Feature Story - Vanilla Funk

[@andyl9740]

The media focused on him while he focused on the entire band. I like that.

[@alexandriawilliams7532]

ONE BAND, ONE SOUND. It’s the band geek mentality! I love it!

[@shantabridges2677]

JUST BEAUTIFUL❤

[@shantabridges2677]

Perfectly Said❤

[@kendracarr6366]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌💞💞💞💞🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏💋💋🙏🙏

[@patricemurray6412]

Exactly 💯

[@MissTXTee]

It's almost as if he has an alter ego...He has a bold confidence when he performs and a quiet humility when he speaks...

[@arliesam217]

Good observation I noticed it too

[@yorocco1]

He’s got love in his heart. That’s all he needs.

[@kamikazekid94]

Arlie Sam I also noticed that as well

[@arliesam217]

@@kamikazekid94 ok

[@kamikazekid94]

Arlie Sam ok?

[@aniyahhinson7462]

"look at dat boy john" LMAOO MANN

[@akire628]

You mean Justin

[@rozwynn2349]

@@akire628 Means John. When an online comedian blew Justin up on line, he referred to him as John at first. Them he called him John Justin, lmao!

[@Redman147]

Vanilla Funk= hard worker, humble, regular person just like the rest of us.......but DAYUM can he move WOOOO.

[@marlonmcleod7450]

I have got to keep up with Justins next move. (college) I'm not gonna miss out on his moves (lol) continued success Justin!! 👍🏼🥁🔥

[@Getawayslim]

Did yk vanilla funk is his crab name from when he first got in the band😭

[@DonnaAbrams-qh7zt]

It’s 2024 and I’ve been watching these videos since they were first posted. What a talented bunch.

[@Safarigangsta]

Legend has it his first meal out the womb was dab of hotsauce and potato salad

[@aliciag946]

Deceased 😂😂😂😭💀⚰⚱

[@MondezDurden]

lol

[@matart5003]

That was a most epic comment ever lol

[@nicolezapata3898]

Facts 😆

[@pcs56]

LMAO!

[@victoriablakely3140]

He's a humble individual, they're all great!! Young!! People!

[@ednatorain5808]

yes they are

[@kayjaykayjay1869]

Very humble! I love it!

[@josephinecanada5911]

U guys are fantabulous can't get enough of watch u better than u s c trojan and they are good

[@josephinecanada5911]

From California with love 2 jefferson high school marching band keep up the goods guys

[@rlhspace]

Much respect to the fact that he acknowledges he wouldn't be the impressive drum major he is without his band. Love it!

[@MayimHastings]

Hope the guy goes far in life, as well as his band mates! They all seem like a great group of kids. 🙏❤️

[@MayimHastings]

Oh, and I love your name 🤓

[@georgiamule]

He was raised right with love and respect.

[@niamarie5656]

This young man is the definition of "ONE BAND...ONE SOUND"....loling for the people who get where I got this phrase from🤭

[@jadaalston3280]

Drum line

[@tyeshab2010]

I can quote that movie word for word that's how many times I watched it 😆

[@becky8193]

That’s a great movie.

[@cortezyvonne]

Hahaha and thats exactly what they taught us in band its all about the team not just you🙌🏻 #family

[@rorschach162]

Dr. Lee!!!

[@LovePayden08]

Omg the fact that he just cares about the notoriety of the band and school 💕

[@tekcomputers]

Well, Marching Band is most certainly a team sport. The performance is the work of the entire band, not any single member.

[@czzthaday]

Love this generation! Be the difference!!!

[@bigntallvlogs3976]

That’s the right thing to say anyway!

[@dutchessdioji9368]

I like that he acknowledged his band mates more than once and said "their" hard work has paid off with this.

[@spellingquestionable]

White man can dance. I love everyone breaking the stereotypes. All of them from every people, every race, every country, and every gender.

[@Jay-rf3kj]

That is the hope for our future.

