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The N.C. A&T homecoming headliner—- who was charged with murder in 2006 —- is drawing criticism from members of the student body. Interesting insight from a couple of students:

Tyrane Perry, a sophomore at A&T, said there is a tension on campus between choosing artists with positive messages and bringing in the biggest names to draw the largest crowd.

“I believe we should be more conscious in who we choose, and realize they are representing our school at homecoming, whether we think about that or not,” Perry said.

“But at the same time, it’s hard to say who you could have who would be totally positive in hip-hop right now. The majority of the students are listening to what’s hot, and right now that’s Gucci Mane.”

A&T officials said Tuesday the concert will go on as planned.

Carlyle Phillips, an A&T junior, said he thinks Jasmin was right to address concerns about gang affiliation, especially on a campus where two students have died in shootings since 2008.

“I know when I get to the homecoming, I don’t want anything to happen to me either or to my friends or anyone there,” Phillips said. “But it’s true that on campus, people like Gucci Mane. The question is: Do you know it’s just music? It’s just lyrics. Some people can’t separate fantasy from reality.”

Unfortunately, that inability to separate fantasy from reality has deadly consequences in the hip-hop world. Let’s hope no one suffers those consequences during A&T’s homecoming.