SERVING SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI SINCE 1927•WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM•MARCH 30 2022|VOLUME107|ISSUE24
CRT REACTION
PG 3
SONIC YOUTH
PG 6
ESPORTS
PG 8
Senator proposes plan to erase student debt A’DARIUS MCCORMICK PRINTZ REPORTER
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would become more accessible. Ultimately, student loan ollege students and cancellation would move to the alumni may have a break on forefront. their wallets as U.S. Senator “It should be easy to enroll Patty Murray proposed a fourin a sensible repayment plan, point plan to ease student loan no one should end up with a payments. monthly payment they can’t “I’ve heard horror stories afford, and debt relief shouldn’t from so many people who are require making it through a struggling with the system,” Sen. gauntlet of paperwork,” Murray Murray said in her message said to Forbes. “This is not too with the Washington Post. “It’s much to ask—so until we fix not just an inconvenience, it’s our student loan system, the just not working.” student loan payment pause Tyrese Frazier attended must continue to provide borSouthern Miss for three years rowers much-needed relief.” until he transferred to a cheapThe proposal would impact er school, but like many stuabout 400,000 Mississippi dents, he used student loans to students directly because the pay off each semester. students owe an outstanding The cost of the university balance of over $15 billion. tortured Frazier’s wallet because According to the Southern he misunderstood the price of Regional Education Board, the student loans. largest portion of families with “I’m afraid that if I miss college students in Mississippi one payment, it’ll be hard to paid about 50% of their annual catch back up, and I’m hoping income after financial aid for that I’ll have a stable job with one year’s tuition at a four-year a steady income to pay them university. back,” Frazier said. “Otherwise, “The cost of education beI’m not quite sure how I will came too much for me being pay them back yet.” a first generation student and Murray’s proposal works tosupporting myself in college,” wards student loan cancellation Mississippi tuition, like the in four steps, and students like rest of the country, continues Frazier would gain a cheaper to rise, which raises the loan experience for colleges. debt for students like Frazier Students would receive a and others on Southern Miss fresh start on their credit histo- campus. ries that student loans heavily “And we’ve got to be clearimpacted. eyed that the cost of college is Student loan repayment continuing to sky-rocket—so would match the income of the to truly address the root of this borrowers. problem and put our students Student loan forgiveness on a path to success, the Biden
Administration must continue working with Congress to lower the cost of higher education and make sure it’s actually helping students get quality, high-paying jobs,” Murray said on her website. Murray wants to extend Mississippi students with student loans graduate with (Photo/Charlie Luttrell) an average of nearly $20,000 of debt (via LendEDU) the pause on the outstanding Also, Republicans look at balance in the nation, so she the proposal as a waste of taxand the Biden administration payers’ money. With students can implement the most efpaying less for school, taxpayers fective plan for borrowers. The would pay more. pause would give her and The Sen. Patty Murray awaits a Biden administration to craft decision on the proposal, but the best plan. until then, Frazier and other Republicans oppose the student loan borrowers will plan because the pause would remain in a pause until May 1, rely heavily on the Heroes Act 2022. of 2003, which gives the SecA decision should be made retary of Education power to before the end of the pause, so adjust any requirement of the keep an eye out for the fourHigher Education Act of 1965 point plan.For more informaduring a national emergency tion on the plan or the pause, like a pandemic. visit Sen. Patty Murray’s website.