[@lkeke35]

Yeah, I do like to see white people break stereotypes too. And i also love to see white people fully participating in the Culture, rather than simply appropriating it. He understands and respects it. He's not just stealing it, calling it something else, and selling it, like too many white people do.

[@aspen5151]

@@lkeke35 most whites are racist. but hes of the minority who arent like those others. i respect him for that!

[@codygates7418]

@@aspen5151 And your SUPER RACIST for saying that? WTF why would you even say that? This kid is literally breaking down the racial hate from all sides and YOUR here bringing it up again. I mean people are saying they want change but, then hate on this video with the whites are ALL RACIST B.S.? I hope you truly don’t mean that and if you do I hope you can get some help from God.

[@aspen5151]

@@codygates7418 Lol. I said most whites are racist. Not all, but most. I don't mean burning crosses and hanging minorities. I mean highly prejudice and racially judgemental. Sorry if the news is shocking to you? Lol.

[@mariefranklin4022]

Good job mom and dad you all have raised a very humbled person and that us what I admire. He's the shiznit. Yep, I said it. Gone baby do your thang.

[@lamar9331]

He seems like a really nice young man. No big ego, respects his team and they all do one hell of a job.

[@shaybaby2427]

He's now a Drum Major at ASU! Vanilla Funk is still doing his thing Congrats!

[@giftednanointedcrafts6650]

He's a cutie pie on his way to a very Blessed n success ful life! 🎓🔰📚📔

[@ebok98]

Notice he says “we”. Exactly what you hope to see in a leader. Wonderful skills, band, and obvious leadership from his teachers and parents.

[@samuelbishara2004]

It's not how you look, it's what you can do that truly sets you apart.

[@aladdinsmith3469]

I agree but it's too many see it or something different

[@mikeymckenney3215]

He ain't did nothing that nobody else has did that set him apart from other major nets that came up before him

[@adhd_alchemy]

In this case, I think it's mostly about how he looks. There are plenty kids of color that meet or exceed his talent, yet there is no fanfare for them. Perhaps because that level of talent is expected of them. I'm not diminishing his talent. I just want us to be honest with what is going on. He is a talented rare sight that draws attention. The only thing that makes the sight rare is his skin color. 🤷🏽‍♀️ Just being Captain obvious here....no judgement involved.

[@pengu6268]

He's bout to get a full ride to JSU. Watch him be the head drum major of the Boom in a couple years

[@wrld_of_novex3343]

We good....JSU

[@shantell4847]

@Good Life why cause he's a white boy

[@kokolatte825]

@@shantell4847 I guess they are referring to us not being able to keep nothing to ourselves. I think the boy is talented. I personally would love to see him go on to an HBCU, but I get it.

[@shedrickwallace9363]

Yeah but he has got to earn it at the Boom though

[@johnmorgan2876]

@Good Life I guarantee Justin Heideman will make history, when he becomes Jackson State University's first Caucasian Drum Major! Justin already executing JSU J5 Drum Major's moves PERFECTLY, so he already ready! I can't wait to see him become a member of the "Sonic Boom", and then make history when he put on one of those famous JSU J5 Drum Major uniforms. I'm rooting for you Justin!

[@travisgrant5608]

Justin is a great roll model and probably doesn't even know it ... he's loving what he's doing ... and it shows.

[@brittanyneubia2206]

I love how humble he is. I love that he doesn't sit back and take the credit but acknowledges the hard work of his band mates.

[@darthlaurel]

What a solid kid. It's his work ethic and commitment to the whole band....outstanding!

[@ThepplforHarris47]

It's this younger pop. that gives me hope for the future. Seems like a good kid who respects his peers and friends and understands he couldn't be where he is without them.

[@LaurieCramsie]

What a great young man. I love the energy and the union of the entire band. Justin seems to have his head on straight. I love how he makes sure the entire band is credited and honored.

