January 15th 2024.
Hip-hop lovers, get ready to celebrate! In honor of the genre's 50th anniversary, a groundbreaking card game has burst onto the scene. No longer will debates about spades be the only lively discussions at game night - now, you and your friends can dive deep into the world of hip-hop culture with "University of Dope."
This genius idea was brought to life by A.V. "$upreme" Perkins and Marian "Skinni Bee" Andoh-Clark, two friends who bonded over their love for hip-hop while attending Central Connecticut State University back in 2004. Now, their brainchild is available for all to enjoy as it hits the shelves of Target stores.
But how did this game come to be? It all started with a simple question about the Wu-Tang Clan. Perkins challenged Andoh-Clark to name all the members of the iconic group, which sparked the idea for a game. Surprisingly, a search for a Wu-Tang drinking game came up empty, so the duo decided to create their own. The result? A dream come true for any B-Boy or B-Girl, and a game that is sure to be a hit at any game night.
The rules of University of Dope are simple - a minimum of three players take turns drawing cards and answering questions that lead to heated discussions. For example, one card may ask you to "Erase one person from hip-hop history: A. Swizz Beatz B. Dr. Dre C. Pharrell D. Timbaland." And the best part? There are no right or wrong answers.
While sipping on your favorite beverage may enhance the experience, the game offers flexibility for those who don't drink. You can choose to play in "Thug Life" mode, where the questions are answered for shots or drinks, or "Big Willie Style," where points are earned without any drinking involved.
But beware, this game is known for sparking passionate discussions and making players face some tough choices. In fact, some have even reported bringing the game on first dates, adding a unique twist to their relationships. Perkins even jokes that she looks forward to the first University of Dope wedding or divorce party.
In a conversation with Perkins, The Root got a sneak peek into her personal list of top five MCs. She emphasized her preference for delivery and shared her top five: Notorious B.I.G., Jadakiss, Lil' Kim, Method/the Wu-Tang, and Drake. While some may question Drake's inclusion on the list, Perkins stands by her choice, highlighting his decade-long impact and dismissing any critics. "He gave us ten years. I think with Drake, we just lost the concept of time. Biggie only has two albums, and Drake has been performing hits half of Biggie's life," she said. "I think people disregard him because he makes songs for women. He's like a more up-to-date L.L. Cool J."
The "organic origins" of University of Dope, rooted in the friendship of Perkins and Andoh-Clark, showcase the power of genuine connections within a community. Perkins believes that building authentic relationships and having confidence are essential elements for future success. "I feel like with networking, you really have to build a friendship and relationship with people," she told MadameNoire. "When you go through life and you meet like-minded people, there will be a point in time that opportunity can present itself. And as long as you keep doing what you have to do to stay at the top of someone's mind, they will circle back."
So this holiday season, why not add some hip-hop flair to your game night and support a black-owned business while you're at it? University of Dope is just one of the many games out there that incorporate hip-hop and bring people together for some lively debates and discussions.
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