New FIU-Themed Rap Video Puts a Fun Twist on Panther Pride

Sophia Medina / Staff Writer

Panther pride now has more swagger than ever, thanks to FIU’s release of its own school-spirited take on Fort Minor’s rap anthem “Remember The Name”.

The reimagined tune is a collaborative effort that was brought about by faculty, staff and Benny Williams, an FIU alumni who recently earned his degree in international relations and is working in the music industry as a recording artist. 

Together they create a positive, uplifting track, which aims to remind students of the beauty and wonders of the university while sharing with future students what they can expect when entering panther territory. 

With the majority of students are continuing to learn remotely, it seems the anthem will inspire some nostalgic fondness for our university.

“Remember The Name” begins with Williams rapping about the origins of FIU, bringing up “Sunblazer”, the original university mascot, and the transition to our new mascot “Roary”. 

He also makes mentions of “the tower”, a building that is still in use at the university that once served as air traffic control for a former airport that was built on the grounds of the Modesto Maidique campus. 

There is no FIU without its fellow campuses; Williams mentions its signature Biscayne Bay campus along with the Medina Aquarius program located in the Florida keys. 

In addition, the rap anthem tips its hat to some of the high performers on campus, including FIU law grad’s’ “high scoring on the bar,” which recognizes their outstanding performance on the legal exam. 

The lyrics also make mention of “three bowls in a row,” a reference to the football team’s most successful seasons and a reminder of the times when rawkus crowds of FIU family packed the Riccardo Silva Stadium during Panthers games. 

The school’s well known diversity is celebrated in the video as a “melting pot” of different cultures. “International is in our middle name,” raps Williams.

The lyrics tie together what it means to come from different cultural backgrounds while coming together to find common grounds. 

When listening to the song, students are sure to catch the fun and recognizable references made about the university. 

There are mentions of coladas and croquetas. The “high-powered” Cuban coffee and pastries are much loved on campus, and can be found in a variety of locations, such as Vicky Bakery and Cafe Bustelo. 

And of course, any FIU anthem could not be complete without mentioning the ongoing rivalries with other South Florida universities, including our unfinished business with the ‘Canes. 

Throughout the innovative, lighthearted music video, Williams can be seen walking among note-worthy locations at MMC.

Williams, repping the blue and gold with FIU apparel,  is rapping and dancing at some of the most iconic parts of the campus, such as the Graham Center, the panther statue in front of the Ocean Bank Convention Center, and the stadium football field. 

While reponenning is slow and most students have not returned to campus, the new video provides Panthers with a fun opportunity to look back on all the happy memories and look forward to many more good things to come.