En route to Detroit, Shomari Terrelonge-Stone and a friend argued about Charles Woodson, and the pros and cons of his reported arrogance. While Eric saw it as a problem, Shomari argued that Woodson had earned the right to be arrogant, and that arrogance is not a bad thing as long as he can back up his attitude with his actions on the field. Shomari's partner, Sean O'Neil, was in the car behind him.
The two were headed to Detroit to interview Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Cappadonna for "The Shomari and Sean O'Neil Show," which they'll be co-hosting throughout this week on WOLV. Cappa's interview would become the latest addition to an already potent lineup of interviews, which include R&B sensations Destiny's Child, Kimberly Scott and Jagged Edge, as well as diva Mary J. Blige, Woodson and 18-year old GSI Ralph Charlton.
 |
| MARGARET MYERS/Daily Shomari Terrelonge-Stone, Cappadonna of the Wu-Tang clan and Sean O'Neil join in one of Cappadonna's rhymes on Friday outside the Atheneum Hotel in Detroit. |
"As a freshman, I wanted to do a culturally diverse show, and having that helps me maintain my audience. At the same time, I wanted a show that eliminates the stereotypes of minorities. ... When I see these ideas implemented on television I'm extremely happy. It's a sense of pride."
The show originated from Terrelonge-Stone's initial meeting with O'Neil, at WCBN, where they both were looking to start a radio show. A chance e-mail directed them toward WOLV, where they got the idea to start a TV show that showed hip-hop music and culture in a positive light, as well as covering entertainment and politics in general. The show has received an extremely positive response from the University community, and this particular episode will also be shown on public access.
Terrelonge-Stone, however, has even bigger plans, which include getting airplay through cable channels, and public access in different states. "If Sean and I put 100 percent of our time into this, we would be on cable already," he said, "but we're so dedicated to our schoolwork, we can't devote as much to the show." Shortly before doing lunch with Cappa, O'Neil reflected on the already-considerable success of the show. "It's nice to have people like us, Black Vibes and Devious Enterprises doing things on campus. For so long, everyone's been talking about doing things like what we're doing, but it's great to not only see it getting done, but to also be a part of it."
O'Neil, whose laid-back demeanor complements the intensity of Terrelonge-Stone, thinks that the show's variety is what makes it innovative.
"We use the same equipment the other WOLV shows use," he said. "There are entertainment shows, but how many entertainment shows will cover racism in the dorms, or devote an entire show to Martin Luther King, Jr. or interview Woodson and (Robert) Traylor? You'd have to watch a whole network to get what we have in one show." O'Neil also said he hopes that the show paves the way for others who would like to make the same impact on the University campus.
The crew met with Cappadonna and his entourage after lunch, and they agreed to do the interview outside. There was a mob of fans, friends, family, and reporters who also wanted a piece of Cappa's time, but after a while, Cappa and company met Terrelonge-Stone and O'Neil to film the interview in front of a nearby Dodge Viper.
On the way back to Ann Arbor, Terrelonge-Stone bristled with pride over the successful shoot. "Cappadonna was really nice," he said, "For him to be my favorite rapper, it's great that he was a such a down-to-earth person." Terrelonge-Stone rated this as his second-best interview of the jam-packed show, next to the interview done with Mary J. Blige. While watching the recorded footage, he allowed himself to relax a little bit, taking pride in every frame that passes before his eyes.
- "The Shomari and Sean O'Neil Show" airs throughout this week at 8 p.m. on channel 70.
04-13-98
| Previous Article | Next Article |
should be sent to: daily.letters@umich.edu | should be sent to: online.daily@umich.edu |