Rap Group U.O tells Kean students it is possible to balance your music creativity and education
By Wynter Aiken | Published by December 5, 2019
Life throws hurdles from every direction that can become overwhelming especially when your creativity is on the line. But, for rising rap group U.O, aka Unidentified Objects, they make time to balance their passion for music and are determined to not let anything stop them from making their unidentified talent be known.
“U.O official logo”
Photo courtesy of Kenny Jean
“All of us are in the same mindset which is to share our creativity but everyone has different priorities and plans like school. When I first started getting into music, I saw that as Plan A, but Plan B which is school is what I relied on,” Devon Miranda aka Debo The Director said, videographer, rapper, and dancer of U.O “If something ever happened for my music or creativity to dwindle then at least I had school as a back-up.”
“Devon Miranda aka Debo The Director, videographer, rapper, and dancer of U.O”
Photo courtesy of Kenny Jean
Whether that means touring with an artist project, releasing music on Soundcloud, or working behind the scenes because during the day is filled with 2-3 classes, one would love nothing more than to (at some point) ditch the full class schedule for a career in music. Freshman and music major Kenya Silas knows firsthand how the idea of dropping everything can be tempting but all it takes is the right motivation to keep you from straying the path that’s right for you.
“Being creative doesn’t really overpower me going to class at all. Luckily all my music classes work hand in hand,” Silas said. “For instance, one thing that you’re currently learning about can be brought up in another class easily. I’ve been singing since I was 3 years old so I always felt that I was built for music.”
The dream of making a living off of music production, putting the music into the world for all to hear is a huge opportunity but can bring forth a clash in priorities in which one would have to decide-music or education.
“Music and school definitely clash. Sometimes I get caught with trying to pass math but also wanting to get a verse out, then I have to go to the studio later on and homework is put on hold until then,” Daniel Grubbs aka B!G said, rapper of U.O. “ You never know what’s going to happen with school or your music, have a plan X, Y or Z. Whatever works for you.”
“Daniel Grubbs aka B!G, rapper of U.O”
Photo courtesy of Kenny Jean
It would be easier to leave education behind and reach for the stars but Dr. Anthony Scelba, professor and Director of the Kean University Concert Artist Program, believes that with the right steps, one can easily balance both without clashing.
“What we offer our students is a pathway to that knowledge and skill. Real quality in music is born of decades of training, study, and hard work that built the craft. Creativity springs from craft,” Scelba said. “The Kean students who come to realize that, leave us with a direction toward success in music and life”
Composing a career that fits into everyday life is challenging, and for music artists-fitting their creativity into a busy school schedule is even more tiresome. One has to find their identity as a student and find their color as an artist. U.Os music is composed of many colors–soulful, raw and filled with emotions that get you hyped and in the mood. Anyone, student or not, want their music to reach ears across the spectrum because one never knows what the message of the music will do for others.
“I just try to fit any mood and vibe that you’re feeling into the music. We put in deep messages so anyone can understand and relate,” Kenny Jean aka KDubs said, rapper of U.O “Take a leap of faith to reach your goal, find your color and vibe because people will listen.”
“Our music is not the typical rap, people have to search for what they want and as U.O, we don’t want to let obstacles get in the way,” Miranda continued. “Time is very important so put your mind to it and balance your time for your creativity.”
“Kenny Jean aka KDubs, rapper of U.O”
Photo courtesy of Kenny Jean
Mixing with many different people is a great way to discover new music, ways of thinking and creating, and generally, in the creative industries, it comes a lot down to who one knows, no matter how talented or skilled the artist is. One is bound to meet many like-minded and different people, each with their own story. Professor Matthew Halper of Kean’s School of Fine and Performing Arts thinks that it is possible to succeed in the arts without formal education, but would suggest that the more tools and skills one has, the more likely one is to succeed.
“As Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine wrote, ‘Art isn’t easy.’ You have to really love the work, the effort. It’s something you live and breathe,” Halper said. “You can get your work out there, the issue now is distinguishing yourself in this massive and highly populated ecosystem.”
If you wish to know more about Kean University’s Music Department and rap group Unidentified Objects, visit https://www.kean.edu/academics/programs/music and https://www.instagram.com/therealu.o/
You must be logged in to post a comment.