NEWS MEET THE CONTRIBUTORS SM2 News Director
Charlie Luttrell charles.luttrell@usm.edu
Executive Editor
Kyra Lampley kyra.lampley@usm.edu Printz Reporters A’Darius McCormick adarius.mcormick@usm.edu Cordaveon Carter cordaveon.carter@usm.edu Garret Grove garret.grove@usm.edu Ben Milburn benjamin.milburn@usm. edu Jessica Besnard jessica.besnard@usm.edu Huey Turlich huey.turlich@usm.edu
Printz Photographer Sean Smith sean.a.smith@usm.edu
MARCH 30, 2022 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Golden Eagle Spotlight: VP of Communications moves on to SGA President
A’DARIUS MCCORMICK PRINTZ REPORTER
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his week’s Golden Eagle Spotlight goes to the Southern Miss Student Government Association Vice President of Communications Ashley Lankford, who serves as the 2022-2023 SGA president elect. Lankford wants to use her tenure as president to help each member of SGA to create the best student government for Southern Miss. “This year, I’m really going to focus on empowering the student leaders from freshman associates all the way up to, you know, communications team, Judicial Board [and] Senate members,” Lankford said. Also, her tenure will serve the students most of all, and she used her “Seymour”
campaign to question students about what they wanted to see more on campus. “You say what you want to see more of, and then, it’ll be my job as president to make sure that we’re voicing those and advocating for you behind closed doors or out in public,” Lankford said. “So, Seymour [see more] will be allowing me to talk to students like you or talk to students who are watching this [Golden Eagle Spotlight] Courtesy of Lankford right now and really get Lankford won the run-off elections for SGA president them to tell me what they SGA website or the social around with her or even want to see more of.” around campus because stu- media accounts at SouthernIf students have any ideas dents will definitely see more MissSGA. about what they want to see, of her soon. Watch the full interview Lankford urges students to For information about with Lankford at Southern visit the second floor of the Lankford or SGA, Miss Student Media’s YouLSR office goofing visit the Southern Miss Tube.
Freshman preparedness for college further impacted by online GARRET GROVE learning PRINTZ REPORTER
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mid an extended bout with online classes, many education experts and advocates were worried about the effects of online learning on high school graduates. With the freshman class of 2025, the effects are felt by students and professors alike. The views represented in The Student Going into college at Printz’s columns and editorials do not USM, many freshmen felt represent those of the faculty, staff or that they were unprepared for administration of The University of Southern college from high school. Mississippi. We welcome letters to the Among them is Zariyana editor representing similar and contrasting Gordon, a freshman nursing opinions. To be eligible for publication, major whose senior year was all submission must include name, class online. Her York, Alabama distinction, major, phone number and email high school did not teach her address. Submissions should be emailed to algebra or chemistry. printzeditors@gmail.com by 5 p.m. on the “The college professors Friday before publication. Please limit them told us that we were supto 500 words or less. The Student Printz reserves the right to refuse publication or edit posed to have learned that in any material on the basis of clarity, space or high school, but we never did journalistic ethics. because of COVID and virtual learning,” Gordon said. Fellow nursing major Rhyan Jones graduated from a high school in Ruleville, Opinions expressed in The Student Printz Mississippi. The educational are those of the writer and not necessarily preparedness was minuscule those of The Student Printz, its publication at best for Jones. manager, USM, the Board of Trustees of “I didn’t feel prepared at State Institutions of Higher Learning or the all, and I feel like it didn’t USM Board of Student Publications.
help me. We didn’t have very many resources, but I still feel like that’s not an excuse for a school,” Jones said. Professors have noted a marked lack of engagement from the current freshman class. Dr. Kenneth Swope is a history professor at USM that teaches World Civilizations I and II since starting at the university in 2012. His classes are filled with mostly freshmen. Though he noted a downward decline in student output and attentiveness over the last decade, this year has become especially frustrating. Even incentives have had little effect. “I offer extra credit to come see me and students still don’t show up. So, it’s just really frustrating,” Swope said. The English department resides in the same building on campus as the history department, and Anna Bagoly teaches an ENG 101 class this semester. Currently earning her master’s degree in
creative writing and poetry, sympathy for students exists. However, a lack of motivation from students has dampened the dynamic of the classroom. “I can’t make anyone do anything, right? I can just offer the resources that I can,” Bagoly said. “They have to take it onto themselves to say ‘okay, I’m actually interested in investing myself here.’” India Lewis is another freshman who had online classes during their senior year. The health science major went to Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg. Though she notes a difference in expectations in college versus high school, Lewis indicated a relatively seamless transition. “It’s more information in a shorter period of time, so you kind of have to study to stay on top of all of it,” Lewis
said. Garret Grove/Printz It appears that among schools that had online learning, schools that were ranked higher better prepared students for college than those that were ranked lower. Lewis went to an A-ranked high school, while Gordon and Jones went to D-ranked high schools. The prognosis for incoming freshmen is not better for many at USM. Swope cites the decreasing quality of public education in part for this. “The pandemic, as I mentioned, it kind of accelerated trends that I was already seeing,” Swope said. To utilize student resources on campus, visit https:// www.usm.edu/student-success/campus-resources.php.
