28 Random Things That Define The Culture

It's Black History month and while Black History is 365 days a year, it's important to showcase all the culture has to offer in February. This blog cover's 28 random things that define the culture, other than the top 10 the listing has no real merit. It's just random stuff that came to mind while writing the article, so here we go.

28. Lunch Time Rap's

Lunch Time cipher's in schools across America are a staple and has not skipped an generation. There's always a "DJ" banging on the lunch table making the beat, while two aspiring rappers battle each other until a hating ass administrator or teacher comes along and puts a end to it.

27. Motown Records

We listened to it as our parents and grandparents cleaned the house, and now we jam to the classic Motown sound. It carried Black People throw the civil rights era and provided hit after hit. Judging by how everyone was on their feet during Stevie Wonder's Motown Medley at this year's Grammy's. Its clear Motown music is timeless.

26. Def Jam

The house that Russell built it, it's far from the powerhouse it once was. However Run DMC, LL Cool J, Beastie Boys, Public Enemy and many more Def Jam artist really were the first hip-hop artist to cross over. Many of their hits still load our playlists. 

25. Ginger Ale

Try to dispute all you want, but when your stomach just ain't right Ginger Ale can solve most of your problems. It's a reason it's a Black Household staple.

24. Fubu

Fubu (For Us, By Us) was a 90's clothing staple, it means so much more now especially on the renewed focus to keep Black dollars within the company. Time for a major comeback.

23. Essence

A staple of Black household book shelves and coffee tables, Essence has been telling important stories within our community since 1970.

22. Essence Fest 

Essence fest is a full weekend of parties, concerts, and celebrating the Black culture. The festival covers a lot of ground over the weekend from Black Health to Black Wealth, food, music and everything in between.

21. Jet magazine

Much like Essence and Ebony magazines, JET magazine is a Black community hallmark. Telling stories since 1951, it was an outlet for Black people during a time when our stories weren't told. This clip from Boomerang gives an idea on just how revered JET was.

20. BET

When MTV still wasn't trying to play Black artists, Robert Johnson started Black Entertainment Television. Initially known for playing music videos all the time, it's programming trajectory has changed but the mission of showcasing Black Excellence has not.

19. Apollo Theater

The mecca of Harlem, The Apollo Theater has been instrumental in showcasing Black artist since the 1930's. It's history is now, then, and forever.

18. Bad Boy Records

If Motown was the sound of Black America in the 60's and 70's, Def Jam was the voice of the youth in the mid 80's to early 90's. Bad Boy Records was the Black voice from the mid to late 90's, highlighting success, flashiness and just a good time.

17. 106 & Park

In response to MTV's wildy popular music video countdown show Total Request Live (TRL), in 2000 BET debuted 106 & Park. Which an entire generation grew up on watching the top ten countdown, waiting for the throwback of the day, and of course Freestyle Friday.

16. Yo! MTV Raps

Before 106 & Park there was Yo! MTV Raps, MTV's and the mainstream media's acknowledgement that Hip Hop was here to stay and couldn't be stopped. The show ran for five seasons and opened so many doors for so many artists. 

15. Jordan Sneakers

Since their release in 1985, Jordan's also called J's have been a must have in any sneakerhead's collection. 

14. Strawberry Filled Candy

If you went over grandma's or any older relative's house, chances are you found a bowl or jar full of Strawberry filled candy.

13. Crown Royal Bag

Once you finish that Crown Royal bottle, what to do with the bag is the next question. The answer whatever you need to store in it. Change, important documents, loose bills whatever it's better to repurpose than throw away.

12. Spades

Want to get a good time at the family function going, and possibly cause an argument. Play some spades. 

11. Uno

Maybe the only other card game that will have Black folks side eyeing you, throwing up their hands, and debating about how the game is supposed to be played.

10. Hennessy

                            Have no idea what's in it that's so addicting, Black People just love Hennessy. 

9. Plastic Market Bags

They serve so many purposes, protecting valuables and folks hair, sometimes their shoes in inclement weather. Something to carry the plates you took from the family function, dumping smelly food or diapers to mask the smell.

8. Spaghetti

If Black People having a gathering for a large group or just tryna make something that will stretch for the week. They gon make a large pot of Spaghetti, may even fancy it up a bit and put some shrimp in it.

7. Drawer full of Condiments

No matter how many we already have in the house. If some takeout food provides some condiments, we saving them for later.

6. Sunday Dinner

After a long week of work and running errands, Black folks look forward to a good Sunday Dinner. Sometimes the meal rivals that of a Thanksgiving spread. 

5. Fraternities & Sororities 

Seen all around college campuses and often pillars of community service. Fraternities and Sororities are a huge part of the Black culture.

4. HBCU's

The halftime show's, The Marching band's, Greek life, and just a sense of family. HBCU's play a important part in educating the future and celebrating the culture.

3. Frankie Beverly and Maze Before I Let Go

You cannot attend a Black function without someone playing Before I Let Go. Once it come's on even those not on the dance floor will be singing along, waiting for that moment to scream at the top of their lungs "Before I Let You Goooooooooooooo".

2. Line Dances

The Electric Slide, The Cha-Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, The Wobble and many more. Black people love love love a good line dance.

1. Family Reunion

Life get's busy a Family Reunion is always a good opportunity to get everyone together near and far to enjoy each other's company, and celebrate love and family.