Nijzel Dotson

‘The Heart Part 5’, ‘It’s Dry,’ ‘I Never Liked You’, ‘Come Home The Kids Miss You’: KEYS ‘N D MINOR PODCAST

Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson
May 17, 2022

On the latest episode of “Keys ‘n D Minor,” Key and Nij discuss the newest singles and albums in Hip-Hop, such as recent singles by Kendrick Lamar off of his newest album “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.” Later, they talk about the latest albums by Future, Pusha T and Jack Harlow.

‘DAMN’ I wish I had tickets to Coachella (ft. Josh Knight): KEYS ‘N D MINOR PODCAST

Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson
April 22, 2022

On this week’s Keys ‘n D Minor, Keyshawn and Nijzel talk Kendrick Lamar and have a discussion about Coachella with State Hornet managing editor Magaly Muñoz.

How the Grammys ‘Leave the Door Open’ for artists to feel ‘SOUR’ (Ft. Yung Sam): KEYS ‘N D MINOR PODCAST

Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson
April 9, 2022

International rapper Yung Sam joins the show to talk about his upbringing and how living in different countries has shaped his artistry.

Sac State ASI election yields low voter turnout, two vacant positions: THE STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson and Tyra Green
April 8, 2022

The most recent episode of The State Hornet Podcast details the Sac State ASI election results and students’ feelings about ASI.

Keys ’N D Minor EP. 4 – Reactions to The Weeknd ft. Doja Cat, and writing “good” love songs with Nataya Rule

Nijzel Dotson, Keyshawn Davis, and James Fife
April 4, 2022

Key and Nij are joined by A&E editor Marin Perego and song artist Nataya Rule to talk about The Weeknd’s tour with Doja Cat and what makes a good love song.

How to vote in ASI elections, State Hornet diversity audit and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson and Casey Rafter
April 4, 2022

On the latest episode of The State Hornet Podcast, deputy podcast editor Nijzel Dotson talks to news staff writer Casey Rafter about the upcoming Sac State ASI elections and briefly recaps recent State Hornet coverage

Doja and The Weeknd tour, festivals vs. concerts and love song 101 (Ft. Nataya Rule): KEYS ‘N D MINOR PODCAST

Keyshawn Davis, Nijzel Dotson, and Marin Perego
March 24, 2022

Local singer Nataya Rule joins the show to talk about her album “True Love” and arts and entertainment editor Marin Perego also talks to Key and Nij about concert experiences.

Keys ‘N D Minor- The Kanye West special with Special Guest DonKingdom

Keyshawn Davis, Nijzel Dotson, and James Fife
March 9, 2022

Key and Nij talk about all things Kanye West with the release of Donda 2 exclusively on the Stem player. Later, they have a sit-down with local rapper DonKingdom.

The good, the bad and the Kanye (Ft. DonKingdom): KEYS ‘N D MINOR PODCAST

Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson
March 3, 2022

On the latest episode of Keys ‘n D Minor, Nijzel and Keyshawn compare Kanye West’s most recent albums: Donda and Donda 2.

Keys ‘n D Minor: Prince Washington- Sac State’s Football player/rapper dual threat

Nijzel Dotson, Keyshawn Davis, and James Fife
March 1, 2022

In this episode of Keys N’ D Minor: Key and Nij talk about Nicki Minaj and Lil’ Baby’s collaboration album and debate if collab albums are good for the industry. The duo also hypothesize which...

Students struggle to get USPS at-home test kits, commencement updates and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson
February 25, 2022

Deputy podcast editor Nijzel Dotson hosts another episode of The State Hornet Podcast and goes over updates regarding 2022 commencement ceremonies, students being unable to obtain free test kits from USPS and more.

Nicki and Lil Baby heat check, the problem with Dreamville and more (Ft. Prince Washington): KEYS ‘N D MINOR

Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson
February 16, 2022

Nijzel and Keyshawn talk with Prince Washington about balancing his artistry with being on the Sacramento State Football team.

Anti-racism Convocation, APIDA webinar and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson and Tony Rodriguez
February 14, 2022

On the latest episode of The State Hornet Podcast, news editor Tony Rodriguez provides a recap of Sacramento State’s Anti-racism Convocation and deputy podcast editor Nijzel Dotson goes over some of The State Hornet’s most recent coverage.