[@richardbowen8059]

Came across this band by chance and I find the whole thing mesmerising, the athleticism stamina and dedication is simply amazing. I’ve watched a bunch of videos of this band and I find the whole thing so uplifting including the many positive comments posted. Love from France 👏👏👏

[@kf9346]

Same, and he stuck out to me in the couple videos I watched. Nice to et some back story

[@steelresilience]

AND he's in Kappa league. Keep an eye on him. mad respect.

[@yorocco1]

WE LOVE VANILLA FUNK!!! What a sweet, endearing name from his band mates. Love this...

[@ZXY86]

Yeah he’s a cool dude, but so are those other three boys and that awesome Band!!! But I am sure a Vanilla Fan!!!!!!

[@shonnieolliverre2719]

Lovely comment

[@elisageorge2261]

Funny how the counts in likes lessen when one mention not only Justin but other band members greatness as well. 🤔

[@shonnieolliverre2719]

@@elisageorge2261 it shouldn't be though the whole band is amazing

[@elisageorge2261]

@@shonnieolliverre2719 Right!

[@dariuslovehall5296]

Blue-Eyed Soul...Say what you want about black folks but we are the most accepting people in the world. If you feel us & can rock with us then come on then

[@socialmedianotfunanymore]

yes, except for our own, which is a huge problem.

[@LUX_8]

And yet, Black artists venturing into "non-blak-spaces" have to fight tooth and nail for acceptance. Go figure.🙄

[@jaesthoughts1369]

@@LUX_8 so true, we can’t do this at a pwi but the white boi can

[@coridawson1027]

Absolutely

[@lass-inangeles7564]

What a cutie! I love this young man. He is humble and fair to his fellow band members and respected by all. He brings passion and virtuosity to his work, stands out in an all black college, but never lets his ethnic difference be a barrier of any kind. What a truly great human being! I hope Justin keeps his humility. When you are arrogant and narcissistic as so many people today are, you lose your ability to learn and grow. I admire and respect this young man. Great moves, Justin! By the way, I love watching the entire band. The other drum majors, the young women, the band musicians... their music and dance moves fill me with energy and joy. Way to go, Alabama! Greetings from California!

[@shonnieolliverre2719]

I pray he remains humble too it's one of his best qualities

[@neovxr]

There is one thing that is rarely talked about in the current disputes. This guy is joyfully sharing his identity with everyone else, as a student, as an American, and as a young man who wants to do something good and exciting. And the comrades are sharing back. They felt he is humble and serious. So yeah, this gives hope.

[@heehaw8401]

I love watching him!

[@ednatorain5808]

me too

[@LUX_8]

Why?

[@jJ-jk1ku]

😂 i think we all know why.

[@kevinvoccia8715]

That squad is on point! Congrats to them all.

[@Femi925]

Love it. In these crazy times, I love to see racial barriers being broken. We are humans first. It is only skin. We all bleed red. Mad props to this brother.

[@belugasmith]

I love their perfect combination of J setter moves and traditional drum major movements! They are all extremely talented!

[@prestonlhouse]

He is good! There has been some soul food in this young man's life!

[@madinichhakchhuak9403]

I love this young white boy, he is a natural born leader....God, bless him

[@slumqueen2173]

To the skyyy Justin....... Yessssss 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 keep up the good work

[@amycuaresma]

Vanilla funk with a side of humility - the worlds a better place with this young man in it. I'd like to thank his parents for raising such a well rounded, likeable young man - well done

[@seriamendito7384]

He is Humbled and does recognize without his band mates he wouldn’t have this much attention….What a Great Young Man

[@melissah.5319]

I came across him by accident watching KZbin. Wow! Amazing.

[@ronnierivers2108]

There is no color when you show you love what you do!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️he is good!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@ossier2796]

Love this band and Justin.

[@rwaller2106]

I love it. Great leadership & character. Great band. Great skills. He gives credit to entire band, pays homage to previous leaders, and remains humble... Again, I love it. God bless the school, the entire band, and the adults that influenced them.🙏🏾

[@SuperSpace2009]

More power to him! This is what we should stand for together!Just think if America was like that! The things we could have been as a country! And see everyone as one!

