SpringFest goes out with a bang, hip-hop

by JEFF PULLIN
reporter

In the last night of shows sponsored by the Student Activities Programming Board, the organization pulled out all the stops.

And the performers took those stops and freestyled.

Thursday at 8 p.m., SpringFest continued with a hip-hop and rap show. SAPB, in conjunction with FBI Entertainment, a local talent agency, sponsored the event. More than 200 people were at the Veteran's Memorial Field House to see more than 15 performers.

SAPB president J.S. Bragg said the event adds a new quality to SpringFest.

The organizations also sponsored Wednesday's Blessid Union of Souls concert, and Bragg said adding rap and hip-hop to the 2001 schedule added diversity to the week-long festival.

"I feel it is a great opportunity to get different music groups to play at Marshall," he said.

"Adding more to SpringFest offers more options to students."

The show was hosted by Eric Nieves, a stand-up comedian from New York. Nieves began the program by performing portions from his routine. He talked about his home, dating and his Puerto Rican background.

In addition to performing, he introduced the six acts.

"We really need to applaud these guys," he said. "It takes a lot of talent to get up here and do what they do."

The six acts participated in a "Rap Olympics," which consisted of three contests: Original Song, Freestyle and Battle Rap, where two artists rapped continuously for three minutes.

The contest featured local artists as well as out-of-state performers. Artists included: "J. Rock" and "Kenny Man" from Huntington; "Tantrum" from Beckley; "Kid One" from Charleston; "Jimmy the Jeweler" from Cleveland and "SLF" from Brooklyn, N.Y.

During the freestyle contest, Student Government Association President Jasper Black made a guest appearance and rapped for the crowd.

The audience determined the winner of the Olympics. The $250 award was presented to J. Rock who received the most applause.

A dance followed the contest featuring music from "Chyll" and "Ragz da Richa" from Hazel Eye Entertainment.

Bragg said the SpringFest 2001 activities are a preview of the magnitude of events planned for the fall semester. He said the SAPB has signed 16 acts and hope to schedule more.

"This is the most successful year yet," he said.

"Through the support of the students here on campus we hope to make it even better."