Despite weather, the show goes on

Duke University Union Major Attractions brought Lupe Fiasco to Central Campus Thursday for a long-awaited performance, held at Erwin Park Baseball field.
Duke University Union Major Attractions brought Lupe Fiasco to Central Campus Thursday for a long-awaited performance, held at Erwin Park Baseball field.

Mud and rain could not keep students away from a superstar.

Despite inclement weather, award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco performed in a sold-out show Thursday night at Erwin Park on Central Campus. Known for hit singles such as “Superstar” and “Kick, Push,” Fiasco has released three studio albums. His most recent album, “Lasers,” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. The Duke University Union Major Attractions committee presented the concert, which replaced the Cameron Rocks! show held in past years. A stage was set up for the performance in the outfield of the Erwin Park baseball field.

Students were generally pleased with Fiasco’s show, with some noting that his presence generated additional excitement about the upcoming performance by rapper Ludacris at the Last Day of Classes celebration April 27.

“I thought [Fiasco] was really good, and it’s definitely great to get him and Ludacris,” senior Ellah Nze said. “Going out with a bang—I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Senior Karen Chen, program director of DUU’s Major Attractions committee, said attendance was strong despite the weather. More than 3,000 attendees from Duke and the greater Triangle area showed up at the concert, and DUU sold a total of 3,600 tickets, she said.

The concert opened with Chicago-based rapper Kid Sister, who performed wearing her trademark sunglasses. Although Kid Sister gave an energetic performance, the crowd did not seem to respond warmly.

“She was all right—we just thought she was a local DJ,” Cary resident Rebecca Knots said.

Fiasco’s part of the show was well received. Duke students expressed their enjoyment in different ways—some danced in their rain boots while others waved their arms in time with the music.

After Fiasco’s performance, the audience cheered and requested an encore, but Fiasco left the stage immediately after his set.

“I’ve never been to a concert where the artist didn’t do an encore,” sophomore Sammy Prywes said. “I think he’s a jerk for just bouncing like that.”

In an interview after the show, Chen said Fiasco is recovering from a case of laryngitis, which led to his quick exit.

Last night’s concert was not Fiasco’s first encounter with Duke­. Fiasco was set to perform at the Last Day Of Classes in Spring 2008 but canceled to tour with rapper Kanye West, singer Rihanna and alternative band N.E.R.D. Many seniors noted that Fiasco’s performance served as a fitting redemption.

“I’m kind of happy that he tried to redeem himself, but this is not as good as LDOC,” senior Amol Sura said. “His music was better when we were freshmen.”

Still, Kenneth “Bam” Alexander, drummer for Fiasco, said Fiasco was excited to perform at Duke and noted that despite the weather, the turnout was “pretty average for a Lupe concert.”

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