Ludacris and Kevin Rudolf to bring rap and hip-hop to campus
Large turnout expected for spring concert
By Sonali Basak
Contributing Writer
Rapper Christopher Bridges, better known as Ludacris, and opener Kevin Rudolf will perform at Sojka Pavilion on March 20.
The Bucknell Concert Committee has been working hard since the end of November’s O.A.R. concert to find a band to play at the University this spring.
“The committee is overwhelmingly in support of the concert,” said Dean of Students Kari Conrad, committee adviser.
The spring concert is expected to exceed the previous concert in quality and audience approval.
“We felt like it’s been a while since we’ve had a head-lining rap act,” Co-chair of the Concert Committee Matt Masone ’09 said. “The show will be of longer length and of higher quality than Kanye West three years ago—just because he has honed his craft as a rapper and performer.”
Ludacris has an impressive track record in the music industry. Since 2000, he has released seven albums, most of which achieved high rankings on Billboard charts.
Some of his biggest hits include “Stand up,” “Area Codes,” “What’s Your Fantasy?” and “Rollout.” His new album, “Theater of the Mind,” was released in November 2008 and reached rank 25 on the Billboard.
Ludacris has also made his mark in the movie industry. He performed in Oscar-winning motion picture “Crash,” as well as “2 Fast 2 Furious,” “Max Payne” and “Hustle & Flow.”
According to Def Jam Recordings, “even as Ludacris becomes a bankable Hollywood star, a respected label head, a multi-faceted entrepreneur and a philanthropist, music remains his first love.”
Rudolf is also expected to be a hit among the student population. This new, upcoming artist released his first album, “In the City,” after years of working as a guitarist/producer for major artists such as Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake and LL Cool J.
His hit single, “Let it Rock (ft. Lil Wayne),” has become one of the top 10 most popular songs on iTunes at the moment.
“He’ll bring in a slightly different crowd” since Rudolf’s music is hip-hop and Ludacris’ is rap, Masone said.
Conrad said both Rudolf and Ludacris make a great combination, giving way to a “positive, upbeat concert experience.”
“Everyone wants to have a good time. Students want a Bucknell memory,” Conrad said.
The committee expects the show to sell out quickly, anticipating an enthusiastic crowd and a large turnout.
Tickets are now available through the bookstore, the Campus Box Office and online, costing $25 for students and $35 for the general public. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert begins at 8 p.m.