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Mississippi Anti-Critical Race Theory Bill sets vague precedent on state history curriculum
KYRA LAMPLEY AND CHARLIE LUTTRELL EXECUTIVE EDITOR AND SM2 NEWS DIRECTOR
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s the ink dries on Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves’ signature of Senate Bill 2133, the law goes into effect, aiming to restrict discussions of race from Mississippi classrooms. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves passed the bill on March 14, sparking debates regarding the effect on classroom instruction of the topic. According to Purdue University, CRT USM faculty react to the passage of Senate Bill 2133. is defined as a ‘theoretical and University of Southern Mississipinterpretive mode that examines pi believes that is the case in Missisthe appearance of race and racism sippi. across dominant cultural modes of “I think it remains to be seen as expression’. a political issue. So, it’s all about the In his recent address to the state, midterms (election). There is nothReeves says that the teaching of ing educational about this issue,” CRT is not beneficial to Mississippi Press said. children’s education. And it’s that rhetoric that poli“CRT threatens the integrity of ticians are spreading on CRT that our kids’ education and aims only to the Press says is causing the divisive humiliate and indoctrinate,” Reeves debate and causing a misconception said. of what CRT actually is and does in Cheryl Jenkins, the associate education. director for the Center for Black While some are concerned about Studies at University of Southern the potential effect the bill could Mississippi, says that CRT is often have on higher education, Jenkins used in her courses to teach about says that most of the concern is the inequalities that people of color from public kindergarten through face in the United States. grade 12 education. “Because it is relevant to my As academic freedom protects courses, particularly on the graduate higher education and the IHL has level because we look at how race already taken measures to restrict is perpetuated through our media legislature from changing curricusystems,” Jenkins said. lum, public education is not protectHowever, Reeves said that the ed in such a way. bill will not prohibit the teaching of “I think it will scare secondary history, causing a confusion of what school teachers because it’s vague the bill will actually accomplish and but it’s less vague than it was so if how it will be enforced. they take it literally, there’s nothing Many consider this a political in there to bother them,” Press said. ploy that is being used to ensure that Contrary to what people believe, certain parties get elected to governCRT is a principle that acknowl mental offices. edges that racism has systemDr. Robert Press, member of the atically been embedded into U.S. NAACP executive committee and a social organizations (ex: the crimi political science professor at the
gies in the state. Both Press and Jenkins said the legislation will not change how they teach their courses at USM, but Jenkins said that the legislation is an opportunity to enact change. “I think in the long run, it’s something we’ll have to deal with historically. This has happened across the history of higher education and I think we’ll learn from it and that higher-education has an opportunity to step Z’eani Furdge/Printz up and say what we’re doing when I nal justice system, health care, think that hasn’t happened before,” job markets, etc.) Jenkins said. “I think that’s why Yet, Reeves said while signing most people don’t even know what 2133 that the teaching of CRT is Critical Race Theory is because the a strategy of the “radical left” that people who know are not the ones aims to turn students into “liberal that you’re actually hearing.” operatives”. “The radical left in the media continue to shed misinformation on this critical issue,” Reeves said. “Children are dragged to the front of the classroom and are coerced to declare themselves as oppressors, that they should feel guilty because of the color of their skin, or that they are inherently a victim because of their race.” While Reeves does not want to recognize the wrong doings in the past of Mississippi, Jenkins says that this issue is unfair for those who need to learn about CRT. “It’s not the only prism that we use to talk about representation or stereotypes, but because the media is a system, it is very legitimate for that (CRT) to be discussed,” Jenkins said. While the bill has been passed, efforts are continuing to be made to ensure that future generations of children in Mississippi receive adequate education on the principles of CRT and the systemic racist ideolo-
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ADP presents 35th annual Hubfest USM School of Psychology hosts “Out in downtown Hattiesburg of the Darkness Walk” ABIGAIL TROTH PRINTZ REPORTER
