Campus Activities and Programming will host up-and-coming rapper Kendrick Lamar for a concert Thursday, April 26, at 8 p.m. in Rocky’s Attic.
Lamar is touring with Drake and ASAP Rocky and was featured on Drake’s most recent disc, Take Care.
The show will open with K-Von the Great, a Cleveland artist influenced by Lamar, whose style is similar.
“Last year, we hosted comedian Ralphie May, and there was a lot of interest expressed among the students to have a different type of act, such as a musical act, since we had a comedy act already,” said Emilio Areas, director of live entertainment with Campus Activities and Programming. “Music Fest has had rock bands the past two years, so we thought students would enjoy a change of genre, too.”
Lamar, originally from Compton, Calif., initially performed under the name K. Dot. He has released a series of mix tapes that were well-received, and his first official album, Section.80, was released last year under Top Dawg Entertainment. In addition, he has appeared on tracks by hip-hop artists Big Pooh, Jay Rock, Tech N9ne and Game.
“It’s the first time we’re hosting an act associated with a big name,” Areas said. “Drake is one of the biggest hip-hop and rap acts right now. Usually, we host smaller and more local artists, so this will be different and a lot of fun.
“We wanted to make sure we weren’t conflicting with study time and also hold the concert a little earlier in the evening so students wouldn’t be out too late,” Areas said. “This will be one last great event for students before they depart for the summer.”
The concert is free for students with their Rocket Cards; general admission is $5. Tickets will go on sale at 6 p.m. before the concert and will be first-come, first-served.
Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the show will begin at 8 p.m.
