robin-thicke-give-it-2u

 

It’s been a minute since we’ve seen an historical black college or university dance squad appear in a music video.  Most of the times when we do see a H.B.C.U. represented, it is normally the entire marching band or drum section. Well, in 2013, the band was left out and dancing girls were left in.

 

In Robin Thicke’s latest video for “Give It 2 U”, he enlisted the dance teams from Albany State University (Golden Passionettes) and Alabama State University (Stingettes). The two dance squads were given the opportunity to appear in the video alongside two of the hottest rappers out, 2 Chainz and Kendrick Lamar. This come as a shocker to some since neither Robin or Kendrick attended an H.B.C.U. However, former Alabama State University student and basketball player 2 Chainz was all to familiar with the spectacle of Black marching bands and the dance squad.  We wonder if it was of mere coincidence that ASU was featured in the same video as 2 Chainz. If so, that’s dope!

 

Marching bands are a big deal amongst the various conferences amongst H.B.C.U’s.  Even if the football team is dominating the scoreboard, most of the supporters come out to see the infamous half-time show. It is during the half-time show that the stadium comes alive. The added pleasure of seeing long hair flowing each minute of the routine and bedazzled sultry outfits is what makes on the dance team so special.

 

Thicke’s wife Paula Patton came up with the video concept.  She was very familiar with H.B.C.U’s, marching bands, and the spectacle of their dance squads.  The “tantalizing style” of dancing is the main reason why she chose these squads to participate. A couple years ago, ASU and Albany State’s dance team both rank in the Top 5 of all H.B.C. U’s.  The H.B.C.U. Dance Corporation worked with Thicke and were able to get both teams chosen for the video.

 

In case you missed it, here’s the official video for “Give It 2 U”:

 

 

Also, to our surprise on Sunday night, Robin Thicke brought the ladies along with him to the VMAs. The girls were apart of his performance set to help Robin bring the song to life.  Everyone did a great job! Despite Miley Cyrus coming out dressed and dancing like a plum fool, the Stingettes and the Passionettes did their thing and represented their colleges and the culture very well.

 

Here’s the 2013 Video Music Awards performance: