Lupe Fiasco to perform at IU Auditorium Saturday

Lupe Fiasco, known for his lyrical references to Japanese anime culture, skateboarding, video games and other quirky themes, will hit the IU Auditorium stage Saturday for the conclusion of Welcome Week.

Fiasco, who just finished the Glow-in-the-Dark Tour with artist N.E.R.D and headliner Kanye West, will perform at 8 p.m. The Indiana Memorial Union Board and Residence Halls Association will host the event. All proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“I think Lupe Fiasco is a great opener just because of the energy he’ll bring with the performance,” said Doug Booher, director of the IU Auditorium. “It will be a full ensemble on stage and not just a DJ show. I really think people will get an amazing experience.”

In order to plan a successful event, Union Board collaborated with RHA, Hip Hop Congress and the IU Auditorium, said Kourtney Gray, program coordinator for Union Board.

“We are working closely with Union Board to make sure it is a fantastic kickoff concert for the school year,” Booher said.

Union Board takes student requests very seriously, Booher said, and they’ve heard a big request to schedule a hip-hop act that has credibility within both the genre and with the audience.

“Realness is what Lupe brings to hip-hop culture,” junior Gzurjuan Fears-Neal said. “He’s giving us lyrics with substance to make us think.”

Because Union Board is made up of students, program ideas are driven by student interest, Gray said. When Kathy Cook took office as Union Board concert director, she wanted to bring a hip-hop show to campus. After collaboration, Union Board searched for act availability and thought Lupe Fiasco would be good to bring to campus, Gray said.

“As a Chicago native myself, I love Lupe Fiasco’s music,” he said. “I believe that bringing him here will start off the school year on a positive note and bring everyone together. Maybe concerts like these are something students will like to see done every year.”

Junior Yusuf Ali El bought his ticket a month ago.

“Lupe’s messages along with his clever wordplay make him a great artist,” Ali said. “His fashion sense as well as a refreshing blend of passionate lyrics is what separates him from other artists.”