Hey, y'all. It's your girl, Jada Vassar, and this is All Sheaded Chocolate where I'm bringing the sweetest, the hottest black culture to MSU. It's still getting used to saying that intro, but we're gonna keep it rolling. How y'all doing? How y'all doing?
Jada:It's about to be spring break. I'm tired. I don't know about y'all. When I leave this recording, I'm going back to bed because this was the longest week ever to get the spring break. But we got somebody new.
Jada:Victoria? Hi. This is our first time podcasting y'all. Don't do too much for her. But what a better podcast to come on to All Shade to Chocolate.
Jada:I'm a get you real comfortable. We're gonna have a good time today. So if you wanna start seeing what you do at the state news, what got you to the state news, how you're liking it so far, and just, yeah, introduce us to you.
Victoria:Well, hi. I'm Victoria Winfield. I'm a sophomore journalism major. This is my first, like, semester working at the state news. I got hired, over, like, Christmas break, which is a lot of fun.
Victoria:Like, I found out I got the job when I was working at my candy store job, and I was, like, I ran to the back and picked up Liz's call. But it's been a great time. I'm a general assignment reporter on the life desk, which I really like because I have a bit of fluidity in what I can do. I feel like if I wanna maybe try and do a political story, I can. I got to write about, like, situationships as well as cover, like, a band book discussion.
Victoria:So I've been having a lot of fun, and I feel like I've been learning a lot while working here about journalism and just about, like, what it means to be a part of a newsroom.
Jada:Yeah. And first of all, when I met this girl, she's so sweet. Like, the way she's on on the mic, she's super sweet. We talked for a long time about so much different stuff. And I was like, yeah.
Jada:I need to, one, bring you an auntie chocolate, but, like, really, really happy that you're here. You're, like, such a good addition to the state news. And you said your own life. And it's funny how you gave, like, your little origin story of the call because I also got hired over Christmas break when I got to the state news. I didn't come in in the fall.
Jada:I came in in the spring. So I came in and, like, everybody kinda was already knew what they were doing. They kinda got were in their roles and things like that. And I walked in and I was like, wow. This newsroom is huge.
Jada:And I'm new, and y'all know how to do this job, and I don't. So it's funny how you say that because I can't sustain it the same way. But I'm glad that you're not adjusting well, and you're writing your story. I've seen the stuff you write, girl. This girl can write.
Jada:Okay? She can write down. And I don't say that about a lot people, but you, you can write. You can write. And I love the life desk, so I love everything that the desk, you know, stands for and the things you guys write.
Jada:It's it's important, so I really like it. But today, we're talking about partying. And as a sophomore, I remember back in the day when I was a sophomore, about two two years ago now, we'd look at the clock and I'm a little old, John, two years ago. And partying was the thing. Now, of course, we go to Michigan State University.
Jada:And if you know anything about Michigan State University, when I told my high school I was going to MSU, it was yay and, oh, you about to be drunk every day. And I was like, oh, wait. What do you mean I'm about to be drunk every day? They was like, oh, you haven't heard? I said, her what?
Jada:Now I can't wanted to come to MSU because my older sister graduated from here. I know I knew the college like the back of my hand. You know, she was in comm arts. I'm a comm arts major, so it's like I already knew the structure of the campus before I got here. So I said, yeah, this is my passion.
Jada:But they were like, oh, so you're just about to be partying every night. I said, who? And what are we talking about? Now when I got here, I learned exactly what they were talking about. So how first of all, do are you a partier?
Jada:Do you consider yourself a partier? Like, is is it getting old to you now? Do you still find fun doing it? Do you go out with your friends? You got the friends you hit up like, hey.
Jada:We about to go out tonight. Like, what's what's what's your partying vibe?
Victoria:I would say I'm not much of a partier. Like, just because I don't feel like I'm con like, out every single weekend. I feel like I do love that, like, low key just being able to go hang out, like, in, like, a low key setting with some friends for sure. But when they come up, like, certain events, like, I know, like, we are going out Saint Patrick's Day. Like, they already mentioned in the group chat we are going out.
Victoria:We're gonna be out, Hunter Park, like, at the Dardies. So I feel like that's something, like, if there's that event for it, for sure. So, like, if there's a big event, I feel like my friends are gonna go out and try and party. One of those is, I feel like we have to buy tickets before a lot of the time. Like, I kinda prefer if we go to, like, Skull House or Frat House just because, like, at least you can go there.
Victoria:Maybe you have to pay right when you get there versus buy a ticket. Yeah. It might fall through. It might end up at some random restaurant. Like, it it can be kinda a little whatever.
Victoria:But I feel like when the opportunity presents itself, I'm gonna try and go out and party for sure.
Jada:No. I definitely feel you with that. I when I came to MSU, I was here with my twin sister. So that was kinda fun as far as, like, not really having to navigate going to parties by yourself or going with people that you kind of don't know for real yet. And I feel like that's kind of a big thing that started to turn me away from parties is because, you know, even though I went with my twin sister's name is Janae.
Jada:So even though Janae was there and, you know, as some of the girls that we met in the dorms and whatnot, it I don't know. It just never stuck with me. I wouldn't consider myself a partier either, and I also wouldn't consider myself like a a bar person either. Because, obviously, I turned 21. You go to the bars.
Jada:You get that experience. You know, you see what type of bars you like, what drinks you like. But I didn't click it doesn't do nothing for me. Like, I know people get to the bars and they wanna dance, they wanna party, the music's going. It doesn't do that for me.
