Homecoming concert sheds light on VCU hip-hop scene

VCU’s homecoming week, designed for the “last of the ’80s
babies,” might signify the beginning of a new era of hip-hop
at VCU.

The VCU Homecoming Concert 2008 – scheduled for
Fri., Feb. 1 – has fans excited about its headliner, Lupe
Fiasco, a performer some herald as the man bringing about
the second coming of hip-hop. Fans are eager to see Fiasco
perform but are even more excited about what his presence
means for VCU.

While students can get discounted tickets before the day of
the show, the show is open to the public at full ticket price.

“It’s been a long time since there was someone with so
much real talent that came to VCU,” said longtime fan Lucas
Stewart, who was at the Stuart C. Siegel Center box office to
buy tickets for the performance.

“He’s quite simply one of the best rappers in the game.”
Keena “Kaycee” Carson, 22, is a public relations major who
hosts her own blog and runs a radio show dedicated to the “First
and 15th” record label, which Fiasco himself operates.

“I decided to use my talents to promote music that I love,
Carson said. “I love (Fiasco’s) music, and I wanted to help
promote that in any way possible.”

Her hard work wasn’t in vain, as her blog recently was
mentioned in Fiasco’s album, “The Cool,” which was released
in December.

One group in particular is betting the concert will shed
more light on the growing hip-hop scene at VCU.
Advertising major Arnold Yun, 21, founded the VCU Student
Hip-Hop Organization (SHHO) as a way to support the music
he grew listened to growing up.

As the founder and current president, Yun is optimistic
that the Lupe Fiasco concert will expose potential members
to his organization.

“The concert will be great as far as awareness goes for our
group,” Yun said. “We can use this as a platform to get new
members and be more visible on campus.”

The hip-hop organization’s mission statement stresses the
importance of using the positive influence of hip-hop music
to inspire its members to excel in their degrees.

“I was always taught to pay my dues and work hard,” Carson
said. “It’s the only way I know how to be successful.”

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What: 2008 VCU
Homecoming
Concert

Who: Lupe
Fiasco with
performances by
Keith King’s BMX
Bike Stunt Show

When: Fri. Feb.
1, doors open
at 6 p.m. Stunt
show begins at
6:30 p.m.

How much: $20
at the box office,
$22 online