The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
Nijzel Dotson

Nijzel Dotson, deputy podcast editor

Nijzel Dotson is The State Hornet’s managing editor for the fall 2021 semester. He first joined The State Hornet in 2019 and was previously the arts & entertainment editor. He has written for Comstock’s Magazine and The Advocate, Contra Costa College’s student-run newspaper.

All content by Nijzel Dotson
Hosts Nijzel Dotson and Keyshawn Davis break down the latest single from Kendrick Lamars new album on this new episode of Keys N D Minor. (Graphic made in Canva by Mack Ervin III)

‘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.
Sacramento musician Josh Knight sits down with Nijzel Dotson and Keyshawn Davis to discuss his music career on April 18, 2022. (Graphic made in Canva by Mack Ervin III)

‘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.
Keys n D Episode 5 Cover

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.
Newly elected ASI President Salma Pacheco poses following the voting results on Thursday April 7, 2022. Pacheco voiced her intentions to focus on Sacramento State’s legislative issues throughout her term. (Photo by Alexis Hunt. Graphic made in Canva by Mack Ervin III)

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

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

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
Graphic created in Canva by Mercy Sosa

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

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

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.
Graphic created in Canva by Mercy Sosa

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

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

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.
Graphic created in Canva by Mercy Sosa

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

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

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.
Graphic created in Canva by Mercy Sosa

“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

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.
The cover art for Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s “An Evening with Silk Sonic.” Photo courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corporation and Aftermath Entertainment.

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

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

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...

The Weeknd’s “After Hours” was voted as the best album of the past year by Sac State students. (Graphic made in Canva)

‘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...

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 place at the Big Sky Championship.

[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...

The State Hornet’s 2021 March Madness picks for most binge-worthy TV shows. Categories were made up from streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and more. Graphic made in Canva.

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

Game of Thrones deserved better(?)
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.
Artist Taylor Pannell stands next to a mannequin and in front of a self portrait inside her art studio Taylor’d Mind Studios in Sacramento on Feb. 3, 2021. The self-portrait is made from coffee watercolor and ink.

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.”
Graphic made in Canva

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

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.
A photo of a golden Grammy Statuette, given to recipients of awards from the Recording Academy. (Photo by Thomas Hawk/CC BY-NC 2.0.)

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

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.
Graphic made in Canva

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

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.
The State Hornet’s 2021 March Madness picks for most binge-worthy TV shows. Categories were made up from streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+ and more. Graphic made in Canva.

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

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.
Sac State officials claim an investigation into the racial slurs in the Zoom chat of the UNIQUE talent show Thursday, Dec. 3, 2020 found the users were not local and could not be tied to the university. “What I’ve noticed when it comes to these incidents, there’s not really a valid response or action being taken, we’re allowing this to become normal,” said child development major Kameya Turner.

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.
(Paul Hudson/CC BY 2.0)

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.
Students, staff and alumni attending a BE FREE meeting partake in discussion on June 25, 2020, at the second meeting via Zoom. BE FREE meetings were started to address systemic racism within Sac States theatre and dance department.

‘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’

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...

Graphic made using Canva, Picrew

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

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...

Graphic made using Canva, Picrew

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 Evan Odom who goes by Pyramid Kid. Odom has been making music for two years and was given the opportunity to perform with Nef The Pharoah last fall. Photo courtesy of Evan Odom.

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...

Oku Best-Wilson, Ben Smith, and Presley Ehezue (left to right) pose for a photo. The three friends met playing intramural basketball at The WELL.

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...

Malachi Powell, Ayra Nuñez and Nahom Semere host the “Mic’d Up Students” podcast. The group is recording its second season this semester while the first season is being posted every Monday.

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)...

2019 was the season of the Black QB. The regular season MVP, Super Bowl MVP, and Rookie of the Year were all Black quarterbacks for the first time ever.

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...

Donny Lewis Jr., Chukwudi Nnodim and Jordan Neel pose for a photo near Lassen Hall on Monday, Feb. 4. All three men shared their thoughts on their experience as Black students.

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...

From left to right: Staff writer Nijzel Dotson,  freshman criminal justice major Hannah Rowlett and diversity and identity reporter Kayleen Carter. On Feb 5, 2020 they discussed the Black student experience at Sac State for this weeks episode of The State Hornet News Podcast.

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...

Kaitlin St. Croix, a Sac State child development major and resident assistant, smiles for a photo in Desmond Hall following an interview with The State Hornet on Tuesday, March 5, 2019. St. Croix died in a head-on collision in Stanislaus County on Thursday, Jan. 9, 2020, according to Sac State university communications.

‘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...

An illustration of Kobe Bryant. Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others died in a helicopter crash Sunday. NBA Finals 2009 on ABC by Adomas Jazdauskas is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

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...

An illustration of Kobe Bryant. 

Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna died in a helicopter crash Sunday morning. Kobe Bryant by Augustine Madriaga is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0

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 Ethan Davidson works on hits out of the sand trap at Valley Hi Country Club. Davidson was named an All-Big Sky honorable mention following his freshman season.

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 Ethan Davidson works on hits out of the sand trap at Valley Hi Country Club. Davidson was named an All-Big Sky honorable mention following his freshman season.

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...

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.

[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.

A photo of the Black College Expo at Sac State in January. The expo is planned to happen again on Saturday, Nov. 23.

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...

Sac State Alumni tell current students about their experiences at EOPs Open Mic Event Monday. The event was part of the celebration of the programs 50th anniversary.

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,...

Pauline Yasuda, San Francisco Comedy Competition finalist, performs during the semifinals at the El Rey in Chico on Sept. 17, 2019. Sac State will host a round of the competitions finals in the University Union Ballroom Thursday.

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...

The Ghost Town Rebellion is a Sacramento based band. Band members, from left to right, Rick Click, Chelsea Baker, Shawn Peter and Mike Shively will be performing at Sacramento State for UNIQUE programs Nooner.

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 on Folsom Boulevard near the south end of the Sac State campus. 916 recently opened its door and is hoping to cater to Sac State students.

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...

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