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he Greater Hattiesburg Area Development Partnership helped present the 35th Annual Hubfest in Hattiesburg on Saturday, March 26th. The event had been on a two year hiatus, but made its grand return this year. It covered multiple areas of downtown Hattiesburg, resulting in multiple road closures and detours. The event was expected to bring over 30,000 visitors to the Hattiesburg area. The event started at 9 a.m. and ran until 5 p.m. Musicians Cole Hill, Ty Trehern and headliner Lainey Wilson were the lead musicians. The festival consisted of countless vendors, such as boutique owners, local Hattiesburg organizations, food, toys for children and much more. Chad Newell, the President of the Area Development Partnership, was excited to be there to promote the event and provide information to guests. Along with other volunteers, Newell was selling bags and t-shirts to raise money for the event. “It’s awesome. To make such a big economic impact, we literally have tens of thousands of people down here. We had a wonderful day, a beautiful day.” Newell said. The event brings together the entire community of Hattiesburg, and even helps to bring those from other areas of the state and even other parts of the nation. Many guests and vendors came from North Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee and Louisiana. Undoubtedly, this event gave
their businesses exposure but also highlighted small and local businesses. Anna King, a teenager from Macon, Mississippi and employee with the Floral Cottage, says that it has taken time for her employer’s business to take flight. “We have come today to grow our business and meet new people, and it has really helped us. All the people we’ve met have been so kind and friendly, and we’re really glad that we came,” King said. While the event consisted of attention-grabbing booths and food vendors, most of the excitement was directed towards headliner Lainey Wilson, who was set to perform at 3 p.m. Wilson recently won two Academy of Country Music Awards, one for New Female Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for ‘Things a Man Oughta Know’. Wilson captivated her crowd, opening her performance with lyrics from the famous Queen song, ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’. She sang original songs, and about the country music queen, Dolly Parton. With many people in the crowd raising their drinks, cheering loudly for the headliner, the day was filled with booming music and catchy songs. Those who attended this event were sure to leave content and filled with delicious food. Events like this ensure the rich culture of Hattiesburg remains relevant for years to come. Hubfest proved that Hattiesburg is the Hub City, and that everything that makes Hattiesburg a special place, is here to stay.
Hundreds join to listen to live music at HubFest.
(Photo/Sean Smith)
Students and the community march to raise awareness for suicide prevention.
ABIGAIL TROTH PRINTZ REPORTER
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he University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Psychology partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to present the Out of the Darkness Walk on Saturday, March 26th. The event was held at the Bruce and Virginia Wilgus Fitness Trail beside the Payne Center on campus. Registration began at 9 a.m. and the Opening Ceremony started at 10 a.m. Dancers provided entertainment before the walk started, receiving adoration from the crowd. Multiple vendors set up to sell shirts, accessories, beads, provide water and cookies, information of behavioral and mental health and much more. All proceeds raised during the event will go to suicide prevention and awareness. USM-based organizations like the Center for Behavioral Health and the Wesley Foundation were present at the event to provide campus resources and support in relation to mental health awareness and suicide. Hattiesburg-based organizations including The Spectrum Center was there to provide mental health resources and comfort for LGBTQIA+ people who have been personally affected by suicide. Keenon Walker, president of The Spectrum Center, says that his organization is a resource to help those in need. “I think it’s important for TSC to stay in the public eye; we want the community to know we are here and the LGBTQ+ community is at greater risk for self harm and suicide. Increasing awareness is the first step in getting
(Photo/Sean Smith)
people the help they need,” Walker said. The event was an emotional day for some guests, including those who had been impacted by losing a loved one to suicide. A sign displayed near the front of the gathering, featured pictures of suicide victims. Family and friends who were in attendance signed their names and left notes of gratitude for their loved ones that they had lost. They then started their walk as a contribution to suicide prevention and awareness. Most guests wore t-shirts with the names or pictures of their loved ones, with the words ‘Grief is the loudest silence I’ve ever heard’ written on the back. They walked in groups, displaying smiles and cheering, celebrating the lives of those lost, with hope to save others. Buffy Brooks was personally impacted by suicide, and has worked for years to ensure that someone’s story never ends. “It does mean a great deal to me to do this. My daughter passed away 16 and a half years ago at the age of 17,” Brooks said. “Being a part of this and doing this really helps in the healing process.” To seek help, contact USM Student Counseling Services at 601-266-4829 to schedule an appointment. It is a free resource that is open from 8 to 5, and is located in Bond Hall on campus, near the Luckyday Arches. For immediate help, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available 24 hours, and can be called at 1-800273-8255.
