Every college student knows what Friday night means, TIME TO PARTY! Montel Jordan said it best, “It’s Friday night, just got paid, feeling right…”. Ladies step out in their stiletto heels & short shimmery pieces of club fits’, & fellas come GQ’d dress to impress. All over the District, the old & especially the young wait in anticipation as the sun sets low & the club doors unlock, while the house parties turn the music up loud.

Those of you that party hearty while being safe every weekend know all about PREGAMING. Most grab a bottle or a lighter and get “All the way turnt up” in the words of Hip Hop musician, Roscoe Dash. While you’re gaming make sure you use these tips at staying safe in the District.

• Tip # 1: Grab your homegirls or call up your homies everytime you go out. As out of state, college student Sahr Kpulin would say, “No one wants to role solo dolo bruh”.
• Tip#2: Don’t bring your life in your pockets or purse. If you will not use it during the night then leave it at home. The first thing robbers look for is an easy target with lots of things they can steal.
• Tip#3: Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you are paying attention to everything that is going on not just on having a good time. Nobody likes to be the friend that wakes up not knowing how they got home, but smiling because your bestie took the time to take your coat off.
• Tip# 4: If you do go out alone, be sure to let someone know where you’re going. Better safe than sorry I always say.
• Tip# 5: Embrace the local people that live here. When people say hello to you or smile, simply acknowledge their presence. Police say that people tend to get aggressive when they are not treated justly. Ladies, all it takes is a smile and a head nod.

By: TCastain

Walking across the yard on Howard University’s campus  and always representing North Philadelphia, Fel Mula, is one fourth of the Artists & Repertoire Music Collective team. Taking an interest in music and blessed with an opportunity, Fel, is determined to climb to the top, making something out of nothing.

With a growing love for music starting at the age of eight, Fel laughs as he explains how he didn’t always take his music seriously and calls his earliest rhymes “trash.” It wasn’t until a friend and now label mate began to write and rap, that Fel decided maybe he could finish what he had started. In union with his team, A&R, whom he regards as his “crutch,” Fel started to rebuild his skills to get his name and music out there.

“I didn’t start to take it seriously until my freshman year of college when my friend and fellow label mate, Dru Chris, started rapping and taking his craft serious. I sort of fed off of that energy and just started spittin’. The voice was already there and I had a story that needed to be told, and I’ve been getting better ever since.”

Targeting those in similar situations, through his music, Fel shares his experiences about growing up in the streets of North Philadelphia. Embracing a sound he considers “soulful and heartfelt,” his flow is one that is that is unique to him. Fel draws most of his inspiration from the streets of his hometown. He aims to shed light on what’s going on in the urban community as well as to uplift and educate.

“I get my inspiration from the streets I was raised in and the people that have been in and out of my life. Coming from Philly I’ve seen the good, the bad, and the ugly and I just want to share that with the people through good music,” he shares.  “Just because you’re from the bottom doesn’t mean you have to stay there. I live life trying to be that prime example.”

Left to Right: Manny Mozart, Joffrey C.G., Dru Chris, Fel Mula

Grinding hard to get his name out there and to balance his school work, Fel works hard to reach for success. Fel’s newest project is his debut mixtape titled, “Fel Mula’s “The Motif of The Streets.”  Listeners can expect features from Dru Chris, another member of the Artists & Repertoire Music Collective team, Manny Mozart, A&R producer, as well as Rick Nyce, sound engineer.

“I’m so excited for the world to hear this tape man…it’s been a long time coming. I promise the tape is gonna shock the World, and shed a greater light on the music that Philly has to offer.”

Don’t forget to be on the look out for Fel’s debut mixtape. You can check out more about Fel Mula at www.therepertoire.tumblr.com and www.www.myspace.com/felmulamusic.

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