Adelphi Gears Up For A-List Hip-Hop Concert

Every April Adelphi University’s Student Activities Board (SAB) puts on a concert for students in the University Ballroom. Numerous well known acts such as Snoop Dogg, Taking Back Sunday, Ludacris, Yellowcard, J Cole, Big Sean, Circa Survive and Meek Mill have taken Adelphi’s stage in the past.

After an extremely successful rap concert last year, SAB takes the concert back to the rap genre and is preparing for the arrival of Lupe Fiasco and Wale.

Adelphi student and up-and-coming rap artist Jesse “JB” Brown will be the concert’s opening act.

“We felt that the rap genre would appeal to a large majority of the Adelphi campus,” said SAB president Francesca Petralia, a junior. “These are two very big names in the hip-hop industry and we feel that it is our job to make sure we can catch the interest of as many students as possible.”

Last year Adelphi hosted a very successful hip-hop concert as well.

“Big Sean, Meek Mill and Fabolous, three really popular artists graced our stage last year,” said SAB treasurer and sophomore Joseph Cavanaugh. “The concert sold out in a matter of hours, making it obvious to us that a rap concert would be ideal for our campus.”

Tara Livingston, SAB vice president, added, “The great turnout last year was great for our school and our club, and we hope to be as successful this year.”

Wale is probably best known for his affiliation with the rap group/record label MMG (Maybach Music Group). He has also released two popular solo albums, two collaborative albums and eight mixtapes, most recently the widely popular “Folarin.”

Lupe Fiasco is known for his controversial anti-government lyrics and views; however he has made a very big name for himself in the industry. He has released four albums, three of which have gone gold by the RIAA, as well as a numerous charting singles.

Security is often a major concern at concerts, especially hip-hop shows, but Adelphi has many plans to maintain the crowd.

“The security is always pretty strict at our shows,” said Livingston. “Everybody has to go through metal detectors and have their ID’s ready before they enter our on-campus venue.”

SAB’s spring concert lineup was just released, and it is already causing a stir on campus.

“If you told me I would get to see Lupe Fiasco at Adelphi while I was here I’d say you were lying,” said senior Jeff Blaine. “I’ve loved Lupe for as long as I can remember and now I get to see him live at my school right before graduation.”

“Wale is one of my favorite rappers,” added senior Halee Ruggiero. “I’m not the biggest Lupe fan but either way this concert is going to be a great time for all of my friends.”

Tickets for the show go on sale March 25 in the University Center.