Rapper Young Jeezy Makes Surprise Visit at Emory Concert

Rap star Wiz Khalifa kicked off a college tour promoting his new album at annual Spring Band Party Thursday night.  The yearly event is organized by Emory’s Student Programming Council and is aimed at fostering a sense of school pride amongst university students.

“At Emory we don’t have big time sports, we don’t have have Division 1 football,” said Student Programming Council President Erik Ward.  “(The spring concert) is a real point of excitement every year.” 

Ward said that the group decided on Khalifa based on a survey that asked students which artists they would most like to see perform at Emory. 

“That’s really our starting point and Wiz Khalifa was at the top of that list,” Ward said. 

Khalifa released his new album, Rolling Papers, March 29.  MTV labeled Rolling Papers one of the “most anticipated albums” of 2011.  His Emory show marked the beginning of a month-long college tour promoting the album’s release. 

The crowd cheered Khalifa on as he performed popular hits like “Inked and Tatted,” “Black and Yellow,” and “No Sleep.”  But the big surprise of the night was a guest appearance by Atlanta-based rapper Young Jeezy. 

“It was great to see Young Jeezy,” said senior Sayyad Kyazimzade.  “It added a lot because Young Jeezy is such a big name.  It definitely added to the atmosphere and got everyone pumped and excited.” 

Junior Sam Cammer said that he enjoyed the concert and felt that the Student Programming Council achieved their goal of promoting school spirit.

“I thought it was probably one of the better concerts Emory has put on in my three years here,” Cammer said. “Bringing in big name acts like this this really engages the community.  It creates a sense of school spirit that Emory lacks normally.” 

Cammer said he thinks next year’s event will be “a hard act to follow,” but he believes the group “can do it.”