Jada:I'm very much a I'm a party at my house type of person. If you know me and my sister or if you've seen us in the dorms, if you came to our apartments, we do a lot of themed holiday parties. So, like, this past Valentine's Day, we had a Valentine's Day party. Now that was fun. But I'd much rather, you know, get all the experience at my home because I'm comfortable.
Jada:I'm around people I really, really know because I don't bring nobody at my house. I don't know. And, you know, I'm making making the drinks. You don't gotta worry about a lot of the safety concerns. It's my bathroom.
Jada:You know? There's a lot of this is my food.
Victoria:You know? There's a lot
Jada:of stuff that I feel like I don't have to worry about that you kinda do have to take into consideration while going out to party that I feel like a lot of people don't. And that's where a lot of, you know, situations happen. And that's why I I really try to stress, like, if you do go to party, please go with people you know, and please go with people that you trusted. If you get messed up, they will take care of you, and they will bring you back, and you will get back safe. Because, you know, a lot of people I'm not about to try to throw myself out there, but we had the thing where you woke them.
Jada:You're like, how did I get here? I don't remember how I got back to my bed, and I don't remember who brought me here and how I got this water. But at least if you have those friends, you could try to put those pieces together. But I wanted to really talk about this because I feel like there's layers to partying and going out to party, especially going to PWI while you're black. Because I feel like just as much as you go to, you know, the classroom scenes and you don't see a lot of black people, it's kind of the same way when you go to some of these parties.
Jada:Like, I know, you know, there's chats like the black girl party chat, black girl MSU, where they post a lot of the black hosted event stuff. When I started out as a freshman, I went to
Victoria:a lot of the white parties. Like, there's a lot of white kids there, and,
Jada:you know, obviously, people are partying. They're already kinda drunk, but you still get the awkward stares. You still get the kinda the what are you doing here type of thing, or who invited you sort of thing. So has that been your experience? Like, have you had any wild party experiences?
Jada:Have you had any scary experiences? Like, what what's been your thing with the party?
Victoria:I would say as it relates to maybe going to some of, like, the, like, frats and, like, kind of, like, white parties in that space, one was, like, Skull House. I mean, we and my friends have had a good time at Skull House, at least to the degree of them being, like, welcoming. Yeah. They give out twist to t's. Oh, yeah.
Victoria:Like, they're very generous at Skull House. And I but I do feel like that is something I've been aware of. Like, I had a friend, and unfortunately, she hurt her knee in one of those, like, rat houses. So we need to get her, like, out of there. And it it was a situation.
Victoria:She used to go to the hospital. But I do remember it was something important thing. She was, like, out there. Like, we're waiting for an Uber outside, and this kid just gave me this funny look like, are you one of her friends? I'm like, why wouldn't I I don't you know, it's like five of us here.
Victoria:Yeah. Maybe probably. Like, I'm not surprised. But I think there were certain moments where I could look around and realize, like, it's important to still have each other's backs and just be acutely aware. Like, okay.
Victoria:Maybe we are the only, like, black black girls up in this party. That doesn't mean we're not gonna have a fun time. Kinda think we're having a lot of fun. At Soul House, actually, I feel like we could have a really fun time there easily. But if something like that where, like, a friend gets injured, it's important that, like, it kinda felt like a lot of other people showed up and tried to, like, sweep in and, like, do stuff when people were drunk and just, like, yelling in her face.
Victoria:And it's like I think when stuff like that comes down to it, it's like there is still, I feel like, having to watch your back there, like, in that way for sure.
Jada:Yeah. No. I definitely agree. And I've definitely had a few instances where, like, you know, something happens or somebody gets hurt or, you know, somebody they're just too drunk. And you're like, okay.
Jada:We can't we can't stay here. So have you ever had a thing where kinda like when you say your friend hurt her knee, where you were just like, you know what? We're gonna go home, and maybe your friend didn't wanna leave. How do you handle partying to where, like, you're you're ready to go? Like, you at the door.
Jada:And you're like, I've had enough tonight. It's over. It's dead. I'm not feeling it. But they're still like, no.
Jada:Another hour, another thirty, but you can just tell it's not good. How do you handle that with your friends? Because I keep that little messy too. That is a hard thing to navigate
Victoria:because I had that, recently, like, like, a week or two ago where I think I was just tired. It wasn't even
Jada:like, I I wasn't having the
Victoria:most fun at that point. We can even you can bring in, like, any drink, period. So if you want to bring in a bottle of water, and then it didn't have water in there. So I'm like, there's no food. Who am I doing?
Victoria:Drink. Like, I'm thirsty. I'm tired. Yeah. So it it was less like the party environment, but also more like it was just physically exhausting.
Victoria:And I do remember having a friend, and she did wanna stay a bit longer. And I'm like, I don't wanna be a party pooper. I don't wanna be all whatever. So I think I did try and kinda, like, ride it out, but I sometimes I'm not gonna lie. I I think I encouraged.
Victoria:I was like, hey. What if we can catch an Uber soon? You know, it's $5. I always do that. If it's cheap, I'm like, okay.
Victoria:It's a $5 Uber, you guys. Like Listen. Let me
Jada:tell you. You better get them deals because Uber, Lyft, all of that. They will rise the next second you click on that app, and then they'll lower again. So I've definitely done that too. I'm like, if done that to them.
Jada:Like, if we don't get it now, we're not leaving.
Victoria:Like, it's gonna
Jada:be $10 in a minute.
Victoria:Come on. No. Come on.
Jada:But, yeah, that's so interesting that you say that. So I wanna, like, you know, open the floor back to you. Like, if you have any, like, points you wanna talk about as far as partying. I don't have a lot of outward partier experiences. Like I said, I party at my house, so I do a lot of the theme parties there.
