“He would tell me that my music needed to be better,” Chose told OffTheYard.

That honesty became the catalyst. It forced Chose to hone his craft, let go of being just an artist, and learn the discipline of DJing. That moment—and the humility it brought—became his real entry point. And his true proving ground? Prairie View A&M University.

Hustle 101: Music Meets Marketing

A business major at PVAMU, Chose flipped every lecture on marketing into a blueprint for his music grind. He wore his self-proclaimed title proudly:

“I was probably one of the most annoying musicians,” he laughed, remembering the era where he would drop a new mixtape almost every month—sometimes 20 within two years.

Each tape was strategic. Alongside popular tracks, he’d sprinkle in his own music—betting that curiosity would turn into recognition.

“I knew that if I can make you click on the CD… you gonna eventually hear me.”

Chose leaned into the ecosystem of Prairie View. He and his friends once got a song trending on Twitter—from the campus library. But the real litmus test wasn’t the algorithm; it was Hump Day, the university’s legendary campus tradition. That’s where a song either soared or got skipped. Chose would drop a record, and weeks later, the crowd knew every word. That mattered more than any chart.

“If it’s really lit on the yard, then it’s real.”

Fast forward, and Chose would experience that same grassroots spark on a global level with viral hits like the “Thick” remix featuring Megan Thee Stallion.

Lessons Beyond the Booth

Prairie View didn’t just sharpen his marketing instincts—it gave him clarity on self-discipline. He failed calculus four times. But instead of giving up, he got rid of all his studio equipment and went all in on the subject.

“Literally every day I would come home and do calculus work… I was just applying myself.”

Eventually, he passed with an A. That moment shifted his perspective—not just on school, but on life.

“I actually learned in college that I was probably smarter than I ever knew I was.”

DJ Chose’s journey to becoming a charting artist and in-demand DJ wasn’t paved with luck—but with a harsh dose of reality that shaped everything he is today. As a young hopeful in Houston, he persistently tried to pass his music to renowned DJ Mr. Rogers. But instead of an open door, he was met with a simple, blunt truth:

“He would tell me that my music needed to be better,” Chose told OffTheYard.

That honesty became the catalyst. It forced Chose to hone his craft, let go of being just an artist, and learn the discipline of DJing. That moment—and the humility it brought—became his real entry point. And his true proving ground? Prairie View A&M University.

Hustle 101: Music Meets Marketing

A business major at PVAMU, Chose flipped every lecture on marketing into a blueprint for his music grind. He wore his self-proclaimed title proudly:

“I was probably one of the most annoying musicians,” he laughed, remembering the era where he would drop a new mixtape almost every month—sometimes 20 within two years.

Each tape was strategic. Alongside popular tracks, he’d sprinkle in his own music—betting that curiosity would turn into recognition.

“I knew that if I can make you click on the CD… you gonna eventually hear me.”

Chose leaned into the ecosystem of Prairie View. He and his friends once got a song trending on Twitter—from the campus library. But the real litmus test wasn’t the algorithm; it was Hump Day, the university’s legendary campus tradition. That’s where a song either soared or got skipped. Chose would drop a record, and weeks later, the crowd knew every word. That mattered more than any chart.

“If it’s really lit on the yard, then it’s real.”

Fast forward, and Chose would experience that same grassroots spark on a global level with viral hits like the “Thick” remix featuring Megan Thee Stallion.

Lessons Beyond the Booth

Prairie View didn’t just sharpen his marketing instincts—it gave him clarity on self-discipline. He failed calculus four times. But instead of giving up, he got rid of all his studio equipment and went all in on the subject.

“Literally every day I would come home and do calculus work… I was just applying myself.”

Eventually, he passed with an A. That moment shifted his perspective—not just on school, but on life.

“I actually learned in college that I was probably smarter than I ever knew I was.”

Manifestation, Grief, and a New Sound

That grind still powers him today, paired with a more evolved take on manifestation. For Chose, success isn’t a wish—it’s earned.

“The things that are worth keeping are always the hardest. The universe is trying to teach you that you must value it when you get it.”

That mindset guided him through another transformation: the birth of Norman Payne, his new musical alter ego. Rooted in country music and born after the passing of his mother, this lane became a form of healing.

“I record that music for me,” he shared. “I just think a lot of people are really seeking healing.”

It’s a surprising pivot, but one that reflects his depth and evolution. He’s not chasing trends—he’s creating spaces for truth.

From a “relentless” college kid flooding the yard with mixtapes to a multidimensional artist redefining the boundaries of genre and grief, DJ Chose is proof that the HBCU experience is more than a launchpad—it’s a legacy-maker.