Upcoming Black History Month events (Ft. BSU President Kameya Turner): STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson
February 4, 2022

Kameya Turner lists a number Black Student Union’s Black History Month events for Sac State students to look forward to on the latest episode of The State Hornet Podcast.

“Mid” albums, local artists and streaming bewilderment (Ft. Camilla Covington): KEYS ‘N D MINOR

Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson
February 2, 2022

On the first ever episode of Keys ‘n D Minor, Keyshawn Davis and Nijzel Dotson talk to Sacramento musician Camilla Covington about her process as an upcoming artist and her recent EP “Love Letters and Prophecies”.

Return to virtual learning, mandatory booster shots and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson
January 24, 2022

Deputy podcast editor Nijzel Dotson kicks off this semester’s edition of The State Hornet Podcast with a look at the new mandatory COVID-19 booster shot policy, the MLK Day parade, and a recap of President Nelsen’s Spring address.

REVIEW: ‘An Evening with Silk Sonic’ is nostalgia gone right

Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak just dropped potential album of the year

Nijzel Dotson and Keyshawn Davis
November 17, 2021

Anderson .Paak and Bruno Mars recently released their first album as the newly formed group Silk Sonic. Read The State Hornet’s review here:

Football nears Big Sky title, police forum and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson
November 16, 2021

Managing editor Nijzel Dotson hosts another episode of The State Hornet Podcast and brings you the stories you need to know entering week 13 of classes. This week’s major highlights include the football...

Katz retires, CSU chancellor visit, Native American Heritage Month and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson
November 8, 2021

Managing editor Nijzel Dotson sits down to recap the biggest stories going into this week on the newest edition of The State Hornet Podcast. This week’s major highlights include men’s basketball...

‘After Hours’ voted best album in 2021 Best of Sac State poll

The Weeknd’s latest project may also be his most important yet

Nijzel Dotson, arts & entertainment editor
May 9, 2021

Sac State students voted for “After Hours” by The Weeknd as the best album of the past year in The State Hornet’s annual Best of Sac State poll. This choice should come as a shock to nobody...

[Photo] Sac State men’s golf team wins Big Sky Tournament

Ian Edwards, Sports editor
April 27, 2021

Sacramento State sophomore Ethan Davidson swings out of the sand on November 20, 2019 at Valley Hi Country Club in Elk Grove. Davidson achieved the best individual score, and the Hornets took home first...

STATE HORNET SPECIAL: Reacting to how you voted in State Hornet March Madness

Game of Thrones deserved better(?)

Nijzel Dotson, Magaly Muñoz, Jordan Parker, Alex Muegge, Shelby Tolly, and Bradley Hinkson
April 26, 2021

Thank you all for voting in last month’s State Hornet March Madness TV show event - now listen to arts & entertainment editor Nijzel Dotson and opinion editor Magaly Muñoz react to the results in today’s special edition of the State Hornet Podcast.

Sacramento artist offers art studio perfectly ‘Taylor’d’ to the community

Nijzel Dotson
April 3, 2021

Taylor Pannell considers her apartment turned art studio to be “The Home of Sacramento.”

STATE HORNET BUZZED: The best and worst of a four-hour Grammys

Magaly Muñoz, Nijzel Dotson, Ian Edwards, and Khalil Bourgoub
March 16, 2021

Opinion editor Magaly Muñoz, arts & entertainment editor Nijzel Dotson, sports editor Ian Edwards and music writer Khalil Bourgoub react to the 2021 Grammys in this episode of our Buzzed podcast.

REVIEW: Some of the best songs nominated at the 2021 Grammys

Nijzel Dotson, Khalil Bourgoub, Estefany Nuñez, and Bradley Hinkson
March 14, 2021

The State Hornet’s A&E and Opinion sections teamed up to bring you a playlist of our favorite songs from the 2021 Grammys Awards Show.

STATE HORNET BUZZED: ‘WandaVision’ and the next MCU Phase

Gavin Rock, Nijzel Dotson, Magaly Muñoz, and Estefany Nuñez
March 12, 2021

Podcast staffer Gavin Rock, opinion editor Magaly Muñoz, diversity & identity beat writer Estefany Nuñez and arts & entertainment editor Nijzel Dotson get together to talk about “WandaVision” and all things MCU.