Jada:But, like, yeah. I mean,
Victoria:I I guess, like, one thing I'd say I feel like that happens for us as black students on campus is that, like, none of I think I heard it was, I think, six of the d nine are, like, represented on campus, and none of them have houses. And me and my sister have had this conversation about how that's the case across the country where a lot of d nine sororities and fraternities do not really have houses, especially not on their campuses. I think even, like, some of the HBCUs, it might be that way. Mhmm. But that's something on campus.
Victoria:Like, if I I really wish that there was that kind of vibe. I wish that we would be able to go to those spaces for a couple of reasons. Like, one, you can almost ensure it's MSU students. Yeah. Because I a couple of friends, we went to Hunter Park.
Victoria:This was last year, I think around May. And, you know, it's a park. It's in Lansing. Anybody can show up. A lot of people in the chats aren't necessarily don't go here.
Victoria:Yeah. And I remember there's he had recently got out of jail, like, I think eight days prior. And I forget what he said it was for, but it was manslaughter. And he was talking very salaciously to our group, and he scared us. He was smoking a Newport cigarette in our vase.
Victoria:It it was just a lot happening. And I remember my friend's sister was picking us up, and I was like, hey. Is your sister on her way? She better come get us. It was like a moment, the whole table.
Victoria:I'm like, we should all just leave Yeah. Every lady here. We should go home. Yes. Because it wasn't, like, safe or didn't feel safe in every moment or, like, there was a kid one time.
Victoria:It was weird. Because Hunter Park is still, like, it's near a park somewhere. But there was a kid just hanging out, but oops. Hanging out by the party, and there was nothing wrong with him being near
Jada:the park.
Victoria:But it's like, there's people drinking and smoking and doing all sorts of stuff over here. Like, whose child is this? Man, where's your parents at? No.
Jada:Fear on the people. Happening. Little. I see
Victoria:those parents. And people kept going up to the kid like, oh, hey. Are you okay? Okay. Look.
Victoria:This poor kid has all these junk people coming up to him. And, like, I I think he was a joy in the party. I think he knew
Jada:what was the party at that point.
Victoria:He he honestly was a little
Jada:bit like At that point, you're you're who we're here to see. We didn't cover nothing else but you, obviously.
Victoria:But, no, you
Jada:bring up a good point, especially about the d nines. I wish that, like, when obviously, you know, I feel like there's a lot of false advertisement that comes with Michigan State being a party school, especially if you're a black student because the advertisement of the parties is the white parties. It's the white frats. It's white, you know, the dorm parties you have. It's all the events that, like, even at the bars, the the crowd that you expect at the bars is the white kids.
Jada:So even going to those spaces to where they have those events like, say, Patty's Day or, you know, Valentine's Day Halloween, I went out with my friends. They go to U of M. They came up here and we spent Halloween here, and we decided to go to the bar because we're all finally 21. So he's like, okay. Let's go out to the bars.
Jada:Let's see what's happening. And it that just really put in perspective, like, no. Yeah. I really define, like, where the black hosted parties are because you you get a more sense of comfortability being with your people. You know?
Jada:And I feel like, especially with parties, it's easier, at least for me, I feel like in a personal sense, to let loose more a little bit when I'm in those senses. Now granted, okay, I'm a put my hands up. I'm a be the black person that say it. Black people kinda do too much sometimes. Okay?
Jada:Sometimes, especially with parties and drinks that get involved, other stuff get involved. We could do too much too. Okay?
Victoria:I admit it. I admit Rolling left to right does get a little too. Okay. Like 20 times. I love it.
Victoria:I love it. I love it. I've had friends get hit. I have drinks knocked out of the hand. Come on now.
Victoria:Yelled at. I've had my hair pulled because we was It's a long way. And I I respect I understand that it needs to be clear. I'm not trying to be but when you say that, I mean, some there there are certain elements you wouldn't expect.
Jada:I have a great time, but some okay. That's I'm gonna leave it at that. But yeah. But I feel like that false advertisement comes because you see Michigan State and it's so big. So, like, it could be 25, 30 parties happening in one one night.
Jada:And, you know, you got your group and you're like, oh, we're gonna go here. We're gonna stay here for this long. We're gonna hit there. We're gonna hit there. It's gonna be 2AM.
Jada:We're gonna be there. And I really wish that there was more outward advertisement for those black parties, especially for the younger black kids that's coming in. And, you know, you're in the dorm for the first time or that big, you know, holiday Halloween, for example, you've been doing the classes. You're like, okay, I wanna dress up and I wanna go out and I wanna be on the street. Like, you see the college kids going in their costumes and it's a fun time, but you just don't know where to go.
Jada:And you're really just kinda like, you know, aimlessly walking. And I feel like that can be pretty lonesome because you're like, dang. Everybody got their group and their friends. And even if they don't, the people that, you know, you go with a stranger and y'all kinda drunk, y'all clicking, you know, I really where is that for me? So I really and then I also don't know how, like, advertising for that would go, but I wish there were more outward.
Jada:Kinda like what you said with d nine have houses. I feel like that would be such a huge game changer because you would see that crowd, and you would see the demographic out there more. Because I also feel like a lot of the black parties are not on, like, Michigan State campus anyway or they're not that close. So it's also kinda sucky if you, like, if you don't have transportation to get there, you already don't know somebody who's gonna be there to be like, hey. I'll come get you.
Jada:It's kinda hard to get there and find your crowd because you kinda gotta do a little extra work to get to them. So that's kind of a thing. Like, do you kinda feel the same way? Like, do you see it getting to a point where party life could be more inclusive as far as, like, incorporating those other demographics? Or do you kinda see it as a thing where, like, you know, the black community, they found their space, they know that they can make their mark here, kind of things like that.