Manifestation, Grief, and a New Sound

That grind still powers him today, paired with a more evolved take on manifestation. For Chose, success isn’t a wish—it’s earned.

“The things that are worth keeping are always the hardest. The universe is trying to teach you that you must value it when you get it.”

That mindset guided him through another transformation: the birth of Norman Payne, his new musical alter ego. Rooted in country music and born after the passing of his mother, this lane became a form of healing.

“I record that music for me,” he shared. “I just think a lot of people are really seeking healing.”

It’s a surprising pivot, but one that reflects his depth and evolution. He’s not chasing trends—he’s creating spaces for truth.

From a “relentless” college kid flooding the yard with mixtapes to a multidimensional artist redefining the boundaries of genre and grief, DJ Chose is proof that the HBCU experience is more than a launchpad—it’s a legacy-maker.

Maui Bigelow didn’t choose Albany State University; it chose her.

“My initial plan was to attend FAMU,” the author, content creator, and digital influencer explained to OffTheYard.Net. “But my dad lived in Albania, and my mom felt more comfortable with me being around him. I applied to both schools, but I got a small band scholarship at Albany State, so that’s where I went.”

“My initial plan was to attend FAMU,” the author, content creator, and digital influencer explained to OffTheYard.Net. “But my dad lived in Albania, and my mom felt more comfortable with me being around him. I applied to both schools, but I got a small band scholarship at Albany State, so that’s where I went.”

The decision would prove life-changing, grounding her not only in academics but in sisterhood, spirituality, and purpose. Maui played the clarinet in the band until her sophomore year and, more significantly, began building relationships that would carry her far beyond graduation.

The decision would prove life-changing, grounding her not only in academics but in sisterhood, spirituality, and purpose. Maui played the clarinet in the band until her sophomore year and, more significantly, began building relationships that would carry her far beyond graduation.

“The friends I made in Albany are still my friends today,” she said. “Those are the people who helped me with my kids when I was sick. They gave me money when I was broke. They prayed for me. That’s one of my biggest flexes, attending an HBCU and building lasting relationships.”

“The friends I made in Albany are still my friends today,” she said. “Those are the people who helped me with my kids when I was sick. They gave me money when I was broke. They prayed for me. That’s one of my biggest flexes, attending an HBCU and building lasting relationships.”

While finishing her degree, Maui became a mother and navigated college life while raising her son. She vividly remembers the day of her senior final, when her infant son had a 102-degree fever. Unsure what to do, she called her professor, Dr. Shepherd.

While finishing her degree, Maui became a mother and navigated college life while raising her son. She vividly remembers the day of her senior final, when her infant son had a 102-degree fever. Unsure what to do, she called her professor, Dr. Shepherd.

“She told me to bring the baby with me to her office. He was screaming and sick, and this lady held him, sang African spirituals, and played the bongo while I finished my final. I would not have graduated without that.”

“She told me to bring the baby with me to her office. He was screaming and sick, and this lady held him, sang African spirituals, and played the bongo while I finished my final. I would not have graduated without that.”

Life after Albany State included working as a long-term substitute teacher for 14 years before pivoting to content creation. Maui launched her brand “Phat Girl Fresh,” which began as a boutique concept but quickly became a platform for plus-size fashion, storytelling, and empowerment. 

Life after Albany State included working as a long-term substitute teacher for 14 years before pivoting to content creation. Maui launched her brand “Phat Girl Fresh,” which began as a boutique concept but quickly became a platform for plus-size fashion, storytelling, and empowerment. 

Her breakthrough came with a viral blog post recounting an uncomfortable interaction about her exposed midriff.

Her breakthrough came with a viral blog post recounting an uncomfortable interaction about her exposed midriff.

“This girl tried to pull my skirt down and told me, ‘Big girls can’t show their stomachs,’ and I was like, ‘Girl, you can’t show your stomach. I show mine. Leave my clothes alone,’” she recalled.

“This girl tried to pull my skirt down and told me, ‘Big girls can’t show their stomachs,’ and I was like, ‘Girl, you can’t show your stomach. I show mine. Leave my clothes alone,’” she recalled.

She wrote about the moment for The Curvy Fashionista. By the time she returned from a funeral trip, her phone had over 10,000 notifications. “That post ended up in Cosmo, Allure, Vogue. It really helped amplify my voice.”

She wrote about the moment for The Curvy Fashionista. By the time she returned from a funeral trip, her phone had over 10,000 notifications. “That post ended up in Cosmo, Allure, Vogue. It really helped amplify my voice.”

Her work soon caught the attention of major brands like JCPenney, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii, and Maui credits her HBCU network for opening the door to her biggest deal—an $80,000 campaign.

