. Photo from Facebook.com/ treysongz/photos/

“Furious 7” takes viewers on one last ride large amounts of money and of course, fast cars.

In the previous film, “Fast and Furious 6,” Toretto and his crew took down British thief Owen Shaw who spawned events from “Fast and Furious 5.” For those who remember the cliffhanger from “Furious 6,” it was no surprise that Jason Statham would be making an appear-

The release of Furious 7 was a critical and commercial success, with praise aimed primarily at the film's mind-blowing action sequences and its tribute to the late Paul Walker. Photo from Facebook.com/FastandFurious/photos/

ance in this film.

Statham takes on the role as Deckard Shaw, brother of Owen Shaw, vowing revenge in Dominic Toretto and his crew. Shaw takes Toretto, Toretto’s sister Mia (Jordana Brewster), Mia’s husband and Toretto’s close friend Brian O’Connor (Paul Walker), Dom’s amnesiac girlfriend Letty (Michelle Rodriguez) and their FBI agent foeturned-friend Luke Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) through a series of dangerous and over the top action-packed conflicts that would not be a successful a “Fast and Furious” film without them.

Even through all of the over exaggerated action scenes and driving cars out of airplanes, one thing nearly

impossible to not think about for “Fast and Furious” viewers was the late and great Paul Walker, who died in a car accident in November 2013, before production of “Furious 7” was completed. Walker had been starring in the “Fast and Furious” franchise since its first film nearly 15 years ago as the former undercover cop who originally was supposed to take down Dominic Toretto but, instead, fell in love with his sister and joined the Toretto crew.

The “Fast and the Furious” movie franchise may not exactly be over. However, the utterances of the words “one last ride” throughout the movie make the series’ ending seem closer than we think.

“Furious 7,” of course,

saw success in the box office grossing $252.5 million making it the franchise’s highest grossing film to date. The films have capitalized on its continuing storylines of robbery, good taking down evil, and the importance of family all while staying true to what the films were all about: street racing.

Whether they were on the streets of Abu Dhabi or back to where it all began in Los Angeles, “Fast and Furious 7” is a must- see film to start off the summer blockbuster season with a tear-jerking ending that will make this installment one of its most memorable.

SPARTAN ECHO| Norfolk State University 700 Park Avenue Norfolk, Virginia 23504|NEWSROOM: 757.823.8200 E-Mail: spartanecho@nsu.edu