Jada:They don't wanna incorporate. Because that's kinda how I feel.
Victoria:Like, into, like, the other, like, kind of Yeah.
Jada:I feel like we kinda found where group we kinda found where we can go. We can have fun, let loose. So why try to move it together sort of thing?
Victoria:I don't I don't mind the, I guess, the idea of, like, having it be more together because I think it would also, at least, hopefully, in my mind, set a certain precedent of, like let's say there was, like, a booming black frat house on Grand River, and maybe they're throwing some really cool parties. Everyone wants to go, as well as maybe they're a bit more open with who they're letting in. Because I know, like, I've had friends who feel like they can't get into certain frats, and they kinda feel like it's a racially motivated thing, where it's, like, I know, like, guys, I know they have a heck of a time getting into frats. And then I know I've had somewhere, they're like, no. This is a frat where it's like, they didn't wanna let any of us in.
Victoria:It doesn't really matter. And on top of that, we have other POC friends who were not let in kinda thing. I I kinda feel like I would like that rivalry
Jada:of it.
Victoria:Like, I almost I don't mind some of, like, the integration. Like, I'm not I don't mind. Like, I love it in terms of a party scene, but I also can understand as black folk feeling just, like, safer in a space where it's like, okay. We know like, we can, like, listen to our movies. Do, like, not movies, music or, like, the certain things like the Tamiya shuffle.
Victoria:I'm like, every black man I go to is a Tamiya shuffle. And, like, there's a culture. It it there really is a coming together and I think a celebration. And I think there there there is an importance to it still, especially on this campus because I I I really am someone who I feel as though I wouldn't be who I am if it wasn't for growing up in diverse spaces, for having friends of different cultures. But coming to Michigan State and being able to really feel immersed in my culture and just feel like I'm connecting and learning things and realizing, dang, I need to learn how to do this shuffle.
Jada:Yeah.
Victoria:Try the turbo shuffle. That was a little scary. That was scary.
Jada:Okay. I know that.
Victoria:So I feel as though, like, it is really cool. I feel like the multicultural center center kind of strikes how it's important for us to come together. But I do think it is important that as black students, we would have spaces that we could consistently go Yeah. To come together. Because I don't feel like there's a consistent space.
Victoria:How some people, they can go to I don't I mean, obviously, there's the bars, Beebens Turn Brass. Some people are like, this is my frat. I'm going to every weekend. They're doing this party, this and this. And I think that that is lacking for black students, unfortunately.
Victoria:And, like, I think even in the case of, like, the queues, like, they have a house. I forget that they have a house sometimes just because it's in Lansing, but it's like, let's say that was closer. People might be more willing to go there. And, like, you know, because you don't you don't have to Uber, hopefully, in that case. Yeah.
Victoria:So I do think it's important that, I guess, we can have some spaces that at least especially in the frat spaces that are much more integrated. You don't feel like I'm not getting let in in this party because I'm a guy or because, like, I'm this race. Yeah. But I also do think it's important that, like, we as black students can find a way to, like, consistently foster that because I think it's just you know, it's not always fun having to go to a random location. It's not always even, like, fire code safe, you know, in order to party.
Victoria:Yeah. And a lot of them are not. Like, if I mean A lot of them are there.
Jada:They're not. They're not.
Victoria:There's this one club I went to, and I was like so there's one door exit, and it I think the door pushed into. And it was something crazy. It was like, if you walk in out and you'd have to push the door in, and it was packed with people. And I remember with my friends and I left, and the fire department had pulled up outside. And I was like, it makes sense.
Victoria:There's, like, 300 people in there. It makes sense. And there's one door. No. Someone took the door.
Victoria:I'm like, a fire breaks out. Like, everybody like, nobody's getting out of there. We're not. Like, I just saw all these little YouTube videos about things like that and, like, why we have things, why we have doors to push out, out, why why are you and those are one of those things I'm like, I wanna party, but I don't wanna I don't wanna die. I'm not gonna die.
Jada:This is not gonna be my last moment. No. But, no, you also brought up you bring some really good points with this episode. Another one being, like, which I feel like is what can make or break a good party is the music. And I kinda feel like that ties into why a lot of my, like, bar hopping experiences or, you know, the parties I went to and like, hey.
Jada:Come here. And I'm like, okay. What? I'm doing the thing. It's because of the music.
Jada:Now me, if you ask Jay that this type of music Jay that listens to, I listen to a lot of old school rap music. So I can assure you that the music that I wanna vibe to and party to and dance to is not typically played at these, you know, locations. So this brings up a great question. What is your party song? When you're getting ready to go out, what's on your playlist?
Jada:What's coming across the Apple Music or that Spotify not hating? Apple Music is better, but I'm not hating. No.
Victoria:I'm Apple Music Girl. Oh, there we go.
Jada:There we go. But what's coming across your Apple Music when you're getting ready to
Victoria:go out? For sure, though, is Jacash. She's my girl. A lot of people know me know, like, I love Doja Cat. Her for sure.
Victoria:I think of Nimono Leo. I Nimono Leo, she is lyrically really, really smart. Like, I just like how she her references and little things.
Jada:I love her. I follow her on TikTok. She's hilarious. She's on TikTok.
Victoria:No. So I feel like she, like what? Did she have the song Passenger Princess and then Flushin', which I like? I feel like Flushin' would be really good. Like, a man screwed you over.
