Unapologetically in a New York state of mind, two dynamos, A.V. “Supreme” Perkins and Marian “Skinni Bee” Andoh-Clarke, embarked on a journey that would fuse their love for hip hop, trivia and throwing dope parties. Their brainchild, University of Dope, didn’t just become a trivia game; it evolved into a cultural phenomenon, uniting hip-hop enthusiasts around the globe.
University of Dope’s saga began in 2004 at Central Connecticut State University when Perkins and Andoh-Clarke found themselves in debates about music. Little did they know these debates would spark a cultural phenomenon during an evening filled with drinks.
Towards the end of the night, Perkins challenged Andoh-Clarke to name all the Wu-Tang members, and to her surprise, she aced it. The lightbulb clicked on, and University of Dope was born.
An ode to the essence of hip-hop and cleverly packaged as a “disrespectful” trivia game, it recently celebrated its fourth anniversary with a rebrand dedicated to collaborating with creatives of color and Black-owned businesses.
It’s a Vibe All the Time! How to Host a Night with University of Dope
According to Perkins, hosting the ultimate University of Dope night is an art. Whether you’re a hip-hop mogul or a regular Joe, a vibe check requires a deck of your choice, University of Dope shot glasses and fresh-to-death U Dope Merch.
To up the ante, slide back into the ’90s or early 2000s with playlists on Spotify and a backdrop that screams hip-hop nostalgia.
We vote to start with The Kickback in a Box. The activation includes University of Dope’s General Studies deck, Anatomy of R&B expansion pack and two UDOPE 1.5oz shot glasses or the University of Dope 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Edition.
For a throwback experience, Perkins suggests everyone be 90s clothes down “to the socks.” Ladies, grab your throwback jersey dresses and gents lace up your Timbs. Disclaimer: no Dickeys are necessary, but Timbs are non-negotiable.
Throw on door-knocker earrings, rope chains, a Yankee fitted cap, or a bucket hat for that authentic hip-hop swag. Perkins also suggests going the extra mile by ordering 90s-style cell phones from Amazon for that authentic touch.
Continue reading over at Cuisine Noir.
Cuisine Noir Magazine is the country’s first Black food publication, launched in 2009 and dedicated to connecting the African diaspora through food, drink and travel. To read the rest of this article and more, visit www.cuisinenoirmag.com.