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MARCH 30, 2022
Sonic Youth returns with avant-garde recordings from 2000-2010 with ‘In/Out/In’
JESSICA BESNARD PRINTZ REPORTER
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onic Youth, a noisy rock band that formed in the early 80s and split in 2011, released an album of unreleased songs recorded between 2000-2010. ‘In/ Out/In’ is the root of Sonic Youth’s soul, containing their classic, experimental and almost erratic alternative sound. ‘In/Out/In’ starts out a bit mellow with ‘Basement Contender.’ It’s very melodic in a delicate rock way, differentiating itself from the rest of the album’s more jagged tone. The best track, ‘In & Out’, (not based on the food franchise) stands at around seven minutes and sticks out the most. Kim Gordon, vocalist and guitarist, is heard throughout the song, which is rare for these releases. This might be the only song from the album that I would willingly listen to at any time. It sounds the most finished and the other tracks somewhat feel like they should be listened to on specific occasions. ‘Machine’ consists of a lot of guitar build-up which is exciting on the ears, then it’s deadened and taken over by drums and the process is reiterated, progressing even heavier. This track is the shortest out of the five and has a satisfying sound that doesn’t make me wish for lyrics to come along and fulfill me as I feel toward some of the others. ‘Social Static’ feels a bit overcompensating. It’s interesting and experimental–like Sonic Youth always is–but it stands at almost 12 minutes, which makes it feel a bit
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Carter’s Countdown: Top 100 Songs
CORDAVEON CARTER PRINTZ REPORTER
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Courtesy of Album of The Year
tedious and repetitive. It sounds like the aftermath of a song or set. In other words, if it were cut in half, you wouldn’t be missing much, though it is very avant-garde just like the rest of the album. ‘Out & In’, almost the reverse of ‘In & Out’, feels a bit draggier and moodier, but sounds nice and wild. Consisting of elongated droopyish sounds–this is the best way to explain the beginning– it feels a bit glum and dramatic, but throughout the song, it’ll occasionally transform into angrier heights at swift paces. The one thing these songs are missing is vocals minus the occasional hums and whispers of Kim Gordon. Being almost purely instrumental and somewhat unfinished are the main factors as to why this album may pleasure certain ears only. ‘In/Out/In’ isn’t an album that I would voluntarily listen to doing everyday chores, but I don’t dislike it and I’m quite happy it’s released. It’s allowed me to trick my brain into thinking the band is “back.” Without vocals, this is exactly Sonic Youth at its core and you couldn’t mistake it for anyone else. 8/10.
