*Grambling State University, a storied HBCU in Louisiana, has been a launchpad for remarkable talents across entertainment and sports. As Clutch Points reports, among its notable alumni are neo-soul legend Erykah Badu, actress Natalie Desselle-Reid, NBA icon Willis Reed, and rapper E-40, each leaving an indelible mark in their fields.
Erykah Badu, born in Dallas, honed her performance skills early, singing and dancing at local theater centers by age four. At Grambling, she pursued a degree in theater but left in 1993 to pursue music. After collaborating with D’Angelo on “Your Precious Love,” she signed with Universal Records, releasing hits like “On & On” and “Tyrone.” With six studio albums and five Grammy Awards, Badu remains a neo-soul pioneer. In a March Billboard interview, Badu revealed she’s working on a new studio album, her first in 15 years.
“I can’t wait until I’m done with this new music,” Badu shared.
“I tour eight months out of the year for the past 25 years. That’s what I do. I am a performance artist. I am not a recording artist. I come from the theatre,” she told the publication.
“It’s the immediate reaction between you and the audience and the immediate feeling. The point where you become one living, breathing organism with people. That’s what I live for. It’s my therapy. And theirs, too. We’re in it together. And I like the idea that it happens only once,” she continued.
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Meanwhile, Natalie Desselle-Reid also found her calling at Grambling, starring in the university’s production of “Bubbling Brown Sugar.” After nearly three years, she moved to Los Angeles, landing her breakout role as Tanika in “Set It Off” (1996). Her career flourished with roles in “B.A.P.S.”, “Cinderella,” and Tyler Perry’s “Madea’s Big Happy Family.” Tragically, Desselle-Reid passed away in 2020 at 53 from colon cancer.
Willis Reed, a basketball legend, dominated at Grambling under coach Fred Hobdy. A freshman starter, he led the Tigers to an NAIA championship, averaging 26.6 points and 21.3 rebounds by his senior year. Graduating in 1964, Reed joined the New York Knicks, earning Rookie of the Year and leading them to their first NBA Championship in 1970, uniquely securing MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP in one season. After retiring in 1974, he coached teams such as the Knicks and served as a Nets executive. Reed passed in 2023 at 80 from heart failure.
Rapper E-40 briefly attended Grambling before his music career soared. Debuting with the group Most Valuable Players, he gained fame with Jive Records, releasing hits like “Tell Me When to Go” and “Function.” With 27 studio albums, E-40 has collaborated with artists Snoop Dogg and Kendrick Lamar, cementing his rap legacy.
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