Students expressed a range of emotions from enthusiasm to apathy after the announcement of Drake as the headlining artist for University Union’s Block Party on April 30.

‘He’s got talent, he’s got swagger,’ said Micah Thompson, a senior finance major. ‘He’s cocky for reasons I can relate to.’

Many students are pleased with UU’s selection of a major hip-hop artist instead of alternative rock artists like Guster and Ben Folds, who performed at last year’s Block Party. But some students have never even heard of Drake. Despite mixed reactions from students, directors of UU said they are proud of their decision.

Drake is known for Billboard Hot 100 hits ‘Best I Ever Had,’ ‘Successful’ and ‘Every Girl,’ enjoying acclaim through the mix-tape circuit, club and radio spins, and mentorship from industry icons. He does not have a full-length major-label album.

‘He’s really gotten the crown from Lil Wayne and Eminem at the Grammy’s,’ said Kevin Manley, UU’s co-director of concerts. ‘The fact that Lil Wayne’s going to jail, Kanye is in Hawaii, Jay-Z’s going on tour, TI’s in a halfway house – hip-hop is basically left up to people like Drake. I think he’s really stepped up to the plate. We’re very excited on our end. I can understand the excitement on campus. I think it’s totally warranted.’

Deniece Holley, co-director of UU, said she agrees.

‘We’re really excited to bring him to campus two months from now,’ Holley said.

Nick Cicero, a graduate student in advertising and a music producer, pointed out the importance of exposure for both the artist and listeners.

‘It’s great that Syracuse is able to get a nationally known artist like Drake,’ Cicero said. ‘He’s one of the hottest artists right now with a lot of buzz. I also think it’s great for Drake, getting his name out there to all sorts of different people. A live music venue offers that chance for fans and artists to connect.’

Ousman Diallo, a sophomore in the School of Information Studies, said he plans to attend the show. He said his favorite Drake song is ‘Money to Blow.’

Most student response has been positive, although there are students on campus that do not know or care about Drake. When asked for names of songs, many students could not remember any of his work.

Blake Wann, a junior hospitality major, said she might remember a melody if she heard one of his songs, but she does not really know who he is.

Azat Ravshan, a freshman in the Martin J. Whitman School of Management, said he does not know who Drake is either.

‘Who’s that?’ Ravshan said. ‘I’ll have to listen to his songs.’

Diarrha Ndiaye, an English and textual studies major, admitted to not knowing who came to Block Party last year but gushed at this year’s selection and hopes Drake will perform most of his recent hits.

‘I want to hear ‘Say Something,” Ndiaye said. ‘That’s my favorite.’

But Ndiaye’s friend, Tiffany Bender, a junior in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, mocked her enthusiasm.

‘I’m not going to sleep outside for the tickets,’ Bender joked.

afpopesc@syr.edu

Published on February 28, 2010 at 12:00 pm