0. The Way Life Goes – Lil Uzi Vert: ‘The Way Life Goes’ captures the essence of life. The song explains how certain things happen in life for a reason and that you should push through it. This is a very encouraging and inspirational song, which is very different from what type of music Uzi usually makes. I recommend this song just in case you’re going through a tough time. 79. Summers Over Interlude – Drake: This sensual love ballad produced by Drake with vocals from Majid Jordan puts you in the mood of old-school R&B. This song holds a special place in my heart because my brother introduced it to me, and this led me into diving deeper into the genre. I recommend this to just feel the groove and soul that you don’t see in songs anymore. The production of this song with the stripped-down electric guitar makes it outstandingly unique. 78. Ultralight Beam – Kanye West: With another appearance from Mr. West, he absolutely delivers on this heavily gospel-influenced song. He incorporates a choir, a sample from a child worshiping, gospel singer Kelly Price and gospel legend Kirk Franklin. With the inspiration coming from that genre, he puts a modern twist on it with a pitch-down organ and basic drums. The-Dream delivers with its sound on the melodic and catchy hook. Price showcased her vocal prowess and the power of her voice in her verse while Chance The Rapper added some flavor to the song with his ability to rap and flow with ease. This is arguably one of Kanye’s best and most creative projects he’s ever made. 77. Sweet Thing – Rufus: Just take this song and let it move you. Chaka Khan is featured on this and you can hear how she just makes this absolutely her own. She sings it with such emotion and absolutely shows her vulnerability, which is something you don’t see much of. This is absolutely a cookout classic and one of your grandparents, uncle, aunties, or parent’s favorite song. This is a masterpiece to see how old-school R&B shaped today and how good throwbacks can always be. 76. Georgia on My Mind – Ray Charles: Providing a deeper and more soothing sound, Ray Charles absolutely delivers a masterpiece with ‘Georgia on My Mind’. With him talking about his love for the state on a deep lyrical level, accompanied by his piano, back-
ing vocals and an orchestra, this song encapsulates the inspirations from different eras of music like the 20s, 40s, and 50s. 75. For the Love of You, Pts. 1 & Pts. 2 – The Isley Brothers: I can smell the charcoal from the grill when I hear this song. It’s a certified two-step classic from the legendary Isley Brothers. The pure genuine feel of ‘For the Love of You’ makes it what it is- a happy, appreciative love ballad with advanced production and pure instruments. It’s one of the best songs from that era of music. 74. How Deep is Your Love – BeeGees: Back to the sensual love songs of the 70s, the BeeGees absolutely put themselves out there with this song that stepped out of their comfort zone. Many people did not know if they had a song like this in their arsenal, but they surprised a lot of people. They created a soft, sensual, and emotional love ballad for all generations to respect. The group of the brother’s harmonies and attachment to the lyrics make it an instant classic. 73. Butterflies – Michael Jackson: This is one of his most underrated songs from one of his most underrated albums, ‘Butterflies’ from ‘Invincible’. It has a more urban 2000s R&B feel to it with that special MJ touch. The production of this song is madly underrated and is the perfect example of how pure instruments and digital elements can coexist within a song. The expressions put on by Michael makes the song lyrics feel raw and true. 72. Let’s Go Crazy – Prince: One of the greatest and most talented artists of all time, Prince kickstarts the revolution of diversity with this song. Being one of the most diverse artists, he was never afraid to go outside of his box musically and always explored. He provides raw, raspy and fun vocals, which showcased his incredible vocal ability and range. With his inhuman ability to play the guitar unlike anybody ever before him, it makes you feel every single note he played, creating one of the greatest diverse tracks. 71. Can’t Help It – Michael Jackson: Stevie Wonder wrote this song for the young MJ for his album ‘Off the Wall’. MJ approached this song unique vocally and the pure emotion of him being so starstruck in love with this girl is amazing. The production showcases something ahead of its time. It’s another underrated song from an underrated album that deserves more recognition as one of the greatest pure love ballads of all time.
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With Fame Comes Hate: Why does everyone dislike MGK?
BEN MILBURN PRINTZ REPORTER
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olson Baker, also known as Machine Gun Kelly, is one of the most polarizing figures in the music industry. He is primarily hated by fans of the rock scene, and more specifically the pop-punk scene. So why exactly does everyone hate Machine Gun Kelly, and are they justified? Do they have a point or are they just clueless haters? In order to understand the hate towards MGK, we should start at the beginning. MGK’s music career really kicked off in 2010 with his mixtape ‘100 Words and Running’. He released this when he was around 19 and it gained a good bit of traction, especially in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. His debut album ‘Lace Up’ was then released in October of 2012. This album went to No. 4 on Billboard and became gold certified by the RIAA. He then went on to become even more successful releasing four full-length albums between 2012 and 2019. His song, ‘Bad Things’ featuring Camila Cabello also charted at No. 4 on Billboard. His stardom continued to rise, but mainly in rap. The rock media really ignored MGK for the most part until 2020 when he released his pop-punk album, ‘Tickets to My Downfall’. This is really when the hate bandwagon for MGK started to take off...and the hate. The most common complaint that people make is that his music just sucks. A lot of people think it is just a rehash of music that was already made by blink-182, for example, 20 years ago. To be fair, objectively, they aren’t that wrong. Travis Barker, who has been the drummer for blink-182 since 1998, is the drummer and one of the primary producers on this album. MGK’s music is not the most original ever made and his voice really doesn’t fit the mold for this genre as a lot of people would agree with.
