Spring Break
Editorial: Lupe Fiasco a good choice
Issue date: 2/5/09 Section: Opinions
Within the past four years, Jason Mraz, the Goo Goo Dolls and Emerson Drive have graced us with their presence for the annual Spring Concert.
One thing these musical groups have in common is that they do not fall under the hip-hop genre.
With the exception of Ciara - a concert that lasted a mere 20 minutes and that everyone would probably like to forget - in 2005, the University Board has steered clear of the hip-hop/rap genre until this year.
This year, the UB presents Lupe Fiasco, complete with rap artist Shwayze as the opening act.
The UB is certainly going out of its comfort zone for this Spring Concert, and a change like this could just pay off.
For the Family Weekend entertainment last semester, the UB opted for something different than an artist or band and decided to bring comedian Bill Engvall, who was widely popular with both students and family.
This wasn't the first time the UB chose a comedian, but it was the first time in a while, and it worked.
Fiasco might work just as well.
For one thing, Fiasco already has recognition; he is a Grammy Award-winning artist. In 2008, he won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Daydreamin.'" This year, Fiasco is nominated for four Grammys at the awards show Sunday.
He is nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Paris, Tokyo," Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Superstar," Best Rap Song for "Superstar" and Best Rap Album for "The Cool."
"Superstar" was the hit single off Fiasco's 2007 album "The Cool," which debuted as the No. 1 rap record on the U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums and remained there for nine weeks.
Fiasco's next album, "The Great American Rap Album," will be released in June 2009, with two more being released in December 2009 and June 2010.
On April 19, Fiasco will perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.
Fiasco has certainly made a name for himself - a name most Eastern students should recognize - and established success before performing at Eastern without becoming a has-been.
This Spring Concert looks promising, but we won't know for sure until tickets go on sale, March 2 for students and March 9 for the general public.
Until then, we keep our fingers crossed for another UB success.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
One thing these musical groups have in common is that they do not fall under the hip-hop genre.
With the exception of Ciara - a concert that lasted a mere 20 minutes and that everyone would probably like to forget - in 2005, the University Board has steered clear of the hip-hop/rap genre until this year.
This year, the UB presents Lupe Fiasco, complete with rap artist Shwayze as the opening act.
The UB is certainly going out of its comfort zone for this Spring Concert, and a change like this could just pay off.
For the Family Weekend entertainment last semester, the UB opted for something different than an artist or band and decided to bring comedian Bill Engvall, who was widely popular with both students and family.
This wasn't the first time the UB chose a comedian, but it was the first time in a while, and it worked.
Fiasco might work just as well.
For one thing, Fiasco already has recognition; he is a Grammy Award-winning artist. In 2008, he won a Grammy for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Daydreamin.'" This year, Fiasco is nominated for four Grammys at the awards show Sunday.
He is nominated for Best Rap Solo Performance for "Paris, Tokyo," Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Superstar," Best Rap Song for "Superstar" and Best Rap Album for "The Cool."
"Superstar" was the hit single off Fiasco's 2007 album "The Cool," which debuted as the No. 1 rap record on the U.S. Billboard Top Rap Albums and remained there for nine weeks.
Fiasco's next album, "The Great American Rap Album," will be released in June 2009, with two more being released in December 2009 and June 2010.
On April 19, Fiasco will perform at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.
Fiasco has certainly made a name for himself - a name most Eastern students should recognize - and established success before performing at Eastern without becoming a has-been.
This Spring Concert looks promising, but we won't know for sure until tickets go on sale, March 2 for students and March 9 for the general public.
Until then, we keep our fingers crossed for another UB success.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
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