Her work soon caught the attention of major brands like JCPenney, Lane Bryant, and Eloquii, and Maui credits her HBCU network for opening the door to her biggest deal—an $80,000 campaign.

“A FAMU alumna working on the JCPenney project hit me up for rates. I didn’t even have a rate sheet. She sent my numbers back and said, ‘No, we’re not going to let you lowball yourself.’”

“A FAMU alumna working on the JCPenney project hit me up for rates. I didn’t even have a rate sheet. She sent my numbers back and said, ‘No, we’re not going to let you lowball yourself.’”

Her writing expanded to MadameNoire and other publications, and she began using her influence to challenge narratives around plus-size bodies, especially after seeing celebs making critical comments about plus-size dancers of the “Pretty Big Movement.” 

Her writing expanded to MadameNoire and other publications, and she began using her influence to challenge narratives around plus-size bodies, especially after seeing celebs making critical comments about plus-size dancers of the “Pretty Big Movement.” 

“They were like, ‘I don’t see why this is news. Big girls been dancing.’ And I was like, ‘No, we are out here fighting for inclusion every day.’ Frenchie [Davis] wanted to fight me. Loni [Love] blocked me. But I said what I said.”

“They were like, ‘I don’t see why this is news. Big girls been dancing.’ And I was like, ‘No, we are out here fighting for inclusion every day.’ Frenchie [Davis] wanted to fight me. Loni [Love] blocked me. But I said what I said.”

Through it all, Albany State was the foundation.

Through it all, Albany State was the foundation.

“Being at an HBCU taught me I didn’t have to fit in anybody’s box. I could be me—loud, bold, and confident. Seeing other big girls in college slay, dance, and not care about people’s opinions gave me life.”

“Being at an HBCU taught me I didn’t have to fit in anybody’s box. I could be me—loud, bold, and confident. Seeing other big girls in college slay, dance, and not care about people’s opinions gave me life.”

Now, Maui is passing that boldness along through her new book Repeat After Me Btch*, which she describes as “an unapologetic devotional-style affirmation guide designed specifically for Black women ready to reclaim their power and step fully into their greatness.”

Now, Maui is passing that boldness along through her new book Repeat After Me Btch*, which she describes as “an unapologetic devotional-style affirmation guide designed specifically for Black women ready to reclaim their power and step fully into their greatness.”

“I thought I was writing a book for my audience,” she admitted to OffTheYard. “But I realized I was really talking to myself.”

“I thought I was writing a book for my audience,” she admitted to OffTheYard. “But I realized I was really talking to myself.”

Her favorite affirmations from the book? The first: “I am powerful beyond measure.” And the last: “I love you.”

Her favorite affirmations from the book? The first: “I am powerful beyond measure.” And the last: “I love you.”

“That’s simple but sincere,” she said. “We pour into everybody else’s cup and forget our own. But we deserve grace, too.”

“That’s simple but sincere,” she said. “We pour into everybody else’s cup and forget our own. But we deserve grace, too.”

Today, Maui balances her creative work with digital strategy consulting for social justice and non-profit organizations like the Me Too Movement and the Breonna Taylor Foundation.

Today, Maui balances her creative work with digital strategy consulting for social justice and non-profit organizations like the Me Too Movement and the Breonna Taylor Foundation.

“I want to make sure our messaging is strong and reaching the people it’s meant for. Because if we don’t talk to ourselves and affirm who we are, the world will decide for us, and it usually gets it wrong.”

“I want to make sure our messaging is strong and reaching the people it’s meant for. Because if we don’t talk to ourselves and affirm who we are, the world will decide for us, and it usually gets it wrong.”

As if shifting culture and writing books weren’t enough, Maui is also gearing up for the 12th and final edition of Life Styled Honors, an event she’s produced for over a decade to celebrate Black women in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and empowerment. 

As if shifting culture and writing books weren’t enough, Maui is also gearing up for the 12th and final edition of Life Styled Honors, an event she’s produced for over a decade to celebrate Black women in fashion, beauty, entertainment, and empowerment. 

Titled The 12th and Final Life Styled Honors: In Full Bloom, the event is expected to draw its usual sold-out crowd while honoring a legacy that includes past honorees like Tarana Burke, Lisa Price, and Nzinga Imani. 

Titled The 12th and Final Life Styled Honors: In Full Bloom, the event is expected to draw its usual sold-out crowd while honoring a legacy that includes past honorees like Tarana Burke, Lisa Price, and Nzinga Imani. 

With over 19,000 attendees across the years and 20M+ social impressions, Maui is closing this chapter with the same heart, hustle, and intention that defines all of her work. 