Jada:So, like,
Victoria:like, Flushin' is so I feel like she's good at least for that hype up music. And then, of course, like Megan Thee Stallion and Globrella, like, certain artists like that, I feel like they're gonna be in rotation. But I wish I could hear them going out. It's frustrating having to play the music you want to hear before the party, and then you go out and it's like, I'm not expecting every song I like to be played. I'm not expecting to even hear, like, one song that's on my personal playlist, but, like, why aren't the songs, like I don't know.
Victoria:For more I think there could be a more diverse song.
Jada:For sure. And I feel like it's a vibe killer sometimes because you know, like, oh and then even places where, you know, you can, like, request songs. I've definitely seen, like, a song we requested in the video. It's kinda like, okay. Like, look in and then, you know, type it on his computer to add in there, but he's definitely like, oh, why are we playing this song?
Jada:And then, obviously, a song come on that that, you know, black community or black people know. We hype, we turn it up, then the white people just kinda over there looking like,
Victoria:oh, you know, I think, like, trying
Jada:to fake dance, but then, obviously, you could tell they're getting uncomfortable. And especially if they're, like, the majority in the space, it kinda I I find it an interesting perspective when it's like, dang. We were vibing to y'all music hard, and maybe we didn't like it. Or, you know, we didn't care too much for it, but we still find the dance. We still found joy in it.
Jada:And maybe just because our songs have a faster b or the lyrics may be I'm not even gonna say more vulgar because it's a white song that's vulgar too. But maybe if the lyrics may not be what you're used to, you shuffling off to the corner like wall dancing, and then the dance floor is just now empty, and it's only those black people that's not out there. Like, it kinda sucks how even music like, I see that it is a sense of really bringing people together, but, like, people aren't ready to say, oh, that can be good music too. Just because they're not used to it. You know?
Jada:So I definitely feel like the music in these spaces and, like, kind of like you said, like, if a lot of these places at the black parties are hosted or, you know, the vibes for, like, Hunter Park, you know, places like this, if they were if we could find spots like that closer to Michigan State, I definitely feel like it could make the transition to college more welcoming. Because I also feel like tying back into my false partying, in general with college, I feel like you get that point in high school when you're, like, but you're a senior, you're about to graduate, and they're like, oh, are you gonna be a party? Or are you gonna be studying? Are you gonna make sure your grades is good? You gonna be going out on the weekend?
Jada:Like, what's going on? So you kinda hype yourself up to be like, oh, yeah. Like, you know what I'm saying? These parties are about to be what everybody's talking about. And you kinda get to them and you're like, this is not what y'all was especially my sister, like, hear her party stories.
Jada:I was like, you make me not wanna go out, or you make it seem like they were the best thing ever. But when the Michigan State she went to isn't the Michigan State I go to, especially with everything that's happened in the Michigan State. And just after all these events we witnessed, it's like, dang. How do we get that back? Like, how do we get back there to what it was when even like, when she was there?
Jada:You know?
Victoria:But I feel like a lot of
Jada:stuff that takes collaboration from more than just us, which is what we're fighting in a lot of different scenarios, not just partying. It's us. You know? We're willing to do the change, but if they're not willing to match it, then it's not a lot that can be done. Just because of how many of us is here in general.
Jada:No. Absolutely.
Victoria:And you said that my sister, she also, like, went here. She graduated in 2022, I believe. In 2022. Mhmm. But she I mean, I know she was going out.
Jada:Like, I
Victoria:remember her freshman year Wow. We got some calls back home. Like, it was bad it was bad seeing as how she was going out. And on one hand, I would attribute it to, like, one, her she was, I don't in, like, North neighborhood. And so I just know that, like, when you're closer to Grand River, like, you're already just really close to Grand River, as well as I wanna say that I don't think that North is, like, as integrated.
Victoria:Like, I know that, like, her friend group just that, like, kind of for some of college was just predominantly white. And there's nothing wrong with it, but I know that she was able party a lot more. And that's the one thing that I distinctly recall is I was just like, oh, no. You were partying more. Like, not only you had these good friends, but, you know, you were also going out to party in these spaces.
Victoria:And I have noticed that just with a couple people. So it's kinda anecdotal, but I've noticed it with a couple other people who I know exist in spaces where maybe, like, like, it is, like, more predominantly white and they're able to party more. And, like, I know that they're telling me about this party going out and this party, and I'm like, dang. How how is this? And I think it's one because they have the frats as well as the access.
Victoria:But it does kinda feel like something has even just changed, like, timing wise. Because that was also pre COVID is another interesting Mhmm. Of when she was having those experiences. Like, part of me attributed it to being able to go to the frats more because, like, just her friend group. But also, I think that COVID in some ways did stuff, and it just feels like when you go out, people aren't as happy.
Victoria:I don't know. Like, it feels like either, like, like, I don't know if, like, the music isn't hitting as much. Like, I don't know if TikTok did something. Man. Because it does feel hard to put your finger on.
Victoria:I actually could say TikTok a little bit. Because certain songs will come. I remember this one song came on, like, last week, and I remember it was like everyone started busting out this little TikTok dance. I'm like, oh, I I I've seen the videos for this.
Jada:Yeah.
Victoria:I didn't practice that name.
Jada:It's like I'm I'm standing around. No.
Victoria:Like, I'm like, I tried to I tried to hit a little bit. I was like, I mean, let me try. But it was just funny because I was like, wow. Like, I feel like ever since, like, even, like, this junior year and getting back in these spaces, I feel like once TikTok blew up, it felt like the music you hear going out, like, completely changed because so much of it, even the charts are informed by TikTok. So it was like I mean, even if it's at the top of the Billboard one hundred, like, ten seconds of it might be why it is.
