G Fresh, Yung Tone, and RokStar: Munki Boi label outreach to struggling Indy schools

Friday, May 14, 2010, G Fresh, Yung Tone, and RokStar, members of label Munki Boi Entertainment, gave students at Monument Lighthouse Charter School some words of wisdom about education.  Around 2:30 pm, students in grades 6, 7, and 8 filed anxiously into the school gym to meet the stars of the local Indie label.  Later G Fresh and Yung Tone performed their hit song "On My Momma" for the students.  G Fresh, aka Jimmy Sims, took questions from students and shared the group's educational experiences.  When one student asked, "How'd you get that chain?"  G Fresh replied promptly, "A lot of education!"  A few minutes later, the group got some students up to show their talents as singers and freestyle rappers.  G Fresh put his "bling-bling" around each student's neck as he or she performed and peers cheered them on from the audience.

G Fresh spoke candidly with students about his high school days at Ben Davis in Wayne Township and how his education is reflected in his ability to write lyrics, music, excel at business ventures, and perform in front of large audiences. Fresh was born and raised in Indianapolis on the west side in a project community called Haughville and has come up from nothing financially to be a self-made entrepreneur.   A high school graduate of Ben Davis, G Fresh also attended Albany State University in Georgia, where he played sports.  Among his music career and recording label, Fresh also owns a construction company, a spa, and full service salon.  Fresh also advocates for the arts in schools and holds high esteem for Indianapolis arts programs.  Fresh posits, "The arts, especially music, are highly important to children because they promote educated free expression and involvement in schools and community."  G Fresh still is not finished with college.  Another ambition of Fresh's is to become a dentist; although with the hit single and remixed Colts version of "On My Momma," the label has become a local sensation, as well a national phenomenon attracting the attention of the more dominant east and west coast recording labels and musicians.  The label is about to go on tour with Wocka Flocka Flame.

On the MBE label, RokStar is a member of Nappyville.  RokStar is a graduate of North Central High School and was accepted into IUPUI.  RokStar concurred with Fresh's statements about education and how his teachers helped him to be a better lyricist and  increased his vocabulary.  RokStar is also an advocate for the arts in schools stating, "The arts are so important for young and old alike; especially in urban public schools where dropout rates continue to rise.  Students growing up in tough environments need to feel they belong to something positive."

Yung Tone is G Fresh's partner for "On My Momma."  Tone surprisingly stated that he was not much into sports; although he was a spectator.  He was all about taking art classes.  Tone exclaimed while he laughed, "I took every art class North Central had to offer!"  This included an advanced placement drawing class.  Simultaneously, Fresh chimed in, "I took art classes not only because of my love of the arts, but also to meet girls."  Both agreed that their love for music began with church and old classic hip hop artists of the late 1980's.  Yung Tone also stated, "Music is imperative to young people in schools because it builds vocabulary and aligns with literature, social studies, and other subjects." 

Among the group's favorite icons are Nos and Jay Z.  They agree that if students want to update their history on classic rap, that students should do their research on others who paved the way for the rappers they are listening to today.  There are many resources on the Internet for students to read about rap and hip-hop as an original American music form.  In a time where educators may question the music the younger generations are embracing, Munki Boi does a great job of being edgy while also remaining positive role models for youth.  G Fresh's advice to youth--"I have done things and made mistakes, but the important part is that I learned from those mistakes and moved forward.  Don't let mistakes stop you from being the best at what you do.  Forget the peer pressure and be your own person, but know your consequences if you make poor choices.  Take advantage of your free education right now because there are children all over the world that don't have the opportunities that you have in America."

If your school is interested in musical and educational outreach, the Munki Boi label will work hard to make themselves available and is excited about visiting Indianapolis schools to promote education in your community.  For more information, contact label manager Corey at cobbscorey@gmail.com.