Tuskegee University announced on April 15 that its Marching Crimson Pipers (MCP) are featured in the music video for “Trauma Bond,” a new song by Grammy-winning rapper T.I. The video, released on April 3, showcases the band performing an interpretation of the university’s game day anthem “Ball ‘N Parlay” and has already reached more than 1.9 million views on YouTube.
The collaboration brings national attention to both Tuskegee University and its celebrated marching band, highlighting their role in campus culture and broader conversations about perseverance and achievement. The MCP performed throughout the video, filmed in Atlanta’s The Bluff neighborhood where T.I. grew up, with over one hundred students participating in full regalia.
Stefan A. Smith, who arranged the band’s version of “Ball ‘N Parlay” as a student in 2004, said: “Fans in the stands want to participate.” He explained that students created lyrics specific to their experiences at Tuskegee: “Students came together to create lyrics that were specific to the Tuskegee experience, to the Tuskegee Way.”
Dr. Kellei Samuels, Chief of Staff to president Dr. Mark A. Brown and coordinator for Tuskegee’s participation with T.I., emphasized how this partnership reflects the university’s history: “Our version of Ball ‘N Parlay is an homage to Tuskegee’s founding principles, which resonate now more than ever as Tuskegee is reigniting those ideas in our Renaissance Era.” Samuels added that connecting with young Black men through this project is especially important for the university.
Band members also shared their perspectives on being part of such a high-profile production. Bryson Avant described playing trumpet for MCP as inspiring: “To me, it is much like a folk song, a song for the people. We are saying that we are prepared to surmount any challenge – ‘whether sunny or gray’ – to succeed.” Caleb Kelly reflected on filming: “The energy was so high… seeing how music videos and films are filmed was very enlightening.”
Dr. Warren Williams, Director of Bands at Tuskegee University, noted how quickly students adapted during rehearsals: “We only had time for three rehearsals – and they came back early from Spring Break to do it! But it was clear… they were going to kill it.” Williams believes this exposure will help attract more talented musicians and strengthen MCP’s legacy.
The university sees this collaboration as part of its ongoing efforts—referred to as its Renaissance Era—to use modern platforms while honoring longstanding traditions.