Victoria:That that was what I just noticed, like, music wise. And I think this could be, like, any party with certain songs that might come on. Yeah. But, like, I do feel like, at least when we would go to Skull House, it would be, like, almost like a set playlist. Like, I feel like you could request a different song, but we were hearing the same songs.
Victoria:And, I mean, the nice thing was you knew all the words. Like, they that is the nice thing. It's like, do I like I don't know if this Katy Perry song, maybe not. But I know all the words.
Jada:Maybe not, but I'm singing along to it tonight, and that's all that matters. You again, you you bringing up some good points for this episode because I definitely agree with you where you said, you know, having more of those white friends definitely gets you more access to certain things. Because I definitely noticed that too, when me and Janae lived, our freshman year and our sophomore year, I'm a Brody girl. I stand Brody down. Brody's the best neighborhood.
Jada:No arguments. Don't argue with me in these comments. Okay? But where we lived on the floor, we lived, you know, we lived in the all girls floor, and we were the only two black girls on the floor. Our first year, we're the only two black girls.
Jada:So getting out into that party scene, we had, of course, a lot of white friends that lived on the same floor. We hung out, you know, in their room. They came in our rooms, things like that. And we always ask the same question, like, when Janae if you know my sister, Janae, she's much more of a talker than me. She's way more social.
Jada:So she would be in these girls' rooms getting all the tea, all the information, and then relaying it back to me. I definitely send her my little scout. Like, you go figure out what they what they do. You go figure it out. And they come back to me, and we'll discuss together.
Jada:But she'll come back, and she's like, yeah. They're partying down here on Grand River. They're gonna hit up this place, this place. And I'm like, hold on. These two girls can't have all these people that they know.
Jada:Like, these two girls just can't have all the stops of the town in this one night. And I really think it's because when you get in these spaces for partying, that's their crowd. You know, this is their people. This is the, you know, the people they're expecting. This is who they want to see.
Jada:This is who they wanna see come up. So they're gonna have all the stops because they know either the frats that's hosted it or the party hostess or the bars in general expect these people to come. So I think a lot of it could tie into when you get those people they may not expect. It's like, oh, we don't know how to handle it. Because, of course, we're always gonna tailor to our majority because they're the majority.
Victoria:You know, they come in every week, every Wednesday.
Jada:You know, we have, you know, a deal going on. They come in and they show up. Wednesday. You know, we have, you know, a deal going on. They come in and they show up and they show out.
Jada:So when we get these different people that wanna kind
Victoria:of
Jada:fluctuate in, I feel like that's where the merging part kinda gets hard. Because, you know, no bar is gonna change their set list if 90% of the people are singing, and then one song comes on and the 10% start singing. They're gonna keep playing the songs that the 90% wanna hear. But I do feel like we also don't have, like, that one space that tailors to kinda both. Because I also don't think places don't expect both.
Jada:I feel like that's been a thing. They don't expect black people, you know, of course, both of us being black. They don't expect the black people to go out to these type of events, to go out to these parties in the first place. And then also when they do, it's not a lot. So I also feel like, say, if it was more like 20 or 30 that went in a group, like, you see all those long lines that the bars be, if we were in those lines too, I think that's where we could see change.
Jada:But kinda like we said earlier, we've kind of found the space already. So we go if we want to. Or, like, if somebody invite us, we go. But it's not like, oh, a meet me here. Like, you know, they got this deal going on meet me here, that I can assure tell you that that's where, you know, all the girls get up and they get dressed, and all the girls in our dorm, that's exactly what they used to do.
Jada:They'd be like, no. They're expecting left, but we gotta be here at this time. And I'm like, dang. Where's that for us? And I'm like, you say a word.
Jada:Where's that for us? Where's the okay. It's going it's going down at this time. Be here. I don't see that.
Jada:We have to go out off off campus. At least my experience, you have to go off. You know? And that's where you find it. But you can't always get off campus all the time when you just wanna go out quickly, get out, and go have some fun.
Jada:Sometimes it don't work out like that. So I definitely agree to that. And then, yeah, just better music. I also feel like TikTok with music. People learn those thirty seconds, and they don't know the rest of the song, so then they get dead.
Jada:And then playing the same song on and over again, it's cool and all. But, like, if I'd heard I don't even know what song popular on TikTok right now. But if I'd heard it three times, I don't wanna hear it a fourth. Like, if I heard it four times, I don't wanna hear it a fifth. Like, we definitely got our cup and it's full.
Jada:Let's let's let's let's get different. Let's get a
Victoria:little different. Also, I think throwbacks. There's there's some space for a few throwbacks. February early February, I'm down. Right.
Victoria:Or even songs that, like, maybe was popular in, like, 2016 where it's, like, the cousin of our age, we would, like, know it. Like, those kind like, you know, I'll be surprised to hear Bodak Yellow, but would I be mad? No. Because I'm like, oh, okay. You're throwing it, but you're giving us a laugh.
Victoria:Like, it it's not actually that old of
Jada:a song, but at least It really isn't, honestly. And then even when DJ's like, okay. That's showing your diversity.
Victoria:You can hit. Because, obviously, we 20. We know we nineteen, twenty, 20 one now, but we were fourteen, fifteen,
Jada:19, 20, 20 one now, but we were fourteen, fifteen, 16 listening to these songs. So I feel like we got to the age where he could be like, oh, I used to listen that when I was
Victoria:a kid or when I was in high school. When I was
Jada:in middle school, they used to play this song all the time. We would sing this in Always. So, yes, I would not be mad at that. Please play early two thousands, 20 tens. I'm not mad at that.