March Madness 2021: Most binge-worthy TV shows

32 shows, but there can only be one winner

Magaly Muñoz and Nijzel Dotson
March 10, 2021

A March Madness bracket made up of 32 different shows you can binge during quarantine. Vote for your favorites!

PODCAST: Updates given on police budget, Black students react to talent show incident

Robbie Pierce, Max Connor, Madeleine Beck, Michael Pacheco, Nijzel Dotson, and Brandon Bailey
December 14, 2020

On the final episode of The State Hornet Podcast for this semester, investigative reporter Michael Pacheco shares details and updates on a story posted about the Sac State Police Department’s budget for this semester and the next, arts and entertainment editor Nijzel Dotson and staff writer Brandon Bailey discuss their story about Black students’ reactions to anti-Black racial slurs sent by ‘Zoombombers’ during UNIQUE’s talent show and more.

Black students react to racial slurs at UNIQUE talent show and following investigation

Black students lobby for sincere action from administration

Nijzel Dotson and Brandon Bailey
December 11, 2020

Sac State students call on administration to address anti-racism after racial slurs interrupted a talent show hosted by UNIQUE Programs.

Sac State talent show interrupted by racist comments

Investigation indicated that the users could not be tied to the university

Nijzel Dotson and Jordan Parker
December 4, 2020

Two users attending Sac State’s Got Talent hosted by UNIQUE on Thursday via Zoom filled the chat with racial slurs.

STINGER SOUND SESSIONS: Think Tank Music

Sara Nevis and Nijzel Dotson
December 2, 2020

The State Hornet’s second edition of Stinger Sounds Sessions features the local music collective Think Tank Music, consisting of Jesse Hanes, JJ the Messiah, Mateo Briscoe, Jesse Szaboo, J.P. and Sara.

‘You were my bullies’: Sac State theatre and dance students confront faculty over systemic racism

Khala Clarke and Nijzel Dotson
August 9, 2020

Over the past month, members of the Sacramento State theatre and dance department have set up virtual meetings for students and alumni to share their stories of systemic racism from professors in the theatre...

Taco Bell voted ‘Best Off-Campus Eatery’

Students praise the popular food chain for its various options

Nijzel Dotson
May 12, 2020

Sacramento State students voted Taco Bell as the best off-campus eatery in The State Hornet’s annual Best Of Sac State survey. While it isn’t the most glamorous option, Taco Bell’s convenient...

BROOKE’S UHLENBOPS S1E10: What’s your favorite song?

Brooke Uhlenhop, Nijzel Dotson, Bradley Hinkson, Kayla Brown, Shiavon Chatman, and Robbie Pierce
May 6, 2020

This week on Brooke’s UhlenBops, host Brooke Uhlenhop has put together a special episode featuring State Hornet staff members: Nijzel Dotson, Bradley Hinkson, Kayla Brown and Shiavon Chatman discussing...

BROOKE’S UHLENBOPS S1E9: Staffers’ Favorite Genres: Hip-Hop

Brooke Uhlenhop, Nijzel Dotson, and Robbie Pierce
May 1, 2020

On this episode of Brooke’s UhlenBops, the format is changed up a bit as host Brooke Uhlenhop is joined by State Hornet staff writer Nijzel Dotson to give Dotson a chance to discuss one of his favorite...

Sacramento rapper turns what was once a hobby into career

Pyramid Kid performed at Ace of Spades in Oct. 2019

Nijzel Dotson
April 30, 2020

Growing up, Sacramento rapper Evan Odom, who goes by Pyramid Kid, always felt different from his peers. But rather than trying to conform, he decided to be content with standing out. “My mom and I...

Sac State students reflect on their time playing basketball at The WELL

Fitness center closed indefinitely on March 16

Nijzel Dotson
April 15, 2020

Sac State junior and ethnic studies major Oku Best-Wilson has been playing intramural basketball at The WELL since he was a freshman. When The WELL announced its indefinite closure on March 16 due to...

Sac State students look to spark change with new podcast

New episodes of ‘Mic’d Up Students’ drop every Monday

Nijzel Dotson
February 26, 2020

“Mic’d Up Students” is a student produced podcast that launched this semester from Sacramento State’s Division of Student Affairs. Nahom Semere, a second-year business administration (marketing)...

