Get out the way, Ludacris is comin’ to Duke.
Representatives from the artist’s record label confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the rapper will be performing at the Last Day of Classes celebration April 27.
“It is on his calendar,” said Tawni Sears, a representative from Ludacris’ record label, Disturbing tha Peace. “His touring manager only puts it on there once it has been confirmed.”
Record label officials said a contract had been signed for the performance but did not provide comment about when the deal was finalized or the cost of the performance. The rapper’s manager, Chaka Zulu, could not be reached for comment. Ludacris and his management are out of the country until the end of the month, Sears added.
“It’s on my schedule, so it is going to happen,” said Greg Rogers, a member of Ludacris’ management team and DTP executive.
This will be Ludacris’ second appearance at Duke. The Atlanta-based rapper performed in Cameron Indoor Stadium Sept. 23, 2003 in a concert sponsored by Duke University Union’s Major Attractions Committee.
Student response to the news has been generally enthusiastic, especially after last year’s subdued reaction to Jay Sean’s performance and other LDOC acts.
“I am completely surprised that we are able to have him, first of all,” said sophomore Tara Hazle. “I think it’s a great change from who we’ve had in the past. We’ve had some great people but no one this popular in a long time.”
Other students welcomed the change in musical style that Ludacris brings and hoped that the other LDOC artists will be as varied in sound and genre.
“I’m really excited about [Ludacris],” said sophomore Will Hawkins. “I enjoyed LDOC last year, but I think it’s great to have more hip-hop and more rap. I think this is something a lot of students will like.”
Some students were also glad that this year’s selection may elevate the event’s status.
“Ludacris is one of my favorite rap artists by far,” said sophomore Charles West. “He’s recognizable as an actor in films and as a Grammy Award-winning artist. I’m also interested in hearing his whole range of songs... this will be one of the first times we’ve gotten a real A-list star.”
Senior Marni Siegel added that Ludacris will make her final LDOC celebration----and birthday, which is the same day as LDOC----that much more memorable.
“I’m very excited to see Luda,” she said. “He is definitely the biggest name artist we’ve had since I’ve been here, and it will be a great way to celebrate my 22nd birthday!”
LDOC Committee co-Chair Will Benesh, a senior, refused to comment, as did committee Chief Financial Officer Alex Shapanka, a sophomore. Co-Chair Lindsay Tomson, a junior, could not be reached for comment. The committee is releasing details of LDOC’s full lineup via text message Feb. 28.
DUU President Yi Zhang, a senior, similarly had no comment, noting the distinction between the roles of DUU and the LDOC Committee. DUU sponsors the LDOC Oversight Board to monitor the financial decisions and efficiency of the LDOC Committee, but has no impact or input into the selection of the artists for LDOC, she said. The Oversight Board is comprised of DUU and Campus Council members.
The budget for LDOC this year has not been released, though The Chronicle reported last October that this year’s committee is “debt-free.” The committee spent $68,000 in artist costs to bring Jay Sean, Flogging Molly and Rooney to campus last year.
Last October, DUU allocated $25,000 to the LDOC Committee—a $10,000 increase from their contribution the previous year—and Campus Council allocated $15,000. The University administration is unable to give LDOC funding.
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