Don’t get me wrong, he’s a fine rapper, but not really the best singer, especially when it comes to a genre like this. His voice really doesn’t have a lot of range- it seems too low and out of place for this type of music. As much as many people dislike this album, it’s not that simple. This is a prime example of people not particularly hating the artist’s music, but the artist himself. If we’re being honest, I think that if someone else that isn’t MGK put out this album, there would be a much different reaction. A lot of fans from the pop-punk community believe that MGK is a failed rapper that was bullied out of the rap scene by Eminem. They also often believe that Eminem is the main reason that caused him to switch genres, therefore he’s a poser in the rock scene. Eminem dissed MGK in his song ‘Not Alike’ back in 2018. This was in response to MGK making an inappropriate remark on Twitter directed towards Eminem’s daughter, who was 16 at the time. MGK came back with his diss track in return, ‘Rap Devil’ and Eminem responded with another diss track directed solely at MGK titled, ‘Killshot’. Everyone agreed that Eminem was
Courtesy of hdqwalls.com the winner, and therefore “bullied” out of the rap genre. But the timing doesn’t add up to support this thought. And even then, he sort of always has had a connection with rock, but it just mainly went ignored. For example, he played Van’s Warped Tour in 2012 and was even featured on a song with post-hardcore band, Sleeping with Sirens. Rock fans continued to hate MGK even more when he had a short-lived feud with Corey Taylor of the band Slipknot. Taylor mentioned that he doesn’t like when artists switch genres as MGK did. This led to Kelly calling them out during a live performance where he even got into an altercation with a fan. This just added fuel to the fire as Corey Taylor and Slipknot specifically are very well respected within rock culture. Kelly has also had an infamous past as well. He’s gone on the record to make multiple inappropriate and crude remarks in the past on Twitter and in interviews. He never went back to apologize for these remarks either, which might have gone a long way, but we’ll never know. I think at the end of the day, the main reason MGK receives so much
hate from the rock scene is that he simply just doesn’t fit into the culture. The rock and rap genres respectfully have quite different cultures. Rap culture often values status as one of its key forms of success. It really seems like everyone wants to be the top dog and it’s been like this for a while. Another trend in rap is that it’s quite common for rappers to beef with one another, while a lot of rock seems to value respecting tradition at a high level. Obviously, times are changing, but back in the day, rock valued things like using acoustic drums instead of 808s and playing everything live instead of using backing tracks or autotune. MGK has gone on to say things such as, “rock bands are lame for wearing comfortable shoes on stage” and that “they should dress more interesting”. This is a direct example of how rock fans believe that MGK doesn’t respect their tradition or their culture. Nonetheless, as much as people aren’t a fan of MGK, you still can’t deny his success. Despite the hate, ‘Tickets to My Downfall’ is his most successful album yet, becoming his first album to debut at the US Billboard’s 200 and his first to be certified platinum by the RIAA. The success this album has had is good for the genre. I don’t think anyone can deny that this album has gotten plenty of new eyes on poppunk, which is great for anyone who is a fan of this genre. Even I will admit that I had some songs on his album that I enjoyed. This doesn’t necessarily mean I like Machine Gun Kelly as a person, but at least I can admit that he has some good songs and can still respect all the attention he’s bringing to one of my favorite genres. All this being said, the hate and criticism will continue as he just released his second pop-punk album ‘Mainstream Sellout’ but I personally can’t wait to listen.
