Vernon "Wasssup!" Reid

During the 80's, Rock had become completely segregated and quite predictable with the onslought of pretty boy's wanting to dress up like ugly women. This was just the opposite of what we saw in the 60's and 70's when such musically and ethnically varied artists like Jimi Hendrix, Sly and The Family Stone and Santana dominated the rock world. But Bands like New York's own Living Colour helped break down the black and white doors by the end of the 80's leading to a much more open-minded musical landscape. In essence paving the way for bands like Rage Against the Machine and Sevendust.

ORotW would like to show our diversity and pay homage by giving a "Wasssup!" shoutout to our brotha from anotha motha Mr. Vernon Reid.

In 1985 Verndogg co-founded the Black Rock Coalition to counter the pigeonholing and marginalization of black musicians everywhere. Vernon has referred to his involvement in the BRC as a sonic kaleidoscope, a tumble of colors and a whirl of astonishing visions that exposed his vivid personal landscape and illuminated one or many sides of himself.

Although best known for Cult of Personality and being the spiritual leader of Living Colour he will be ultimately remembered for creating the "Wasssup!" slogan in the series of commercials for Budweiser.

So where is he now? Although protesting beyond the law is not a departure from democracy, Brother Reid believes it is ablsolutely essential to it. Here he is with his BCR brothren marching in the wake of Tiananmen (click).

Today's shout out really hits home for one of ORotW's own, "the Flying V" who's mother claims to have named him after a certain Vernon for his jumping abilities.

Brought to you by Ben Thomas and the Flying V.