Big Sean lived up to students' expectations Friday
[wzslider autoplay="true" interval="5000" height="600" transition="'slide'" info="true" lightbox="true"]Rapper Big Sean brought high energy and an offering of his biggest hits to the 3,746 students who bought tickets for his Friday concert at the Events Center.
By the time opening act Travis Porter, a hip-hop group from Atlanta, ended their set with a performance of their hit single “Ayy Ladies," the crowd grew noticeably impatient for the main act to arrive on stage.
The wait was well worth it.
Big Sean soon burst on to the stage with an electrifying performance of “Mercy,” his 2012 hit single off his label G.O.O.D. Music's "Cruel Summer" album, setting the tone for the entire show.
“I loved the energy he had when he came out on stage," Detroit junior Kelsey McKoy said. "There was never a dull moment. He kept his energy all the way through.”
Running through his biggest hits and most memorable songs, Big Sean was able to keep the crowd loud and on its feet for his entire roughly 90-minute setlist, which ended with another hit off "Cruel Summer," "Clique"
“I think CMU was electrifying,” the Detroit rapper said after the concert. “It was definitely a homecoming, you know? It felt like I was at home.”
He said he enjoyed the show as much as the crowd seemed to.
“It was awesome,” the rapper said during an exclusive interview. “I came early to CMU tired, but now I’m so charged. I hope I lived up to (the audience's) expectations. I’d love to do it again if they’ll have me back.”
Program Board Concert Chair Josh Palmer, the Livonia junior responsible for the event’s preparation, was happy with the turnout of the concert.
“Overall, people are having a good time, attendance is good. I’m satisfied,” he said.
Rochester native Mike Rau was one of those in attendance. The concert's party atmosphere was perfect for him, as he was visiting friends for the concert to celebrate his 21st birthday.
“I’m just here to experience a big group of college kids and just chill and enjoy the show,” Rau said. “Central’s got a party reputation so I figured, why not come up here and see the concert?”
Troy junior Emily Herbon and Cass City junior Amanda Clifton were happy to accompany him.
“We’re best friends and we love going out together,” Clifton said of Herbon. “We thought it’d be a fun time and we love getting involved in everything around campus. Every time they have a performer at CMU we go.”
Palmer said he, along with the rest of Program Board, wanted to bring Big Sean to CMU because the artist was sure to be a big crowd pleaser for students.
“Big Sean is someone who has recently gained popularity,” Palmer said. “He’s a Michigan artist from Detroit, and we knew he’d be able to bring in a good crowd and put on a show. We were looking to blow the roof off of McGuirk.”
Sean, a protege and frequent collaborator of Kanye West's, is currently on tour promoting his second solo album, "Hall of Fame"
