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Anthrax offers no compromises on new album

Vols look for progress during bye week

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E D I T O R I A L L Y

Tuesday, September 20, 2011 Issue 25 I N D E P E N D E N T

PUBLISHED SINCE 1906

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http://utdailybeacon.com

Vol. 118 S T U D E N T

Scattered T-Storms 40% chance of rain HIGH LOW 78 67

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Hip-hop artist discusses music, Christianity Joseph Simmons, also known as Rev. Run, explains balance between religion, hip-hop Victoria Wright Staff Writer Iconic rapper, trendsetter and motivator Rev. Run explained how the arguably controversial themes in hip-hop music, which at times contradict conservative Christian beliefs, surprisingly balance his life. Presented by the Black Cultural Programming Committee, Rev. Run spoke to an audience of about 200 students and Knoxville residents Thursday night in the James R. Cox Auditorium in the Alumni Memorial Building. Julian Wright, junior in journalism and electronic media, and Ashley Holder, senior in journalism and electronic media, hosted the show. The stage resembled a talk-show set and Rev. Run reclined on a red couch as the two hosts sat adjacent to him and asked questions. Rev. Run, formally Joseph Simmons, explained how despite his success in the legendary early ’80s rap group Run-DMC, he sought a higher calling beyond the music. “After Run-DMC ran and sold all these records, I began to feel a little empty on the inside,” Simmons said during the event. “I started going to church and different things and I tried to find what my next situation in life was.” After much soul-searching, Simmons became the familiar Reverend Run many recognize today. Wright then asked Simmons to share his view on the media’s recent spotlight of hip-hop’s destructive capabilities on youth. “I believe that it’s very constructive,” Simmons said. “Hip-hop is what elected President Obama. I believe hip-hop brings people together. I know you see some negative energies and attitudes, but overall it’s been very good for the world and the rappers.” Simmons, who received his start from the hiphop industry, explained that the hip-hop culture birthed other successful areas in his life, such as his

popular MTV reality show “Run’s House.” Among the other positives Simmons attributed to hip-hop culture, he also explained how his religious identity as a reverend and his musical personality “Rev.” are separate but blended entities. “If you come on my Twitter site and you see me talking about God, it’s to be expected,” Simmons said. “If the next day you come on and I’m (writing) kicking a rhyme, it’s to be expected. God made me a rapper and God made me a reverend. It all works together.” Simmons also shared motivational words with the audience by encouraging young people to find their passion and harness their unique talents for success. He also shared his happiness on his son’s, Diggy Simmons, recent success as a hip-hop artist. Though Diggy Simmons continues to tour and his fame rises, Simmons explained that house rules still apply when chores are involved. “Diggy will do as I say while he’s under my roof,” Simmons said. The audience clamored with laughter and applause. Team members from the Lady Vols gave Simmons orange and white tennis shoes, a basketball and a tracksuit appropriate for any UT game day. Members of the BCPC also presented Simmons a life-size, custom cake shaped as a spin disc and headphones. Audience member and National Black Anthem singer for the event, Shana Ward, enjoyed Simmons’ visit. “My favorite part was when he was talking about how hip-hop made him because nowadays, people view hip-hop as such a negative thing because of the way media portrays it,” said Ward, sophomore in music education and vocal performance. An avid tweeter known for sending his messages from a cozy bubble bath during episodes of “Run’s House,” Simmons captured a Twitter picture of the enthusiastic audience to share on his timeline before the presentation ended.

George Richardson • The Daily Beacon

Joseph Simmons, more widely known as Rev. Run, snaps a picture with his phone to post on Twitter following a discussion about hiphop and religion in the Alumni Memorial Building on Thursday, Sept. 15. Simmons, who garnered world-wide fame and fortune through his hip-hop career, found a place in his life to remain in the music industry while still staying true to his faith.

Vol Challenge promotes outreach the biggest thing,” Yates said. “Another big thing is seeing their eyes open, seeing Staff Writer that there are children on the streets, that As campus prepared to dive into anoth- there is homelessness even walking diser fall season, confronted with the tance from UT.” The Salvation Army was only one of prospects of football season, classes and the all-encompassing social calendar, stu- many establishments that received a wave dents ventured off campus into the of volunteer activity. Over 25 student Knoxville community taking part in the organizations, including sororities, fraternities, religious affiliations and academic 20th annual Volunteer Challenge. Vol Challenge, put on by All Campus affiliations were assigned a location that Events, provided students with an oppor- required volunteer work. Some of the tunity to serve away from campus life and these 27 local establishments included the to experience a firsthand look into the YWCA of Knoxville, Boys and Girls Club, SOAR Youth Ministries, Goodwill, lives of Knoxville citizens. “We went to the Salvation Army and Arnstein Jewish Community Center, split into groups to sort through donated Ridgedale School, Sexual Assault Center goods,”Leah Harrington, freshman in of East Tennessee, and many others. “(Volunteer h u m a n Challenge) is a resource manlot of tradiagement, tion,” Vol said. C h a l l e n ge Harrington chairperson was joined by L e s l i e many other McCullough members of said. “We starther sorority, ed preparing Alpha Delta for it before Pi. school even “I felt like ended last year, it was a proaround April. ductive day Anyone can and that we – Yvonne Yates, volunteer coordinator, sign up in a completed the on Vol Challenge participation at group of at majority of Salvation Army least four.” what we went However, to do,” despite the traHarrington said. “My group helped unload dition that Vol Challenge presents, the boxes from a big (Salvation Army) donacommittee faced problems in this year’s tion truck with these two men that worked there, and I loved hearing the stories they planning. “This year it was hard to get organizahad to tell.” tions to participate because so many stuEmployees at the Salvation Army embraced the intermittent shifts of stu- dent groups didn’t show up or contact dents throughout the week in addition to their organization,” McCullough said. This setback, nevertheless, did not hinthe multiple residential volunteers. “Volunteers helped with angel tree, der reaping rewards from this year’s Vol which is coming up this week, by sorting Challenge as a whole. “When I call the agency and the organclothes and sorting through shoes,” volunteer coordinator Yvonne Yates said. “We ization is excited to hear that we’re comalso had volunteers doing ever-changing ing and say please contact me again next year, that’s a big deal to me,” McCullough tasks in the gardens.” This volunteer effort was not only a said. “It’s rewarding to see it all come chance to serve but also a way to raise together and have the students and the organization satisfied. I hope that we can awareness for aid in the Knoxville area. “The most encouraging thing about the continue this tradition on campus, volunteers is knowing they’re coming out because I think it’s a great thing for people because they want to be here. I think that’s to get involved in.”

Holly Patton

The most encouraging thing about the

volunteers is knowing they’re

coming out because they want to be here. I think that’s the biggest thing.

Lauren Beale • The Daily Beacon

Mallory Cowan, junior in studio art, draws inside the Art & Architecture Building Wednesday, Sept. 7.


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