Spring Break
Ciara brings Crunk & B to Lantz
Jami Arceneaux/ Staff writer
Issue date: 2/10/05 Section: The Verge
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"We wanted to bring a hip hop act," said Kristen Thorburn, UB Concert Coordinator. "We are trying to appeal to everyone."
"I think Ciara's coming here is a good thing because UB hasn't done a lot with a diverse selection of artists," said Sharie Gilette, a sophomore marketing major. "They are taking a step in the right direction."
According to www.ciaraworld.com, 18-year-old Ciara has been dubbed "The First Lady of Crunk & B," a new genre of music, created by rapper Lil' Jon. Crunk & B is R&B that is energetic and gets listeners to their feet. Ciara is the second artist to release a Crunk & B song, "Goodies," second only to Usher with his hit single "Yeah," the Web site said.
Ciara has been nominated for four Soul Train Music Awards. For "Goodies," she was nominated for Best Dance Cut and Best R&B Soul Single. In addition to being nominated for "Best R&B Soul Album" and Best R&B Soul/Rap New Artist, she is also being honored as the Female Entertainer of the year.
Ciara, who has lived in New York, Arizona, California and Germany due to a family member's military background, has worked hard to achieve the goals she has accomplished. According to www.ciaraworld.com, the singer/songwriter had to sacrifice things that normal teenagers don't.
"I watched my peers around me and they were worried about who's wearing what... and I was like 'I'm trying to be somebody. What can I do to get there as soon as possible?" she said in her biography. She had to cut loose going to the movies and hanging with her friends. She even decided that not having a boyfriend was a good idea.
However, she described having her heart broken, which is what also gave her inspiration to work harder.
Shortly after, Ciara joined a girl group, but left the group to go solo. After that, things began to pick up for her. She got a publishing deal and then began working with Jazze-Pha. The well-known producer in Atlanta signed the songstress to ShoNuff records after working with her for only five days, Ciara's biography said.
Ciara describes her music as being "girl empowerment" music. Unlike the Spice Girls, Ciara delivers a message to the guys, telling them that the ladies are looking for more than an "iced-out chain" in a guy. Her lyrics simply state, "Just because you drive a car, I'm not going home with you."
"I think it's a great opportunity for us to have Ciara come and entertain us," said Freddie Perry, a freshman physical education major. "I like her songs 'Goodies' and 'One, Two Step' and I think she is very sexy."
The concert is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. The show will open with Flo, the winner of the freestyle battle from last year's Twista concert.
Like previous concerts, people with floor tickets can stand close to the stage and those with balcony tickets will be seated in the balcony. There will also be a DJ playing music before Ciara performs.
Although all floor tickets have been sold out, Positively 4th Street Records still has tickets available for $20 for the general public and students. According to Thorburn, 1,200 tickets have been sold and will continue to be on sale until the day of the concert.
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