Jada:That's nostalgia to me. That's the stuff I party to. Like, not I don't really party the newer songs to come out. I play a lot of older songs. Could you get the, oh, remember when this song came out?
Jada:Or when you remember the dance, the old dance, not on TikTok. When TikTok wasn't a thing, it was on YouTube with it, Musically, all that. When they used to make dances for that, remember
Victoria:we used to be doing them dub smashes in the hallway? All of that.
Jada:I'm not mad at that either. Yeah. I didn't figured.
Victoria:That was such, like, I think a time. And I think it's, like, we also forget how it was informed by, like, a different type of social media. Obviously, the videos were short. I mean, Vines are, like, six seconds long, so I literally there's not much you can do there in that capacity. But for some reason, it still didn't feel like the attention span hit that, like, TikTok does.
Victoria:I I I don't know. I mean, maybe it was in a way. I just wasn't realizing it at the time, but I feel like even, like I think because it was more for humor, it meant that the music was less informed. But I think TikTok having this blend of that music means that, like, that's how those songs blow up. Like, you said, like, I feel like there's a lot of throwbacks.
Victoria:Where's the best feeling you at a party? You play songs. I was like, I ever heard this in years. That's the best song. That actually like, I remember I had, like, a get together, like, like, a little while ago, and it was it was exactly that where I'd play the song.
Victoria:And someone was like, oh my gosh. I haven't heard this.
Jada:And I feel like it connects because it's like, oh, snap. You know that song? Yeah. I know that song. You know that song?
Jada:Yeah. I know that song. Then I feel like that gets you talking to people too because you see somebody singing their lyrics and you're like, okay. I'm about to jump in your video and sing. We about to do this little cute thing.
Jada:I definitely feel like that helps, you know, get people more comfortable in this space too. So, yeah, I think music plays a big part. So, okay, we talked about a lot. We're partying. So what So what would be your if you had to, you know, tell our our lovely audience here, somebody who's watching this and, like, you know, I wanna get into partying.
Jada:I don't know where to start, what to do. What are your do's and don'ts? Like, flatline, this is what you do, this is what you don't do. What would you tell somebody?
Victoria:Do go out with people you trust. I have never, like, personally felt like I've been out with anyone where I'm like, I can't trust you. Like, everyone I feel like I've ever partied with within my friend group, I felt like you're we're we're safe. We're good people. Or at the very least, you should have, like, one person that, like, you genuinely like, this person has my back.
Victoria:Because I I mean, I have a friend and she had a friend that told her, like, oh, like, you know, if you get into a situation, if you start acting a fool while drunk, I'm gonna leave you. And I was like, please don't go out with this girl because that that's not how you know, you don't wanna be like Yara Shahidi in the episode, Growners, or, like, her character in the show, not her, but the character where the poor girl got sick in the thing, and she ran away.
Jada:She ran away. Because it it's college.
Victoria:Nobody is ever gonna look at you crazy for going and helping out in drunkards or someone who who's vomiting, especially if that's your friend, especially if you came with them. That's like you're
Jada:friend just ran out on you. That's cold blooded.
Victoria:Yes. So I would say being sure that you're going out with groups you feel, like, safe in. Like, that was a decision I made, like, freshman year. We were all hanging out and the with the people on the floor, I remember. And my roommate at the time said something to me that got under my skin.
Victoria:I was like, this is not the right group. And on top of this, this isn't a group I feel like I'm gonna go and be my best self and have a good time. And that wasn't even for partying, but I remember, like, it's important to pick up on small little things and say, let me make an active choice right now to go and choose other people.
Jada:And I did, and I I had a
Victoria:much better time that year. But I I just know that, like, the people you choose are gonna really dictate how the party goes. I think having some good fun party people. It's always be good to know, like, who you're going out with and what that vibe is. Another do I would say is getting into, like, one of, like, the black parties group chats.
Victoria:One of the best parties I ever went, to was Omar's birthday party. I don't know who Omar is. Shout out, Omar. But, like Oh, Omar. No.
Victoria:Like, he was act it was so fun. And it was a little apartment party. And we had to Uber there. I had had a friend from home. She ended up showing up that day.
Victoria:And, like, my phone died, but before it died, I sent her the address so she was able to get there. But it just it was fun for a number of reasons, and it was really, like, you can't get that on campus a lot. So I feel like being in those group chats allows you to, like so much people are doing stuff like that. That was a rare thing. I haven't seen many of those, but I do really think that it's actually worth showing up to and, like, actually being in those group chats because, like, one, when things are happening on campus, like, sometimes you'll find out sooner in the group chat than anywhere else.
Jada:Else. It'll be in those
Victoria:group chats. Those group chats. But also, it's like I just think it it's so much more fun that way. Like, I think it's fun, and then, like, people are funny. There's a lot of Yes.
Victoria:I love those groups. So, yeah, I think I would recommend that. So I think the people make the party. And also, yeah, I'd also recommend people eat before they drink. I feel like that's such a basic one, but I'm like, if a freshman
Jada:were gonna be watching this, I'm like, I don't know. Please. Please. Please. I have something before you drink.
Jada:I'm not saying have a five course meal, but have something on your stomach before you and just liquor.
Victoria:Please. It's just the recipe. It's two plus two equal four. No food and alcohol equal vomit. Yes.
Jada:You'll thank me later. You'll thank me later. But yeah. So what are some don'ts then for partying?
Victoria:I would say don't go without a hoodie when it gets cold. That's a specific to Michigan State thing. Bring that jacket. People wanna go and look cute, and I tried to do that on Halloween, and I was miserable. And, like, I mean, people thought I was mad at them.
