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Mississippi music artists Dear Silas and Big K.R.I.T.’s video “I Got It” features JSU’s very own Sonic Boom of the South. The feel-good video dropped Jan. 21 at 6 p.m. and pays homage to all good things Jackson with one being The Boom.
Last year, Dear Silas, whose full name is Silas Stapleton III, signed a partnership agreement between his Dear Silas LLC and RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music. The rapper and trumpeter shared that the horn-based track and big band feel of the song immediately brought the Sonic Boom to mind. “They are the baddest band in the land. Of course, they needed to be in the video,” he explained.
The song “I Got It” is a motivational anthem Stapleton said he hopes will squash the perception that local artists cannot find success living in Mississippi. “K.R.I.T. is a great example of what happens when you work hard. And I think I’m an example of making it without leaving.”
A Jackson native, Stapleton said the treatment of the video is a result of his pride for his hometown. Cameos of his former grade and high schools, plus the city’s vibrant murals, are just some of the fixtures the rapper chose to highlight. He also wanted to dispel any negative thoughts associated with the capital city. “I feel it’s my responsibility with my platform to ensure the city gets as many good looks as possible.”
For Dr. Roderick D. Little, associate director of bands and marching band director of the Sonic Boom, the collaboration was a no brainer. “We play a variety of music from original compositions to popular contemporary music. Hip-hop and what we play correlate with each other vastly because we always attempt to appeal to the younger generation because they are the age group that we attract as potential members,” Little shared.
Furthermore, the director said it is always a plus to work with artists in the music industry. Not only does it bring positive notoriety to JSU’s band program, but it also brings notoriety to the artist, he said.
“The song ‘I Got It’ proposes a very positive message. Positivity is what we promote with our program.”
Lastly, Little shouted out Dear Silas, and his attorney, Jeffrey Graves, a JSU alum, for the opportunity to be featured in the video. “We hope that more artists take notice and book “THEE Best Band in the Land” to take part in their video as well.”