OPINION: Mahomes Super Bowl victory icing on the cake for Black QBs

Nijzel Dotson
February 11, 2020

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the National Football League, a casual fan at best or fall somewhere in between, it wouldn’t be much of a reach to assume you know that the quarterback is often regarded...

Sac State students reflect on identity and the Black experience on campus

Kayleen Carter and Nijzel Dotson
February 7, 2020

Throughout history, Black Americans have endured oppressive abuse. They were forced to work in grueling, inhumane conditions for no pay. They were denied home ownership and the pursuit of interracial...

NEWS PODCAST: The Black student experience at Sac State

Kayleen Carter and Nijzel Dotson
February 6, 2020

This week on The State Hornet News Podcast, diversity and identity beat reporter Kayleen Carter and staff writer Nijzel Dotson sit down with freshman criminal justice major Hannah Rowlett to discuss the...

‘Her memory will live on with everyone’: Friends and family remember Kaitlin St. Croix

Sac State student died in a head-on collision Jan. 9

Madeleine Beck and Nijzel Dotson
January 30, 2020

Kaitlin St. Croix’s friends remember a tradition that most of them experienced with her at least once: going to Dutch Bros on the first of every month to get the coffee shop's new sticker of the month. “It...

SPORTS PODCAST: Kobe Bryant inspired a generation

Robyn Dobson, Nijzel Dotson, Jordan Parker, and Robbie Pierce
January 30, 2020

This week on The State Hornet Sports Podcast, sports editor Robyn Dobson sat down with State Hornet sports writer Nijzel Dotson, opinion writer Jordan Parker and Sacramento State junior and semi-pro basketball...

OPINION: A farewell to the Black Mamba

Kobe Bryant left an undeniable mark on the sports world

Nijzel Dotson
January 27, 2020

Some people have so much influence on the culture that their death has the ability to make the world stop momentarily, to make others drop whatever they’re doing and rush to social media, and express...

Sac State sophomore golfer attributes growth as player to his mental game

Nijzel Dotson
December 14, 2019

Sophomore golfer Ethan Davidson grew up in Southern California but knew after his first visit with Sacramento State’s men’s golf team that he was meant to be a Hornet. Davidson, who hails from the...

Sac State sophomore golfer attributes growth as player to his mental game

Ethan Davidson leads men’s team with lowest scoring average

Nijzel Dotson
December 9, 2019

Sophomore golfer Ethan Davidson grew up in Southern California but knew after his first visit with Sacramento State’s men’s golf team that he was meant to be a Hornet. Davidson, who hails from the...

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball team dominates UC Merced in 72-36 win

Michael Wiggins
December 4, 2019

Sac State sophomore guard Brandon Davis dribbles near midcourt and surveys the floor against UC Merced on Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Nest. Davis had five points and four assists in the win.

Black College Expo provides academic resources, application assistance Saturday at Sac State

Black high schoolers and community college students can attend in the University Union

Nijzel Dotson
November 22, 2019

The National College Resources Foundation will be bringing their Black College Expo to Sacramento State on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be held in the University Union and is open...

Educational Opportunity Program commemorates 50 years at Sac State

The program is hosting a number of events throughout October

Nijzel Dotson
October 18, 2019

Sacramento State’s Educational Opportunity Program is using the month of October to commemorate its 50-year anniversary. The program has scheduled a number of events in celebration of the milestone,...

UNIQUE to host 44th annual San Francisco Comedy Competition

5 finalists will perform at Sac State Thursday

Nijzel Dotson
September 25, 2019

Sacramento State will host a round of the finals for the San Francisco Comedy Competition in the University Union Ballroom Thursday. This is the competition’s 44th year, and over 30 of those competitions...

Local band The Ghost Town Rebellion to perform at Sac State Wednesday

Nijzel Dotson
September 17, 2019

The Ghost Town Rebellion, an American rock band formed from local Sacramento musicians, will be performing on campus Thursday, outside the University Union. The group has four members — Shawn Peter,...

916 Sports Bar opens doors to Sac State students

Offers affordable meal deals

Nijzel Dotson and Garry Singh
September 12, 2019

916 Sports Bar opened its doors Aug. 30, on Folsom Blvd near the south side of the Sacramento State campus. The restaurant primarily serves Mexican food but will offer burgers and chicken wings as well. Jose...

Nijzel Dotson, deputy podcast editor