Victoria:I was mad at the weather. I was mad at myself for being so silly to not bring my hoodie because I'm such a, like I'm a religiously, like, hoodie person. It comes with me wherever I go. And I just see so many people that look cold, and I think alcohol will give you a jacket, but, like, at the same time when it's 10 degrees out. Wear off, it get cold real fast.
Victoria:Wrist hypothermia for what, Rex? Look.
Jada:I'm off for a good cute picture. Take that jacket off. Get your pictures and put it back on. You ain't never sent true state. No.
Victoria:No. Take take the photo.
Jada:Take the coat. Take the jacket, please. You'll thank yourself later. Take the coat, please. Yeah.
Jada:That's why I
Victoria:was like, never leave without that jacket. Like, once it gets cold, you just can't like, we're Michigan State. Yeah. I wish we were FAMU. I wish we were in a warm location
Jada:But yeah.
Victoria:Where that wasn't an issue. Like, low key be jealous of people. Pardon? And, like, we go to, like, like, Tulane. That's where my mom went.
Victoria:And we visited in Christmas break. And it was just it was so interesting to think you guys can party year round. Because all year round, you can just go, and then you're in the city that's very conducive with like, the boys don't they don't care that much down there. And not that way. And it's just, like, they're chill.
Victoria:Like, if I'm with my mom, I know, like, they they're gonna they they might just give me a little a little rose. They might because they're they're they're so nice down there kind of thing. But, yeah, for sure. Yeah. Just I guess I'd say bringing the jacket, and be mindful if you're buying the tickets ahead.
Victoria:For black parties, buying those tickets ahead is so risky. Like, I know I personally lost out because I had a bunch of friends. We got scammed for a party Halloween twenty twenty three. And sometimes it falls through. Like, we ended up at a different location this past week, and I remember thinking, why are we in these people's restaurant?
Victoria:It's it's it's thank you. I'm I'm thankful that they let us have a party here, but to another extent, there's different codes and things that means that, like, we can't party a certain way Yeah. At this specific location. Yeah. And it just it ends up you start to fill out a place.
Victoria:And I think there can sometimes feel that, like, dang, I wish we just had, you know, a big old frat house on Grand River that I could go to consistently every Friday and say they're almost always throwing a party. Like, I I think there can kind of that comes out a little bit. Yeah. So I think I would recommend people do, like, what you do, which is, like, have house parties if you can, dorm parties, like, that kind of thing. Because that's always where it's the most fun and the most safe.
Victoria:Yes. Because on people, there are criminals. And then with black bodies, it's not like, they ain't checking your ID for most of them to go into some places, so you're getting everybody. Like
Jada:Yeah. Let's definitely try. I definitely agree. Yeah. My do's and don'ts.
Jada:Yeah. Do, even before you leave out, get you know, go safe. Definitely safe circle. Don't fall for the scams. Okay?
Jada:People get real creative with these fake text and these fake emails and these fake flyers. So just, you know, cross correct and check it with somebody else like, hey. Have you seen this floating around? And you plan on going to this plan on going to that? Most time when people are like, no.
Jada:I haven't heard it. I don't know what that is. Most of the time, that mean it ain't nothing. You know? Just let it go.
Jada:And you brought a really good point too. No location matters. It matters a lot. Because if you plan, you're like, okay. I wanna blackout.
Jada:Like, I wanna have a really good time. Make sure the location that this place is at, you are able to do that. Because if you are going somewhere and there's supposed to be a party and you are not able to have that fun or party the way that you want to, it's either a, gonna ruin the night or b, you're gonna party the way you want to and get looked at as you crazy or get thrown out. So save yourself the hassle and the trouble of, like, making a complete fool out of yourself and just really make sure you verify location, you know, if it gonna be inside or outside. Because like you said, we live in Michigan.
Jada:It gets a little colder, and these nights it gets in the teens, 11 degrees, 12 degrees, and make sure you just come prepared. And this ain't all to say, you know, have you have the best time possible. Like, yes, have your college days because, like, most people say that's a part of college. Go out, have your fun, but you can have your fun in a safe way. And you'll thank yourself the next day that you did it safely.
Jada:But yeah. So anything else you wanna add?
Victoria:My last thing would be don't drink and drive because that is a thing around here. Please. I know. There's small town people and they're like, yeah. I know.
Victoria:Like, I'm not even drinking and driving. Where I come from? I'm like, I'm not you know, the word and on everything. That's such a please. Like, just don't drink and drive either.
Victoria:It would be my last thing. I
Jada:You you will thank you. And the people in the row will also thank you who have to drive with you that you're a drunk. Please. And that'll keep, again, everybody safe, which yeah. It should be common knowledge, but a lot of people more people do it than you think, and it's not safe at all.
Jada:It's actually pretty scary how many people think that you can drive or do anything after you've had even one drink because you don't know what that drink is gonna do you in thirty minutes. So, yes, save yourself the hassle. Get an Uber with somebody. Share your location details with somebody you trust who's not drinking so they can watch you. Call them on the phone.
Jada:Look. We were just talking about how we'll be on the phone with our sister and our mom before we start recording. I'll call my momma in a minute. I'll be like, look, mom. Maybe a little tipsy, but I need you to watch me and watch me in today so you make sure we get back in this house and there's doors shut.
Jada:Get you somebody like that you can call us, stay on the phone with, and share that location with. Alright, guys. Thank you so much, Victoria, for coming on here. It was so much fun. I hope you got a little more comfortable with podcasting, you know, basically get you into a new field of media.
Jada:And, yeah, this has been all shade to chocolate where Victoria. And I have bought the sweetest, the hottest black culture to MSU. And remember to stay sweet. Bye.