Beauty & Brains: Hip-Hop’s Infatuation with the Women of Howard University
March 8, 2013 7 comments
If every Historically Black College or University (HBCU) had to be labeled as a member of Destiny’s Child, there would be a handful of Kellys, A LOT of Michelles and only one Beyoncé.
Howard University.
Now this isn’t a PSA to boost enrollment at H.U. (A) They definitely don’t need the help B) I’m a proud FAMU Rattler), but I couldn’t help but notice something about the school. Whenever a rapper mentions a young lady that attends college in their song, more times than not, she’s a student at Howard.
From Young Jeezy, Common, to The Notorious B.I.G., emcees love namedropping H.U. when it comes to fine, college honey dips. But can you blame them? Lala Vasquez, Taraji P. Henson, Fredricka Whitfield…PHYLICIA RASHAD BRUH!
GOT DAYUM MRS. HUXTABLE DON’T HURT ‘EM!
A campus full of gorgeous, intelligent, driven women with tons of potential…what’s not to love?
But whether you love the Bisons or hate them, you have to acknowledge that their school is one of the most mentioned among Hip-Hop artists. Don’t believe me? Check out the list below.
Who: Drake
Song: “Make Me Proud” ft. Nicki Minaj
On the Nicki Minaj-assisted “Make Me Proud,” Mr. Graham compliments a young woman on her intellect by describing her as smart enough to attend Yale, despite most likely attending Howard.
Who: The Game
Song: “Celebration” ft. Chris Brown, Tyga, Lil’ Wayne & Wiz Khalifa
Jayceon tips his hat to the Lady Bisons on his Jesus Piece single, “Celebration,” by mentioning a headstrong (In more ways than one) young woman who attended Howard. High praise here from The Game.
-The Game
Who: Ludacris
Song: “Pimpin’ all Over the World” ft. Bobby Valentino
How could Luda and Bobby V. travel all over the world looking for a plethora of honey dips and not stop at H.U.? Just wouldn’t be right. If you want to see the most beautiful women you’ve ever seen all in one city, on one campus at the same damn time, go to D.C. during Howard’s homecoming. Thank me later.
Who: Travis Porter
Song: “College Girl”
There was no way in Hell the Atlanta trio was going to leave out H.U. on their ode to college girls—none. On “College Girls,” we hear about a high school sweetheart who eventually graduates and continues her education at Howard. Little does she know, though, her boo also has a Spelman chick.
Who: Wale
Song: “Black & Gold
How could DMV’s own Wale not be on this list, right? Mr. Folarin keeps it local by proclaiming that he has chicks from both Frostburg State University and, of course, Howard.
-Wale
Who: Ice Cube
Song: “Chin Check” ft. MC Ren, Dr. Dre & Snoop Dogg
Ice Cube makes it clear that everyone loves sexy, intelligent Howard girls, including west coast OG’s with attitudes.
Who: J. Cole
Song: “Grown Simba”
Out of all of the Howard University name checks and punchlines, Cole’s is easily the most witty. Tying the “Miss Howard” title and the queen of R&B raunchiness herself, Adina Howard, together was simply genius. Bravo, Jermaine.
Who: Common
Song: “Misunderstood”
What happens to a dream deferred? Common answers that question with a story about a former Bison who had dreams of becoming a famous actress. Unfortunately, that didn’t work out and she had to resort to the naked hustle.
Who: Young Jeezy
Song: Ty Dolla $ign – “My Cabana” ft. Young Jeezy (RMX)
If you’re trying to fit as many women as possible into a cabana (Spoiler: The answer is 114.1334), you’re pretty much obligated to save room for some H.U. breezies. Jeezy hopped on the remix of Ty Dolla $ign’s “My Cabana” and made sure he listed his Howard honeys before anyone else.
-Young Jeezy
Who: Oddisee
Song: Little Brother – “Delusional” ft. Oddisee
Oddiesee opens up the Little Brother cut trying to convince Phonte and Big Pooh that they have to visit D.C., mainly because of the gorgeous women that Howard attracts from all over the country. And as if that wasn’t convincing enough, he also lets them know that H.U. ladies are good wit’ the “Bop.” Way to use your head, ladies.
Who: Fabolous
Song: Wale – “Pretty Girls” (RMX) ft. Chris Brown & Fabolous
When it comes to pretty girls in college, H.U. offers the cream of the crop. Loso joins Chris Brown on the remix to Wale’s ode to beautiful women and talks about one of the dimes he met during Howard’s infamous homecoming.
Who: Yo Gotti
Song: “Look in the Mirror” (RMX) ft. Wale, J. Cole & Wale
Lets face it, college girls like to party. We know this, Yo Gotti knows this. This is why he has both a chick from Howard AND Grambling getting freaky for him. Not sure if “Girls Gone Wild” ever made a HBCU edition of their flicks, but if they didn’t they definitely missed out on a big money idea.
Who: Drake
Song: “City is Mine”
Even before he was Champagne Papi and telling girls he was proud of them, Aubrey appreciated the beauty and hardworking spirit of a Howard woman. Good looks + Determination = One Hell of a woman. Now it’s not uncommon for people to get part-time jobs to help pay for school, but I wonder how many young ladies who attend Howard also work at Stadium…
Who: The Notorious B.I.G.
Song: “Kick in the Door”
It’s well-documented that the late Christopher Wallace’s good friend, Sean Combs (Or Poppa Diddy Pop), attended Howard so it only makes sense that B.I.G. would frequent the school’s biggest event—homecoming. And when he wasn’t performing at homecoming shows, you better believe the biggest name in rap was crushin’ only the finest undergrads H.U. had to offer.