[@cathybelk-cb3ei]

He s amazing and has a great attitude ❤

[@JohnCarrollJOWELL]

Not surprised.. I lead a black band in the Christmas Parade in Creswell , NC. As a former Q-Dawg and 2 years Drum major I approve this message.. Someone has to keep time with the universe..

[@WorshipWarrior337]

I Love it!!! He just stepped right into his authority with all humbleness!!! He is using his God given talent and its Beautiful

[@ceebee51]

Im not American but The world needs to see more of this side of America

[@Paramedgirl]

I like the fact that is stated " without this band I wouldn't be this viral sensation" Humility at its best!!

[@loveriver29]

Very talented. I hope he got into the school of his dreams and is the best there as well. I appreciated how he credited Afro Americans as well. We’re so creative and our culture is beautiful.

[@lovingshaunnifirst]

I love this for him!

[@savannah58]

WE...Is the key word. What a selfless and humbled young man who didnt make it about himself

[@tullophile]

Amen. There is no "i" in "teamwork."

[@huerosantos7563]

When you put in all that work together ! You're one big family. Those outside see it in a different way than the kid's see it. They were all raised right, shout out to all of them band members and school staff.

[@godsgrace5503]

Very proud of him..he is doing something positive and enjoying it ..and with humility!👏👏

[@stephenj.schneider5185]

This is the best story I've heard for the past 1 1/2 years!!!! Content of one's character -- One Race, the Human Race!!

[@mjerome1457]

Justin proved his worth!! He's a Team Player and hard worker.....made respect👍🏾...No Race made skills👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💯

[@CWYounger10]

A great drum major and humble. He will be a great leader.

[@aliciajohnson7951]

Love love love him . What a story he’ll tell his grandchildren

[@amayzingyoga6403]

I love how he stays humble 😇

[@taylormaegarner8758]

TO THE SKY, JUSTIN!!! ❤️😭❤️😆❤️😭😆❤️😆😝😝❤️😆😝❤️❤️😝😆😆😭❤️😭 KEEP DOING YOU VANILLA FUNK!!!! ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

[@BlaccphoenyxxRises]

All the way from Florida!!! I’ve been watching this band and this young man for awhile !!!!! 💪🏾❤️❤️

[@nicolefoster1974]

Now that's how you tell a story good job!

[@marlonmcleod7450]

Such an amazing story. My boy Justin got it going on. The whole band is just EXCELLENT 👍👍🏾🥁

[@fernwebb5568]

I watched him for an hour last night. I had not seen him or anything like this before. I did see all of these kids were talented!

[@JohnMuir13]

Thank you to all of those who are part of this program..... You have a fan in new in Connecticut

[@bakermark6891]

Woow..I'm your biggest fan bro.. this is an amazing young man. He's unique in his style and leadership. He puts the band before himself. That is heart bro. God bless you Justin, and reach for the sky bro.

[@rjdatdude23]

I hope he continues this in college because any college would be lucky to have him. Humble young man that puts his heart into his work

[@Michelle514C]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS VANILLA FUNK

[@dontcopymystyle4469]

🤣💯💪🏾

[@ColPKing]

This Kid puts his Heart into performance.

[@lindahandley5267]

Well I can tell you one thing! He is one cutie patooty and does a wonderful job. I had watched the first video and so glad that I found this one! ❤ I live right next door in MS. and am so proud for him. The whole band is great! This video was in 2020 and I don't know what school accepted him.

[@nickkai2851]

He was accepted by Alabama State University, a HBCU, and he is one of the Drum Majors in their Marching Band.

[@lindahandley5267]

@@nickkai2851 Cool! Thanks so much! 😁

[@wandalanders4422]

He is amazing. They definitely put on a show!!!

[@aishasimone06]

They were on America's Got Talent few months ago. Their from my city, really talented great folks. Makes you proud. Beautiful integration beautiful 💖also Vanilla Funk has a black girlfriend and they celebrated Loving Day ,when the first interracial marriage between a black woman and white man was allowed by law.

