SPEAK ON IT: Would Dr. Dre's $70 Million DONATION Been BETTER SUITED For An HBCU?

Since his $70 Million donation to USC went public, some folks have questioned why Dr. Dre didn't make a donation to a struggling HBCU.  Speak On It inside...

In a previous post, we told you about music mogul Dr. Dre teaming with Jimmy Iovine to donate $70 Million dollars to the University of Southern California to create the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. And we praised him for doing so.  But not everyone is happy about it.

In an Op-Ed for the LA Times, Walter M. Kimbrough, the President of Dillard University was particularly vocal and questioned if Dr. Dre could have or should have made a donation to an HBCU. He wrote,

"What if Dre had given $35 million — his half of the USC gift and about 10% of his wealth, according to a Forbes estimate — to an institution that enrolls the very people who supported his career from the beginning? An institution where the majority of students are low-income? A place where $35 million would represent a truly transformational gift? Why didn't Dr. Dre give it to a black college?"

He added,

"In 2011, the National Science Foundation noted that black colleges are a major source of scientists and engineers. In fact, the top five producers of blacks who go on to earn science, technology, engineering and math graduate degrees are black colleges, as are 20 of the top 50. Once you add in the musical legacy of black colleges' choirs and marching bands, they are the perfect locations for an academy like this.

In the end, though, this is his money, and endowing a program geographically nearby, where he can have ongoing input and contact, makes sense. I do hope it will recruit and enroll a diverse class of students and not become some enclave for the already privileged student body there."

What do you think of Dr. Kimbrough's statement? Would Dr. Dre's donation have been better suited for an HBCU in need?  Or is education simply education, esp. since plenty of kids everywhere support and like hip hop.

SPEAK ON IT!
 

Ciara's "I'm Out" FEATURING Nicki Minaj + Christopher Wallace's DAUGHTER T'yanna LAUNCHES "Notoriuss" Clothing LINE

Ciara's latest single, "I'm Out" featuring Nicki Minaj has been released. Listen to the new song inside and see gear from T'yanna Wallace's "Notoriuss" clothing line...

Following their "I'm Legit" collaboration, pop starlet Ciara has re-loaded with rapper Nicki Minaj for her latest song, "I'm Out."  The new single, which follows "Body Party", will appear on the upcoming disc Ciara (July 9th).

The bass-heavy club banger featuring Ciara singing ditching her boyfriend and partying around town with her girlfriends.  She spoke to MTV News about the rhyme Nicki laid for the track saying,

"The energy of the record is so dope, and it's really for the ladies, and Nicki she just killed the verse. She literally murdered it, like she got that throw-back, that thing that she does that's so special. She went in."

While Ciara preps for the album release, she revealed that she'll promote Ciara with a full tour. 

Listen "I'm Out" here:

And in retail news....

T'yanna Wallace, the daughter of the late Notorius B.I.G. has launched a new clothing line in honor of her slain dad, "Notoriuss". The 19-year-old PENN State student told XXL that she is studying fashion and hopes to resurrect her father’s Brooklyn Mint clothing line in the future.

Congrats T'yanna.

Photos via Notoriuss Clothing

STILL STUNNING: Happy 43rd BIRTHDAY Naomi Campbell!

Supermodel Naomi Campbell turns 43-years-old today. Celebrate with the catwalk icon inside...

Iconic covergirl Naomi Campbell celebrates her 43rd birthday today.  Naomi, who's been having a stellar year with highly touted photo spreads in VOGUE Italy and VOGUE Brazil, is still one of the most recognizable faces in the business.  

We celebrate Naomi for the impact she has had on the fashion industry and the doors she's opened for women of color all over the world. 

Watch a compilation of Naomi Campbell on the catwalk here:

See a selections of Naomi's best pictures in the gallery.....