This year, a longing for 2016 has captured the internet’s fancy, a sentiment seemingly echoed by the mob of students that filled the lower levels of John Paul Jones Arena Saturday night to witness a concert from rapper Quavo. The concert was a part of the Spring Fest programming put on by the University Programs Council. Perhaps best known for his membership in rap trio Migos, Quavo is the latest in a sequence of superstars — including A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie and Waka Flocka Flame — to take the stage for UPC’s annual spring event.
The show was preceded by a lengthy build-up that set the tone for the concert, as student band Loose Champagne made for a memorable opener, having been selected following their victory at UPC’s recent Battle of the Bands. Blending hits such as Bruno Mars’ “Finesse” and “Treasure” with unique approaches to other genres such as their rendition of Lil Kim’s “Crush on You,” the group proved to be an exciting warmup act for the main event.
Following the ending of Loose Champagne’s act, Quavo’s official DJ and frequent collaborator, DJ Durel, took over with a succession of crowd-pleasers, including cuts by Travis Scott and Drake, dialing the room’s energy up. Finally, Quavo took the stage to a visceral reaction from the audience. He wasted no time in seizing the moment to commemorate Takeoff, his late nephew and former member of rap trio Migos, shouting him out before playing their 2022 collaboration “Hotel Lobby.”
Tracks from his solo career — including “Take Me Through Dere” and his featured verse on Ty Dolla $ign’s “DON’T KILL THE PARTY” — opened the concert before Quavo took a minute to appreciate his fans from his time with Migos. Calling them out for their continuing support, he then launched into a throwback performance of Migos’ “Handsome and Wealthy” and “Fight Night.”
As Quavo continued through the set list, a humorous respite came as his microphone cut out in the middle of his performance of “Straightenin.” Using the opportunity to reinvigorate the crowd, he began engaging with the audience by speaking directly to those in attendance. His devotion to making the show memorable for fans was appreciated by the audience, including second-year Data Science and College student Mustafa Ali.
“When his speaker messed up, that was pretty funny,” Ali said. “And he was talking to the crowd. I thought it was authentic. I'm glad he didn't come here [and] lip sync.”
Once the technical difficulties had been worked through, the show hit its rhythm as Quavo began to reach into his deep catalogue of hits, including solo songs, features and his work with Migos. “Pure Water” and “Narcos” in particular stuck out as highlights for their hair-raising booms of bass, their rhymes and Quavo’s distinct flow that filled the arena.
Some of the most recognizable tracks, though, were saved for last with a string of fan-favorites winding down the night. “Stir Fry” was especially memorable for the mosh pit’s impassioned response and chanting of the lyrics. It was followed up by the DJ Khaled song “I’m the One,” — a track that features Quavo alongside Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne — which had the crowd pointing to the sky along with Quavo as the chorus rang out. Indeed, the audience continuously grew in participation through the set list, heightening the thrill of songs like “Walk it Talk it.”
The final stretch of the show was marked by Quavo’s descent into the crowd as the Migos song “Bad and Boujee” drew the concertgoers to him, before switching to Post Malone’s “Congratulations,” a song on which he is featured. The more upbeat number was an appropriately anthemic curtain call as Quavo roared “Thank you, Va.” and departed the stage to excited cheers.
With its status as one of UPC’s signature events, the concert is an anticipated event for the University community. Samuel Tawiah, third-year College student and recent transfer to the University, was in attendance and said he was especially impressed by the spectacle.
“This is my first time ever going to an event as a transfer student,” Tawiah said. “I was excited. I wanted to see what was going on and Quavo did not disappoint.”
As the days wane in this academic year, the concert served as a well-timed uptick in the University’s collective heartbeat, as well as a way to celebrate the semester drawing to a close. Quavo’s irresistibly catchy Atlanta hip-hop rhythms were a novel example of how to do so while bringing the University community together.
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