With over 19,000 attendees across the years and 20M+ social impressions, Maui is closing this chapter with the same heart, hustle, and intention that defines all of her work. 

“This is your final opportunity to be part of history,” she says. And she means it.

“This is your final opportunity to be part of history,” she says. And she means it.

Going to school and being away from your support system can take a toll on a student’s mental health. But for our HBCU students, they are challenging the status quo. Recent studies are showing that HBCU students have a better mental health than those at predominately white institutions (PWIs). They are doing more than just surviving, they’re thriving!

According to reports from a study conducted by UNCF, the Healthy Minds Network, and the Steve Fund, 45% of HBCU students report “flourishing” mental health compared to 36% in national samples and 38% among Black students at PWIs.  That simply means almost half of the student population feels mentally equipped to take on the struggles of college. To take it a step further, the same study also found that HBCU students are less likely to struggle with anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. They feel more open and comfortable when it comes to talking about their emotions. This poses true, as 74% of Black students are less likely to keep negative feelings to themselves. 

According to reports from a study conducted by UNCF, the Healthy Minds Network, and the Steve Fund, 45% of HBCU students report “flourishing” mental health compared to 36% in national samples and 38% among Black students at PWIs.  That simply means almost half of the student population feels mentally equipped to take on the struggles of college. To take it a step further, the same study also found that HBCU students are less likely to struggle with anxiety, substance abuse, and eating disorders. They feel more open and comfortable when it comes to talking about their emotions. This poses true, as 74% of Black students are less likely to keep negative feelings to themselves. 

Many people may wonder: What is responsible for the numbers being so high? Part of the answer is obvious. Community! Think about all of your peers rallying together to join your campaign team. Your roommates making signs and decorating your room for your probate. Maybe even a chill, game night in the dorm. These are the people that understand your experiences, and value your shared moments. Things like that go a long way, and that sense of belonging makes a huge difference. 

Many people may wonder: What is responsible for the numbers being so high? Part of the answer is obvious. Community! Think about all of your peers rallying together to join your campaign team. Your roommates making signs and decorating your room for your probate. Maybe even a chill, game night in the dorm. These are the people that understand your experiences, and value your shared moments. Things like that go a long way, and that sense of belonging makes a huge difference. 

But of course, this is still an evolving epidemic, and there are still students with their own set of special challenges. In general, HBCU students often face struggles that other students may not experience. For example, financial burdens are pretty common among HBCU students. Studies show that 51% of students feel that their financial situation is “always” or “often” stressful. In the Black community, therapy and receiving help for your mental health is also frowned upon. The stigma that you will be perceived as weak is still evident. In fact, HBCU students report higher rates of perceived stigma around mental health treatment (52%) compared to national averages (41%).

But of course, this is still an evolving epidemic, and there are still students with their own set of special challenges. In general, HBCU students often face struggles that other students may not experience. For example, financial burdens are pretty common among HBCU students. Studies show that 51% of students feel that their financial situation is “always” or “often” stressful. In the Black community, therapy and receiving help for your mental health is also frowned upon. The stigma that you will be perceived as weak is still evident. In fact, HBCU students report higher rates of perceived stigma around mental health treatment (52%) compared to national averages (41%).

The first step to change is awareness. Despite the negative findings, HBCUs are still working hard to acknowledge and normalize mental health on campuses. You may see a variety of different initiatives like organizations creating safe spaces for struggling students or a “Mental Health Week” with stress-relieving events and therapy puppies. Regardless, our schools are not turning a blind eye to the issue. 78% of Black students at HBCUs feel that their institutions are prioritizing their mental well being compared to Black students at PWIs that are sitting at 73%. This shows that the schools that were made for us, by us are properly pouring into the students. Call it “The HBCU Effect.” However, the work is never finished. 

The first step to change is awareness. Despite the negative findings, HBCUs are still working hard to acknowledge and normalize mental health on campuses. You may see a variety of different initiatives like organizations creating safe spaces for struggling students or a “Mental Health Week” with stress-relieving events and therapy puppies. Regardless, our schools are not turning a blind eye to the issue. 78% of Black students at HBCUs feel that their institutions are prioritizing their mental well being compared to Black students at PWIs that are sitting at 73%. This shows that the schools that were made for us, by us are properly pouring into the students. Call it “The HBCU Effect.” However, the work is never finished. 

At the end of the day, there’s no doubt that our Black students are thriving in various ways at HBCUs, not just academically. With the increase of resources and knowledge, the future of great mental health is bright and attainable for our students. Remember, you only get one mind, body, and soul. Treat it as such, and don’t forget that it’s ok to ask for help. 

