Hip hop artist Nas to rap at Schine
This year Block Party is getting some competition.
Celebrated rapper Nas will headline the annual Greek Unity Fest at Syracuse University on Friday, April 18 at the Schine Student Center. The musician known for hits like ‘One Mic’ and ‘I Can,’ will perform four days before Fergie and Sean Kingston take the stage at University Union’s yearly spring concert, Block Party.
‘My goal, in becoming president was to make sure to have a classic hip hop artist (at Greek Unity Fest), and we were fortunate enough to get Nas,’ said John Carter, president of the National Panhellenic Council. ‘I’m confident in our lineup, and I wish University Union the best of luck.’
Tickets for the event will go on sale Monday, according to the Schine Box Office. Prices will be $15 with SU ID and $20 for the general public. There is also a $25 package available that will include tickets for a step show and a party, both taking place on Saturday, April 19 in addition to a concert ticket.
Opening for Nas will be LeMoyne College alumnus and Phi Beta Sigma brother, The Kid Fresh, whose music is described as a hybrid of hip hop, rock and funk. In addition, Tony Roberts, a comedian who has appeared on HBO’s Def Comedy Jam, will be performing.
‘Excited isn’t even the word,’ Kid Fresh said. ‘I woke up this morning and just thought ‘This is a huge deal.’ I grew up listening to Nas, and now I get to perform with him, it’s like a dream come true.’
Nas was voted the number five greatest MC by MTV and is often described as one of hip hop’s greatest lyricists. He is responsible for eight hit albums, including 1994’s ‘Illmatic,’ which several publications have regarded as the greatest hip hop album of all time. His highly anticipated, controversial ninth album, N—-r, (though uncensored) will be released on April 22.
In addition to his hit songs, Nas is also known for his outspoken personality, by defending himself against FOX news anchor Bill O’Reilly about the nature of his lyrics and unofficially heading the ‘Hip Hop is Dead’ campaign, which made several rap artists introspectively evaluate the state of hip hop today.
Previous artists for Greek Unity Fest include Jadakiss, Styles P and Juelz Santana.
‘(Greek Unity Fest) has been going strong for quite a bit,’ said Kid Fresh. ‘Every year the National Panhellenic Council goes out with a bang.’
Published on April 2, 2008 at 12:00 pm