8 SPORTS CHARLIE LUTTRELL SM2 NEWS DIRECTOR
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MARCH 30, 2022 WWW.STUDENTPRINTZ.COM Eagle Esports player-coach talks team’s success, program’s future
hen Joshua Mackie joined USM’s esports team, Eagle Esports, as a freshman in 2020, he was the only player to participate in the Rainbow Six Siege team’s tryouts. A year later, he led the team to its first division title and finished runner-up in the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC) championship tournament. Mackie’s story is just one of the many representations of the rapid pace that USM’s esports program has taken since its 2020 launch. Just before Mackie’s team finished second in the Rainbow Six tournament, Team Overwatch won the NECC championship. Team Rocket League finished as the first seed with an 8-0 regular-season record and League of Legends placed #3 in the NECC Championship prior to that. And the program’s fast growth can be credited to many aspects, but the fact that it has established itself early and steady in the blossoming esports scene gives the opportunity to players like Mackie to join and grow with the program. Before esports, Mackie grew up
Mackie (left) competes in Siege with his team.
playing the game like many doas a hobby. But when he learned about esports, he knew that it could become more. “I remember my first game system was a Nintendo when I was about four years old. I loved video games …so much that I wanted to make it a hobby,” Mackie said. “I knew nothing about esports until my senior year of high school. I took time and did my own research to see what I can gain out of it and so far, I’ve gained a lot from it.” Mackie made Team Rainbow Six and also played as a substitute for Team Call of Duty in his freshman year. However, the transition from playing as a hobby to competitively isn’t as seamless as it may appear. “It was a big jump for me because I usually play video games for fun. [I] hop on a few games with the family or
(Photo Courtesy of Mackie)
friends of mine…but now, it’s okay, we’re playing to win-this is something serious. When that sets in that I’m actually playing for a prize, it’s a whole different mindset to approach the game.” Mackie ultimately dropped Call of Duty, finding that he couldn’t get to the competitive level he wanted to be at, instead opting for his preferred game of Rainbow Six Siege, which he says he likes because it is more team-focused. Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege is an online tactical first-person shooter (FPS) released by Ubisoft in 2015, noted for its strategies and team play orientation. Mackie’s team focus led him to his position as the team’s coach, which has brought on a new role for the sophomore. But, still, he values the importance of team leadership. “I’m the main spokesperson for the team but I’m also the one leading the charge when it comes to making strategies for the team. So far I’ve learned that the role as a coach is not just set to one person because I’ve led my team to say that anyone can be a coachanyone has ideas,” Mackie said. “I don’t want to be the only one making all the ideas because your idea may be better…all of us are leaders in the game.” Mackie says that his team has been praised for their team-oriented play, especially after playing against a team with an individual-based strategy. It’s this vital communication
that Mackie says he stresses to stay cool and calm. He even recommends his teammates do breathing exercises so they can stay sharp during matches. And personally, Mackie says he has improved his skills over time but continues to push growth for his team and to ensure a potential future in esports. “I’m trying to continually improve because I’m a coach. I want to be able to say I gave all I can to this team, I improved in the game and when I do graduate, I can continue to play the game I love but not just be a couch player, but someone who’s playing this game competitively,” Mackie said. While Mackie’s team fell just short of a program title against St. John’s University, he says the match was a good experience to build on after taking their opponent to a fifth match in a best of five series. “People were looking at us like wow, they just took the third seed and didn’t let them win a single round. People were like wow, this team is no joke,” Mackie said. “We may not be a big school, but hey, we can get the big schools a run for their money.” Mackie looks to keep that same energy as his team next plays April 9-10 in the Land Shark tournament hosted by the University of Mississippi’s esports team. Eagle Esports will play larger name programs such as Alabama, Arizona and Texas A&M in the tournament. Mackie sees it mostly as a learning opportunity to play against big competition but he said not to rule out Eagle Esports to make some waves. “Trust me, we are going to blow a few people away. I don’t want to get too arrogant, but be on the lookout,” Mackie said. You can watch Mackie’s team compete in the Landshark tournament starting April 9 at https://www.twitch.tv/team/olemissesports. Follow Eagle Esports on twitch at https://www.twitch.tv/southernmsesportsofficial and on Twitter for updates. Listen to Mackie’s full interview with the 4th Street Sports Show on Spotify @4thStreetSportsShow.