In his hit song “88,” rapper Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, better known by his stage name Wale, says, “My rapping skills is on Chapel Hill, but you ain’t see it.” Nov. 2 — the day the University gets its chance to find out, as the Carolina Union Activities Board has booked Ace Hood and Wale as the fall 2013 Homecoming concert’s opening and headlining acts, respectively.
No need to be turned off by the long lines for tickets that plagued last year’s Homecoming concert, as for the first time CUAB will be offering online ticketing in addition to ticket purchasing at the box office. However, this online integration should be more embraced when polling student interests.
Another slight step can also be seen in the selection process. The committee chose the performer after taking to Facebook, Twitter and the large whiteboards in the Student Union searching and polling for student feedback. While everyone loves a good whiteboard doodling session, the committee needs to continue its push for online integration and ditch the markers for a formal and comprehensive online poll that ensures all student voices are heard.
Though CUAB should be commended for finding an artist approved by many students — and at $15,000 less than last year’s J. Cole — it has been known to falter in the past. By instituting a formal poll of students, CUAB could avoid a repeat of the letdown that was The New Pornographers.
Here’s to hoping that Wale shows the University why his latest album is entitled The Gifted, and students will be able to do more online than just stream it.