At the end of the day, there’s no doubt that our Black students are thriving in various ways at HBCUs, not just academically. With the increase of resources and knowledge, the future of great mental health is bright and attainable for our students. Remember, you only get one mind, body, and soul. Treat it as such, and don’t forget that it’s ok to ask for help. 

For more information on the study, you can visit it here. 

For more information on the study, you can visit it here. 

The matchup for Super Bowl LIX is set, with the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs surprisingly facing off in New Orleans for a second time in three seasons. Meanwhile, HBCUs are also stepping into the spotlight, playing a major role in shaping up this year’s Super Bowl experience. 

With more college football talent committing to HBCUs or retired NFL stars like Michael Vick now coaching at our institutions, the involvement of HBCUs in Super Bowl Week positively signals growing inclusion and recognition. 

With more college football talent committing to HBCUs or retired NFL stars like Michael Vick now coaching at our institutions, the involvement of HBCUs in Super Bowl Week positively signals growing inclusion and recognition. 

From celebrity bowling tournaments to industry panels, HBCUs are making the Super Bowl experience richer and more diverse. 

From celebrity bowling tournaments to industry panels, HBCUs are making the Super Bowl experience richer and more diverse. 

Here’s how HBCUs are making their mark for Super Bowl LIX:

Here’s how HBCUs are making their mark for Super Bowl LIX:

HBCU Takeover x Super Bowl LIX

HBCU Takeover x Super Bowl LIX

On February 7th, Diverse Representation, in partnership with William Morris Endeavor, will host the HBCU Takeover x Super Bowl LIX event at Dillard University. HBCU students will have the opportunity to listen to and network with leading agents from the sports and entertainment industries. The event features two dynamic panels: a Fireside Chat with NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady and the “Agents of Influence” Panel, designed to inspire and empower those interested in talent representation and succeeding in the sports and entertainment business. More information and event registration information can be found here. 

On February 7th, Diverse Representation, in partnership with William Morris Endeavor, will host the HBCU Takeover x Super Bowl LIX event at Dillard University. HBCU students will have the opportunity to listen to and network with leading agents from the sports and entertainment industries. The event features two dynamic panels: a Fireside Chat with NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady and the “Agents of Influence” Panel, designed to inspire and empower those interested in talent representation and succeeding in the sports and entertainment business. More information and event registration information can be found here. 

Black Men’s Brain Health Conference at Xavier University 

Black Men’s Brain Health Conference at Xavier University 

The 2025 Black Men’s Brain Health Conference, held during Super Bowl Week, focuses on the mental health and well-being of Black men. Hosted at Xavier University of Louisiana, this is the first time the conference will be held at an HBCU. Funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Institute on Aging, and the NFL Alumni Association, the event will address brain health disparities, including cognitive aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and sociocultural impacts. Bringing together experts, community members, and over 1,000 virtual participants, the BMBH Conference aims to raise awareness and provide resources to help Black communities thrive. More information can be found here.

The 2025 Black Men’s Brain Health Conference, held during Super Bowl Week, focuses on the mental health and well-being of Black men. Hosted at Xavier University of Louisiana, this is the first time the conference will be held at an HBCU. Funded by the Alzheimer’s Association, the National Institute on Aging, and the NFL Alumni Association, the event will address brain health disparities, including cognitive aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and sociocultural impacts. Bringing together experts, community members, and over 1,000 virtual participants, the BMBH Conference aims to raise awareness and provide resources to help Black communities thrive. More information can be found here.

HBCU End Zone at the Super Bowl Fan Experience

HBCU End Zone at the Super Bowl Fan Experience

The Celebrity Super Bowling Tournament, presented by Verizon, is an exciting event hosted by HBCU EndZone at Rock ‘n’ Bowl in New Orleans. Taking place on Saturday, February 8th, from 12 PM to 4 PM, this tournament brings together HBCU legends and participants for a fun-filled afternoon of bowling, food, and an open bar. The event aims to support the next generation of leaders while providing a great opportunity to network and enjoy the game in a unique way. All proceeds go toward a meaningful cause. Tickets are available through this link.

The Celebrity Super Bowling Tournament, presented by Verizon, is an exciting event hosted by HBCU EndZone at Rock ‘n’ Bowl in New Orleans. Taking place on Saturday, February 8th, from 12 PM to 4 PM, this tournament brings together HBCU legends and participants for a fun-filled afternoon of bowling, food, and an open bar. The event aims to support the next generation of leaders while providing a great opportunity to network and enjoy the game in a unique way. All proceeds go toward a meaningful cause. Tickets are available through this link.