[@savannah58]

Kudos to him for acknowledging that success takes a team

[@Lisalisells]

Look at that boy John 😂😂😂 warms my heart every time I hear the excitement of the man watching him march he even had the sound effects. You can tell he is fascinated by Johns move and passion

[@marlonmcleod7450]

Just can't stop watching this. The whole band is just Superior!!🥁

[@jasonjarvis5290]

The humility is what I adore!!! Your humble-spirit will carry you far; keep going! Simply divine!!!

[@morpheusspirit6609]

I love it!! A wonderful young man who has a great dance talent; he’s polite, respectful and full of humility. It doesn’t matter that he’s white. The only thing that matters is that there’s mutual respect and appreciation between everyone in the school. Wonderful video. 👍🏽

[@808spicysushi]

So humble. To make his band mates included in his story.

[@victorcarriere2209]

It’s all about how you do it. You go boy.❤️❤️❤️❤️👍🏼😇

[@naturalchics4435]

This young man is soooo good... I just can not stop watching him March! I am so amazed! Many blessing to him in his future!

[@trafficlights8087]

Justin, I wish you success and good luck in your life. I guess it wasn't easy to become a drum major. You did great! I'm your fan from Russia 🇷🇺 💯 👍

[@tanishahaynes8362]

Vanilla Funk is the PERFECT name for him! He got this stanky funkiness about him that I LOVE!!!!

[@rain74925]

I really do hope he gets accepted to Alamaba university where Janae is the dancer in the band and if he spices up the drum majors' rountines or moves there, my goodness, it'd be a power dual for the band!

[@Malalalaika]

rain74925 Janae left 🥺 but she deserves better

[@Cccoast]

Omg I could imagine him and Janae. They could Start a show..... why did she leave?!

[@Malalalaika]

E Witak well now she’s graduating but she was mistreated by the band administration while she was captain and stepped down but she finished the band season as the captain . I hope she sues

[@rain74925]

@@Malalalaika I really hope that Janae can find a place in the entertainment industry. I think sh could make it if she's given a chance

[@TheToddtw]

What a beautiful humble young man

[@barbiekyzar5192]

Omgawsh I just was watching Mardi gras parade here on KZbin and saw this young man ! Amazing talent !

[@philipjubileo.omonoji8151]

HUGE respects to him. I just came across him and still can not believe it. That’s a lot of work, time, effort, stamina…. Without the video, I’d NEVER had believed this. Even with the video, it’s still a head scratcher for me to be honest 😊

[@becky8193]

Regardless... marching band is HARD AF. I’m glad he said “I wouldn’t be where I am without the whole band and I’m glad we’re getting recognition”. That’s right! Each and every member of that band has a critical role.

[@dragonmaster4429]

I love watching this band. Four drum majors all in sink, all in time, all good friends. The band...sounds fantastic and they dance! It's awesome to watch! Kids are great! Love them all!!❤

[@tonyasteward6781]

Love watching this young man, and this band us awesome!! Would love to see this band represent in one of the major holiday parades. Kudos to the band director!!!

[@anto096]

I truly Love this kid... so humble

[@coachlady6837]

Togetherness that’s all that matters! Such a humble kid! Some of the adults need to be more like him and his band! making music and dancing is a beautiful thing and it should be shared with the world on a positive level!

[@natashamoden28]

He's so sweet & humble ❤️ God bless you hunnie 🙏

[@TheFoxybrown7119]

I saw his school’s marching band and he has the moves!!!!😍

[@annettedaniels9947]

He does a great job.He is so natural.

[@magsxoa4519]

He's got flavor and has class. Good for you sir. Kuddos to the band!

[@JeffSouthEastLouisiana]

What a badass kid. Enjoyed watching him at Mardi Gras a couple yrs ago.

[@charmainecoger402]

I can't wait to see what he going to do The leader of the band keep on doing a good job young man keep on doing a good

[@pamelaonduso9480]

Loving this kid..watching him at ASU...a naturally gifted musician